Mint

WSVA Magazine
"nifty"

About the Artist
Formed NYC 1996, this is our first full length.Three piece, guitar,bass, drums,vocals.Catchy, up tempo,radio friendly soon to be hits with a guitar edge. kind of like beatles meets nirvana.

Band members: John Nickles- Guitar, Vocals
Chris Shea-Bass, Vocals
Damien Bassman- Drums

Mint,Mint,Nicklesongs,short, catchy, radio-friendly, guitar-based soon to be hits with strong vocals

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Average customer rating: Talented Band Mint Condition Review answer for Benny "999 classic" Every bit as good as Jodeci, Boyz II Men, TTT and Dru Hill The Collection: 1991-1998 Mint Condition

The Collection: 1991-1998 Mint Condition Manufacturer: Fontana a&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tony! Toni! Tone! - Hits The Very Best of After 7 Back to the Future: The Very Best of Jodeci Hi-Five: Greatest Hits Groove Me: The Very Best of Guy ASIN: B000007OIP Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. What You Bring To The Party
2. Deep In My Pockets
3. Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)
4. U Send Me Swingin'
5. 10 Million Strong
6. Let Me Be The One
7. Someone To Love
8. You Don't Have To Hurt No More
9. What Kind Of A Man Would I Be
10. So Fine
11. The Never That You'll Never Know
12. Forever In Your Eyes
13. My Dear
14. Single To Mingle
15. Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)

Customer Reviews:

Talented Band.......2007-03-22

I did enjoy half of the songs on the CD but the other half were ok.
Even though this is a band, the lead singer has the potential to venture out on his own. He is a great singer. I always loved they way he sings.
I hope Mint Condition will be coming out with another album soon.

Mint Condition Review.......2007-01-11

A couple good songs from the past but that is about it.

answer for Benny "999 classic".......2006-07-02

If I am not mistaken, the cut you spoke of "you're all I need" is actually a verse from the song; "make me say it again girl," by the Isley Bros. It is available on the CD entitled: "The Heat Is On." You do not have an email address listed so I had to put the answer in the review section. Hope this was helpful.

Every bit as good as Jodeci, Boyz II Men, TTT and Dru Hill.......2006-03-20

Mint Condition was one of those groups of the '90s that played the background behind Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Tony Toni Tone, Dru Hill (and to a lesser extent, 112).

But technically, Mint Condition had better production and could hang with any of the aforementioned as singers, entertainers and musicians.

This Collection is a great listen for MC fans and a good introduction to potential new fans.

Their standout tracks were the radio hit singles "You're Breaking My Heart Pretty Brown Eyes" and "U Send Me Swingin'." They're both slow groove-kina songs with high energy and great sangin'.

I only gave this LP 4 Stars instead of 5 b/c it didn't have their last great radio hit from 1997-98 "If You Love Me (Like You Say You Do)."

I LOVED that song back in the day and really felt like that single would've made this album absolutely complete.

The Collection: 1991-1998 Mint Condition.......2006-03-16

I returned the product unopened. It was purchased in error.

Average customer rating:

Fables Immaculate Machine Manufacturer: Mint Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ones and Zeroes Icky Thump Our Love to Admire The Reminder Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? ASIN: B000PC1KMU Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

1. Jarhand
2. Dear Confessor
3. Roman Statues
4. Old Flame
5. Small Talk
6. Nothing Ever Happens
7. Northeastern Wind
8. C'mon Sea Legs
9. Pocket
10. Blinding Light

Amazon.com

The fourth album by Canada's Immaculate Machine continues their quest to craft memorable pop hooks in smartly mysterious settings. They can rock ferociously ("Dear Confessor") as well as create ethereal dreamscapes ("Northeastern Wind"). Their trio interplay is tightly interlocked, but loose enough to retain a sense of warmth and spontaneity, and their songs are judiciously embellished with additional players contributing strings, keyboards, and additional background vocals. The set's ten tracks each offer up a surprise of some sort, as they appear to be part of a familiar genre, but are then given a twist. "Old Flame" sports an opening New Wave-like organ part but then gives way to the band's harmonized male-female singing, which calls to mind X hopping through an amusement park. It's energizing to hear a band that understands the dynamics and flow of a full-album experience--moods shift, tempos pick up or slow down--it's a perfect little aural journey. --David Greenberger

Album Description

"The songs sound like the best of retro Canadian new wave." -- Bay Area Reporter

"Together for a scant three years, Victoria indie trio Immaculate Machine sounds remarkably cohesive and fearlessly energetic on their Mint debut. With guitarist Brooke Gallupe and drummer Luke Kozlowski switching off vocal duties with able-voiced keyboardist Kathryn Calder, the he said/she said dynamic makes for a charming listen." -- Eye Weekly

"Together they create dense layers of sound, three-part harmonies, and hooks where Calder's voice rings like a bell aimed at the heart." -- Bitch

Recorded at JC/DC Studios by Dave Carswell and John Collins, with Colin Stewart handling additional recording and mixing at Gallupe Manor and Vogville Studios, Fables shows another dimension to the Immaculate Machine sound. Warm reverb envelops the songs, capturing the feel of classic '60s recordings--a time when the source of the sound and the feel of the room exceeded the desire for the unnecessary overdubbing of so many of today's recordings.

These dulcet sounds represent Immaculate Machine at its best: intimate, personal, and urgent compositions with a focus on the interplay between a tightly knit trio of close friends. The members are adept at reading the next move within a song, creating subtle dynamics that are so rewardingly apparent to the listener.

Features string arrangements by Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy, Arcade Fire) as well as special guest vocals by UK group The Cribs and Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos.

Average customer rating:

Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique, Vol. 2 { Various Artists } Kirsten Moseley Manufacturer: Savoy Jazz ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Similar Items: Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique, Vol. 3 St. Moritz Vibes Vol. 4: Les Fleurs du Mal Departure Lounge: Chill Departure Lounge: Lounge ASIN: B000G75AIE Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

1. York Featuring Angelina -- Ice Flowers
2. DJ Bootsie -- Horseriders Toward the Abyss
3. Goldfish -- Times May Change You
4. Asheni -- Sweet Suffering
5. Hibiki Connection -- Sha-ka-fu (Sunset Mix)
6. The Funky Lowlives -- Sail Into the Sun
7. Moran Moretti -- New Jazz Nigeria
8. Larry -- Smile
9. Jeff Bennett's Lounge Experience featuring Alexandra -- Sympathy (Vocal version)
10. Bareman -- People
11. Iridium Project -- Refraction
12. Mint Royale -- The Effect on Me
13. Anima Sound System -- The End
14. Chris Palmer & Kirsten Mosley -- Aqua

Album Description

Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique is the hottest chillout compilation in South Africa.

Average customer rating: Neko is amazing! awww shucks... Wish I had been there! Very glad I finally got this one. haunting and hilarious

The Other Women The Corn Sisters , Neko Case , and Carolyn Mark Manufacturer: Mint Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Canadian Amp The Virginian Furnace Room Lullaby The Tigers Have Spoken Fox Confessor Brings the Flood ASIN: B000051TSM Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

1. Too Many Pills
2. Not a Doll
3. No More for You
4. She's Leaving Town
5. Fist City
6. Matineed
7. Love Me
8. Long Black Veil
9. Howling at Midnight
10. High on Cruel
11. 90 Miles an Hour
12. Don't Let Me Cross Over
13. Endless Grey Ribbon
14. Corn on the Cob
15. This Little Light
16. Bonus Track

Amazon.com

With her Boyfriends, Neko Case blurs the line between rock and country, but when playing the rare gig as one-half of the Corn Sisters, she's all roots. Here, along with Sister Carolyn Mark, you'll find 16 laid-back and unpolished acoustic tunes (some covers, some originals) recorded one fateful night in 1998 at Seattle diner/bar Hattie's Hat. The songs vary in spunk, but most of Case's influences are exposed here--stripped-down covers of Loretta Lynn's "Fist City," Lucinda Williams's "Howlin' at Midnight," and one standard, "This Little Light of Mine," are all impressive. Everly Brothers-inspired harmonies abound, and, on the handful of folksy originals, Mark steals the show. From the lovesick ballad "Matinéed" to the more-upbeat "Not a Doll" (sounding slightly like Mary Lou Lord's better material), these are great tunes. Neko Case completists will want to hear this project (and Neko's work with power-popsters the New Pornographers), and alt-country fans won't be disappointed by this low-key, fun hootenanny. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Neko is amazing!.......2006-05-08

First saw Neko at EMP in Seattle 3 years ago. Her voice is amazingly versatile, eery just doesn't begin to describe the goosebumps her music gifts. The cornsisters is a fabulous teaming with Carolyn Mark, yet another unique and beautiful voice. I don't know why, but the Corn on the Cob song just makes me grin every single time I hear it!

awww shucks..........2005-09-23

i was lucky enough to have seen the Corn Sisters live quite a few years back and it was an absolutely stellar show. Neko and Carolyn were in fine form and when they weren't sending chills up your spine with their songs, they had you laughing so hard it hurt with their inbetween song banter. it's great to see how much fun these two girls have when they get together and it shows on this disc of live recordings. their natural chemistry spills over in every note. my favorite songs are "Not A Doll", "Don't Let Me Cross Over", and "She's Leaving Town" (a different version of that song is featured as a bonus track on here in which Carolyn sarcastically (?) describes the tune's author as a "weed-gobbling cheater" to much laughter). if you are a fan of Neko Case or Carolyn Mark's solo work, then you need the Corn Sisters in your life.

Wish I had been there!.......2005-08-28

I bought this cd before I really knew Neko Case's music. It was the kind of purchase where I listened to the cd for 5 seconds in the store and immediately bought it. I don't regret it, in the least. Case & Mark's harmonies are tight without being cheesy. Their voices and playing sounds great together, and I even like the spontaneous "office party" sound that other reviewers complain about. Every time I hear it I imagine myself in that Seattle diner. The recording captures the rough edges and intimacy of the best live performances. "Too Many Pills" and "Fist City" are divine--two of my favorite tracks of all time.

Very glad I finally got this one........2003-09-03

Even though I am a big Neko Case fan (and Carolyn Mark fan to a lesser degree), I held off getting this CD for a long time because the reviews were so iffy. I'm sorry I waited - it's great. Even the sound quality is pretty decent - certainly not bad enough to detract from the songs. If you're not a big fan of either of these women, this may not be the CD to start with. But if you're holding off like I was because you're not sure it's worth it, you're missing out.

haunting and hilarious.......2002-04-10

i bought this album blind (or maybe deaf) on the strength of neko case's strikingly haunting voice and it immediately became one of my favorites. its stripped-down acoustic approach allows both case and mark's luminous vocals to shine unemcumbered. by turns funny (corn on the cob), and heartbreaking (don't let me cross over and long black veil), this is an album for the lovesick in need of a little cartharsis. Buy it.

Average customer rating: Thought this was more traditional Italian Music Italian hits

Italian Greatest Hits Various Artists Manufacturer: Mint Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music | Ambient | Dance Pop | Disco | Drum & Bass | Electronica | Freestyle | Techno-House | Trance | Trip Hop General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Italian Favourites The World of Italian Hits of the 60's The World of Italian Hits of the 80's Italian Love Songs Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics ASIN: B0007GIZCW Release Date: 2005-02-14

Tracks:

1. Ti Sento - Matia Bazar
2. Canzone [Fargetta Remix] - Lucio Dalla
3. Perdono
4. Laura Non C'
5. Salome' - Mario Castelnuovo
6. Casco Blu
7. Ragazzsa Di Miele - Pino Panduri
8. Voglio Una Donna
9. Una Cosa Importante
10. Adesso Tu - Mirko Guida
11. Chi - Paolo Mengoli
12. Non Ho l'Et Fabiola Paretti
13. TornerI Santo California
14. Amore Come Te - Isa Pola
15. Piccolissima Serenata - Walter Bassani
16. I Love You Man (LL Mare Piu' Grande Che C' - Fiordaliso

Tracks:

1. Storie Di Tutti I Giorni - Riccardo Fogli
2. Piccola E Fragile - Drupi
3. Nessun' Altra - Alessandro Mara
4. Un'emozione Per Sempre - Mirko Guida
5. Buona Domenica
6. Maledetta Primavera - Lorena Poggi
7. Napoli - Nino D'Angelo
8. Tutti Con Me
9. Bambole - Rita Forte
10. Cosia - Mario Castelnuovo
11. Azzurro
12. Attimo Per Attimo
13. Tu Sei L 'Unica Donna Per Me
14. Novalis - Angelo Branduardi, Edoardo de Angelis
15. Marina - Marino Marini
16. Mambo Italiano

Tracks:

1. Serenata - Toto Cutugno
2. Canzone Italiana - Angelo Fabiani
3. LL Miio Cuore Grande - Enrico Ruggeri
4. Non Succedera Piu - Dave Nives
5. Donna Felicit
6. Piccole Emozioni
7. Ti Cerchero' - Enzo Riolo
8. Domani - I Santo California
9. Ragione, l'Amore - Amedeo Minghi
10. Una Notte in Italia - Walter Bassani
11. Ancora - Eduardo de Crescenzo
12. Te Voglio Bene Assaje - Dario Sebastiani
13. Cavallo Bianco
14. Alle Porte del Sole - Gigliola Cinquetti
15. Bella Come Te - Drupi
16. Giorni Cantati - Riccardo Fogli

Customer Reviews:

Thought this was more traditional Italian Music.......2007-07-19

There were no listening samples available on amazon so I went with all the reviews. I was looking for a traditional music cd that I could play in the background at my rehearsal, but these are more modern hits. Some are ok, but others have a little too much 80s feel.

Italian hits.......2006-08-27

A great variety of Italian songs and singers (if you like Italian music.) Good quality CD.

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: GREAT! Good listening to the ear! DEFINITION OF A GREAT BAND Them boys good Serious musicianship; serious rythm & blues

Definition of a Band Mint Condition Manufacturer: Fontana a&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Life's Aquarium Livin' the Luxury Brown Meant to Be Mint House of Music Live from the 9:30 Club ASIN: B0000012T3 Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

1. Definition Of A Band (Intro)
2. Change Your Mind
3. You Don't Have To Hurt No More
4. Gettin' It On
5. What Kind Of Man Would I Be
6. Let Me Be The One
7. Definition Of A Band (Swing Version)
8. Ain't Hookin' Me Up Enough
9. Funky Weekend
10. I Want It Again
11. On & On
12. The Never That You'll Never Know
13. Asher In Rio - Interlude
14. Raise Up
15. On & On (Reprise)
16. Sometimes
17. Missing
18. If It Wasn't For Your Love (Dedication)

Customer Reviews:

GREAT!.......2007-03-14

I don't know if I've EVER had a Mint Condition project disappoint. They are one talented bunch of brothas and this one was no exception. "Ain't Hooking Me Up Enough," has a killer bass line to me. The little swing in that song will almost make you forget the lyrics and realize that the guy is just begging. In fact, I could do with the instrumental. I should not start listing songs though, because they are pretty much all the bomb!

Good listening to the ear!.......2006-07-10

Mint Condition is definitely a group of talented musicians. I
enjoy all of the many facets that they offer in the CD "Definition of a Band." I have been a faithful fan for many
years my favorite cut on the CD is "You don't have to hurt no more". Check it out.

DEFINITION OF A GREAT BAND.......2006-05-11

Mint Condition has been putting out nothing but beautiful music since their 1991 debut "Meant To Be Mint" which brought us the ballads "Pretty Brown Eyes", "Single To Mingle", and "Forever In Your Eyes". Their sophomore effort, "From The Mint Factory" was even better, with a heavy jazz/classic r&b influence that was evident in almost every track.

The group's third CD, "Definition Of A Band" carries on the tradition of soothing soul music that these brothers bring to us. Not only is the music slow and sweet, but the vocals (both lead and backup) blend in beautifully to create one of my favorite CDs.

If you're a Mint Condition fan, you know that they are truly a band. All the drums/keyboards/guitars are live and real, taking them out of the synthesized world of the majority of today's r&b. "Definition Of A Band" really gives us a look at what they're capable of. After all, how can you go wrong when you're executively produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis?

There are plenty of ballads on this CD for those in love. "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" is about a man comforting his new love and reassuring her that her past problems are just that... in the past. "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" is about resisting infidelity, no matter how many emotions are mixed up in the situation. "Let Me Be The One" shows us just how unconditional one's love can be, with Stokely (Mint Condition's lead singer) asking his former love if he can still be her shoulder to cry on. "On & On" is a marriage proposal in ballad form (we've seen a lot of these recently with Jagged Edge's "Let's Get Married" and Case's "Happily Ever After"), and it's done beautifully.

One of the more interesting tracks on the CD is "Sometimes", where Stokely describes the frustration of having his emotions (read: sex drive) toyed with by the object of his affection. It's a little different than your typical MC track, with a heavy rock & roll influence, but still very enjoyable to listen to. "Missing" is a song dedicated to all the missing children in the world, and although the song's beat is a little faster than you'd expect for the subject, the song definitely gets its point across.

If you've liked any of Mint Condition's previous stuff, I'd absolutely recommend this CD. If you're new to MC, go pick up "From The Mint Factory" first and then make a decision as to if you'd like to delve into this part of the genre. Since this CD, Mint Condition has also released "The Collection", a "greatest hits" compilation, "Life's Aquarium", there re-entry
CD "Livin' The Luxury The Brown" another stunningly well done album and the Live CD/DVD "Mint Condition: Live From The 9:30 Club".

Them boys good.......2004-12-02

Lead singer Stokley Williams steals the show with his surging, passionate vocals on the quiet storm tracks You Don't Have To Hurt No More,What Kind Of Man Would I Be, On & On and Let Me Be The One. Don't get it twisted though Stokley's boys are all good muscians in their own right with their sharp skills on drums,keyboards and pianos.

Serious musicianship; serious rythm & blues.......2004-03-10

We have long been in an age where it is no longer an obligation to play an instrumenet or know anyone that does when it comes to R&B. Outside of Alicia Keys and The Roots, those days are sort of gone. That's why this record is so killer! Mint Condition is a band of multi-faceted group who are great songwriters and amongst the smokin'ist musicians you've heard!

This CD is a gold-mine of original songs - some standards like "What Kind of Man Would I Be" and some scorchin' funk cuts like "Let Me Be The One" (my absolute favorite cut with an old school feel). Over this 19 song disc (a few tracks are jazzy interludes of about a minute each) you, the listener, will have gotten the feeling that you've approached R&B from every possible angle - the slow jam, the mid-tempo pop, the old school funk, and the more slick pop-R&B (there's even a song - "Sometimes" - that almost sounds a bit metal).

Among the things I should say about this disk is that Stokely (the lead singer, drummer, and misc. instrumentalist) and Kerry Lewis (keyboard player and principle songwriter) are absolutely smoking musicians - absolutely smoking. And that is another things we get on the disc - improvisation. There are quite a few good solos (for quite a few instruments) to bring in a more jazzy feel. Needless to say, it is well done indeed.

This album, quite simply, is a piece of R&B history!

Average customer rating: Minty, but not the total mint flavor...5 out of 11 good tracks "Mint Condition is the best band in the land" UNHERALDED CLASSIC R&B Excellent! AH! The Memories!

From the Mint Factory Mint Condition Manufacturer: Fontana a&M ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Life's Aquarium Meant to Be Mint Livin' the Luxury Brown House of Music Live from the 9:30 Club ASIN: B0000012SV Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

1. Intro: Welcome To The Mint Factory
2. Nobody Does It Better
3. If The Feeling's Right
4. Devotion
5. Someone To Love
6. U Send Me Swingin'
7. 10 Million Strong
8. Gumbo
9. Good For Your Heart
10. Harmony
11. So Fine
12. Back To Your Lovin'
13. Always
14. Baile De Febrere (For Asher)
15. My High
16. Fidelity

Customer Reviews:

Minty, but not the total mint flavor...5 out of 11 good tracks.......2007-05-21

Early r&b was the best and these guys were not like the rest, they were a band and played their own instruments. My five are, Someone To Love, U Send Me Swingin, So Fine, Back To Your Lovin' and Always.
We are not all the same so whatever I say, may or may not help you but, I think what someone has to do is find a review who has similar taste in music and check out their other reviews.

"Mint Condition is the best band in the land".......2007-01-26

What can you say about a group of fellas who is dedicated to the real definition of "music", and to one another called a "band". They take my breath away each time I see them perform live. The engery is so live,and my daddy always told me if a band sounds better live than they do on an album then they are truly muscians. And that is what MC is. Get this alblum, get them all, you will not be disappointed at all. I love Mint Condition forever.

UNHERALDED CLASSIC R&B .......2006-07-22

Much has been debated about the demise of the band within black music. From the mid-' 60s to the mid-'80s, packs of self contained singers, rhythm sections and horn players ruled the land. They were not only able to reproduce records exactly as you heard them on the radio, the amazing showmanship chops, dazzling choreography and charisma. Though their reputations were rarely staked upon it, most of these bands were well versed in all styles of music. Beyond R&B, they could usually hold their own in whatever vibe was called for. But as disco morphed into techno and hip hop strains, and records began to be more producer-powered than musician-driven, bands slowly faded from the landscape. One band had the fortitude, talent and multiplicity to keep the torch not just lit, but BLAZING. That band is Mint Condition.
"From The Mint Factory" is probably one of the BEST and yes I say BEST R&B/Soul albums in the last 25 years. It has everything from Afro-Carribean to Blues to Contemporary to Funk to Jazz to Rock and is held captive to no genre of music. Mint Condition is the only R&B act that can play to any vibe and do it at a superior level. Check out the dizzingly hooky "U Send Me Swingin'", or the searing guitars on the soaring ballad "So Fine" and the masterfully arranged "Someone To Love". Other standouts are the rock inspired "Fidelity" and the whisper smooth "Ten Million Strong". I would put Mint Condition in the same class as the Legendary Earth, Wind and Fire, Parliament, Frankie Beverly and Maze and Kool and the Gang.
Mint Condition is one of those better bands, but their biggest hurdle has always been that they were a R&B band with no outlet to be a R&B band. What's more, unlike the rock and country genres, there is almost no American infrastructure for live Soul music. I believe that is the reason this LP is so overlooked. Perhaps Mint Condition came too soon to the music business to truly be appreciated, trying to make their old school skills appreciated amidst a '90s scene that was deeply entrenched in the last days of New Jack Swing and the heyday of Puff Daddy's shiny suit rap. But as any good band does, they developed a strong and loyal fanbase.

Excellent!.......2006-05-03

Truly excellent! These guys are the best. And, deserve so much more credit. I can listen to "So Fine" on repeat all day.

AH! The Memories!.......2005-07-29

Mint Condition... this was a band that made their mark in the early 90's with two sensational albums. Of course they've made more sense but to me, the first two were the best and most notable. Especially this one - "From the Mint Factory".

What can I say? I get so many memories about this. What I loved about this album was the highlights on the actual music and melodies along with the crazy soul and funk in the cuts. Just check out the track "Swingin'". Talk about mixing ballads and beats! Or how about the climaxing in with "Fidelity". As I remember the cuts on this, I feel drawn to put this sweet album in again and remember some of the other hightlights of 2003... Chicago Bull's 3rd championship, North Carolina beats Michigan with Chris Webber and the infamous "time-out", Toronto wins the World Series, Beavis & Butt-head take hold of America. HEY... all of this is better than "Whoomp! There it is!" or the cheap knock-off that came later.

I highly recommend it. I look back to some of the bands that were also out at the time... Jodeci, Silk, Shai... and while those were good bands, Mint Condition was my band of choice because of just how ALIVE the music was, and how un-predictable they were. Then again I grew up with siblings significantly older that were into Marshall Jefferson on one side then Fishbone blasting on the other, so there you go! Check this out!

Average customer rating:

San Remo Hits Various Artists Manufacturer: Mint Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Italy | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Latin Music | Styles | Music Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Latin Music | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The World of Italian Hits of the 80's The World of Italian Hits of the 60's The World of San Remo Hits The World of Italian Hits of the 70's Italian Greatest Hits ASIN: B0000669TN Release Date: 2005-08-31

Tracks:

1. Solo Noi - Toto Cutugno
2. Sinu Tony Esposito
3. Italia - Mino Reitano
4. La Vita - Lorena Armani
5. Maledetta Primavera - Lorena Poggi
6. Cuore Bandito - Julie
7. Bella Da Morire - Homo Sapiens
8. Uomini Soli - Gianni Lardera
9. Napoli - Franco Califano
10. Canto Per Te - Flavia Fortunato
11. Passera' - Alessandro Gualdi
12. Mio Angelo - Fiordaliso
13. Ancora - Eduardo de Crescenzo
14. Non Dire Mai - Clio'
15. Una Storia Da Raccontare - Beppe DiFrancia
16. Vado Via - Drupi

Tracks:

1. Moi Cuore Se Na Va - Carla "Alice" Bissi
2. Sulla Buona Strada - Riccardo Fogli
3. Voglio Andare a Vivere in Campagna - Toto Cutugno
4. Ragazze Come Me - Meccano
5. E Soltanto una Canzone - Rita Forte
6. Se Ti Senti Veramente un Amico - Stefano Borgia
7. Cuore no Zingaro - Nicola Di Bari
8. Per Elisa - Dave Nives
9. E il Cielo - Jo Chiarello
10. Non Ho l'Et Fabiola Paretti
11. Tu Mi Rubi l'Anima - Collage
12. Monica - I Santo California
13. Cavallo Bianco - Paolo Riveria
14. Mia Preghiera - Pupo
15. Tipitipiti - Orietta Berti
16. Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu - Domenico Modugno

Tracks:

1. Vai - Nino D'Angelo
2. Sarerchi Amo - Ricchi e Poveri
3. Vita Spericolata - Vasco Rossi
4. Senti Uoma
5. Casco Blu - Flavia Fortunato
6. Non Succedera Piu - Dave Nives
7. Laura Non C'- Omar
8. Storie di Tutti I Giorni - Riccardo Forte
9. FincivrLorenzo Zecchino
10. Sei un Ba... (6 1 Ba...) - Dionira
11. Perche'? - Fausto Leali
12. Italiano - Dino Conte
13. Tu Che Non Sorridi Mai - Orietta Berti
14. Senza Te O Con Te - Annalisa Minetti
15. Cambiamo Musica - Ladri DiBiciclette, Tony Esposito
16. Brivido Caldo - Matia Bazar

Average customer rating: From Rusholme With Love Ursula 1000 + The Wiseguys = Mint Royale! A feel good, summer blend 3 1/2 stars. I'm here to do the job that you respect of me. If you liked "Start the Commotion" by the Wiseguys...

On the Ropes Mint Royale Manufacturer: Fontana Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Big Beat | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: See You in the Morning Singin in the Rain Get Carter: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture (2000 Film) Dancehall Places Black Cherry ASIN: B00005J9U4 Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. From Rusholme With Love
2. Don't Falter
3. Show Me
4. Interlude 1
5. Because I'm Worth It
6. Take It Easy
7. Shake Me
8. Trickshot
9. Diagonal Girl
10. Rock and Roll Bar
11. Space Farm
12. Deadbeat
13. Lonely Girl
14. Interlude 2
15. Blow your Cool

Customer Reviews:

From Rusholme With Love.......2006-03-07

I have not heard the whole cd yet, but i first heard of this group from seeing the movie "Get Carter"... I loved the music in that movie so i went searching for the soundtrack and bought it... I was greatly disappointed when i saw that the song "From Rusholme With Love" WAS NOT on there!! I hate it when movies do that... you'll hear a song in a movie and it will most likely be the best song of the movie, and yet it won't be on the soundtrack... so i went hunting for the cd and found it... i can't wait to hear it all... especially the whole song of "From Rusholme With Love"... the song reminds me of the group Supreme Beings of Leisure and their song "Sublime"... it's got some of the same instruments in Mint Royale's song... and i love the instruments they use... i just can't wait to hear the cd, am awaiting it in the mail... I'll write a better review once i recieve it..

Ursula 1000 + The Wiseguys = Mint Royale!.......2004-08-19

I first heard the song "From Rusholme With Love" on an italian commercial music CD compilation, and loved it...the rest of this CD is absolutely *BRILLIANT* as well. The beats are fantastic and each song is so different from the others that it's like a mixed bag of audiocandy. The overall vibe of this CD is just so ~happy~! It's perfect for summer driving music or just listening to before going to work. HIGHLY recommended!

A feel good, summer blend.......2004-07-22

On the Ropes is probably one of the best CD's in my car. For the first three weeks I had it, it never left the player. This CD is for anyone looking for an easy first step into broadening their musical tastes to include electronic pop.
This CD by Mint Royale aslo does an INCREDIBLE job of leaving you overwhelmingly happy, no matter how you might have been feeling.
Best Tracks:

1. If you've ever seen the movie Kung Pow, this is the opening theme song. Great Song.
2. Very summery, American Eagle-esque sound
3. The undeniable BEST song on the disc, and definately one of my favorites of all time. Without having even heard the rest of the cd, I've had three friends go and buy the disc just for this one song. Needs to be listened to at HIGH VOLUMES to achieve songs full celebratorial feel.
7,8,9,10. All GREAT tracks, just take a little more time to get into

My Rrecommendation? If you are getting tired of hip-hop, but are looking to expand musically, BUY THIS CD!

3 1/2 stars. I'm here to do the job that you respect of me........2002-03-11

I decided to check out Mint Royale because they were mentioned in the same sentence as The Avalanches and Solex as "pop-pastiche" artists. What could be better? I love Solex and The Avalanches, and the idea of building pop songs from samples is very appealing. The comparison is misleading however. Mint Royale has a lot more in common with Fatboy Slim than the other two. Not that I'll hold that against them, but calling this "pop-pastiche" isn't correct. Mint Royale are more concerning with beating you over the head with giant beats than with crafting new pop songs. These are collages or DJ mixes, while The Avalanches and Solex are songwriters. There, now that that's cleared up...

I nearly winced the first time I heard "From Rusholme With Love." If you've seen Vanilla Sky, you know the song because it played in the unbelievable scene with Tom Cruise running through an empty Times Square. The song has a constantly repeating tabla melody, and if there's one thing that post-modern dance artists don't need now is another tabla beat. Countless R&B and hip-hop artists have used it, and I figure Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On" should be the end-all tabla dance track. Strange how it got so cliche that fast. Anyway, things get better from there.

"Don't Falter" is one of the songs that feature vocals, and as such, comes closer to pop-pastiche sound. It's summer-y, and has some bubblegum lyrics, but since most of the music repeats, it still comes across as dance. Same goes for "Show Me," the best song on the album which features Pos from De La Soul. The music in this one is infectious. It features what sounds like a sample of chorus women singing, and that gives it an almost church-like quality. It's easy to picture Pos on the alter rapping to the parishners, "Here comes my boys, Plug 3 and 2 / My name's Plug 1, I'm here to do / The job that you respect of me." I've read some people comments that the music sounds "Latin" and mixes "the old with the new," but I don't hear any of that. More likely, they just chose the samples that best served the beat.

Sadly, a lot of what Mint Royale does is simply add instruments, take them away, and put them back like countless others do (Basement Jaxx?) . They do have their quirks though, and that's what stops them from being cookie-cutter. This is the type of thing you hear in car commercials where all the people sing along to it in the cars. You know what I'm talking about. If "Because I'm Worth It" isn't playing in a Gap store somewhere already, I'll be surprised. This is what Rachel Leigh Cook and her friends dance to wackily during the prom at the end of the movie. It outdoes anything Fatboy Slim's done in a while. (Does anyone really like that "Weapon of Choice" song, or is it just that video with Christopher Walken?) So if you *do* need some big beat music for whatever reason, make the sensible choice and put down the Fatboy CD and get this one.

If you liked "Start the Commotion" by the Wiseguys..........2001-11-01

I first heard Mint Royale's music on a dance mix CD -- the song was called "Don't Falter", and to this day I do not understand why this wasn't a huge hit during the summer of 2000; this bright, breezy, guitar-laced jam is the reason I bought this album. Luckily, there's a lot more on here. Here are my favorite songs on the album, in order:

Track #2: Don't Falter (I already discussed this one)

Track #1: From Rusholme With Love - this one is great. Has that 'Fatboy Slim' retro-bounce to it. Love it!

Track #4: Because I'm Worth It - More of that Big-Beat, Fatboy sound. Bouncy and hip.

Track #3: Show Me - Celebratory sounding. Samples a Bertha Egnos (South Africa) song called "Sesiya Hamba" and it shows. A member from De La Soul raps here. I want to hear the original song now...

Track #6: Take It Easy - Great song...nonstop dancing.

Track #9: Diagonal Girl - the fastest of all my faves...has a "chase" sound to it, like something BT would have composed for the movie "Go".

Hmm...need more convincin, eh? Alright. I am by no means an electronica expert...but I do dig the happier, fun stuff like Daft Punk's "Digital Love", Fatboy Slim's fun stuff -- especially "Gangster Trippin", and Groove Armada's "I See You Baby". If you like those too, you're in the clear. If you don't, you might want to listen to the audio samples (that is if your computer will let you!) first. But all things considered (seriously), if you like dance music with leanings towards 'Big Beat' ala the Wiseguys or Fatboy Slim, by all means -- proceed. Give 'On The Ropes' by Mint Royale a chance. You'll probably like it.

Thanks for reading!

C.H.R.

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