Chemistry [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

1. Intro

2. Chemistry 101

3. He's Back

4. Now a Dayz (That's What's Up)

5. Slippin

6. Side Talk

7. Ghetto

8. Food for Thought

9. No Comparison

10. Birdz (Fly the Coup) - 9th Wonder, , Buckshot, Phonte, Keisha Shontelle

11. U Wonderin - 9th Wonder, , Buckshot, Sean Price, Rapper Big Pooh

12. Out of Town - 9th Wonder, , Buckshot, , Scudda, Joe

13. I Don't Know Why - 9th Wonder, , Buckshot, Keisha Shontelle

14. Money Makes the World Go Round [*] - 9th Wonder, , Buckshot, Starang Wondah

15. No Comparison [Umix It] [CD-ROM Track] [*]

16. Side Talk [Umix It] [CD-ROM Track] [*]

Tracks:

The Hindu Times
Force Of Nature
Hung In A Bad Place
Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Songbird
Little By Little
A Quick Peep
(Probably) All In The Mind
She Is Love
Born On A Different Cloud
Better Man

Amazon.com

At their career zenith, Oasis were lauded as the best band in the world. They were actually never the greatest rock & roll band at any time, but for a few years they were the biggest. While they offered the '90s two of its most defining albums, and a resurgence of '60s-influenced Manchester rock, Oasis tumbled off the top of the mountain in the last half of the decade. Heathen Chemistry is their first step back up the ascent, albeit a small step. The album opens with "The Hindu Times," which will certainly be listed among Oasis's best anthems, and it closes with "Better Man," a distorted-guitar-driven thrill that revs up to 60 mph in second gear. But between the strongest songs on the disc, Noel "Walrus" and Liam "Eggman" Gallagher exploit the Beatles references almost to the breaking point. It's no secret that the Gallaghers worship the Beatles (who doesn't?), but here they've gone beyond obvious influences and stepped right into infringement territory. On "Born on a Different Cloud," Noel's guitar weeps a little too gently, and Liam's signature rasp now sounds like a deliberate imitation of Lennon with a cold. Further, Liam shares the mic with Noel, who sings lead on several tracks, the best being "Force of Nature." Unlike on Beatles albums, however, the switch back and forth is jarring (Liam might be the biggest troublemaker, but he is also the better singer). Nonetheless, if a band is going to unapologetically rip off what was unquestionably the best band in the world, no one does it better than Oasis. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews:

Defintion of average.......2007-04-02

Some good tracks including Gem Archers magnificant if unoriginal Hung In A Bad Place but some very tedious ones, born on a different cloud makes me want to shoot myself in the face it's that boring and repetitive.

Overall pretty good and I do feel the need to play it through over but hold no hesitation in skipping one or two tracks.

The MacDonalds of Rock Music.......2007-03-09

Oasis sound more and more like a Beatles tribute band who never heard anything past 1967. For people who like their music unchallanging, easy to digest, and predictable. "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" is a Big Mac.

Unfortunately underrated.......2006-04-19

For the most part, this is a rock-n-roll album with big guitars. In spots, it's a bit overproduced. Like all its predecessors, this Oasis album has that air of familiarity and gives you that, "I've heard this before" feeling. I think it's quite fresh, though. Oasis is a paradox: they beg, steal and borrow from the Who, the Beatles, the Stones, the Stone Roses, Slade, T. Rex, Bowie, etc, but still come out sounding like Oasis. With the exception of one or two songs that are blatant rip-offs, the worst that can be said for its originality is that it's "derivative" in places.

This is also the first Oasis album with songs written by the non-Gallagher members of the band, and the first album to feature more than one song by Liam (three, in fact).

"The Hindu Times" (Noel) - Neo-psychedelic. Big guitars with raga-sounding lead guitar licks and Liam's braying vocals. In the rhythm guitar you'll hear a smidgeon of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." This is a song (apparently) about nothing ("I get so I high I just can't feel it."). It's one of the better songs on the album and a good one to crank with the windows down.

"Force of Nature" (Noel) - This song floated around for a year or two before HC as Noel solo song (he's the singer.) Noel's vocals are great; he really screams it out. There's a healthy dose of anger and cynicism in this one, rare for Oasis. The best line: "I betcha knew right away/It's all over town that the sun's going down/on the days of your easy life." The ghost of Marc Bolan has certainly possessed this tune.

"Hung in a Bad Place" (Gem Archer) - Though not written by a Gallagher, "Hung" sounds like it would have fit right in on Definitely Maybe. It's another big guitar song with Liam's nasally snarl. The more I hear it the more I dig it! Lyrically, it's in the vein of "Free" by Jagger/Richards: "I can go where I wanna/be where I wanna be now . . ." This has the makings of a great live tune.

"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" (Noel) - When I hear this song all I can think of is "Dear Friend" off of Wings' Wild Life. After the slowly plodding piano intro, it turns into a power ballad. The lyrics are weak and cliche. Sample: "`Cuz all of the stars are fading away/just try not to worry/you'll see them someday . . ." This is one of the more disappointing songs on the album and, unfortunately, it ended up being a single.

"Songbird" (Liam) - Liam, with typical braggadocio, declared this one, "Better than anything on Revolver." The only Beatles song this tune might be better than is "Mister Moonlight" or "Revolution # 9," and even that would be a stretch. The guitar and rhythm sound like they're taken directly from "Lyin' Eyes" by the Eagles. It's a throw away and shouldn't be on the album.

"Little by Little" (Noel) - Noel sings this one and does a great job on vocals. The verses sound like many a Pink Floyd tune. The chorus makes this a good pop-rock tune. It has a nice guitar solo. It's basically about a relationship and inner searching ("Why am I really here?") There's nothing new in it, musically or lyrically, but it's a pretty good track, nonetheless.

"A Quick Peep" (Andy Bell) - Instrumental. I can't decide whether this is Pink Floyd doing The Pogues or The Pogues doing Pink Floyd. Either way, it should have been saved for an EP or a B-side.

"(Probably) All in the Mind" (Noel) - Perhaps a bit of a twist on the whole neo-psychedelic thing. Instead of dealing with personal exploration, it's about wanting to run away with someone else to another "life" that may only exist in his imagination. Not bad.

"She is Love" (Noel) - Has a folk-rock-pseudo-soul feel. Definitely pot-laced. I think the Black Crowes rubbed off on Noel when they toured together last year. It's Oasis doing a stripped-down version of "Soul Singing" on Lions. Very catchy.

"Born on a Different Cloud" (Liam) - A blatant Lennon rip off, this song is drenched in "I'm Losing You"from Double Fantasy. I swear Noel dug up George Harrison up and got him to replay the guitar solo from "How Do You Sleep?" The lyrics are even more of an obvious theft, ala "living on borrowed time" and "It's no surprise to me/that you're classless, clever and free." Yoko should sue have sued Liam for this one. There's a kind of clever . . . er . . . interesting line: "Talking to myself again/this time I think I'm getting through." If you like covers of John Lennon's solo work, you'll love this one.

"Better Man" (Liam) - The younger Gallagher takes his turn with a slightly Crowes-esque blues based rocker. Don't get me wrong, it's not a rip off. Very good song, certainly Liam's best. Positive lyrics from Liam who, by all accounts, is a drunken lout. Very, very subtly, it ends like "Nineteen Hundred Eighty Five" by Paul McCartney/Wings, which probably is no accident. This track is something like 38 minutes long. I thought something was wrong with my CD or the player because there was almost a ? hour of silence. Fast forward to minute 33 and there's a nice little surprise.

Heathen Chemistry falls squarely in the middle of the pack of Oasis albums. It's better than some but worse than others. It is a nice transition album between Standing on the Shoulders of Giants and Don't Believe the Truth. 3.5 stars would be a more than fair rating for it, but I'm rounding up rather than down, and giving it 4 stars.

Two stars is generous!.......2006-03-11

Perhaps its the fact that "Owen Morris" is not producing their albums anymore, or the fact that they need a producer, because Oasis produced this album themselves, and while thats all well and good. Noel Gallaghar (singer/songwriter/lead guitarist)said in a interview around the time of this release that the band should take responsibilty for their own records, its actually very dissapointing even compared to "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants" and "Be Here Now" both which got more flak than they deserved because they were by no means bad albums at all, they were just unfoccussed.

Heathen Chemistry is pretty watered down and weak, it does not stand up well as a entire listen and too much of the tracks sound more filler than anyhting else.
"The Hindu Times" "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" "Little By Little" would make you think that Oasis are back with a vengeance, to re claim their status, but they just don't cut it with their best songs, and in their own way lack alot of life.

Whats worse is that "Don't Beleive the Truth" is even worse, much worse, and unfortunatly saw Oasis previewing their entire album, miming to the album on TV, just before its release.

If Oasis want to pull out a stunner they need to get out the electric guitars, crank up the amps and get Owen Morris who produced their first three albums to make them sound "live" and "loud again." Oasis are a live band, thats the sound thats missing from this album.

Weak.......2006-01-30

Really 2.5 stars. People who have read my other reviews know I am a big Oasis fan. No other rock band of the past 15 years has put out such a huge volume of high quality music. Oasis' first two albums are straight up classics. I also think "Be Here Now" is one of the most underrated albums of the 90's and will be recognized as a classic in time. Oasis' newest, "Don't Believe the Truth," is great as well-- as good as anything they've ever done. I am sure they have a lot more in them as well.

That said, "Heathen Chemistry" is a really weak performance. It's slightly better than "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants," but that's not saying much. In all, there are really only three decent songs here-- "The Hindu Times," "Hung In a Bad Place," and "Better Man."

The production sucks too. The production on "Be Here Now" was big and loud, but so were the songs. The songs on "Heathen Chemistry" just can't stand up to all of this clutter. Noel was smart to hand over the production reigns to someone else for "Don't Believe the Truth."

Like "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants," "Heathen Chemistry" is an album that only hardcore fans will want. Still, the fact that Oasis put out two crappy albums doesn't mean they're not a great band. Out of their 7 major releases, 5 have been great. Look at how many awful albums the Stones and Bob Dylan have put out

Average customer rating:

a good dance album
Musically weak - later work is far stronger
Norman Cook Becomes Fatboy Slim
Better Get Better Living Through Chemistry
Classic Slim

Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fatboy Slim/Norman Cook Collection
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ASIN: B000003RZ0
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Song For Lindy
Santa Cruz
Going Out Of My Head
The Weekend Starts Here
Everybody Needs A 303
Give The Po' Man A Break
10th & Crenshaw
First Down
Punk To Funk
The Sound Of Milwaukee
Michael Jackson
Next To Nothing

Amazon.com

Fatboy Slim (also known as Norman Cook, formally of the Housemartins) has composed a collection of tracks so dependent on samples that they'll keep "Name That Tune" fans busy for hours. The single "Going out of My Head" is crafted with funky beats thrown down on top of the guitar riff from the Who's classic "I Can't Explain." Mr. Slim borrows, begs, and steals from some of the best. You'll hear obvious influences from every genre from industrial to house. But these songs do not mimic; rather, Cook takes the established and reinvents it, mixes it up, rearranges it. The result is an energized, motivating, even endearing big-beat album that feels, grooves, and moves from beginning to end. --Beth Bessmer

Album Description

U.S. debut for the first album by this ex-Housemartins and ex-Beats International instrumental act with two bonus cuts, 'Michael Jackson' and 'Next To Nothing', both previously only available as B-sides on the U.K. CD single for 'Going Out My Head'. 12 tracks total, also featuring 'Going Out Of My Head', 'Song For Lindy' and 'Everybody Needs A 303'. The album's full title is 'Better Living Through Chemistry'. 1997 Astralwerks release.

Album Details

Finally issued domestically, including 2 tracks not available on the previous import version.

Customer Reviews:

a good dance album.......2007-06-12

This is Fatboy Slim's first american debut, before he made it big. It's a good solid techo/dance album and can make anybody move around at your next party. It's full of samples and funky beats.

Musically weak - later work is far stronger.......2007-01-14

Having really enjoyed 'You've come a long way baby' - one of my favorite albums - I had high hopes for this work, after all, they are just a year or two apart. Oh, was I disappointed.

Perhaps if one were thrashing around at a rave party while out of their gourd on X, then this album would sound a little better, but stone cold sober I really had a hard time with this ensemble. The constant looped samples just repeat and repeat seemingly, in some instances, for ever. I see this album almost as a test case for Cook's later - and musically far better - work. One can really see the roots here of how this style and sound was massaged and refined into something much more musically coherent with 'You've come a long way baby'.

Song For Lindy stands out as one of the more tolerable tracks along with Going Out of My Head, Everybody Needs a 303 and Michael Jackson. The guitar riff in Santa Cruz never seems to stop and gives me a headache while the lyrics in Give a Po' Man a Break could do exactly that. The rest of the tracks are evidently an exercise in how to use a sequencer and are apparently written to cram as many repeated samples into each song as possible.

I really wanted to like this album, but it offers little of redeeming quality; quite simply it's dull. Ultimately, there is just not enough here to warrant its purchase.

Norman Cook Becomes Fatboy Slim.......2006-09-30

Fatboy Slim AKA Norman Cook had been part of many projects though the years like Beats International, Housemartins, Pizzaman etc. But it was as Fatboy Slim he was going to become most succesful. "You've Come a Long Way Baby" became one of the most popular dance albums of the 90's and Norman Cook both had hit singles and won awards for his music. The music was fun, catchy and very commericial. "Better Living Through Chemistry" was where the Fatboy Slim experience started though, released in 1996 (two years prior to the big break) it was a fresh new dance album from an artist full of odd ideas. He does sample alot, The Who's riff from "I Can't Explain" is sampled on "What Goes Out Of My Head" and Negativeland's self titled song on his "Michael Jackson". But this is far from a commercial album, it's more of a underground big beat album like early Chemical Brothers or Propellerheads. It doesn't use many vocals either, it's mostly a mix between dance and Trip Hop with riff or beat oriented music. Not too surprising either, it didn't result in many hitsingles. "Everybody Needs a 303" whatever that is suppost to mean? was only a minor hit in UK in 1996 and that was the biggest hit from his debut album also. For those of you that think this will be a forgotten classic in the lines of his latter albums will be dissapointed. "Better Living Through Chemistry" is a bluprint for latter work but not commercial, it's very exprimental, funky and I bet if he would have added some more lyrics on these songs they could have been hit singles too. While some songs get a little repetitive, it's fun to see that Norman Cook wasn't always a sell out, he recorded music from the heart and it's quite fun to listen through his first outcast and realizing it's damn good without being particularry radio friendly. If you like dance music with big beats, like early Chemical Brothers, I defenitely recommend this.

Better Get Better Living Through Chemistry.......2005-09-09

Great CD. Great to listen to when working out or working through traffic.

Classic Slim.......2005-03-30

Within the musical niche he's creating, he did a very good job. This was Norman's first big album, and I think he solidified his style with it. The sound of Better Living through Chemistry is synth-rock house with a very American, westward-looking feel to it. This album is for those who want thumping, rock-oriented, synthetic, energized, and inherently loud music. For people who criticize great tunes like "Everybody Needs a 303" and "Give the Po' Man a Break" as repetitive, I say that they're not listening to the way the song is developing over time. My favorite track is "Santa Cruz." It conjures great imagery and contains one of the longest and best builds I've ever heard from a song.

Average customer rating:

Eden Regained

Gambling Eden
Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Manufacturer: Signature Sounds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00009IB26
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Stewball
Finland
Turtle Dove
Closer
Oh Death
Big Black Bird
Sparrow
Eve
The Farmer Is The Man
Red Rocking Chair
Road to Heaven
Farewell To Saint Dolores

Customer Reviews:

Eden Regained.......2004-07-10

After Salamander Crossing's breakup, Rani Arbo and her band Daisy Mayhem went their own way. "Gambling Eden" takes a different approach than 2001's "Cocktail Swing." Whereas the previous disc focused on 20's & 30's jazz, "Gambling Eden" is more in the folk-rock-country territory of a band like Nickel Creek. One of the first records I bought as a boy in the early 60's was "Stewball" by Lonnie Donnegan. At Arbo's hands the track pulses with energy with Arbo's violin giving it a traditional feel, particularly compared with Donnegan's earlier rockabilly take, "Way out in California where Stewball was born, all the jockeys in the country say he blew there in a storm." This set contains some fine originals such as the slow melodic "Finland," "Is it raining in Finland? I want to know; It's covered up with snow & I want to see you if you're ever coming home." "Turtle Dove" is a traditional tune traced to 1835, given a great energetic rendition that will be embraced by "O Brother" enthusiasts. John McGann & Chris Moore's "Closer" is such a lovely haunting slow song polished to a shine by the Mayhem band, "The answer always came back in a tangle like vines climbing up the side of a hollow tree, Now I think that looking up & wondering is just the place I really want to be." "O Death" that appeared on the "O Brother" soundtrack by Ralph Stanley is given a haunting arrangement and impassioned Arbo vocal. "Sparrow" is a country-swing original that brings to mind some of Toni Price's great recordings. The CD takes its title from "Eve" that traces the fall in the garden, "Paradise is only what you feel, everything else is so real, Who told us we had this power? I gambled Eden in an hour." "The Farmer Is the Man" is another familiar tune given another sterling rendition. My favorite track is the uproariously energetic "Road to Heaven," "I'm gonna find my own road to heaven, I'm gonna find me mine." The CD concludes with Dave Carter's "Farewell to Saint Dolores," a turgid lament. Arbo may have felt that she was "Gambling Eden" with the new direction she's taken on this disc, but the level of success here encountered might better be termed "Eden Regained." Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

it's fantastic...
Real Headz Wreckonize
accurate chemistry
No chemistry
Ludacris88 - Completely Right - 4.5 stars

Chemistry
Buckshot & 9th Wonder
Manufacturer: Duck Down Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009OL91Q
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

Intro
Chemistry 101
He's Back
Now A Dayz (That's What's Up)
Slippin
Side Talk
The Ghetto
Food For Thought
No Comparison
Birdz (Fly The Coup)
U Wonderin
Out Of Town
I Don't Know Why
Money Makes The World Go Round

Customer Reviews:

it's fantastic..........2007-06-05

had jaydee not passed, it would've been nice to see buckshot push it all the way to the both of them collaborating...his flow on a few of these beats are remniscent of slum v...i hope he brings it around and get madlib or doom to create with him - that would be so dope.

Real Headz Wreckonize.......2006-11-07

Money who gave this album 2 starz is totally insane. I'm so excited just to hear some real hip hop comin back around. This is one of the first projects I can honestly say I would have rpepresented back before '97 (the bad years). If you're a BCC fan get it, if you are a young buck tryna catch that feelin from the golden era-scoop this. My man has Enta'd da Stage all over again.

accurate chemistry.......2006-08-21

9th is awesome and rapping was also good .this the best buck i have ever heard.all i can say go get it i you don t have .this album is classic.great producer + great mc =dynamite album

No chemistry.......2006-06-12

as much as I have been a lifelong fan of black moon and buckshot in general this album just lacked the ironically titled "chemistry"between buckshot and 9th Wonder. The beats were a bit lackluster and boring and rides that razor thin line of boring and laid back with most of the beats raiding the boredom zone. they are working on a part two so I hope they take their times to create something permament rather than something disposable as this album was.

Ludacris88 - Completely Right - 4.5 stars.......2006-01-03

Firstly, i would just like to say that Ludacris88 has hit the nail on the metaphorical head. Exactly what they said i was thinking. I don't feel any need at all to copy ou twhat they wrote or what i thought, coz they would be the exact same.

But these are my personal favourite songs (in order):-

1. Side Talk

2. Money Makes The World Go Round

3. U Wonderin

4. The Ghetto

5. Now A Dayz (That's Whats Up)

Average customer rating:

The title is right, in a way...
Different, but still effective
just buy all three MONEY WELL SPENT
Excellent - though a different sound...
Semisonicýs Best

All About Chemistry
Semisonic
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star: How I Machine-Gunned a Roomful Of Record Executives and Other True Tales from a Drummer's Life

ASIN: B0000589RB
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Chemistry
Bed
Act Naturally
She's Got My Number
Follow
Sunshine and Chocolate
Who's Stopping You?
I Wish
One True Love
Get A Grip
Surprise
El Matador

Amazon.com

Semisonic struck a chord with barflies all over the world in 1998 with the breezy, free-flowing hit "Closing Time." The song was hard to resist, but with their third time out, the Minneapolis trio fails to capitalize on the chemistry that elevated earlier efforts. Instead, the majority of the 12-song CD is forced and humorless, lacking even the merest hint of irony that would have elevated "Get a Grip" (a paean to masturbation), to campus-classic status. Rather, the band weighs down their songs with earnestness. With "Act Naturally" and "She's Got My Number," singer-songwriter Dan Wilson cautions against his secrets being revealed. He disregards his own advice with "One True Love," which features the soaring vocals of '70s chanteuse Carole King, who elevates the track above everything else on All About Chemistry. --Jaan Uhelszki

Album Description

UK edition of their third full length release includes two bonus tracks, 'Ordinary Life' & 'Girlfriend'. 14 tracks in all including the hit single, 'Chemistry'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Album Details

Includes Two Bonus Tracks: 'girlfriend' and 'ordinary Life'.

Customer Reviews:

The title is right, in a way..........2005-11-21

...that is, there is little chemistry between this album and me, and without that chemistry I can't give this CD a good review. I loved Feeling Strangely Fine and The Great Divide sounds like a promising purchase in lieu of any *new* releases, but this album sucks overall. It's missing that essential edginess that their earlier albums had, and without that element all that's left is quiet ballads.

That said, I gave this album an extra star because it does have three really good songs: the title track Chemistry, Sunshine and Chocolate, and El Matador. The last of the three is a good example of how the rest of the album sounds, but it is the best of the slow and quiet tracks that this album is populated with.

My recommendation is to buy the three songs I listed online if you can, or another option is to buy a used copy of the CD, rip the three songs, and sell it back for the next guy to do the same with.

Different, but still effective.......2004-07-08

Semisonic has always made albums which grow on you, and Chemistry is no exception. The band has undergone another major change of sound, much as they did between Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine, and thus it may be a bit of an adjustment for long-time fans of the band. This album is marked jointly by what I feel is the best musicianship by the band and by songwriting and production which lacks some of the edginess and intimacy that distinguished many earlier Semisonic songs. Songs like the title track and Follow get a little sugary for my tastes, but other songs like I Wish, Surprise, and She's Got My Number create a warm soundscape without coming off as overly pop. Other songs like El Matador and One True Love would be too sweet if they weren't so good. If you don't generally find anything involving guitars to be too sweet, you will love this album from first listen. If you liked the more electric pop of Singing in My Sleep, buy Great Divide before you buy Chemistry; it's lived in my CD player for 8 years. In any event, Chemistry is an excellent album worth owning.

just buy all three MONEY WELL SPENT.......2004-05-15

its hard to tell which of semisonic's CDs gets forst prize. This band is known around my house to lift spirits and make you feel like a better person. Not one song on here dissapoints, but that can also be said about their other two CDs. Pick up all three its money well spent. The lyrics will inspire you to be a better person, and help you feel better on the harder days.

Excellent - though a different sound..........2003-08-23

Closing Time will no doubt be the pinnacle of Semisonic's creative powers, but this album comes pretty close to matching it. Sonically, the music has taken new twists and turns along with some pleasant suprises. I have always loved the lush orchestration and deep, layered, atmospheric music that this group produces, along with Dan Wilson's very boyish and Californian voice, creating a very unique pop/rock sound. "She's Got My Number" is a steady, almost techno-ish rocker with some great vocal work and layered sound. "All About Chemistry" is straightfoward, light-aired pop. Though admittedly the rest of the songs fail to impress me as much as these two, the CD's highlight is "El Matador", which for me, is Semisonic's best song since Closing Time. The soft, lush acoustic guitar and the muted drumbeats really make this the kind of song you'd listen to lying on the hammock watching the summer sunset go down. It's beautiful. If you like U2, Oasis, The Verve, Radiohead or any atmospheric rock, you'll find good "chemistry" with Semisonic. If not, it doesn't matter. This is pop rock - evolved.

Semisonicýs Best.......2003-08-18

Very interesting vibe. In just five tracks: 3, 4, 5, 8 & 9 you'll taste Semisonic's musical flexibility, and enjoy the genius of their lyrics. As alt-rock albums go, All About Chemistry is a refreshingly new flavor.

Chemistry Set: Songs of the Suburbs 1977-1987

Average customer rating:

Family in the 'Burbs.
DVD makes you wish you were there!
Quirky
yes, they do!
I am trying to break your Bunsen burner.

Chemistry Set: Songs of the Suburbs 1977-1987
The Suburbs
Manufacturer: Major Record Label
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000CABHB
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Tracks:

Chemistry Set
Cig Machine
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Girlfriend
Love Is The Law
Drinking With An Angel
America Sings The Blues (Alt. Mix)
Don't Do Me Any Favors
Bongo Rock (Live From The Longhorn 1978)

Customer Reviews:

Family in the 'Burbs........2006-07-15

Though I had family in MN, I grew up in Philly, PA. Out there we'd see a PBS show from time to time called Newton's Apple. During one of the pieces of Newton's Apple they'd play some music. I would come to find out years later that not only was Newton's Apple produced in MN, but it was my cousin with his band playing the music for that piece. The piece was from Music for Boys. The band-- The Suburbs. Growing up where I did, I didn't have a chance to really see the 'Burbs. It wasn't until a few years after I moved to MN, I finally saw them for the first time -June 6, 1993. I was hooked. I wish I had seen them when I was younger, but hey- that's life. Since 1993, I have seen them 3 other times, all at 1st Ave. Maybe I'm biased cos my cousin is in the band, who knows, but they rock. If you get a chance to see them - do so. You won't be disappointed. There's a reason on the rare occasions they get together, they have sold-out shows. After 20 years, they still know how to rock.

DVD makes you wish you were there!.......2005-09-21

The Suburbs are one of the New Wave era's lost gems. Discovering
their material now would probably be amazing, but to the fans this release is a nice little package. LADIES AND GENTLEMAN... is probably a better, more varied collection but this one features
some previously unissued material. "America Sings The Blues" (alt. Mix) is a superior version than that which appeared on their long out of print final album SUBURBS (1986 on A&M).
"Don't Do Me Any Favors" is the B-Side to their very last 12" single (The A side being "Little Man's Gonna Fall" in 1987).
And "Bongo Rock" recorded live at The Longhorn in 1978 is The Suburbs at their punky earliest. It's a big disappointment that
this release does not contain "Waiting" (one of their biggest,
best songs), "The Best Is Over" or anything else from DREAM HOG
or SUBURBS. The DVD is raw, loose Suburbs fun. Recorded in Sep,
2003 at a benefit for First Avenue it is too brief and they should released a DVD with all their old videos (including "#9")
and the tons of old footage they have to see Suburbs in their prime. for that footage go to Twin/Tone's site.
The Suburbs rock regardless!

Quirky.......2004-01-06

The Suburbs were one of what I called "The Big Three" of the Minneapolis music scene (The Suburbs, The Replacements, The Flamin' Oh's) in the eighties. They are also one of the few bands that I know that had two (count 'em two) major label deals and lost both.

That aside, this is a great compilation of the best of their "early" stuff. There is a lot of humor on this CD, and it is very dance oriented. I tend to have more of a problem with the earlier than later songs, and as you work your way through the set, you can hear the growth of a band that was was rather silly to one that refined and perfected great groves. Standouts are "Music For Boys," "Girlfriend," and "Monster Man."

The Suburbs are a band that was good enough to make it, and should have recieved a lot more acclaim than they did. They were deserving of national attention. For a good retrospective on what made the Minneapolis scene unique, this CD can't be beat.

yes, they do!.......2003-12-06

I love, love, love this band and I think it's awesome that they put together this compilation. The Suburbs recently had 2 shows @ 1st Ave and they still have the magic. I have and always will support these crazy boyz! Rock on ;)

I am trying to break your Bunsen burner........2003-11-18

Genius music in its day, but there's something sad about middle-aged men still milking the reissue-reunion-gig-ego-massage-machine. Their soldout four night stint at First Avenue in '02 was transcendent; their recent two night stint less so (with lots of tix left). Such is "the law" of attrition: we love you guys, but don't ask us to love you TOO much and too often. This disc is a case in point: if you're a Suburbs fan, you already have their best songs on at least one CD. Remixed on this disc they sound meatier, but the reminted-in-Malibu production values are also a lot less raw - and the rawness was part of their 80's charm. As for the DVD, it's hardly the stuff of D.A. Pennebaker and offers neither behind-the-scenes scintillation or an up-close-and-personal vantage point of their performance. Doubt if I would have been bored in the audience, but on DVD, the band seems surprisingly downtempo and dull. (For truly entertaining 'Burbs video, check out Twin Tone's online archives.) Kudos to Bruce Allen for great package design, tho. And I sincerely hope, in spite of "Chemistry Set's" solipsism, that the guys in real life are embracing the future more than the past. The pompadour was THEN. The bald spot is NOW. There's no telling what might have happened if the 'Burbs, instead of wearing a path down Memory Lane, rented a suite at the Yankee Foxtrot to pen some NEW tunes. A disc showing what's in their old souls NOW might be a lot more rewarding - to them and their fans - than this one.

Average customer rating:

Tight Mixtape
Alchemist - Vol. 1. - The Chemistry Files

Vol. 1-Chemistry Files
The Alchemist
Manufacturer: ALC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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No Days Off
1st Infantry
1st Infantry
Eminem Presents: The Re-Up
Rappers's Best Friend

ASIN: B000EZ911U
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Tracks:

Intro = Em Speaks
Reppin ALC = The Alchemist
The Infamous = Mobb Deep
Wet Wipes = Camron
G-Type = Scarface + The Product
Poppin Bottles = Mobb Deep
All I Do = Bobby Creekwater
We Got This = The Alchemist
Professional Style = AZ
Im Back = Obie Trice
Body Something = B-Real
Whats Poppin Thun = Prodigy
Fall Back = Havoc
Thats That = The Alchemist
Gunz Is Razors = Tony Yayo
Whats The Word = Mobb Deep + Alchemist
When Youre Dying = 40 Glocc + Prodigy
Bloody Mess = Poet

Product Description

According to myth, an Alchemist has the power to transform something common into something special. So is the case with Californias own, The Alchemist. His tendency to transform a common sample into audio emotion has quickly made him one of the most sought after producers in Hip Hop. Now you might be saying, "I don't know much about The Alchemist, who is he?" He's a white boy from the right side of the tracks. The side of the tracks where male offspring live long past 25, attend Ivy League schools, and build successful law practices. Our boy Al turned his back on that life; as music fans, we should be grateful. The Alchemist got his start in 1993, as one-half of the duo Whooliganz. He laced Cypress Hill, House of Pain, and Funkdoobiest with beats before unleashing his sound on Dilated Peoples' Platform. When Dilated debuted in 1998, they were an underground sensation creating a huge buzz about the man behind those incredible beats. In 1999, DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill introduced Al to his good friends, the popular hip-hop group Mobb Deep. Al produced two songs for their "Murda Muzik" album. Impressed by his production skills and street smarts, Mobb Deep took him under their wing, using his beats on all their subsequent albums. As Alchemist's profile increased, he went on to for many of Hip Hop's most successful and prominent artists, such as Nas, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg. He has also remixed songs for bands and artists in other genres such as Linkin Park and Morcheeba. Al stayed loyal to continuing to produce for Dilated, Cypress Hill, Everlast (formerly of House Of Pain) and Crazy Town. He also enjoys producing for lesser-known underground rappers, often giving them some of his best beats. In 2004, 11 years after his rapping career folded, The Alchemist returned with his long-awaited debut album, "1st Infantry." The album yielded the hit single "Hold You Down" (featuring Prodigy, Illa Ghee, and Nina Sky), which hit #95 in 2005. The Alchemist is back once again. His hot new album is called The Chemistry Files and it features all his old rap pals and even a few new ones, spitting fire over the same type of beats that made The Alchemist the big name producer he is today.

Customer Reviews:

Tight Mixtape.......2006-07-17

Alchemist puts out another great cd. The production on it is flawless and the rapping is nice to. Definelty buy it if you like underground sounding rap.

Alchemist - Vol. 1. - The Chemistry Files .......2006-04-29

Rap Producer Alchemist (AKA Alan Maman) returns with his second album "The Chemistry Files" (2006). This release quietly dropped without much of a buzz, Alchemist's first album the solid "1st Infantry" received and deserved a lot more attention. On "Em Speaks", an emotional Eminem recalls Alchemist's near fatal tour bus accident. Alchemist lets his listeners know he's still around on "Reppin' ALC". Mobb Deep then drops in for the "The Infamous" feat. 50 Cent, a halfhearted cut that has the Mobb dropping some forgettable rhymes about themselves. Cam'Ron doesn't any do any better on "Wet Wipes". Scarface and The Product provide "G-Type" a good track, which was on the product's debut album "One Hunnid" I have enjoyed music from Mobb Deep for many years but have recently noticed a downward spiral in their music, they return with "Poppin' Bottles" and fair no better. On this release the only artist I had never heard of was Bobby Creekwater, he makes an appearance on the bland "All I Do". Az provides a solid cut with the short "Professional Style", I can't say the same for Obie Trice and B-Real's additions. Prodigy and Havoc then provide semi-decent solo tracks with "What's Poppin Thun" and "Fall Back". Alchemist rhymes with Mobb Deep on "What's The World", then 40 Glocc talks about growing up while Prodigy drops the chorus on "When Your Dying". One of the lesser-known artists on this release Poet closes the album off with "Bloody Mess". And to be real honest that's what I consider this release, a bloody mess. Uninspired rappers, rhyming over disappointing production. Alchemist has laced way better beats then these over the years. And though I have enjoyed music from many of these rappers in the past I am not impressed by their contributions on this release. It's almost like they all did a quick token track. Alchemist is best as a producer, not feeling his rhymes on this release, though he has on occasion stepped up, his collabration with Twin Gambino on his first album was one of my favourite tracks. Track's like "The Infamous" and "Wet Wipes" will probably end up on upcoming albums, but have little if any replay value to this reviewer. I am a fan of Alchemist's work, but cannot recommend adding "The Chemistry Files" to the collection.

Average customer rating:

A rough mix, but c'mon, it's the Beatminerz!
no chemistry

Alter the Chemistry
Black Moon
Manufacturer: Bucktown Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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I Got This
The X Files
The Format
Present Cloud 9: The 3 Day High
Hi-Teknology, Vol. 2: The Chip

ASIN: B000I2KQQI
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

Lessons from Buttah L
Chemistry 201
He's Back with Evil Dee
Now a Dayz: Walt What's Up
Slipped
Side Talk "With E and Walt"
Ghetto [Evil Dee Extended Mix]
Beatminerz Food for Thought
Make the Comparison
Chicks out the Pen - Black Moon,
E and Walt Wonderin - Black Moon,
Back in Town - Black Moon,
Evil Dee and Walt Know Why - Black Moon, Keisha Shontelle

Product Description

Legendary super-producers DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt (Da Beatminerz) re-make 9th Wonder & Buckshots Chemistry LP, with classic beats that all Black Moon fans will enjoy. Hear Buckshots lyrics laced over 13 beats from DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, the way many thought it should have always been. Sean Price and Little Brother stop by for some cameos to spice things up a bit. With a track record like Black Moon, it is no stretch to say the chemistry on this disc is undeniable.

Album Description

Legendary super-producers DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt (Da Beatminerz) re-make 9th Wonder & Buckshot's Chemistry LP, with classic beats that all Black Moon fans will enjoy. Hear Buckshot's lyrics laced over 13 beats from DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, the way many thought it should have always been. Sean Price and Little Brother stop by for some cameos to spice things up a bit. With a track record like Black Moon, it is no stretch to say the chemistry on this disc is undeniable.

Customer Reviews:

A rough mix, but c'mon, it's the Beatminerz!.......2007-01-01

Listen, I don't wanna hear about how the production on 'Alter the Chemistry' is murky, poorly mixed and all that. A remix album that is basically a de facto Black Moon record? Gimme more of that.

One thing I don't really like is that they retitled all of the songs, but oh well. Not a problem, especially with beats like 'He's Back,' the soul-infused 'The Ghetto,' and the deeeep bass hit of 'Chicks Out the Pen."

If you don't like it, send me your copy. I'm gonna wear mine out pretty soon.

no chemistry.......2006-12-01

Dissapointment. Da Beatminerz are one of my biggest inspirations production wise and Blackmoon was one of my favorite groups to emerge from the early/mid 90s'... but unfortunately this product fell flat.

I throughly enjoyed Buck & 9th's LP and when I heard Evil Dee and Mr. Walt were going to remix it, I was first in line. But... the ish doesn't bang like it should. I know Da Beatminerz make dope beats, but like what people have said reguarding both Beatminerz efforts, they fall flat.

Don't get me wrong, there are some tracks that bang on this effort, but if this was a TRUE BLACK MOON LP... people would say it was a brick. The problem with remixes, is that they almost never eclipse the original track and that's what the problem is here. There are a few exceptions, but with this LP, the orignal versions of almost all the songs are better.

I really want to dig this disc, but it honestly could have been WAY better.

Average customer rating:

Still jaw-dropping after nearly 10 years
awesome
A change of pace from a "hot water music" side project

Chemistry For Changing Times
The Blacktop Cadence
Manufacturer: No Idea Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Fuel for the Hate Game

ASIN: B00009YUM6
Release Date: 2003-06-05

Tracks:

Last Night... After I Bought the Wine
Slowstep
Off-Track
Are You My Angel?
Forty Two
Sinker
I Don't Do Well in Social Situations
Sad Passing Shame
Station Me Wherever
Unlucky

Album Description

Finally re-issued after a four-year absence, now re-mastered and with all-new artwork! The Blacktop Cadence was Chris Wollard & George Rebelo from Hot Water Music, plus Jack Bailey from Army of Ponch!

Customer Reviews:

Still jaw-dropping after nearly 10 years.......2005-10-31

When Hot water music called it quits briefly, The blacktop cadence was formed. George and Chris from Hot water music, Jack from Army of Ponch and Heather from Baroque create something quite different from their previous and current bands. This hits me like not many other records do. From sad, 6+ minute epics like "slowstep" to rockers like "sad passing shame", this release will move you. If you're a vinyl nerd, Order this straight from No idea and get it on beautiful green or rootbeer vinyl. If you find the original version released on keystone-ember long ago, pick that up too.

awesome.......2004-03-17

this CD is incredibly beautiful. Great arrangements. I have heard nothing like this before. It is slow and very melodic. THe viola in tracks 6 and 10 fit in perfectly and take the lead melody which is absolutely beautiful. Get this CD now. the lyrics are so heartfelt and full of emotion, more than anything iv ever heard. Most of the songs have clean guitar and then crunch later on in the song, although flowing together. The drummer is amazing and unordinary with his stlye. This CD was done before emo went big and into the mainstream and is the best emo CD ever. I never get tired of listening to this. Get this CD you will never hear anything so well arranged that is this underground.

A change of pace from a "hot water music" side project.......2003-06-19

Finally re-released, this is a must have for any Hot Water Music fan and anyone interested in the softer side of indie rock.
The Blacktop Cadence album "Chemistry for Changing Times" takes the energy of Hot Water but replaces their trademark anger and urgency with a subtler and sweeter tone. From the slow opening riffs of "Last night..." to the light jangle of "Sinker", and even the string-laden "Unlucky" the Blacktop Cadence keeps up a pretty, melodic, and (god forbid) accessible groove that's had me sold since it's first release.