Luxury [Import]

1. Theme Of Luxury

2. There Must Be Angel (Radio Edit)

3. Honolulu, Calcutta

4. Electric Lady Land

5. He Became A Beatnik

6. Bossa For Jackie

7. You Must Learn All Night Long

8. Lotto

9. Satellite Beats

10. I've Forgtten My Fagotto

11. Girl Next Green Door

12. Mpf

13. Mr. Fantasy Love

14. There Must Be Angel (Playing With My Heart)

Luxury,Fantastic Plastic Machine,Bungalow,Pop

Average customer rating: OPUS FOUR Her best, maybe Lyrics poorly articulated Emmylou's best , bar none... Early classic with a wealth of beautiful songs

Luxury Liner Emmylou Harris Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pieces of the Sky Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town Elite Hotel Blue Kentucky Girl Roses in the Snow ASIN: B00013BN5C Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

1. Luxury Liner
2. Pancho & Lefty
3. Making Believe
4. You're Supposed To Be Feeling Good
5. I'll Be Your San Antone Rose
6. (You Never Can Tell) C'Est La Vie
7. When I Stop Dreaming
8. Hello Stranger
9. She
10. Tulsa Queen
11. Me And Willie
12. Night Flyer

Amazon.com

By 1977, Emmylou Harris's Hot Band had truly hit its stride, adding electric-guitar wizard Albert Lee to an already powerful core of Ricky Skaggs, Glen D. Hardin, Rodney Crowell, and Hank DeVito. Harris's mix of material remained eclectic, but surefire, with room for everybody from the Carter Family and the Louvin Brothers to Chuck Berry and Townes Van Zandt, who contributes his masterful "Pancho & Lefty." In addition to the requisite Gram Parsons tunes, Harris also gently tackles the country standard "Making Believe." --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

OPUS FOUR.......2007-05-22

Gee, it's been already 30 years that I bought this record. And I still regularly listen to it. I would say that, if you want to know why people like Emmylou HARRIS, there are in this album at least three songs which are little pearls of sensibility: Townes Van Zandt's sad ballad "Pancho & Lefty", then one of Rodney Crowell's nicest songs "You're Supposed To Be Feeling Good" and at last the late Gram Parsons's "She".

After Elite Hotel, LUXURY LINER is the second masterpiece in a row for this singer of whom we still wait for the CD release of her first album GLIDING STAR recorded in 1970. Highly recommended of course.

A CD for your library. Now.

Her best, maybe.......2007-02-27

Actually, just about all the Emmylou Harris albums up until around 1980 qualify as her best. Whatever one I'm currently listening to seems at the time to qualify as her greatest work. But regardless of how it compares to her other albums, this is sublime country / rock of the highest possible quality. It's got all the elements that make her albums of this era great: top shelf musicians (including Ricky Skaggs), a couple Gram Parsons covers ("She", "Luxury Liner"), a Townes Van Zandt tune ("Poncho and Lefty"), and several classic country covers. Her version of "Making Believe" sends shivers down my spine and certainly holds up to Kitty Wells' original, and her versions of the Carter Family songs "Hello Stranger" is also great. The only possible criticism I possibly think to apply to this album is that it follows a similar formula to her other 70s albums, so in this sense it could be seen as "formulaic", but what a great formula!

Also, while I sometimes consider the practice of adding bonus tracks to a CD dubious at best (typically I would prefer to listen to the album in its original form and perhaps have a separate disc with bonus material), I have to say that the bonus track "Me and Willie" is one of my all time favorite Emmylou Harris songs.

Lyrics poorly articulated.......2006-12-09

Although EMH is a favorite artist, this album may be good, but, I don't like to have to work to understand the lyrics. In this CD, she seems to mumble the words. I suppose that is an artistic style. I just don't like it.

Emmylou's best , bar none..........2006-04-20

This is Emmy's third album. In my mind Luxury Liner is the best collection for quality and diversity.
Once in a great while we get an album with one blinder after another. This is one of them.
The title track is a fleet-fingered potboiler that gets your attention from the opening note. Great covers abound in this album. Hello Stranger is luminous, When I Stop Dreaming absolutely soars, Making Believe is a classic, etc.,etc. You get the picture. Nothing even approaches filler material here.
The musicians, led by Albert Lee and Ricky Skaggs, are brilliant. Brian Ahern's production is first rate and the remastered sound is great. Today's modern country "stars" should listen to this album for eight hours straight in hopes that they might find a particle of soul. Do yourself a favor and buy this disc.

Early classic with a wealth of beautiful songs.......2005-03-19

Whatever she does, it is impossible for Emmylou Harris to disappoint. Nothing beats her beautiful voice or her exquisite taste in songs. This album, first released in 1976, has been enhanced by the addition of Me And Willie and Night Flyer.

She does a stunning cover of the Towns van Zandt song Pancho And Lefty plus stirring versions of the old country classics Making Believe and When I Stop Dreaming. The title track and She are Gram Parsons compositions, lovingly interpreted by Harris.

My other favorites include the moving country ballad I'll Be Your San Antone Rose, her cover of Chuck Berry's (You Never Can Tell) C'est La Vie, Hello Stranger, the duet with Nicolette Larson, and the lilting Tulsa Queen, a song about a train which equals Arlo Guthrie's City Of New Orleans any day.

Both the previously unissued tracks are great. Me And Willie is a melancholy song about life in a travelling country band, whilst Night Flyer with Delia Bell is a powerful ballad with breathtaking harmony vocals, and moody mandolin.

The CD booklet contains 2 full colour and 5 black & white pics of the graceful songbird, plus extensive liner notes on her career and background on all the songs up to Tulsa Queen. All the lyrics are included, including the two new songs.

Although I like Pieces Of the Sky, Roses In The Snow, Cowgirl's Prayer, Wrecking Ball and Red Dirt Girl a little bit more, this album still deserves five stars! Emmylou's music enriches the mind and emotions in many ways and is always spiritually uplifting.

Average customer rating: what a voice.... Amazing!! Renee Fleming - Signatures-Great Oper Scenes BEAUTIFUL CROSS SECTION OF STYLES Renee Fleming's greatest recital ever!

Renée Fleming - Signatures ~ Great Opera Scenes / Sir Georg Solti Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Antonin Dvorak , Giuseppe Verdi , Benjamin Britten , Richard Strauss , London Symphony Orchestra , Sir Georg Solti , Renée Fleming , Larissa Diadkova , and Jonathan Summers Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Fleming, Renee | C to G | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Renee Fleming - The Beautiful Voice ~ Gounod, Lehaair, Orff, Puccini, Rachmaninov, Strauss Renée Fleming Renée Fleming: Bel Canto Renee Fleming: By Request Renée Fleming - Visions of Love ~ Mozart Arias / Mackerras ASIN: B0000042HU Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

1. Le nozze di Figaro: Porgi, Amor
2. Le nozze di Figaro: E Susanna Non Vien!...Dove Sono I Bei Momenti
3. Eugene Onegin: Nu, Zaboltalas Ya!...Puskai Pogibnu Ya (Letter Scene)
4. Rusalka: Mesicku Na Nebi Hlubokem (O Silver Moon)
5. Otello: Era Piu Calmo?...'Piangea Cantando Nell Erma Landa'... Ave Maria
6. Peter Grimes: Peter Seems To Have Disappeared...Embroidery In Childhood Was A Luxury Of Idleness
7. Daphne: Ich Komme - Ich Komme (Transformation Scene)

Amazon.com essential recording

As the possessor of one of the great lyric soprano voices of our time, soprano Renée Fleming is in demand in the world's great opera houses. (It doesn't hurt that she's also lovely and a fine actress.) This album is an outstanding collection of great arias, ravishingly sung. It shows something of Fleming's range, including as it does music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Dvorák (the sumptuous "Song to the Moon" from Rusalka, the best part of the entire opera, and sung here in definitive fashion), Verdi, Britten (an effective "Embroidery Scene" from Peter Grimes), and Richard Strauss. This disc is a good starting point for someone seeking to learn more about operatic singing, and a valuable addition to the library of anyone already converted. Fleming is given strong support by mezzo-soprano Larissa Diadkova, baritone Jonathan Summers, and by the late Sir Georg Solti in one of his last recordings. --Sarah Bryan Miller

Customer Reviews:

what a voice...........2006-09-14

I love this recital which is my first introduction to a solo album by Fleming.
Her voice , with its richness and dusky timbre and beautiful, strong higher notes is a treat to hear.
She did sound expressive too but has not yet touched a chord in me when it comes to emotion and feeling.
Call me a helpless Callas fan, but I couldn't help but wonder how La Divina would sound if she sang Russian and played Tatyana in the "Letter" scene; what a great vehicle for acting!
But it does take voices a while to grow on me and that might be it.
I do plan on buying more of her CDs.

Amazing!!.......2005-09-28

This may be one of my favorite albums of all time. Renee Fleming is of course amazing with Mozart...but there are other gems on this album. The scene from Otello is truly astounding!! My personal favorite on this album is the Embroidery Scene from Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten...WOW!!! And of course we all know that the Song to the Moon from Dvorak's Rusalka is amazing. The Tchaikovsky is so wonderful!! The scene from R. Strauss's Daphne is awesome! Brava Renee!!!

Renee Fleming - Signatures-Great Oper Scenes.......2005-08-11

I gave this item as gift so I cannot review it.

BEAUTIFUL CROSS SECTION OF STYLES.......2004-11-22

I really loved this CD, mainly however due to "Mesicku Na Nebi Hlubokem" as it was the first version I had ever heard. Her phrasing, emotion, and tone were a perfect match for Dvorak's lone mermaid. I was also surprised to find Richard Strauss's Daphne here. It is not a common opera or aria so it was all I could do to listen to the beauty of the music that was not a real aria as it was vocal renderings controlled by the orchestra. It may not ever be common but it shows Richard Strauss in a more lyrical way verses his usual more heavy and harsh operas including "Salome" and "Elektra". Now if only we could get Fleming to record "Daphne" in it's entirety. Her other pieces were rich and warm as I have always adored her in the Countess road and she has always does Desdemona proud even if it is just a literary character. This CD is Renee Fleming at her best!

Renee Fleming's greatest recital ever!.......2004-04-16

What can I say that hasn't been said already? The great Solti (Who adored Fleming btw) and Renee Fleming made magic here. One of the greatest recitals in operatic history. Brava Renee!

Average customer rating: History is so kind Best Album of All Time sensationally underrated rap album Oh enough already! Buy this now

Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy Manufacturer: Fontana Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Home Chocolate Supa Highway Songs From the Front Porch: An Acoustic Collection Everyone Deserves Music Stay Human ASIN: B000005HST Release Date: 1992-03-03

Tracks:

1. Satanic Reverses
2. Famous And Dandy (Like Amos 'n' Andy)
3. Television, The Drug Of The Nation
4. Language Of Violence
5. The Winter Of The Long Hot Summer
6. Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
7. Everyday Life Has Become A Health Risk
8. INS Greencard 1-19 191 500
9. Socio-Genetic Experiment
10. Music And Politics
11. Financial Leprosy
12. California Uber Alles
13. Water Pistol Man

Amazon.com

Although this group is long defunct, its one major recording will be fondly remembered for years--if not decades--to come. The Heroes consisted of rapper Michael Franti and percussionist Ron Tse; together, the San Francisco Bay area-based duo created a biting, politically savvy record that touched on both personal vulnerability and governmental venality. Franti used the microphone to preach about injustice, homophobia, materialism, and apathy. Although Public Enemy had long before established hip-hop's political potential, they never quite attained Franti's ability to translate black rage into universal themes. In the Heroes' best number, "Television, the Drug of the Nation," Franti raps, "Imagination is sucked out of our children by a cathode ray nipple / Television is the only wet-nurse that would create a cripple." Unfortunately, after extensive touring, the pair went their separate ways, Tse to a variety of solo projects and Franti to Spearhead. --Martin Johnson

Customer Reviews:

History is so kind.......2007-03-17

This is, objectively, a pretty bad album. The only reason people could possibly be mistaken about that is the general nostalgic quality of history. People look back at this ridiculous album and for some reason see it as a cornerstone of 'conscious' rap. In reality it's nothing of the sort.

Largely ignored on its release, treated as an oddity by those who knew about it, this album is not the great political or artistic statement some reviewers would have you believe. It's certainly different, and if you're one of those tiresome people who believe anything different is 'better', you'll probably enjoy it. At the time of its release the only real hype around the album was based around its odd percussive elements, which turned out to be much more interesting conceptually than sonically.

Really this isn't even a rap album. It's spoken word, a form of performance art that I find incredibly difficult to tolerate even on good days. It's Franti rambling - strangely without passion or any real cleverness - over admittedly bizarre beats. But that's really it. And although I'd probably agree with you if you started lecturing me about how profanity is too rampant in entertainment, etc, it's just odd - almost Raffi-esque - to hear an entertainer use the word 'poop' in a song.

Franti moved on to more structured songwriting with Spearhead, whose work is much easier to listen to and somewhat more mature. Nostalgia aside, this album is probably best forgotten along with Me Phi Me and the Fu-Schnikens.

Best Album of All Time.......2007-02-27

Today more than ever I find the messages contained in this album are spot on. And I am not joking that this is my favorite album of all time. The music itself is wonderful as well. I really do wish that DH could again saddle up to do another album.

sensationally underrated rap album.......2006-10-18

I got this record back when it first came out, me being a fan of stuff like Nine Inch Nails, Public enemy, Tackhead etc. That there probably defines the sound of the record which is something like an industrial rap album.

It's brilliant. What it does is give a great rap vocalist a platform to preach on - Franti has quite a heavy voice - a good one - and it needs a heavy soundtrack behind it. The music is clever, catchy and powerful, the lyrics are well thought through but it's a very good mix of sounds right through the album. 'television' stands out a bit, 'socio genetic experiment' is another but it's top shelf right through.

Only failing of the record is that it's not going to fit a lot of people's tastes. Is a 100% different thing to any of Michael Franti's Spearhead stuff, which I like also but it's nothing like that. And because of that it may be hard for many people to conceptualise. It's not a classic rap album and nor is it a classic 'industrial' album.

Is definitely worth a listen - at least to Television and Socio... just to get a feel if you're interested or not - it is really clever and enjoyable.

Oh enough already!.......2006-06-29

I linked to this CD after checking out what the talented Micheal Franti is up to. With Speaheard, Franti has made some good stuff, but this....I bought it back when it came out and it fell right off my stereo. It is wack Wack WACK! The overwrought name of this group alone should indicate to all that these guys take themselves WAAAAY too seriously.

They have plenty to say, of course, but that doesn't make their music good. On the contrary, the lyrics are so preachy that it's like having a sledgehammer hitting you over the head. Not that the lyrics have the force hip hop lyrics should. These guys drone out their whiny manifestos without a trace of rhythm or passion. And, on top of that, the beats are among the worst I've ever heard on a rap album.

I have no idea what the Amazon.com reviewer above is talking about (and clearly neither does he). I was into hip-hop back when this thing was released. It sank without a ripple because there were plenty of excellent hip hop artists speaking their minds AND making great music (try Public Enemy, Ice Cube, or even Arrested Development). This CD was not important back when it was released, and it had no impact at all on the development of hip hop or rap.

Buy this now.......2006-02-12

I bought this album in 1992 on the strength of one song(Television...) that I heard once on the radio. I had been a fan of Public Enemy for a couple of years at that stage. After one listen it became an immediate favourite of mine( rare.... only radiohead OK Computer has had similar success since). My sisters, then heavy metal buffs( metallica, megadeth, sepultura, etc..) simillarly took only one hearing to become hooked. It was unusual to have the same taste, as they were metal and I was rap but there you go, who knows....
The album was a socially aware rant at society back in the day, using spot on lyrics, fantastic beats, scratches and instruments such as angle grinders and chains, but it hasn't lost relevance because we still have so much to learn.
I realise that it's now 2006, but this is still one of my favourite albums of all time. While some of the songs have dated slightly others (esp. Winter of the Long Hot Summer about Gulf War 1991) are all the more significant.
There is not a bad song (lyrically or musically) on the album and if I could give it 6 stars I would.

Average customer rating: I'm Livin' the Luxury Brown Myself Mint Condition strikes again Loving the Luxury Brown! Mint Condition does it again! Positively Minty Audio Bliss

Livin' the Luxury Brown Mint Condition Manufacturer: Image Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Life's Aquarium Live from the 9:30 Club Live from the 9:30 Club Meant to Be Mint Hurricane ASIN: B0007UDCNU Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

1. Mintrolude
2. My Sista
3. Look Whachu Done 2 Me
4. Whoaa
5. I'm Ready
6. Love Your Tears
7. Mintal (Interlude)
8. Luxury Brown
9. Half An Hour
10. It's Hard
11. Runaway
12. Fallin Apart
13. What Happened
14. The Tempest (Interlude)
15. Sad Girl
16. Doormat
17. One Wish
18. We Got Us

Description

The renaissance R&B group from Minneapolis is back with another classic release! Livin' the Luxury Brown is a continuation of the R&B, rock, jazz alternative, hip-hop sound that the band developed in 1989 with their breakthrough album Meant to Be Mint, which included the hit single "Pretty Brown Eyes." Mint Condition continued to grow their loyal fan base with songs like "U Send Me Swingin'" on the album From the Mint Factory and the song "What Kind of Man Would I Be," their platinum single from the gold album Definition Of A Band. Including their last release, Life's Aquarium, Mint Condition has sold over 3.8 million records.

Customer Reviews:

I'm Livin' the Luxury Brown Myself.......2007-06-05

I have been a loyal fan of Mint Condition since Pretty Brown Eyes. They have a sound that is truly their own. I wish the industry would give them more attention. This album shows their range. I love the sound of a live band. They give you jazz, r&b, soul, funk, and rock. I have seen them perform live several times and they bring it every time. Stokely continues to blow my mind vocally. He has so much control in his voice. I'm sorry, but there are not enough artists out right now who can blow like that on a cd and live. This album is their best by far. I can't wait until their next release.

Mint Condition strikes again.......2006-12-29

Mint Condition is in perfect conditon. After 6 years all I can say is Wow! This is an understatement for MC. I can only hope they do not go on such a long haitus.

Loving the Luxury Brown!.......2006-08-18

Livin the Luxury Brown is an awesome collection of invigorating, hip swaying, thought provoking lyrics laced with warm emotion. I absolutely love my purchase! I've been an avid fan from day one! If you've purchased in the past continue to do so!

Mint Condition does it again!.......2006-03-27

This is an awesome CD just as I knew it would be! My favorites are Whoaa and Sad girl... Love it, love it, love it. This is definitely a must have cd to add to your Mint Condition collection!

Positively Minty Audio Bliss.......2006-03-03

Welcome back, Mint Condition! The CD is real music to any pair of ears that crave variety of sound. Complete with sensuality, positive messages, brass drums, excellent horns and classic Mint Condition vocal style, both mind and emotions are deeply probed. Those Rhythmns!! They undeniably evoke urges to finger-snap and dance. Next time, Mint Condition...don't make us wait so long!!

Rox E.

Average customer rating: One of the foremost pop albums of the '80s, and stands up brilliantly today.

Luxury Gap Heaven 17 Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Penthouse and Pavement How Men Are Systems of Romance Homosapien XL1 ASIN: B000FL7AUC Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

1. Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry
2. Who'll Stop The Rain
3. Let Me Go
4. Key To The World
5. Temptation
6. Come Live With Me
7. Lady Ice And Mr Hex
8. We Live So Fast
9. The Best Kept Secret
10. Bonus Track: Let Me Go - Extended Mix
11. Bonus Track: Who'll Stop The Rain - Dub
12. Bonus Track: Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry - Part 1 And 2
13. Bonus Track: Come Live With Me 12' Version

Album Details

2006 Digtally Remastered Edition of the Second Album from the Sheffield Trio that Came to Be as a Splinter Group from the Human League. The Album's Release was Prefaced by the Single "Let Me Go", which Found an Audience on Both Sides of the Atlantic (In the Us Courtesy of Arista Records). The UK String Continued with "Temptation", "Crushed by the Wheels of Industry", "Come Live with Me", "Who'll Stop the Rain" and "we Live So Fast". This Edition Adds Four Tracks Culled from Various 12 Inch Versions of the Singles.

Customer Reviews:

One of the foremost pop albums of the '80s, and stands up brilliantly today........2007-04-09

I'm typing this review only out of a sense of duty to my fellow music lovers. I was shocked to see that nobody had reviewed this album; it's an oversight that simply has to be remedied.

If you buy this CD used for five bucks, as it's listed when I write this, you'll pat yourself on the back for your good judgment until your arm snaps. If I were to categorize this record, it would be this: take The Human League, authors of the vapid but catchy dance hit "Don't You Want Me, Baby?", and parents of Heaven-17. Then add far superior and more sophisticated musicianship, sly and mature socio-political commentary in each and every lyric, and all without losing one shred of enjoyable pop danceability. This album produced four smash hits in England, and while it is a reflection of its synthy era, it still stands up well to critical listening today. One of the best albums I've ever heard, and one I still listen to with great enjoyment now and again; you will absolutely find merit in it. Peace.

Average customer rating: Without this, CT my not have survied Lap of Luxury? Without Jon Brant, I don't think so... Lap of Luxury (1988) It is what it is. sad....

Lap of Luxury Cheap Trick Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Pop Rock | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Hard Rock & Metal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Woke Up With a Monster Busted Cheap Trick Cheap Trick Heaven Tonight ASIN: B0000026D1 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Let Go
2. No Mercy
3. The Flame
4. Space
5. Never Had A Lot To Lose
6. Don't Be Cruel
7. Wrong Side Of Love
8. All We Need Is A Dream
9. Ghost Town
10. All Wound Up

Customer Reviews:

Without this, CT my not have survied.......2006-05-02

Without this, 'comback', CT my not have survied to still be releasing material today. Sure it has its critics (the band themselves) but it brought CT back to the top (for a time) where they belonged.
The album itself is one of their weakest. Too much outside influence in the writing stakes, but compared to their previous effort (The Doctor) two years earlier it's an improvement.

1. Let Go, though written by Rick, is a weak opener.
2. No Mercy is bad. One of their worst. Thankfully they didn't write it.
3. The Flame needs to be given its dues. Sure it's not a CT song but it's still a good one. If CT didn't release it, someone else would have.
4. Space is pretty bad too. Not a great start here. More outside songwriting.
5. Never Had A Lot To Lose is the second of two songs without outside influence. Has a nice change near the end, but not much to offer. Was the fouth single.
6. Don't Be Cruel is a good cover. Another hit.
7. Wrong Side Of Love is a good track. One of the better ones from the album. Nice slow rock beat.
8. All We Need Is A Dream has it's good qualities but they're wrapped in this over popped, 'Never Ending Story' sounding trash. Perhaps a female should have sung this one. Doesn't age well.
9. Ghost Town is the best track here and deserves better than to be amongst the rest of these tracks. It's the only reason to own this album. One of their all time best.
10. All Wound Up is good for a few listens but doesn't offer much after that. Nice faster paced rocker though.

Every album after this one was far better than this. This one unfortunately though, isn't their worst.
Ranks below One On One, above Dream Police.

Lap of Luxury? Without Jon Brant, I don't think so..........2005-12-22

So often times you hear meatheads say: "Boy after
TP left Cheap Trick, they really went (down) hill."
No, they got better and better until, "Oh No!...

On the cover - is that who I think it is, fresh off
his divorce to what's-her-name - Tom Peterson, back..."
I still prefer the inner sleeve pic of the original
Cheap Trick in Standing on the Edge, where a casual
and sneaky Rick Nielsen is flinging an original Cheap
Trick devut LP in the air - with Jon's face over Mr.
P's! Now THAT MY FRIENDS, IS A REAL Lap of Luxury!

This album is not as overProduced as In Colour,
Busted or Special One, but it was not one of
Cheap Trick's best 10 LPs by a longshot. Top
13 though (if you include the Live albums and
Compilations), I'll grant. The best five cuts
here: The Flame, Don't Be Cruel, All We Need Is
A Dream, Ghost Town and Never Had A Lot To Lose
are very good to great and show the many varied
sides to this multitalented band. But the five
supporting songs and 'b' side to one of the
singles, 'Through The Night', are dull. The
record company made a big mistake panicking
and forcing out Jonny B Good and recycling
TP for the third or so time, and THEN HAD THE
AUDACITY TO HIRE WRITERS TO SCRIPT 'hit'(minor
'h') songs for them! Now that IS A CHEAP TRICK!

Lap of Luxury (1988).......2005-10-26

After a decade of falling further down the charts, Cheap Trick came bouncing back towards the top with 1988's Lap of Luxury. By 1988 Cheap Trick hadn't had a hit record or single in years, but Lap of Luxury changed that. Lap of Luxury briefly brought Cheap Trick back into the spotlight. While Lap of Luxury is not Cheap Trick's best album it does have quite a bit to offer however. Lap of Luxury spawned the hit powerballad "The Flame", and a cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel." Other highlights include: "Ghost Town", Let Go, and Never Had a Lot to Lose.

It is what it is........2005-06-21

Personally I don't think this is nearly as bad as some apparently think it is. However, there are a few lame tracks, and the album as a whole is very 1988. This is very worth it for the hits though, like the cover of "Don't Be Cruel", "Ghost Town", and the mega-ballad "The Flame". I also really like "Never Had Alot To Lose", and the dramatic "All We Need Is A Dream". The rest isn't terrible, just fair. I admit they have better albums out, but more than half of "Lap Of Luxury" still gets me "All Wound Up".

sad...........2004-10-26

Not much to say about this one,just that it's REALLY bad. The only half way decent song is the flame, and that gets old fast.

Average customer rating: Fantastic! (Plastic. Machine.) ironic electronica = ironica? Fantastic Don't Be Fooled By "Theme of Luxury" Good stuff, Maynard.

Luxury Fantastic Plastic Machine Manufacturer: Emperor Norton ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beautiful Fantastic Plastic Machine Fantastic Plastic Machine Imaginations Sacrebleu (re-release) ASIN: B00000ID3L Release Date: 1999-04-27

Tracks:

1. Theme Of Luxury
2. There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) (Mix For Mirror Ball)
3. Honolulu, Calcutta
4. Electric Lady Land (English Version)
5. He Became A Beatnik
6. Bossa For Jackie (Dedicated To Mrs. Kennedy)
7. You Must Learn All Night Long
8. Lotto
9. Satellite Beats
10. I've Forgotten My Fagotto
11. The Girl Next Green Door
12. Mpf (Mezzo Pianoforte)
13. Mr. Fantasy's Love
14. Electric Lady Land (Japanese Version)
15. Bossa For Jackie (Summer Review EP Version)

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic! (Plastic. Machine.).......2007-04-01

What a great album! Every song is so quality-drowned. I can't believe it!

ironic electronica = ironica?.......2005-05-14

Fantastic Plastic Machine is the latest project of Japanese electronica wunderkind Tomoyuki Tanaka. In 'Luxury', Tanaka takes elements like 50s movie themes, children's tv show themes, elevator music, instructional audio, and reblends them against catchy beats, turning what was once mundane into something wonderful. Often the songs manage to be musically ironic, mocking the drama and triteness of pop music and advertising themes through the 20th century.

My favorite songs on the album are the unexpectedly perky Theme Of Luxury, the terribly catchy You Must Learn All Night long, and the thoroughly bizzarre and mesmerizing I've Forgotten My Fagotto.

Overall this is a fun and listenable album, great for at-work background music or dance music for a party. I'd love to see more albums like this one, and I'd love to see ironic electronica become its own genre.

Fantastic.......2004-04-05

Fantastic Plastic Machine has got it all; the super cool 60's style of Pizzicato Five, with insanity equal to that of Takako Minekawa or Kiego Oyamada (AKA "Cornelius). Tracks like "Electric Lady Land" and "You Will Learn All Night Long" make you want to rush outside, and dance. Or blow bubbles; actually, probably blow bubbles while dancing, only to realize just how difficult it is to blow bubbles while dancing, but you wont care. No, you wont care at all. This album will make your head explode, and you'll enjoy every second of it.

Don't Be Fooled By "Theme of Luxury".......2002-07-12

Because this is an obscure album in an obscure genre, most listeners are probably attracted to this album after hearing "Theme of Luxury," which was featured in a recent car commercial. "Theme" is a 3-minute acid-jazz masterpiece, one-half Vince Guaraldi on speed (frantic but melodic piano, deep but swinging percussion) and one-half latter day Copeland. The rest of the album, however, is so different that it might as well be a different artist. Think of hip-hop/dance music that samples '50s lounge albums. "He Became a Beatnik" and "You Must Learn All Night Long" contain some funky Moby-does-jazz elements, and make this disc an interesting (even enjoyable) listen, but don't be fooled by "Theme of Luxury."

Good stuff, Maynard........2001-02-27

Not as good as the self-titled "Fantastic Plastic Machine" album, but good nonetheless. The second track (...Angel...), is hypnotic; worth buying the CD for, in my opinion. If you like Towa Tei and smooth beats, you'll probably like this one.

Average customer rating: Give it a good try Hardcore Punk! Isn't it hard when you're spoiled rotten? Pure Lunachicks! this cd is unbelievable!

Luxury Problem Lunachicks Manufacturer: Go Kart ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pretty Ugly Binge & Purge Jerk of All Trades Babysitters on Acid Theo and the Skyscrapers ASIN: B00000J5XT Release Date: 1999-09-30

Tracks:

1. Less Teeth More Tits
2. Luxury Problem
3. I'll Be The One
4. Crash
5. Terror Firmer
6. Say What You Mean
7. Nowhere Fast
8. Bad Ass Bitch
9. Shut You Out
10. Cumming Into My Own
11. Hope To Die
12. Knuckle Sandwich
13. The Return Of Brickface & Stucco
14. Subway
15. Down At The Pub

Product Description

1. Less Teeth More Tits
2. Luxury Problem
3. I'll Be The One
4. Crash
5. Terror Firmer
6. Say What You Mean
7. Nowhere Fast
8. Bad Ass Bitch
9. Shut You Out
10. Cumming Into My Own
11. Hope To Die
12. Knuckle Sandwich
13. The Return Of Brickface & Stucco
14. Subway
15. Down At The Pub


Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Give it a good try.......2006-12-10

This CD didn't immediately hit me. But the track "Luxury Problem" did, so it earned a stay in my rotation. As I began listening to the rest of the CD, one by one other songs began growing on me. Not long after, this has become one of my absolute favorite CDs ever. There are still a few tracks I skip, but at least half the CD is absolutely incredible. I am in a riot grrrl cover band, and three of these songs are going right into our setlist. It's an amazing album, and an amazing band.

Hardcore Punk!.......2006-02-17

I just thought I'd write a review today, even though I have been a Lunachicks fan since 98. I'd have to say this is my favorite album from the Lunachicks... and probably even one of my favorites ever made! If you are into the more oldschool punk, you will love these girls! If you are from New York and into the punk scene, you probably already know them. It's not just punk though. These girls just know how to rock! SUPER hardcore! If you don't like politicaly correct punk, then no worries. Lunachicks don't talk politics. The only message you get here is a kick to the face!

Isn't it hard when you're spoiled rotten?.......2003-11-16

1999's "Luxury Problem" is a wild and funny piece of alternative rock that's rocket-fueled by feminine hormones. After climbing out of the underbelly of grunge, the Lunachicks allowed their loud, hyperactive sound to nicely mature. Despite occasional gross-outs, the songs' off-the-wall humor is clearly the result of the band's writing craft. The verses and chorus hooks are not as juvenile in nature as the ones on "Jerk of All Trades" and "Pretty Ugly."
I'm very happy to say that "Luxury Problem" has plenty of tracks listeners can look forward to. "Less Teeth" addresses the horrors of cosmetic surgery; while ripping apart the glamorous image of Miss America, Theo attacks an industry that preys upon a woman's vanity. The album's bitterly proud title anthem reflects on the Lunachicks' long ride to fame and fortune. "I'll Be the One," (a song that's just over a minute long) is a shocking example of how taking a dare can be dangerous. "Crash" is a comical track that states how Death never takes a holiday; in just four minutes, Theo gets killed in a plane crash AND drowns in the mud. "Say What you Mean" takes the pleasure of stumbling over its own words, representing a dog chasing its tail. "Nowhere Fast" also honors the Lunachicks' celebrity status, only this time the ladies delve into the exhaustive burdens of constant touring and recording. In "Hope to Die," Theo portrays a beautiful convict who is sent to prison after strangling a police officer. "Shut you Out" is punk rock anger at its radioactive state; it instructs young women the most effective way to scare off obnoxious bullies. "Down at the Pub" can be described as an Irish drinking spoof performed by four inebriated tomboys. Beware of bullfrog belches! Finally, don't forget the blood-soaked "Terror Firmer," which sets the tone for the independent splatter flick of the same name.
"Luxury Problem," as a whole, is totally well-done. It just goes to show that rock & roll isn't for boys anymore!

Pure Lunachicks!.......2002-07-14

The girls have definatly progressed over the years with their music. Fun lyirics and catchy tunes. One of the best Lunachicks records out there!!! The title track reminds me of all the prissy girls in high school. Better than a bottle of prozac, makes you feel happy and goofy all at once. Fun to sing along!

this cd is unbelievable!.......2001-12-24

i absolutely love the 'chicks, and i hope they reunite someday to make music this good once more. in the meantime, any fans of the lunachicks should check out gina's new band, BANTAM. her website has sample mp3's, check out bonvolpe.com now and see for yourself!

Average customer rating: 5 Star Band, 5 Star cd Finally my Sing Song EP is safe. All 3 of the Early 1980s Church EPs on CD! Reissued on CD - At Last! a road less travelled by the church

Sing-Songs/Remote Luxury/Persia The Church Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Finland | Scandinavia | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Seance (Bonus CD) Of Skins and Heart Blurred Crusade (Bonus CD) Heyday Starfish ASIN: B00005Q8TY Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

1. A Different Man
2. Ancient History
3. The Night Is Very Soft
4. In This Room
5. I Am A Rock
6. Maybe These Boys
7. 10,000 Miles
8. Into My Hands
9. A Month Of Sundays
10. Remote Luxury
11. Constant In Opal
12. Volumes
13. No Explanation
14. Violet Town
15. Shadow Cabinet

Album Description

Full title, 'Sing-Songs/Remote Luxury/Persia'. 2001 compilation for the Aussie alternative rock act. Featuring three classic EPs recorded in 1982 & 1984 released together on CD for the first time. Digitally remastered & includes a comprehensive booklet including original artwork from the EPs as well as original hand written lyrics, photos & more.

Album Details

Including all the Tracks from their Early to Mid 80's EPs 'remote Luxury', 'persia' and the Ultra Rare 'sing Songs', it Marks the First Time These EPs have Appeared on CD. The CD also features a 12 Page Booklet Including the Original EP Artwork as Well as Handwritten Lyrics.

Customer Reviews:

5 Star Band, 5 Star cd.......2003-05-09

Remote luxury was the first Church album I heard while stationed at MCAS El Toro in the mid 80's. I took to this band immediately, I had to hear more, and did. I saw them at Fender's Ballroom in Long Beach. I'm still hooked. The additions on this cd are excellent, though some appear on other rarity type of releases, others are previously unreleased. The sound quality is also great, being digitally remastered as are my arista versions up to "Heyday". I'll be keeping my Arista "Remote Luxury" as well. Thanks guys, for caring about your material and upgrading the sound quality. The Church has never written a bad tune, the only other band that compares is "The Chameleons U.K.". That's the level they're on. Buy Now!!!!!!!!!

Finally my Sing Song EP is safe........2002-02-16

Get this! If you are a fan of _The Church_ and do not have Sing Songs then here is your chance.
Overall, Sing Songs itself is not a great album. It is still better than most but by _The Church_ standards it is deficient. However, "A Different Man" and "The Night Is Very Soft" make all the difference. Besides that you get Remote Luxury and Persia (which were bundled together as "Remote Luxury") in the bargain. "Constant in Opal" drives nicely and "A Month Of Sundays" lulls the listener into acoustic heaven. Add "Volumes", "Violet Town" and "Shadow Cabinet" into the mix and you have a total winner of a compilation.
P.S. I rate hard so a 4 is exceptional for me.
Get this. You will not regret it.

All 3 of the Early 1980s Church EPs on CD!.......2002-01-16

Remember vinyl? Remember the early 1980s? It was a popular thing then to put out vinyl EPs (extended play records) between 1982 and 1984. They were basically a single with four or five different songs total on a 33 RPM record or cassette. The Alarm, Dire Straits, and Thomas Dolby put out some of the better known ones. If you are a fan of a band that put one out, they are usually the hardest thing to find available on CD due to their lasting only about 20 minutes. The Church put out three between December 1982 and September 1984 entitled "Sing-Songs", "Remote Luxury", and "Persia". The last two were combined onto one of the earliest digitally remastered CDs made around 1985 that Rolling Stone gave rave reviews to. It has been out of print for at least the last decade and a hot (i.e. expensive) item on EBay when one is available. Finally, EMI Music had made all three complete EPs available completely digitally remastered in 2001 on one 57 minute CD!

Enough of the background! Are they any good? If this is the first Church CD you are buying, I would recommend picking one of the "Best of..." CDs or "Hindsight" first to get you hooked on the Church sound. It takes a few listens for their sound to permeate your inner being but, once they get in your blood, you tend to become addicted as I have happily been for 18 years! This CD is a perfect sampling of the Church developing their sound that would result in their 1987 smash hit "Under the Milky Way". Steve Kilbey's writing and vocals matched seamlessly by Peter Koppes and Marty Willson-Piper's guitars backed by Richard Ploog's hypnotic drumming will put you in a trance-like state of being somewhat akin the Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" or "Meddle". This is no New Wave `be-bop' music at all. It is great writing matched with brilliant musicianship that has lasted for twenty years now (their new album is due out very soon). The band was very prolific in the early 1980s as "The Blurred Crusade" album was released in early 1982, the "Sing-Songs" EP in late 1982, the also out of print album "Seance" in 1983, the "Remote Luxury" and "Persia" EPs in 1984, followed by the "Heyday" album in 1985. If "Starfish" is the only Church album you have ever known, I do recommend this CD. If the Church's 1990s material is your bag, you will find the material to be less ethereal and epic in length but, still quite satisfying. My favorites on this CD are "Ancient History", "Maybe These Boys...", "Into My Hands", and "Violet Town".

The bottom line: this is not mindless pop-music despite the goofy New Wave hairdos. It takes a few listens to get used to but, once you acquire the taste, it will satisfy like a glass of 18 year old fine scotch!

Reissued on CD - At Last!.......2002-01-14

Between their initial chart successes (the albums "Of Skins and Heart" (1981) and "The Blurred Crusade" (1982)) and their emergence as a truly international music act in 1987 with the album "Starfish" and single "Under The Milky-Way," the Church released two experimental albums: the somewhat chilly and austere "Séance" (1983) and the more florid, guitar-laden "Heyday" (1985). All of the aforementioned albums were subsequently released on CD (although Séance is currently out-of-print) and are available here at Amazon.

However, in addition to their LP work, the Church also released three EP's in Australia and New Zealand between 1982 and 1984. In 1985, Arista Records did release an LP called "Remote Luxury" which reproduced the "Remote Luxury" and "Persia" EP's in full, although the resulting album had a completely different running order, and like Séance, the Arista pressing of Remote Luxury eventually went out of print.

So, that's the discography taken care of. But what about the EP's themselves? The first of the EP's, "Sing-Songs" (released in late 1982) sounds very different to the two EP's that follow, so it would not be appropriate to consider all three together. "Sing-Songs" followed a hard year of touring by the Church in support of "The Blurred Crusade." "Sing-Songs" was rehearsed and recorded very quickly (in only two nights) and it was the band's way of thanking their following in Australia and New Zealand for all their support. (Their first two albums were commercial successes in our part of the world.) The soundscape of "Sing-Songs," as typified by "In This Room" was a harbinger of the cool, dry sound that was to follow on their next album, "Séance." "The Night is Very Soft" and a spirited run-through of Paul Simon's "I Am A Rock" are the highlights of this EP, but the rest of "Sing-Songs" is fairly standard, unremarkable new-wave rock.

The next two EP's, "Remote Luxury" and "Persia" were recorded between late 1983 and mid 1984. In recent interviews, Steve Kilbey has often been scathing of these two releases, regarding them as something of a lost opportunity. It's a real pity if that is so, because these two EP's document Kilbey's rapid growth as a songwriter, and both releases still contain some of the finest songs he's ever written. Marty Willson-Piper was also growing in confidence as a songwriter in this period, and his two contributions to these EP's "Volumes" and "10,000 Miles" were the best songs he'd written up to that point in his career.

The band's new-found songwriting muscle was further enhanced by the band's growing awareness of what they could accomplish in the studio. On these last two EP's, the Church expand their sound to include prominent keyboards, sound effects and exotic instruments. If you've always thought of the Church in terms of jangling Rickenbackers, then the big brassy stomp of "Maybe These Boys," the stark, mechanical "Constant in Opal" and the moody depths of "No Explanation" will come as something of a surprise to you. But there is also the excellent "A Month of Sundays", the classic "Shadow Cabinet" and the pop-friendly "Into My Hands". The band's new-found freedom is matched by more powerful and inventive playing.

But the highlight of this compilation is within the "Persia" EP, which contains the great, overlooked classic Church song: "Violet Town". One of Kilbey's finest moments, the musical tug-of-war that takes place in the verses is suddenly resolved by a brilliant chorus, while the lyrics themselves perfectly convey the sense of hopelessness and desperation pervading a decaying rural community. "Violet Town" has not (yet) attained the recognition it deserves.

This compilation is digitally remastered and comes complete with liner notes and photos of the band. The CD deserves a place in the collection of every Church devotee.

a road less travelled by the church.......2001-10-28

one thing that's immediately likeable about this compilation is the great job of remastering. these songs never sounded so good. finally i can listen to sing songs in my car. there's plenty to like and to dislike on this one. i think what it comes down to is either you're a church fan or you're not, and, if you're not, then you're really missing something. a unique period in the evolution of the church produced some of their most precious melodies and most jarring aberrations. listen to all the songs in the order they were meant to be heard.

Average customer rating: You have the luxury of time... Solid, excellent debut Again and again Find a Copy! A shining example of what pop music should be!

The Luxury of Time David Mead Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mine and Yours Indiana Wherever You Are Gonna Get It Wrong Before I Get It Right Quite Often ASIN: B00001O2U9 Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

1. Robert Bradley's Postcard
2. Sweet Sunshine
3. Touch Of Mascara
4. Apart From You
5. Breathe You In
6. World Of A King
7. Landlocked
8. Telephone
9. Everyone Knows It But You
10. She, Luisa
11. Make The Most Of
12. While The World Is Sleeping
13. Painless

Customer Reviews:

You have the luxury of time..........2004-05-01

... so use it! This is simply a great rock 'n' roll record. Brilliant songwriting, great hooks and after 3 listens you'll be singing along like a football hooligan. What a talent! Worth purchasing, if only for the drums on 'World of a King'. I loves it, I do.

Solid, excellent debut.......2003-08-02

It's not hard to listen to David Mead's debut album, "The Luxury of Time", and imagine that you're hearing a longtime fan of pop music getting his chance to run wild in the studio. Lush arrangements draped with strings, sound effects, and backwards guitars drape unabashedly hooky songs that recall other popsters like Paul McCartney and Ron Sexsmith. Going back to that opening statement, it's really not hard to listen to "The Luxury of Time" at all. Mead has one of the best, smoothest tenors in pop music today, and he's not afraid to use it to dispell the belief that it's not cool to sing the high notes.

Besides Mead himself, the album has a number of strong points. At thirteen songs, around 52:00, it's just about the perfect length for an album in the CD age. Everything hovers around the three to four-minute mark. Mead also takes great care to make sure that the songs themselves are distinctive and different from one another, from the cinematic pop-culture ode of the title track, to the the barnburning faux-zydeco stomp of "World of a King", to the stripped-down, yet beautiful "Apart from You".

Mead's best song here, though, is "Landlocked", which sounds like it was included on the album in its demo form, as background noises and flubbed notes are both audible. It helps the song's immediacy, actually. Using a metaphor relating a frustrating relationship to a piece of area being confined from touching water (hence the title), Mead paints a beautiful picture in a way that's pretty complex for modern pop music.

The album is an auspicious debut, and its only noticable flaws are perhaps it being occasionally too eclectic for some people's tastes, and Mead's reach occasionally exceeding his grasp (most notably, on the lounge-y "Make the Most Of"). Still, David Mead has established himself as a talent worth following, listening to, and celebrating.

Again and again.......2002-10-29

I first heard David Mead opening for Liz Phair at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, RI. I took my wife to see Liz as a surprise gift, but the biggest surprise was Mead, who both of us just loved. Even live, you could just tell that his writing was smart, beautiful, and musical in ways that you forget are still possible.

Then came upon a used copy of this CD and snapped it up. All the songs we heard live but done beautifully here. It's a remarkable thing to find a songwriter and performer these days who can combine a wonderfully dramatic sense of situation and character with a great ear for memorable melodies and arrangements. This guy is the real deal.

All I can say is that this is one of a small group of CDs that we put on regularly because it just doesn't get old... whether you listen to it in the background or actually sit still and just pay attention. Our daughter, a year and a half, loves it. We love it. I guarantee that you'll be surprised you haven't heard of David Mead. And if he matches your taste, this will be one of your favorite CDs after about three listens.

Find a Copy!.......2002-07-06

I won't carry on here by spewing superlatives. However, if you like tuneful pop with taut harmonies and soaring vocals, packaged with New York hipness (but no hip-hopness...), this is a must have. For my own part, I consider it one of a handful of best albums of the last decade.

A shining example of what pop music should be!.......2002-05-16

For those of you who thought the fine art of melody in pop music was missing, I've got good news! This guy has found it and he ain't letting go! Particular gems hear are "R.B.P.C.," "Sweet Sunshine," "Touch of Mascara" and "World of a King." I stumbled across this masterpiece at my local store, on display at a listening station. The price was really low so I put on the headphones and gave it a listen. To my surprise, not a bad cut on the whole disc. Not only that but it was far better than anything I had been listening to at the time. I simply can't say enough about the high level of songwriting displayed here. For more info, see my review of David's second album, "Mine and Yours." Trust me, this is the best thing going!

Album Review:

1. Ministry of Sound: The Annual Summer 2003 [Import]
2. Mixed Live: Spundae Los Angeles (Includes Bonus DVD in 5.1 Surround Sound) [Live]
3. Mixmag Live [Import]
4. Neighborhood Science
5. No Hesitation
6. Obsession [CD-single] [Import]
7. Onka's Big Moka [Import]
8. Perfect Remixes 3CD Box Set
9. Pleasure Vibrations
10. Psychic Cat [Import]

Album Review

album review

Album Review

My Soul My Life [Explicit Lyrics]

Symphony 4 / Hungarian Dances

Vainberg: Symphony 5/Trumpet Concertos

Music CD: Lost in the Stars

Vessel [Import]

The Fourth Plague: Flies [EP]

Today's Country Gospel

Totally Wired-Rough Trade... [Import]

St. Louis

Simpson: Symphony Nos. 6 & 7

The Scented Garden

Simplemente Lo Mejor [Import]

The Hard Way [Explicit Lyrics]

Beyond a Dream

El Tren De Los Momentos