Acoustic Soul [Import]

Amazon.com
India Arie's Acoustic Soul is just as advertised: grooving soul music with an acoustic bent. Arie herself plays guitar, supplemented by strings (instead of synthesizers) and drums (instead of drum machines). The first single, "Video," is a calm, confident ode to self-love, comparing the dreadlocked, petite Arie to the average girl in a video. Arie is indeed anything but average: her debut marks the auspicious return of the black female singer-songwriter, in the vein of Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Tracy Chapman, and Dionne Farris. If you like their music, with thoughtful lyrics and layers of instrumentation, you'll love this album. "Video" is fabulous, but other high points include "Ready for Love," a lament that smolders before slowly building to a crescendo, with tinkling piano, guitar, and cello swelling beneath the vocal. "Strength, Courage, and Wisdom" is an optimistic anthem that'll have you clapping your hands and swaying from side to side, and the best track on the album, "Simple," is a straightforward love song with a pulsating beat. Acoustic Soul may not be full of radio-friendly tracks, but every track is strong, and the disc improves each time you press play. --Courtney Kemp

Product Description
Includes Two Bonus Tracks: "Wonderful" and a Live Track "Strength, Courage and Wisdom" and the Enhanced Video of The"Video" Single.

Acoustic Soul,India.Arie,Polygram Int'l,Contemporary R&B,Neo-Soul,Pop,R&B/Soul,Rock,Soul/R & B,Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues,Urban

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Average customer rating: Latest album is much better understood and admired One of my favorite albums of all time. She is an amazing songwriter. out of the gate and running hard Pink

Missundaztood Pink Manufacturer: La Face ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Similar Items: I'm Not Dead Can't Take Me Home Try This Stripped Try This [Limited Edition w/ Bonus DVD] ASIN: B00005RFAI Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

1. M!ssundaztood
2. Don't Let Me Get Me
3. Just Like A Pill
4. Get The Party Started
5. Respect
6. 18 Wheeler
7. Family Portrait
8. Misery (w/Steven Tyler)
9. Dear Diary
10. Eventually
11. Lonely Girl (w/Linda Perry)
12. Numb
13. Gone To California
14. My Vietnam

Amazon.com

There's a rule in commercial pop: don't bite the hand that feeds you. Translation? If you're getting love on TRL, it's best leaving well enough alone and tinkering only slightly with the sound that pays your bills. So you have to give Pink a whole heap of credit. The Philly-raised songbird may have made her rep with infectious and rugged pop-R&B hits like "There You Go" and the remake of "Lady Marmalade," but like the fuchsia coif she once sported, that sound is gone. In its place is a more driving alt-rock attack, liberally laced with some late-night blues and heartfelt lyrics that, while they sometimes come off like diary entries (the simplistic bon mot "Your pain is painful" in "Family Portrait"), are clearly Pink's thoughts, as opposed to words someone put in her mouth. Helping Pink express her inner Alanis are Dallas Austin, who produced the insistent rocker "18 Wheeler," and former 4 Non Blonde Linda Perry, who Pink has resurrected from one-hit-wonder status. Mixing up thumping beats, ("Get the Party Started"), with folksy confessionals, Pink's potent vocals and her honest determination make this a risk worth hearing. --Amy Linden

Album Description

Asian exclusive limited edition pressing of her sophomore album includes one bonus track, 'Catch 22', along with a bonus CD sized spiral bound 40 page 'Dear Diary' note pad that's housed together with the CD in a special slipcase. Enhanced with photo ogallery and lyrics page. 15 tracks in all. 2002.

Album Details

Features a Track Not on the USA Version, 'catch 22.'

Customer Reviews:

Latest album is much better.......2007-06-28

I LOVE Pink!! The first album I bought was the latest one - "I'm Not Dead", and I love it. So I decided to investigate her earlier work. While I am glad I have "Missundaztood", I didn't find it as compelling as her latest work. Good to see where she has come from though.

understood and admired.......2007-06-12

what a sharp lady...love her latest cd...so thought I'd give her older, breakthrough cd a try...great sound. fresh and original collection. smart, sassy, interesting, sophisticated but fun. love the lyrics. love the variety of different musical styles. pink is cool, and honest and real. and she makes fantastic, memorable tunes....already a classic

One of my favorite albums of all time. She is an amazing songwriter. .......2007-03-26

Not only is Pink an amazing singer, but her lyrics are soo deep and personal. I love people who write about the sad times because a lot of people needs to hear something they can relate to. Family Potrait speaks to a lot of people, including my brother, who overhead the song and keeps requesting me to replay track 7. The whole album is a work of art so it's hard to choose, but if I had to choose, my favorites are Don't let me get me, Just Like a Pill, Family Potrait and Lonely Girl. Pink's voice is soo raw and real that you can actually feel the pain in her voice. Once you listen to this album, you will want hear more. So I will go ahead and let you know that her third album is Try This and her fourth, which is her best thus far is "I'm Not Dead". So please give this album a chance. Pink is a real artist and she will be around for a long time because she is true to herself.

out of the gate and running hard.......2007-03-26

This is Pink's first album to my knowledge. It has some raw studio tape footage that is cute and rough. I loved it. The segments give a good hint of what this ballsy little girl is about, and a preview of the bold, strong woman she became. She has fun with this release and you get to hear it. It is cool to listen to the inside track banter between Pink and the recording engineer. She is a force to be reckoned with; and a sweet lady all in one.

Pink.......2006-12-31

I kind of like this CD. I don't listen to it as much anymore for some reason, but I think I'm overdue to listen to it again. One of my favorite songs on this album is "respect" which talks about how girls should act around guys and how they should not let boys push them around any time the boy thinks it's convenient for them "no freebies in the limosouine that's not what it's about. let 'em know just what to do give it up he won't call you respect is just a minimum, go on girl and get you some" Another song about not letting men push girls around that I really like is "can't get me down". Which talks about getting ready to face the day and anything that might come one's way. I love encouraging songs like that... they really help you face your problems in life. I don't like to many of the songs on here because of the swearing content but I do listen to "Mizundastood" constantly. She only says one swear word in the song but I don't mind. Otherwise I avoid songs on here that have swearing on them. I like this CD otherwise... but if you're under sixteen, I wouldn't recommend it because of the swearing. I forgot to add that another one of my favorite songs is "Don't Let Me Get Me".

Average customer rating: I wish more stars were available... Ridiculous Good IT STILL MAKES ME CRY The Second Best Album of All Time yes siree... a MASTERPIECE to say the least!

Astral Weeks Van Morrison Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Rock | Celtic | International | 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 General | R&B | Styles | Music Blue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Heroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Moondance His Band and the Street Choir Into the Music Tupelo Honey Saint Dominic's Preview ASIN: B000002KAT Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Astral Weeks
2. Beside You
3. Sweet Thing
4. Cyprus Avenue
5. The Way Young Lovers Do
6. Madame George
7. Ballerina
8. Slim Slow Slider

Amazon.com essential recording

Never mind that Van Morrison is one of the most indelible songwriters of the 20th century--take each album on its own terms. On 1968's seminal Astral Weeks, a twentysomething Van Morrison can be found belting his gospelly, bluesy vocals in just as fine a form as he would be 20 years hence. In the sociopolitical context of the times, the album cried out about such ubiquitous '60s themes as cultural oppression and social upheaval. But it is Morrison's vocal dexterity and passion that maintains such timeless appeal. Take tracks like "Madame George" or "Cyprus Avenue" and you'll find such beautiful mourning, it'll be clear why modern songwriter Sinéad O'Connor once publicly exclaimed: "Van Morrison should be friggin' canonized." --Nick Heil

Customer Reviews:

I wish more stars were available..........2007-07-21

Moondance has always been one of my favorite CDs. Why it took me so long to buy Astral Weeks I'll never know. I can't stop listening to this album (and I've had it for almost a year now). I think it's one of the most honest albums I've ever heard. Van puts his all into every single line. Later on in his career it's almost like he stopped caring and just "talks" through the lines live. Here there is actual emotion and it's so precisely captured that every song takes you to a place that you feel like you've been before. The liner notes mention that there are no noticeable "singles" here, but I think every song works great in the context of the work as a whole and also stands on it's own admirably. This is in my top ten.

Ridiculous Good.......2007-07-03

Half the songs on here give me goosebumps. Astral Weeks is probably my favorite Van Morrison album, granted Tupelo Honey and Moondance are a lot more fun, Astral weeks is transcendental. In this album Van seems very in love, nostalgic, or sentimental. Key tracks (really all of them) include:
Astral Weeks- Strong and solid,
Sweet Thing- The strings in this are awesome
Cyprus Avenue- More like familiar Van Morrison
Madame George- It's long, and good. Again and as usual, an awesome arrangement. (for David Gray fans, this is where part of "Say Hello, Wave goodbye comes from)

The other tracks on here are all good, no real dancing numbers, but all the songs are beautiful, the kind you put on a mix CD for a new (or not so new) love. Anyone who considers themselves a Van fan had better own this.

IT STILL MAKES ME CRY.......2007-06-21

I think it came out in '68 when I was a sophomore in high school...shy, insecure, just moved to a new school. These songs became part of my very being, and they will always be a part of who I am. There was just something about Van: the words, the stylings, the chord progressions. His music made my soul scream, and it felt so good.

The Second Best Album of All Time.......2007-06-13

FREE FORM VOCAL STYLINGS

This album rates very highly on many critics list of the all time best. It routinely comes up in the top ten. About 10 years ago, Rolling Stone magazine voted it the second best album of all time, behind the Beatle's Sargeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Released in 1968, this is Van Morrison's second solo album. It is 46 minutes long and the sound quality is good, although the music is mixed a little thin.

The Way The Young Lovers Do is the only thing on this album that is anything close to pop song along the lines of Brown Eyed Girl. I am not a big pop music fan, but I like this song. The rest of the album is something completely different.

The rest of the album is some nice music with some interesting playing, mixed really low. It is a mixture of jazz and folk with a little blues thrwon in. There are some interesting bits on flute, vibes and keyboards. But, the music remains just a back drop and is mixed in at a very low volume. The CD comes with a fold out cover that tries to give a historical perspective of the album. Intrestingly, it is pretty subdued and does not rave about the album like the critics do.

Morrison's wild and unstructured vocals are mixed loudly on top of the music. He seems to be always riffing and jamming. He'll be singing along and then he'll jump into a repeated riff, such as "you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out, you breath in, you breath out".

I know people are going to get mad at me, insult me and call me names, but I have to admit that I just don't get it. I don't think this is a personal, emotional album, and I don't think it has interesting stories. It comes off to me as an experimental album that didn't quite work.

Music is a very personal thing. People can get really mad when you don't agree with them on music that they really love. They take a low review on thier favorite album as a personal attack. They say nasty things about the reviewer.

To get even, people will mark a review as "hot helpful", like that evens things up. But, a review like this is helpful to buying public that might not know much about this ablum and are thinkging about buying it because of all the rave reviews (that is why I bought it).

Just because certain people love it doesn't mean everyone will. In fact, many people did not like this album. It is the only Van Morrison album not to chart. And you might wonder why Morrison did not do anything like this again. He certainly still had the artistic freedom to do what he wanted, because he had a pretty lose contract from Warner Brothers. What he came up with next, is Moondance, which was completely different. In later albums, Morrison did incorporate some of the Astral Weeks vocal stylings on some songs, but it was much more controlled.

Van Morrison started out in a group called Them. Them had a minor hit with Baby Please Don't Go, and bigger hit with Gloria, written by Morrison. Them was going through changes, so Morrison retired from music for a few years, before coming up with Brown Eyed Girl, and his first ablum, Blowin' Your Mind. He did not approve of the album and withdrew. His manager died, freeing him from his contract, so he was able to sign with Warner Brothers, have much more artistic freedom and came up with this.

yes siree... a MASTERPIECE to say the least!.......2007-05-23

Years and years from now, if the world is still in one piece and the human race hasn't made itself extinct, people and history books will hopefully have long forgotten these vapid, celluloid dolts of today (i.e. see Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake, et al...) and remember and revere such artists as Van Morrison. Well... I guess one can always dream, right? Damn, I am one naive, lost soul! I still believe that it is 1982 and I am asleep, dreaming this all, waiting patiently to wake up. This really has to be some kind of joke right? Anyway, back to the reasons why this CD deserves five stars (actually I would put this one in that rare six-star category if I could).

This saintly, little genius from Belfast has produced some of the most beautiful music ever, in the history of beautiful music. Like Bob Dylan, Van wasn't blessed with a voice a la Sinatra or Tony Bennett. He was a very good guitar player, but he's not even in the same league as say a Jimi Hendrix or a Wes Montgomery or a Al DiMeola, et al... And lastly, his lyrics can't compare with that of Dylan's or even Simon and Garfunkel for that matter. All that being said (and I know that these are some bold words I'm about to pen), I can't think of any one musician that has had as long and as productive of a career as Van Morrison (besides Louis Armstrong of course, but it isn't fair to compare anyone to Pops when it comes to contributions to American music). This cat is something else for sure! I love Miles, and Duke, and Sinatra, and the Glimmer Twins, and I highly respect and enjoy quite a bit of Dylan, Paul Simon, McCartney, et al... But this guy is still doing it and hasn't missed a beat in over forty years now! All I have to say is un-friggin-believable! He hasn't really slowed down since he first started in the early 60's belting out such enjoyable songs as "Baby Please Don't Go", "Gloria", and "Here Comes the Night" to name a few. However, in 1967 after leaving the band "Them" he started getting really serious and his second solo album in 1968 'Astral Weeks' is, to put it mildly, sublime, and magical, and totally unique, unlike anything you have ever heard before or since. A true genius is almost always an artist who is way ahead of their time, and Van was (and still is) a true genius. This album is his crowning achievement, his greatest work which is saying a lot when you consider just how many great albums he has produced for going on five decades now - AMAZING!

I know, I know, this is only one man's opinion, and you may even consider the author of this review a bit... as my Italian relatives would say... PAZZO! However, any lover of good music (no matter what your favorite genre is) should really enjoy this. Van merges jazz, blues, rock, r&b, folk, and a little bit of Celtic music into this one and the results are outstanding. He sings and plays his guitar beautifully. Every song contains placid, poetic lyrics that will melt your heart, especially with the solitary way in which Van belts them out with such ardent fervor and emotion. The other great thing is the band behind the man, the men who helped Van create such magnificent music on this masterpiece are the following jazz greats - Jay Berliner (guitar), Richard Davis (bass), Connie Kay (drums), John Payne (flute, soprano sax), and Warren Smith, Jr. (percussion and vibraphone). They all sound inspired, and it's very difficult to pick out one performance over the others because each one is top-notch. I usually don't like writing no-brainer reviews, but this album has a real special place in my heart. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Our generation's Nina Simone. A good start.....ok cd..... Great CD Flawless!!! FIRST BUT NOT THE LAST

Acoustic Soul Manufacturer: Motown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Voyage to India Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 Baduizm The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill ASIN: B00005A1PR Release Date: 2001-03-27

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Video
3. Promises
4. BrownSkin
5. Strength, Courage & Wisdom
6. Nature
7. Back To The Middle
8. Ready For Love
9. Interlude
10. Always In My Head
11. I See God In You
12. Simple
13. Part Of My Life
14. Beautiful
15. Outro
16. Wonderful (Stevie Wonder Dedication)

Amazon.com

India Arie's Acoustic Soul is just as advertised: grooving soul music with an acoustic bent. Arie herself plays guitar, supplemented by strings (instead of synthesizers) and drums (instead of drum machines). The first single, "Video," is a calm, confident ode to self-love, comparing the dreadlocked, petite Arie to the average girl in a video. Arie is indeed anything but average: her debut marks the auspicious return of the black female singer-songwriter, in the vein of Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Tracy Chapman, and Dionne Farris. If you like their music, with thoughtful lyrics and layers of instrumentation, you'll love this album. "Video" is fabulous, but other high points include "Ready for Love," a lament that smolders before slowly building to a crescendo, with tinkling piano, guitar, and cello swelling beneath the vocal. "Strength, Courage, and Wisdom" is an optimistic anthem that'll have you clapping your hands and swaying from side to side, and the best track on the album, "Simple," is a straightforward love song with a pulsating beat. Acoustic Soul may not be full of radio-friendly tracks, but every track is strong, and the disc improves each time you press play. --Courtney Kemp

Album Details

Includes Two Bonus Tracks: "Wonderful" and a Live Track "Strength, Courage and Wisdom" and the Enhanced Video of The"Video" Single.

Customer Reviews:

Our generation's Nina Simone........2007-07-12

I'm a big fan of Nina Simone's but didn't really make an effort to seek out Arie's music until I heard a clip of "I am ready for love". I was instantly sold and knew that I had to have the cd and boy, does she deliver! It's soulful, intelligent, and just plain groovy. This is a musical artist who will always deliver whether or not the results are 'pop' catchy. Enjoy!

A good start.....ok cd..... .......2007-06-17

...you can tell that she is a good artist in the making from this cd, and unlike some, she proves it.. in her albums after this one.
Sorry, this cd has some good songs.. but it is not her best.
If You like India check out Raul Mildon's State Of Mind...He is very good also with the same positive lyrics...I gess If you know India you know of Donnie, if not check him out also....album, The Colored Section.

Great CD.......2007-06-12

You gotta love India Arie. She has such a smooth and beautiful voice. This cd is soothing and pleasant. Would definitely recommend.

Flawless!!!.......2007-06-10

India.Arie"showed-out"creatively on this landmark album!!No one besides Lamya and Siloam Pool delivers this kind of consistant quality THROUGHOUT an album!!As a matter of fact:If Lamya,Siloam and India ever went on tour together,they could charge $200 a head,and I would be the FIRST person in line,to drop the cash!!Actually,I'd be willing to pay $400,just so I could stretch out across TWO seats,and really enjoy these three talent-laden ladies!!! Back to "Acoustic"though...The tribute to Stevie was the thing that REALLY separated India from the"pack"in my eyes..Talk about RESPECT(for your forebearers) and CLASS(a rarity in these times)!!! "Strength,Courage and Wisdom"and "Simple"are great songs,with excellent morals,and musically are "Ear-candy!!"Part of My Life"carries' an excellent point.."Yeah you LOOK Gorgeous honey,but can you do something MORE,than cause "fireworks" in BED for me?!? India REALLY drives' the point home,when she said"It probably even,TASTE good,BUT can you be apart of my LIFE?!?This is not just a song that ONLY the ladies can identify with,But"lady-lusts"such as myself,encounter this situation on a daily basis(I dont use the attachment:"Envys' favorite target"for nothing folks'I AM one good-looking dude!!(To put it LIGHTLY)(Dudes'HATE me on SIGHT)(Most,of my "friends"secretly despised me!!)Which brings me to another beloved track on this SUPERB disc:"Back To The Middle" Lemme explain...I grew up with VERY low self-esteem(stemming from RELENTLESS negative barbs from an older brother who I thought the world of)but now,with the aid of retrospect and hindsight,I now see that,ladies ALWAYS found me attractive,and that my "ugliness"was all in the MIND,So now,I have confidence in my appearance(and ike India said on this track)and,it's quickly turned into arrogance!!!Like they say on the streets of Detroit:I'm "on one"I now,believe that I'm "All THAT"and a pound of uranium!!!A SOLID 9.6 on the 1-10 scale!!! So,now I'm gonna take Indias' advice and come back to the"MIDDLE"The song "Beautiful" makes me think of my imminent arrival into Heaven(as a born-again Christian)and how beautiful an ETERNITY there is going to be!!!(My FOUR alcohol,party and sex-free years will have been(WELL)worth it!! And the few bucks,I paid for THIS album was definitely worth it!!"Nature"is an ingenius song.."Lets sit back and watch the STARS put on a show!! India is the TRUTH!!!and "Acoustic is as brilliant as a SUPERNOVA!!

FIRST BUT NOT THE LAST.......2007-05-14

THIS IS INDIA'S FIRST CD AND JUST LISTEN TO IT YOU KNOW SHE WILL BE AROUND FOR A LONG TIME

Average customer rating: good stuff A Must For The New To The Blues Or The Establihed Fan A true gift to Humanity... Poor Blues Collection Excellent Blues Compilation!

Martin Scorsese Presents: The Best Of The Blues Various Artists Manufacturer: © 2003 Universal Music Enterprise / UMG Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: Eric Clapton American Blues Blues to the Bone Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues The Best Blues Album in the World Ever ASIN: B0000AOV6M Release Date: 2003-08-26

Tracks:

1. Cross Road Blues - Robert Johnson
2. Muddy Water (A Mississippi Moan) - Bessie Smith
3. Devil Got My Woman - Skip James
4. Evil (Is Going On) - Howlin' Ron Wolf
5. (I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters
6. Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker
7. Death Letter Blues - Son House
8. Hard Times (No One Knows Better Than I) - Ray Charles
9. I'd Rather Go Blind - Etta James
10. The Thrill Is Gone - B.B. King
11. All Your Love - Eric Clapton
12. One Good Man - Janis Joplin
13. Red House - Jimi Hendrix Experience
14. One Way Out (Live) - The Allman Brothers Band
15. Pride And Joy - Stevie Ray Vaughan
16. Am I Wrong - Keb' Mo'
17. Just Won't Burn - Susan Tedeschi
18. Voodoo Music - Los Lobos
19. Vietnam Blues - Cassandra Wilson
20. Round And Round - Bonnie Raitt
21. I Pity The Fool - Shemekia Copeland

Customer Reviews:

good stuff.......2007-05-16

very good collection of blues all over the years of its existence. recommendable.

A Must For The New To The Blues Or The Establihed Fan.......2007-01-14

Having watched this series on PBS, I knew what I was getting when I made this purchase. For anyone new to the blues and wanting a good starter disc for a well rounded taste, this disc is a must have. It affords the listener a sampling of the evolution of the blues sound, beginning with the founders right up to today. For the established blues fan, it's a nice addition to their collection. A great disc for travelling.

A true gift to Humanity..........2006-10-28

Big thanks to the "gods" in heaven and other places were they maybe hangin' out, for gaving Mr. Martin Scorsese the vision and the tools to bring together the past, the present and the future of the history of the Blues music...so every man or woman will not have any excuse not to know that "the blues is the roots and everything else is the fruits...," according to (Willie Dixon)... In short, thank you Martin Scorsese! Exhilarating to say the least!

--"Big Dave" Burleigh, an 'AmeriCanadian' Record Producre/ Artist/ Singer-Songwritre.

Poor Blues Collection.......2006-09-14

As a long time Blues player, I was very disappointed with this set from two perspectives: poor quality recordings on the CD itself (I expected a better digitally mastered sound, and the imprinted sound volume was sorta lower than normal) and the actual collection of selected songs (not overly representative of the best Blues by these artists or Blues in general). I had seen part of it on PBS TV and bought the collection w/o first listening to it. So after spending the big bucks for it, I was sorely disappointed and do NOT recommend it for anyone serious about the Blues. It's just an okay set. There are many other higher quality collections online. Check them out first.

Excellent Blues Compilation!.......2004-03-27

This is a seriously excellent sampler of blues. It gives a great introduction to the genre for those that are either new to the blues or are interested to expand their knowledge of the classics. Of course, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix make their way onto this CD. BB King and John Lee Hooker are on it, as they should be. I was disappointed not to find a single song by Albert King - I think he made a serious contribution to the blues. Otherwise, it's an interesting and mostly quite a worthy selection.

Average customer rating: Fresh, Innovative, Fleck Enjoyable listening. A Great Imitation of Their Own Style Pleasant (newly defined) mix of genres Flashes of greatness.

Hidden Land Bela Fleck & the Flecktones Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Perpetual Motion The Bluegrass Sessions: Tales From The Acoustic Planet, Vol. 2 Live Art Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century The Enchantment ASIN: B000BUXUU6 Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. Fugue From Prelude & Fugue No. 20 In A Minor, BWV 889
2. P'lod In The House
3. Rococo
4. Labyrinth
5. Kaleidoscope
6. Who's Got Three?
7. Weed Whacker
8. Couch Potato
9. Chennai
10. Subterfuge
11. Interlude
12. Misunderstood
13. The Whistle Tune

Amazon.com

Banjo player Bela Fleck has a world-class set of chops and a willingness to follow his muse wherever it takes him. The band ranges far and wide once again on the The Hidden Land ­ it opens with a Bach Fugue, delves into swing, has a bit of bluegrass, does progressive rock, and jets to several other locales. But the everything-and-the-kitchen sink concept is still considerable more streamlined than 2003's Little Worlds, an overproduced and under-focused three-CD set. Highlights here include Fleck's pickin' on a progressive country stomp called "Weed Whacker" and the playful "Couch Potato," which has a hyper edge that doesn't match the sedentary implications of the title. The band's telepathic interaction is highlighted on the Middle East-influenced "Chennai," ­where musical lines are played in unison or tossed back and forth, making the song crackle with energy. The broad aesthetic and restless sonic changes might be a bit much for some, but a patient survey of this album will be rewarded. ­--Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Fresh, Innovative, Fleck.......2007-02-21

The band started to get carried away with guest appearances (Outbound, Little Worlds, etc.) that it was almost unbearable and overwhelming. Their compositions suffered because instead of something designed for specifically the Flecktones, other things came out of the woodworks (not to say that all of it or any of it was bad, but it was almost too much).

When I listen to this album, not only does it feel more original and fresher than anything I have heard Bela and the Flecktones do (at least after listening to their older albums for long spans of time), but this album just has a more intimate and naturally revealing side of the Flecktones. This is an album that will make you think, "Wow I was not expecting that! I kind of like it! Give me more!" and the more you listen to it, the more you feel like you are on the same page as them. This is a more mature album, not one for someone who does not already know how Bela Fleck speaks, so please do not listen to this as a novice listener, it sends a false first impression. The music is more jazz-like than before, and all of the songs flow together. The Flecktones take the listener on an epic adventure like none of the albums have really done before. With the major peaks (in my opinion) being the transition from Fugue to P'lod, Labyrinth, Weed Wacker>Couch Potato>Chennai, this album hits hard from the getgo.

I have always wondered, what will they do next? Bela plays guitar on here, Futureman plays a lot more acoustic drums (which is soooo refreshing), Jeff plays the flute quite a bit, and Victor is always amazing. This album keeps the Flecktones in my top five best bands of all time; The Hidden Land is indeed another album that leaves the listener wanting much more, just like the others. Although, I really like this style the most, I hope they produce more of this gold.

-Aaron

Enjoyable listening........2006-12-09

After several Flecktones albums (including 2003's ambitious triple CD Little Worlds that found the act collaborating with all-star guests including Derek Trucks, Branford Marsalis, and Bobby McFerrin), the group chose a back-to-basics approach for its latest release "The Hidden Land".
The disc solely features the Flecktones quartet, comprised of bassist Victor Wooten, percussionist Roy "Future Man" Wooten, and saxophonist Jeff Coffin. Together, the band expertly hones its trademark combination of bluegrass, jazz, funk, and rock influences within a more spacious and stripped-down environment.
The band has been together for 17 years, always trying to find the right next thing to do and not repeat themselves.
Having a lot of guests playing with them was an incredible amount of fun, but if they were to continue along that path,they would become very predictable.
Banjoist Bela Fleck hooks back up with his longtime backing group The Flecktones featuring longtime electric bass stalwart Victor Wooten. Their music is a mix of Americana, funk grooves and jazz and makes for pleasant if unchallenging listening. After opening with a brief Bach classical composition, the group moves into "P'lod in the House" which kicks the tempo up with pulsating electric bass and funky drum breaks. Wooten's bass is an active presence in almost every performance on this disc, especially on "Labyrinth" where it underpins pensive sounding flute and saxophone solos while scatted vocals bubble just underneath the surface.
There's a brief acoustic interlude on "Who's Got Three" with unamplified banjo (fingers scraping quite audibly on the fretboard) and clarinet taking center stage. Funky bass moves back into the forefront with the upbeat "Weed Whacker" with some quick pickin' and bouncy saxophone. "Subterfuge" gets a little more adventurous as the band jumps the rails of its comfort zone with an electric guitar solo, before ending things on a back-porch note, pickin' the banjo and tootin' on the flute for "The Whistle Song." Jam band fans will find a lit of grooves to like here, and while I found myself wishing that they took a few more chances, the album does make for pleasant if unchallenging background music.

A Great Imitation of Their Own Style.......2006-11-18

Reading between the grooves, it sounds like there was a contractual obligation to produce a new album. Great playing. Innovative compositions. It's hard to pinpoint why these great musicians somehow just didn't manage to get this bird in the air. However, nothing about it really inspires, entertains or surprises.

Pleasant (newly defined) mix of genres.......2006-11-02

This was my introduction to Béla Fleck and it served me very well. It's supposed to be very different than previous albums (more jazzy) and this is absolutely well done. I find it magnificient! You should have a (at least small) taste for jazz sounds, otherwise, "Hidden Land" won't work for you.

Not all songs are good, but what do you expect? I like most: Rococco, Kaleidoscope, Weed Whacker and The Whistle Tune.

Buttom line: In my view, Béla Fleck's sound and melodies have evolved for the better in the past years. It's getting more unique every time. I like it!

Flashes of greatness........2006-09-25

I have to say that this is without a doubt their most uninspired and unoriginal album yet. The first few tracks are really bad, as bad as "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" (I thought they got all that out of their system?). Maybe it will grow on me, but I think with repeated listens I will become more and more bored with it. I will say that as the album moves on, it gets better and "Misunderstood" is definitely the high point on the album (Too bad it takes so long to get there). I have a really hard time recommending this album especially considering their ridiculously strong output leading up to it. Here's to hoping their following is looking better for the mighty Flecktones.

Look for _Outbound_ or _Little Worlds_ instead.

Average customer rating: Just what the doctor ordered! A fabulous bargain Genuine Soul Rockin' Music A great range of great artists A great collection for anyone

Alligator Records 35X35 Various Artists Manufacturer: Alligator Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music New Orleans Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music Slide Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Harmonica Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Alligator Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Blind Pig Records 30th Anniversary Collection Alligator Records 30th Anniversary Collection Delta Hardware The Road to Escondido Blues Guitar Women ASIN: B000EGDMY6 Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

1. She's Gone - Hound Dog Taylor
2. Have A Good Time - Big Walter Horton
3. Your Love Is Like A Cancer - Son Seals
4. Texas Flood - Fenton Robinson
5. I Got What It Takes - Koko Taylor
6. Honey Hush (Talking Woman Blues) - Albert Collins
7. Voodoo Daddy - Lonnie Brooks
8. In The Wee Wee Hours - Professor Longhair
9. Are You Losing Your Mind? - Buddy Guy
10. Don't Take Advantage Of Me - Johnny Winter
11. High Compression - James Cotton
12. Satisfy Suzie - Lonnie Mack
13. When A Guitar Plays The Blues - Roy Buchanan
14. Pride and Joy - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
15. She Winked Her Eye - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
16. Poor Tarzan - Little Charlie & The Nightcats
17. Can't You Lie - Tinsley Ellis

Tracks:

1. Lord, I Wonder - Katie Webster
2. Don't Lie To Me - Elvin Bishop
3. Lollipop Mama - William Clarke
4. Wild Women Don't Have The Blues - Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women
5. River Hip Mama - Charlie Musselwhite
6. Short Fuse Blues - Dave Hole
7. Lonesome Stranger - Carey Bell
8. Bad Love - Luther Allison
9. Bad Luck - C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
10. Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning - Corey Harris
11. Salt In My Wounds - Shemekia Copeland
12. I Need Your Love In My Life - Coco Montoya
13. Mean Old Lady - Michael Burks
14. Speaking In Tongues - The Holmes Brothers
15. Let The Tears Roll Down - Marcia Ball
16. That's Right! - Roomful of Blues
17. Old School - Guitar Shorty
18. A Dying Man's Plea - Mavis Staples

Amazon.com

Unlike many men, Alligator Records never forgets an anniversary. "The country's largest contemporary blues label," as it rightly bills itself, has released multidisc compilations celebrating its 20th, 25th, 30th, and now 35th years. For reasons that aren't entirely clear, only tracks recorded for an artist's first Alligator disc are chosen for this chronologically presented summary of music that stretches from Hound Dog Taylor's electrifying 1971 label debut to Mavis Staples's in 2004. Although the imprint made a tentative stab at reggae in the mid '80s, its roster generally upholds the "genuine houserocking music" credo Alligator has boasted as a tagline since the early days. Whether reviving the careers of blues rockers (Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanan, Lonnie Mack, Elvin Bishop) or ageing icons with plenty of gas left in their tanks (Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Katie Webster, Mavis Staples, James Cotton, Guitar Shorty) or finding new blood to carry on the traditions (Michael Burks, Corey Harris, Dave Hole, Tinsley Ellis, Shemekia Copeland), Alligator sets the standard for what an independent label can achieve. These 35 nuggets extracted from a catalog of 225 albums only begin to tell the label's story, but there's not a weak one in the lot. Founder Bruce Iglauer's intriguing and insightful liner notes for each act add depth to the tunes, making 35x35 a representative sampler that's also an exhilarating listening experience, and a fascinating overview of American roots music. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

35 X 35 is not just another best-of compilation. Alligator founder and president Bruce Iglauer and staff chose to spotlight songs from the Alligator debut release from each featured artist. From "She's Gone" (the very first track on the very first Alligator album, 1971's Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers) to the legendary Mavis Staples' chilling "A Dying Man's Plea," 35 X 35 is effectively a chronological history of Alligator, a story told in music highlighting every style of blues and roots music the company has released. From the searing hard blues of Hound Dog Taylor, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Luther Allison, Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy to harmonica-driven workouts from Big Walter Horton, Carey Bell, James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite and William Clarke to the Gulf Coast piano blues of Professor Longhair, Katie Webster and Marcia Ball to the acoustic music of Saffire--The Uppity Blues Women and Corey Harris, it is clear that Alligator Records has been, and will remain, at the forefront of modern blues music in all of its many shades. With personal notes on each track from Iglauer in the accompanying 40-page booklet, 35 X 35 is proof of the staunchly independent label's single-minded vision for all these years: to record nothing but deeply rooted "Genuine Houserockin' Music."

Customer Reviews:

Just what the doctor ordered!.......2007-06-02

great retrospective. true blues - soulful, raw & edgy, fun, smooth, heartbreaking - it's all here. highly recommended!

A fabulous bargain.......2007-02-26

You're paying about 35 cents a song for great contemporary blues performances. I don't think there's a better bargain on Amazon. Very guitar centric, some good harmonica solos too. Grab it if you like electric guitars playing blues.

Genuine Soul Rockin' Music.......2006-09-07

Even though this package only compiles material from Alligator Records, you probably won't find a more fascinating tour through the history of the Blues over the last 35 years. Of course, Alligator has a knack for signing up the most interesting Blues maestros. This compilation shows the development of cutting-edge Blues over the namesake era, ever since Alligator's inaugural release with Hound Dog Taylor in 1971. During much of this era, the Blues was still progressing, before settling into the respectful revivalism of recent years. In the 70s, Alligator was at the forefront with new artists who added flavor to tried-and-true styles, like the sinister Son Seals or the groovy Lonnie Brooks. Also during that decade, Alligator brought several veteran masters back into prominence, with powerful new material by the likes of Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Professor Longhair (noteworthy for his authoritative New Orleans style). As this compilation rumbles along, we hear a surprising amount of experimentation and progression in the 1980s, as interesting new artists expanded the basic template of the Blues, including some great finds like Lil' Mo & the Blues Imperials and Little Charlie & the Nightcats. The songs here from the 90s and 00s show that even the genius artists at Alligator followed the trend in Blues to solidify the classic template, with technical chops becoming more important than innovation - notwithstanding intriguing gospel-inflected works from the Holmes Brothers and the queenly Mavis Staples. But thanks to the impeccable expertise and taste exercised by Alligator when signing masters both new and old, this compilation is a must for any fan or historian of modern Blues. [~doomsdayer520~]

A great range of great artists.......2006-06-02

This double-CD set has great artists, great selections from the artists, and a killer set of liner packaging. You get some choice information and showings by legendary cats as well as non-household names, with explanations as to why they were great (as if the music wasn't doing that job already). And at the price, you can't beat the value.

A great collection for anyone.......2006-04-27

If you're just getting into contemporary blues or you've been listening for awhile, you're going to love this collection. Alligator has been one of the class acts of the indie labels for a long time and these discs give you an idea why they are so well thought of. 35 artists doing the first track from their first Alligator release. Marica Ball, Coco Montoya, Lonnie Mack, Johnny Winter, William Clarke and the list goes on with not a weak cut in the carload. These type of samplers are great if you're just getting into this type of music since you do get a wide selection of artists and styles. Alligator has released double disc anniversary sets in honor of yeas 20, 25, 30 and now, 35. They're all great to listen to, so grab one or all of them and have yourself a party with genuine houserocking music from people who know how to do it.

Average customer rating: A Blues Man with a Conscience Different - and an impressive effort As meaningful, uplifting, and enjoyable as ever! I want my money back Great new interpretations

Peace...Back By Popular Demand Keb' Mo' Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Keep It Simple Slow Down Big Wide Grin Keb' Mo' Just Like You ASIN: B0002RUPHE Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. For What It's Worth
2. Wake Up Everybody
3. People Got to Be Free
4. Talk
5. What's Happening Brother
6. The Times They Are A-Changin'
7. Get Together
8. Someday We'll All Be Free
9. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
10. Imagine

Amazon.com

The velvety voiced Mo' shifts away from his usual matters of the heart to matters of the world on this disc of predominantly covers. He has also abandoned his bluesier roots in favor of a slicker, jazz-based pop. The result is a protest album for the double-latte crowd, most of whom can hum along to chestnuts from the Rascals ("People Got to be Free"), John Lennon ("Imagine"), and Bob Dylan ("The Times They Are A-Changin'"). While a jaunty banjo- and fiddle-flecked version of the Nick Lowe-penned "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" (popularized by Elvis Costello) uses a questionable rearrangement to convey the song's message, Mo' really connects when he raids the soul vaults for tunes by Marvin Gaye, Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes, and Donny Hathaway. It's a pleasant, subtle, and always professionally performed detour that's as comfy as a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

A Blues Man with a Conscience .......2006-09-25

I have owned this CD for a while and I keep coming back to play it for comfort. I love his blues style and interpretation of old Vietnam war classics. The timeing and message is clear, but the songs are beautiful. He can do it all! What a musician!

Different - and an impressive effort.......2006-03-16

Having been a fan for years - and seen Keb play live - this is a different bag from the blues-inspired material that put him on the map. Some have knocked this CD as it ain't blues; don't much matter to me - the guy is still a great musician. Nice arrangements of some oldies played with a lot of heart.

As meaningful, uplifting, and enjoyable as ever!.......2005-12-28

I have loved Keb' Mo for about 10 years. I knew that there were mixed reviews for this CD, but I still put it on my Christmas wish list and I'm glad I did. He makes the covers his own. I don't hear the original artists, but the message of the songs which seems to be his intent. I love how he applies his style especially to the Bob Dylan song which I understand more now than before! With every song I thought, "Okay, this is my favorite." Now it's impossible to decide. Some of the songs made me want to dance and think at the same time!

I respect the man and his music because he always seems to be earthy and true to his heart no matter the subject. He expresses his heart for the world using the message of these carefully chosen songs. (Inside the CD sleeve there is a line from each song that seems to be the reason it was chosen.) He has written songs like Victims of Comfort (Keb Mo) and Stand up And Be Strong (The Door) that show his long-standing concern for people to take responsibility to change the world.

As meaningful, uplifting, and enjoyable as ever!

I want my money back.......2005-01-10

I keep buying Keb Mo's new records, everytime thinking "Well.. this time i'm sure there will be more blues and less pop rubbish", But i keep getting fooled all the time. Why in the world is he considerd being a blues artist? I can't find one single blues tune on this album for crying out loud! And to think what other albums i could have bought for the kind of money a brand new CD like this cost. I recently saw Keb Mo' in Martin Scorseses "The Blues" series, where he said that when he was young he would always take his car and see Led Zepelin. What? I would have gone to see BB King, Muddy Waters, The Wolf, John Lee Hooker, or maybe Ray Charles or The Good Doc. (You know who i'm talkin about). I haven't heard Led Zepelin, but i'm pretty sure it isn't blues.
Keb Mo's second album titled "Just like you" (1996) has alote of blues on it. That's a real good album. Of all the Keb Mo albums i've got, that has got most blues. But i mean.. look at these other cats who are listed under blues, they don't mix this kind of pop trash into their albums. they simply play the blues, and nothing else. This was the biggest disepointment so far from Keb Mo, silly pop abum. I'ts obvious that blues isn't what Keb Mo wants to do. I think Keb Mo's albums should be listed under "Pop" in the future. was this rewiev helpfull to you, muppets? I will probrably keep buying Keb Mo albums and keep getting screwed. By the way, i sent this CD back.

Great new interpretations.......2004-12-10

These great songs and the original artists are honored by Keb'Mo's new and wonderful interpretations. Listen to it a couple times and then decide. Keb'Mo' adds grace and beauty to everything he does.

Average customer rating: gorgeous voice full of heart Nice blend

Acoustic Soul John Cruz Manufacturer: Lilikoi Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Hawaii | Pacific Islands | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Island Style Made of Music - The Story of John Cruz One Day Maybe Balancê In Dis Life ASIN: B000GLL1PQ Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

1. Island Style
2. Shine On
3. Sitting in Limbo
4. Mama's Lil' Baby
5. The Way We Used To Do
6. Impossible Anna
7. Sittin' Around
8. Kawailehua'a'alakahonua
9. The River Runs
10. Kahala Moon

Product Description

John Cruz has been recognized as one of Hawaii's most talented musicians. His music fits in Hawaiian, folk, rock, world, as well as pop genres making him a cross over artist that appeals to every audience. He is a world class performer and delivers passionate shows filled with his signature wit and warmth. He has performed across the nation at venues like Bonnaroo, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park in New York City with legends like Jack Johnson, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffett, Lisa Loeb, Trey Anastasio, and many others.

Customer Reviews:

gorgeous voice full of heart.......2007-05-12

this man taps into some outrageous heart energy in his music. i don't know about you, but i want the type of man who can be 'shine on' in my life...i think he should start a schoool. and being an island girl, i like his 'island style' alot. i bought the cd 3 different times for 3 different reasons....and i don't often do 'that'. enjoy!!

Nice blend.......2007-01-03

John Cruz has put together a very nice blend of a traditional Hawaiian sound wi a modern wasy to present it. "Island Style" is close to a classic. Very nice and relaxing while keeping you interested.

Average customer rating: Funky atmospheric jazz Trippy Wonderful, Chill Music Refreshing Every album just gets better

End of the World Party (Just in Case) Martin & Wood Medeski Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Acid Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Funk Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Jazz Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Friday Afternoon in the Universe Uninvisible Combustication Out Louder Shack Man ASIN: B0002QO4B8 Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

1. Anonymous Skulls
2. End Of The World Party
3. Reflector
4. Bloody Oil
5. New Planet
6. Mami Gato
7. Shine It
8. Curtis
9. Ice
10. Sasa
11. Midnight Poppies/Crooked Birds
12. Queen Bee

Amazon.com

With each successive album, Medeski Martin & Wood have become harder to pin down. Having long ago transcended their soulful organ-groove basics to enter a more expansive world of snappy beats and backbeats, eerie atmospheric effects, post-lounge riffing, and the occasional jazz overture, they occupy their own category. Produced by the Dust Brothers' John King (Beck's Odelay, the Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique), End of the World Party (Just in Case) is an agreeably varied effort, ranging from the spacey effects and Middle Eastern taint of "Bloody Oil" (on which bassist Chris Wood lays down the lumber) to the sassy electric funk of "Sasa" (one of four tracks featuring guitarist Marc Ribot) to the wordless voice effects of the jaunty title track. As ever, John Medeski is equally at home referencing post-bop piano aces like Herbie Hancock, getting down on churning Hammond organ, and making like Stevie Wonder with his "Superstition"-style synth. Unlike some MMW records, this one wastes not: all 12 tracks clock in at around the four- or five-minute mark, and they flow together with consummate ease. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

Funky atmospheric jazz.......2007-04-17

Having heard snippets of M&WM before I was intrigued by their sound but not enough to shell out for a disc. I came across a used copy at the local thrift shop(usually not a good sign)and bought a copy at the reduced price. Someone discarded it for a reason I thought but I couldn't resist being the audio junkie that I am. It took me several listens to warm up tho the music, mostly because of the spacey nature of the disc. The spacey atmospherics are enticing and inviting , the music teases and hints at what could be but unfortuantely doesn't quite fully deliver. The songs give you the feeling of being on a desolate landscape where suddenly urban groovesters appear. Take a listen to "New Planet" and you'll get my drift. The keyboards of John Medeski are enough to hook you in, sometimes jazzy, sometimes funky but always pulling you in. Richard "Groove" Holmes or Jimmy Smith he's not but then again who is? The title track, " End of the World Party" is a funky mix of jazz that projects gloom and happiness at once. I think that is part of what I don't like much about this disc, it has a sad lack luster appeal. "Ice" creates a nice balance between jazz and funk reminiscent of Herbie Hancock back in the day. The songs are sometimes outright jazz like on the excellent "Mami Gato," unfortuantely their are not enough songs like this as they spend most of their time trying to create a new niche in the jazz idiom. One of the best tracks that mixes elements of electronica, atmospheric jazz and funk is "Midnight Poppies/ Crooked birds" that has a bit of a Latin groove mixed in for good measure. If you like atmospheric jazz that is out there you might like this disc. For my tastes it just doesn't quite deliver but rather promises with moments or songs that have more than just a hook. If you like funky-atmospheric-jazz than this will be for you. However if you like traditional jazz you might stay away from this one. Not a great disc but it does promise enough to maybe keep an eye on their future development on future discs. In the end I would give this a 3.5 for taking the old and trying to create something new.

Trippy.......2006-12-12

I bought this CD before going to see MMW (with John Scofield) for the first time at First Avenue in Minneapolis Dec 7, 2006. I had never heard of them before and liked the clip on the venue's website. So I bought a ticket and wanted to get "Out Louder", which I knew they were going to play, to familiarize myself, but the store I was at was out of it. So I bought "End of the World" instead. While some of it was a little too spacey for my liking at first, I still liked the overall funkiness of it all.

THEN....I saw them PLAY. You MUST see them PLAY!! I didn't ever want it to end! I immediately wanted to see them again! It's less than a week later and I have 2 more CD's ("Out Louder" and Scofield's "A-Go-Go" which they "back" him on) and 4 more on the way from amazon as I'm writing this. I'm like an ADDICT now! I HAVE to have them on in the car and in the house. I get back in the car after having been in a store or whatever and they're on and all is right with my world again.

I must say I like "Out Louder" and even "A-Go-Go" better than "End of the World", but only slightly. It IS trippy with the synth and the other guest players, and I do like it better after a few listens. I just prefer MMW with less guest musicians.

Wonderful, Chill Music.......2006-07-04

This is possibly one of the greatest cd's to turn on and enjoy the music while studying or just having friends over. I thoroughly enjoy this album.

Refreshing.......2006-05-10

Very interesting, a bit of a departure from the other albums they have. It is getting hard to put a label on their music, but thats what makes it so good. I have not purchased any new music for quit a while, so last week I picked up several albums this being one of them, along with Spicehouse and Zero7. I must say I love this CD, I have been playing every day in the car. The sound quality is fantastic, especially in headphones. This New York band has always been experimenting and building on their sound. I think they have come to a peak on this one. One thing is for sure, the musicianship is always top notch on all their albums, this is no exception. They have a more modern sound here Kind of Hip Hop - Trip Hop, whatever, but it sounds great. This album starts off with the strange "Anonymous skulls" and then moves into the great title track. The rest of the album seems to move in and out of trippy groves, experimental jazz and some interesting electronica. Some of my friends who are great people, but can't get out of their tiny musical worlds actually like this when I play it. It is nice to hear some fresh new music.

Every album just gets better.......2006-03-09

MMW are a band that I feel epitomizes what a band should do: Get better with each album. This installment into their already stellar catalogue is one of great proportion. I saw MMW live twice during their tour for this album, one of which was at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC (one of my favorite venues of all time), and the performance combined with the infectious grooves made me dance like I've never danced before. All three do a fantastic job of not overplaying just to impress. Medeski probably overplays some live, but Chris Wood on bass is too expressive to just capture on disc. At any rate, this album has my vote for #1 MMW album so far, and I own them all. As an additional note, to get the true effect of this trio, see them live. Billy Martin is right up there with Duduka da Fonseca as far as best trap players in the entirety of Western music, and you only get to see just how excellent he is when he plays live. During an intermission at one show, it was just him on stage while the other M and the W took a break. His improv solo playing is just as musical as anything with tonal character. Alright, that's the end of the rambling. Buy this album!

Average customer rating: Taking the long road If you can see her live, then: get! If not... The Best!! Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful! Stages is Awesome

Stages Ruthie Foster Manufacturer: Blue Corn Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Runaway Soul The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster Full Circle Live From Austin TX State of Grace ASIN: B00023B1GW Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

1. Ocean Of Tears
2. Crossover
3. Another Rain Song
4. Real Love
5. God Bless The Child
6. Turn Me On
7. Death Came A Knockin' (Travelin' Shoes)
8. Get Out Of My Way
9. Lost In The City
10. Prayin' For Rain
11. Church
12. Walk On
13. Oh! Susannah
14. Full Circle

Customer Reviews:

Taking the long road.......2007-02-25

Ruthie Foster shows the full range of her musicianship on this remarkable recording, which captures not only her rich voice but her wonderful sense of humor and love for music that stretches over a broad range of genres. Whether playing on a tango theme or drawing from her wonderful dip bag of folk music, Ruthie never fails to please the listener, especially on this album.

If you can see her live, then: get! If not..........2006-12-04

...then you owe it to yourself to buy this album. You won't miss her on stage again: expect goose bumps, and maybe some damp eyes, just listening to the CD. This is one of the best live recordings -- of anyone -- that I have heard. Buy it now, as the first in your collection, and you can tell your friends later: "Ruthie Foster? Oh yeah, I know her music!"

The Best!!.......2005-06-15

Ruthie Foster is THE BEST pure singer I have ever heard. When she sings Walk On and/or Oh Susannah - chills...
I absolutely LOVE HER - not only her singing but her guitar playing also. Check out/download her video at Kerrville from the internet and see her perform. A genius who can sing anything: blues, folk, whatever. I LOVE her - she is my favorite singer. Both her Stages and Runaway Soul albums- whew!!
Wish she would perform on national TV...

Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!.......2004-11-11

A couple of weeks ago on a stiflingly sultry afternoon at the Texas Book Festival I heard in the distance this incredible voice singing the old Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready." I moved quickly toward it and caught the last two minutes of Ruthie Foster's one hour set at the Entertainment Tent. In those two minutes, the gritty spirituality of her bluesy gospel rendition of that classic gave me the chills, and, I confess, watery eyes. She shook me. I told my wife that she was the greatest singer I had ever heard, and I'm not sure that I would qualify that even now. I ordered two of her CD's as soon as I could get to the internet and Amazon.com. The studio produced "Runaway Soul" is truly great, and I highly recommend it, but "Stages" is as close to perfection as any human has a right to expect. I agree with the other reviewer. It's the best live CD I own, with the possible exception of "James Brown at the Apollo!" Her rendition of "Oh, Susana," is revelatory. Foster discovers beneath the hokey joy of the tradition tune a transcendently beautiful lament. It is a shockingly insightful performance. Haunting. I could go on and on about other great numbers on the CD, but won't. Just buy it and enjoy it.

Stages is Awesome.......2004-08-09

This is simply the best live album I have heard! Having seen Ruthie Foster live at the Canmore Folk Fest - Stages stays true to her performance and gives the listener insight in to the fabulous range and style of Ruthie Foster - highly recommended.

Christian Music:

1. All the Greatest Hits
2. Anthology
3. Aretha Franklin Greatest Hits [Import]
4. As Is. [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Baby Boy [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
6. Best Of
7. Best of Average White Band [Import]
8. Best of [Import]
9. Best of the 70's [Import]
10. Blues & Soul Years V.6 78-79 [Import]

Christian Music

christian music

Christian Music

Heaven/Earth [Import] [Limited Edition]

J.S. Bach: Partitas Nos. 1 and 2

Life Can Be a Struggle

Exile [Karaoke]

Mixdown 2003 [Import]

New Calm Presents-Meditation for Inner Calm & Cont [Import]

Love is Blue

Major Impacts, Vol. 2

Mass Distraction [Enhanced] [Import]

Dvorak - Stabat Mater / Goerke · M. Simpson · Olsen · N. Berg · Atlanta SO · R. Shaw

Kaleidoscope [Import]

Long Distance [CD-single] [Import]

Ilegales en Directo [Import]

Mostly Blues

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Greatest Hits Of The 20th Century