FIRE

Urban Soul magazine
"Fire" is a blazin' hot CD. It showcases EBONY BLADE at his supreme best.

Product Description
A blend of hip hop and soul. This encompasses every style of rap out today.(East Coast,Dirty South,Hardcore)

FIRE

FIRE,EBONY BLADE,455 ENTERTAINMENT,Hard core & Heart felt, blend of hip hop and soul.

Average customer rating: Flat, mediocre indie rock Disappointing follow-up Sophomore Slump average Damn this is good!

Neon Bible Arcade Fire Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Sky Blue Sky Because of the Times The Crane Wife Icky Thump ASIN: B000MGUZM0 Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Black Mirror
2. Keep The Car Running
3. Neon Bible
4. Intervention
5. Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
6. Ocean Of Noise
7. Well & The Lighthouse, The
8. Antichrist Television Blues
9. Windowsill
10. No Cars Go
11. My Body Is A Cage

Amazon.com

For their second full-length, the Montreal-based seven-or-eight-piece Arcade Fire show themselves capable of Big Rock, as original, and as potentially marquee-topping as TV on the Radio and Sigur Ros. Regardless, the intentional murkiness of these pleasantly anthemic New Wave dirges makes it sound as if the music has already reverberated through a crowded cement stadium. Named after cult author John Kennedy Toole's first novel, Neon Bible is smart and subtle enough to present itself as a personal discovery for every listener, every word to be pored over by fans (as with those of Tori Amos, Pavement, and Radiohead). Surely, lines like "The sound is not asleep/ It's moving under my feet" have already been scribbled onto the margins of countless textbooks. Such words are delivered with less intensity this time, but no less import. For vocal influences, lead singer Win Butler seems to have traded his '80s Bowie in for an '80s Springsteen, at least on the songs "Antichrist Television Blues" and "Windowsill" (though "Intervention" sounds an awful lot like '80s era Go-Betweens). The kitchen sink arrangements include the use of an Eastern European orchestra, pipe organ, hurdy gurdy, and a military choir. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

The second album from Montreal's Arcade Fire exceeds all expectations. With string and orchestral arrangements by two of the band members, "Neon Bible" is full of both half-assed punk rock mistakes and meticulously orchestrated woodwinds. Processed strings and mandolin. Quiet rumbles and loud rumbles. But mostly just eleven songs that the band thinks are really good.

Customer Reviews:

Flat, mediocre indie rock.......2007-07-15

To put this review in perspective: I bought the Arcade Fire's debut album after hearing heaps of praises from David Bowie and many other famous musicians, but was underwhelmed by all but the opening track. This new album hasn't really done anything to change my opinion that they're no more than a "Bright Eyes-lite," even after half a dozen listens.

As even some of the positive reviews of this album have noted, the production is both bombastic and low-fi, and not in a good way. It has a loud, flat sound that gets repetitive and tiring to listen to after awhile. The extra instruments that the band plays on this album sound very clunky and overbearing, particularly the organ that makes a sudden appearance on "Intervention."

Some albums with bad productions are more than redeemed by the actual songs, but the vocals and lyrics here are equally clumsy and repetitive. Win Butler still sings like a limper version of Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes, but this time he's also attempting a Springsteen impersonation on several tracks. While it isn't quite as grating as the Killers' attempt to sound like Springsteen, it still comes across as incredibly affected. The lyrics look like an attempt to make a grand statement about religion, war, and modern life in general, but they read like teenage angst poetry.

The closing track, "My Body is a Cage," is the only one that really stands out of the din after several listens. It has a grand, epic, proggy sound and almost lives up to the hype that this band gets, but if you hear it and like it I'd recommend passing on this album and getting something A Tab in the Ocean by Nektar, whom the Arcade Fire bear a strong resemblance to here.

Disappointing follow-up.......2007-07-09

It's a good CD, but compared to Funeral, it's not great... I don't blame them, I was expecting the second coming of Christ since their last one was so great. Still a fan, though.

Sophomore Slump.......2007-07-06

I agree with the previous review that "No Cars Go", "Intervention", and MAYBE "Keep the Car Running" are the best songs on the album, but that is not saying much. The rest of the songs just drone on into oblivion. "Subtle" is certainly the word for the opener, "Black Mirror". It sets the tone for the entire album. Listening to Butler whine "Blaaack Mirrooor" and "I don't wanna do _____ no more" for 3 songs is not inspirational in the least. Where are the danceable, 50's diner style rhythms of "Funeral"? Why are the intricate string arrangements barely audible? The straight, endless 4/4 beats of this recording and buried strings are unacceptable, no matter how much they "planned it."

The more I listen to this album, the more I realize how good the Arcade Fire's first album was. I love Funeral, but it was the death of this band. And yes, that makes me want to cry. "I don't wanna listen to Arcade Fire no more."

average.......2007-07-05

I have to admit that it took me a while to warm up to Funeral, but I have grown to love it. I'm still waiting for that to happen with Neon Bible. Most of the songs seem pedestrian and repeated listening hasn't uncovered the "wow" factor that Funeral offers. I'm hoping that changes, but for now I can only say that Neon Bible is just okay.

Damn this is good! .......2007-07-05

I hadn't heard a lot of Arcade Fire before I got this CD but I'm definitely getting their other releases now. I think I like them so much because Win Butler sings a lot like Ian McCulloch from Echo and Bunnymen who I love. If you're that kind of thing, you'll like Neon Bible.

Average customer rating: Great CD (4.5 stars) Probably their best comp, but STILL missing key songs That Boogie Woogie Beat! Greatest Hits Old School

Earth Wind & Fire: Greatest Hits Wind & Fire Earth Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Quiet Storm | R&B | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Stevie Wonder - The Definitive Collection The Very Best of Kool & the Gang The Very Best of Chicago: Only the Beginning Barry White - All-Time Greatest Hits The Best of KC & the Sunshine Band ASIN: B00000FC5H Release Date: 1998-11-17

Tracks:

1. Shining Star
2. That's The Way Of The World
3. September
4. Can't Hide Love
5. Got To Get You Into My Life
6. Sing A Song
7. Gratitude
8. Serpentine Fire
9. Fantasy
10. Kalimba Story
11. Mighty Mighty
12. Reasons
13. Saturday Nite
14. Let's Groove
15. Boogie Wonderland - (with The Emotions)
16. After The Love Is Gone
17. Getaway

Amazon.com essential recording

It's the most complete single-disc collection of EWF chart rockers, and Greatest Hits' splendid remastering makes one of the major exponents of '70s funk positivity sound sparkling. From the driving "Shining Star" to the syncopated mastery of "September" and "Boogie Wonderland" to the slow-jam heaven of "After the Love Is Gone," this is a reminder of what made the group so special. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-05-25

If you're an EWF devotee, you have to purchase this CD. It is fabulous! I'm buying a second one for my husband for father's day.

(4.5 stars) Probably their best comp, but STILL missing key songs.......2007-03-29

I'm gonna complain a bit here - the live Devotion (off Gratitude, killer studio version made furtherly killer live) and Keep Your Head to the Sky are still missing. Why? Is this one of those stupid cross-label things? Because those are really annoying. And this contains Boogie Wonderland, most likely their worst hit, either that or Let's Groove. Both are disco. Not a coincidence. And they drop All About Love, as well as I'll Write a Song for You. Give me a break! Four of their greatest songs, dropped off a cliff. Splat. Why? Saturday Night's an OK song, but I don't see it as the Best of Earth Wind and Fire. But if you swap those three off, put the four I mentioned on, and keep the rest, you've got the real best of Earth, Wind and Fire. Unlike the 1978 Greatest Hits release, this DOES contain Mighty Mighty, Kalimba Story AND Serpentine Fire, three essentials. Plus it adds After the Love is Gone, a worthy addition to any self-respecting EWF hits collection (or at least any one released after 1978), and their greatest song ever maybe. I'd bet on it. Plus nine of the ten tracks on the '78 release, not coincidentially the nine classics (Got to Get You Into My Life, Fantasy, Can't Hide Love, Getaway, That's the Way of the World, Shining Star, September, Reasons, Sing a Song) - note how they dropped Love Music, which is cool by me because it's just an average song and average songs don't belong on best-ofs, even if they were huge hits (*cough cough Saturday Nite*).
Yes, this is a great intro, but don't stop here. Why? All in All, Spirit, Gratitude, That's the Way of the World and Open Our Eyes are all good picks, that's why. But this is the compilation the band deserved.

That Boogie Woogie Beat!.......2007-03-14

This album is soooo hot! Makes you wanna just jump up on a table and start dancing. (I tried it at work, but they yelled at me!). I am LOUSY at remembering song names, but I recognized a bunch of them. "September" is so hot! and one of my favorites. So is "Boogie Wonderland" (Dance, Ooo ooo oo, Dance, ooo ooo ooo!) (STOP ME! QUICK!) Like I said, most of the album is hot dance-to-me music. There are a few slow songs, like "After the Love Has Gone". 17 tracks at a total running time of a hair over 1 hour 7 minutes.

Don't put this on in the car and get behind a school bus! Torture!

Greatest Hits.......2007-01-04

My sister is a very hard person to buy gifts at Christmas, but last September she mentioned she would like a CD by Earth Wind & Fire. She opened the CD on Christmas eve and insisted we listen to "September" for the next 15 minutes. She was very happy and so was I. I have to admit the CD is a good one and I am ordering a copy for myself.

Old School.......2007-01-04

Bring back the old school music with soul. Great songs and good memories.

Average customer rating: God Bless Arcade Fire So *this* is what everyone's raving about?! Loved It Necessary, uplifting, emotional, bombastic eulogy rock - I guess we'll just have to adjuuuuuuuust Worth the Wait...

Funeral Arcade Fire Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Crane Wife Plans You Could Have It So Much Better We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks) ASIN: B0002IVN9W Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
2. Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
3. Une Annee Sans Lumiere
4. Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
5. Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)
6. Crown Of Love
7. Wake Up
8. Haiti
9. Rebellion (Lies)
10. The Backseat

Album Description

Montreal's Arcade Fire brings a theatricality, an intensity, an insanity, and a penchant for amazing hooks to their debut full-length. You've never heard such energy, beauty, and emotion from such a young band. Fans of Neutral Milk Hotel, Broken Social Scene, and Roxy Music's first two albums will have a new favorite band.

Customer Reviews:

God Bless Arcade Fire.......2007-07-04

Some people seem to be turned off in a big way by Win Butler's voice. Other bands around these days make me nauseous for the same reason even when their music is OK, the prime example being Modest Mouse, who I can't bloody tolerate for more than two seconds after "friends" insist on playing it. They, the Shins, and all the rest of their sorry bunch make up the new category of "Not-Rock". --Anyhow, for some reason it never occured to me that Butler's voice is in the same camp of the whiny/girly/limpwrist vocal style so sadly prevalent on the radio nowadays.

Therefore I write this simply to announce that Arcade Fire is the best band in the world right now and that's really all that needs to be said.

So *this* is what everyone's raving about?! .......2007-06-19

This is a simple case of an over-hyped record. It is not stunningly innovative or original, nor does it provide much in the way of emotional depth. It does possess some pretty cool qualities, but is also consistently hampered by numerous irksome ones.

The weakest link here is the singer. His voice sounds unattractive and annoyingly choked, like some spastic, sweaty adolescent who just got caught touching himself in the bathroom. He leaves me cold; I don't get any genuine feeling from him, just unintelligible energy. This unintelligibility, along with his irksome, affected warbly-ness, prevents him from conveying emotions with any real sincerity or depth.

The music fares better, but proves monotonous by the end. There are some genuinely nice moments, like the melodically pretty, low-key "Une Annee Sans Lumiere" (probably the best song), and the attractive, new wavey harmonic strumming in "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)." "Haiti" is also a nice song, if a bit too repetitive. "Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" sounded strangely familiar to me, and on the 2nd listen I realized that the chord progression totally cops the Pixies.

Many of the arrangements are quite nice, featuring strings, accordion, organ, and various forms of melodic percussion. At times it hints at the exotic or the baroque. But too often the band buries its best traits by devolving into pumping bombast. Rather than find a well-crafted resolution to a particular section or verse, they instead crank up the volume and start bashing away at some cliche arena-ready riff that could've been churned out by anyone with hands and a guitar.

So, while I've really tried to like his album, while I've tried hard to focus on the numerous good traits, the abundant negative aspects prove difficult to overlook (especially that singer's awful voice!). I can understand why this might appeal to a lot of people, but I fail to understand the "saviors of rock" tag the critics have bestowed on them.

Loved It.......2007-06-19

This is wonderful...If you have not heard it.. stop going without....

Necessary, uplifting, emotional, bombastic eulogy rock - I guess we'll just have to adjuuuuuuuust.......2007-05-23

This is a thoroughly unclassifiable album. It's a bombastic composition that REALLY REALLY works, and never FEELS like it's over the top, even though it really is over the top. It's TOTALLY over the top, and sometimes sounds like that the band members are singing and playing at the edge of their control, even though they're not. It's wild, unpredictable, and sometimes drifting over that cliff for a moment before wandering back...which simply adds to the experience.

How good is this album? When you're listening you wish it would never end, except that you NEED it to end so you can get off the roller coaster ride it takes you on, and get back to the real world.

Chamber music? Sing-along? A eulogy? Oooh-oooh-oooh's? Pounding drums?

Growling guitars & bass juxtaposed with violins and french horns that drift from beautiful harmony to uncomfortable discord and back again?

A night at the symphony? Rock anthems? An album about death that's not actually sad? Massive tempo changes? SCREAMED, not sung, lyrics, here and there? Lyrics that surprise you when you figure out the point? A lead singer who sounds like he might be on the verge of tears one minute and might end up smashing his mic stand through a bass drum the next???

Yes, all of the above.

Think, "what if the Beatles had put out Abbey Road as their first album?" (what if you set the bar so high you can't ever get there again?)

Does it rock? Yes, quite a bit.

Does it make you think? Yes, quite a bit.

Does it rip your heart out and stomp all over it, and then put it back while it's still beating? Yes, it does that too...all while you're stomping your foot or pounding the steering wheel. You get the feeling that with every listen, you'll pick up something new. This album is so sonically deep and sumptuous that it would be hard to not hear something new on each listen, unless of course you're just singing along with it, which you might very well be.

(and to think that everyone says that they're even better live)

The hallmark of a great album is that it gets better upon each listen. Give it FIVE spins. If you don't like it, just get rid of it because you'll never like it. If you like it, you'll probably love it.

If you can listen to Regine's impassioned and imperfect wails above the violins and horns during "In the Backseat," and not FEEL anything, forget it. Otherwise, enjoy.

Worth the Wait..........2007-05-16

This is a 2004 record that I got in early 2007 but it is still relevant today and will continue to remain relevant as long as people die! Yes, this is because "Funeral" is almost bound to make you cry and seems quite helpful in helping you get over a loved ones passing. It also features one of my new 'all time favourite' songs, the garguantan, "Wake Up". This album is for any true musick fan. It features now as one of my favourtie albums ever!

Average customer rating: A must have... Harry Potter moves on.. and so does the music The Magic is Gone Atmospheric...But That's About All Musically Spellbinding

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Purists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ASIN: B000BGH22W Release Date: 2005-11-15

Tracks:

1. Story Continues
2. Frank Dies
3. Quidditch World Cup
4. Dark Mark
5. Foreign Visitors Arrive
6. Goblet of Fire
7. Rita Skeeter
8. Sirius Fire
9. Harry Sees Dragons
10. Golden Egg
11. Neville's Waltz
12. Harry in Winter
13. Potter Waltz
14. Underwater Secrets
15. Black Lake
16. Hogwarts' March
17. Maze
18. Voldemort
19. Death of Cedric
20. Another Year Ends
21. Hogwarts Hymn
22. Do the Hippogriff
23. This Is The Night
24. Magic Works

Amazon.com

Big news on the Harry Potter musical front: After scoring the first three installments in the series, John Williams has been replaced by Patrick Doyle. Still, Williams never feels far away. His main theme pops up here and there, and a track like "Voldemort," which eloquently illustrates the soul of a blacker-than-black wizard with thunderous cymbal crashes, shrieking horns, tumultuous strings, and a stately finish, firmly belongs in the Williams mode. Overall, Doyle acquits himself well. He can do light when needed ("The Quidditch World Cup," which starts out like some kind of jig), but mostly he's required to be ominous ("The Quidditch World Cup," which ends in martial war chants). Among the highlights are the aforementioned "Voldemort," but also the frantic, overpowering "The Dark Mark." Note that the CD concludes on a jarringly different note with three songs by the Weird Sisters, the group that performs at Hogwarts' Yule Ball. Led by Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker, the ad hoc band also includes members of Radiohead and Cocker's side project Relaxed Muscle. "Do the Hippogriff" is a fast-paced rocker that somehow comes across like a grungy hybrid of Billy Idol's "White Wedding" and "Dancing with Myself." The other two songs--"This Is the Night" and "Magic Works"--are less obvious, and much better. Still, the contrast between these tracks and the instrumental score that precedes them may not be to everybody's taste. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth film (and soundtrack album) in the massively successful Harry Potter franchise-nearly $1 billion in U.S. box office alone-features a score by Academy Award-nominated composer Patrick Doyle and three songs written by modern rocker Jarvis Cocker, and performed by Cocker, Jonny Greenwood, Phil Selway, Steve Claydon and Jason Buckle-with all these musicians also appearing in the movie.

Customer Reviews:

A must have..........2007-07-30

This is a must have for any REAL HP fan.....had to have it! Along w/ the other ones available :)

Harry Potter moves on.. and so does the music.......2007-05-23

As a collector of movie soundtracks, it was unthinkable not to get this fourth album of the Harry Potter series. After reading the mixed reviews, I was apprehensive as to whether it would sit on my shelf collecting dust or get a good workout in the CD player.

I own all four albums, and as avid a fan as I am of John Williams, I would have to say "The Goblet of Fire" rates up there with "The Philosopher's Stone" (which really did set the standard for the rest of the following albums). In fact, I would have to say that "The Goblet of Fire" is my favourite. The music is quite simply beautiful and atmospheric. Standouts are "Harry In Winter" (this particular track I can't help but have on repeat mode in the car), "Death of Cedric" and "Foreign Visitors Arrive". "The Quidditch Cup" makes me want to catch the next plane to Ireland! And call me old-fashioned, but "Neville's Waltz" and "Potter Waltz" are pleasant and lovely to the ear.

As for the rock songs at the end, I usually bypass them. Some complain about the jarring disconnect between the orchestral aspect of the soundtrack and the loud rock of the end - well, at least they're at the end and not in the middle! And let's face it. How many people would have grumbled that those songs that featured at the Winter Ball were left out?

I've always loved the work of Patrick Doyle (e.g. "Sense and Sensibility" and "Much Ado About Nothing"), and this soundtrack is no exception. He didn't 'fill' John Williams' shoes on this score. He pretty much created a new pair. Harry's story and personality have shifted on. It would be remiss of us to think the music wouldn't evolve as well.

So has this soundtrack lost that feeling of magic? I would have to say a resounding 'no'. It's certainly a lot more listener-friendly than "Chamber of Secrets"!

The Magic is Gone.......2007-05-10

John Williams is not simply a hard act to follow...he's THE hard act to follow. Nonetheless this score falls far short. There was once magic in the land of Hogwarts.. themes were stated boldly and elevated the story, flurries of woodwinds nurtured scenes of flight. Doyle's score does dare to quote William's melodies at 3 points in this score. They are harmonized poorly and treated even worse. The rest of the score just goes downhill from here. He does introduce his own new "themes." These are presented as boring quarter note string lines that you can't seem to remember 10 seconds after you hear them. The rest of the scoreat it's best is a prime example of dated cliches. The dialogue scenes are overly sappy and the action scenes become hokey in an almost silent film music stlye. Watch the graveyard scene again and laugh, check out the dance scene where characters get lifted in the air as simple scales comically mirror their moves. The most common reaction to the music after viewing the film is "I don't really remember it as being good or bad." If you go back and watch it again I think you story will change. The magic is gone.

Atmospheric...But That's About All.......2007-03-31

One of the joys for me of the John Williams "Harry Potter" scores are the lush, melodic leitmotifs. On "The Chamber of Secrets" album alone there are wonderful themes for Fawkes, Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart, not to mention Colin, Hedwig and The Flying Car. They're charming, evocative pieces that stand alone apart from the moodier, more percussive tracks composed to accompany the actual movie. Unfortunately, there's nothing that even comes close to these in Doyle's "Goblet of Fire" score. There's certainly drama ("The Maze") and pathos ("Death of Cedric"), but nothing thematic that you'd want to hear over and over again. And what themes there are ("Neville's Waltz" for instance) I find woefully banal. (And don't get me started on the acid rock songs that close the album.) So this is a true movie score in the sense that it's pretty much all background music; it certainly creates atmosphere and serves as a reminder of the film's superlative visuals. But what works well in the theater doesn't translate very well for the home audio listener.

Musically Spellbinding.......2007-01-09

This album is a must for an Harry Potter fan, both young and old, from the mild to the extreme. I also recommend the entire collection of soundtracks to the movies. Each one is full of calm, soothing melodies we have come to enjoy from Harry Potter.

Average customer rating: Stand in the Fire~ Warren Zevon One of THE great rock and roll live albums About time. Live and Raw Zevon An interesting piece of Warren Zevon's musical development

Stand in the Fire Warren Zevon Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Envoy Preludes Excitable Boy I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon Live at Massey Hall (CD/DVD) ASIN: B000MGV9W0 Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

1. Stand In The Fire
2. Jeannie Needs A Shooter
3. Excitable Boy
4. Mohammed's Radio
5. Werewolves Of London
6. Lawyers, Guns And Money
7. The Sin
8. Poor Poor Pitiful Me
9. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
10. Bo Diddley's A Gunslinger/Bo Diddley
11. Johnny Strikes Up The Band
12. Play It All Night Long
13. Frank And Jesse James
14. Hasten Down The Wind

Amazon.com

Why Warren Zevon's Stand in the Fire has languished in the CD-reissue era is a mystery. It's an unbridled live rock album, recorded in 1981 when live albums were de rigueur. Zevon, for all the well-orchestrated rock (and great backing vocals on "Mohammed's Radio"), was a small-venue guy and an unlikely rocker. He tears it up on "Stand in the Fire" and adds guitar grit and vocal menace to "Werewolves of London," making the "little old lady got mutilated late last night" line sparkle and name checks James Taylor and Zevon's early champion Jackson Browne. Then there are the added tracks, all four previously unreleased. "Frank and Jesse James" rolls as a piano and vocals vehicle, brilliant in its simple dressing. And the closer, "Hasten Down the Wind," is touching, especially with the ever-aware Zevon introduction: "Speaking as one who has abused privilege a long time," he says, "I tell you, it's great to be alive." --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The 1981 live album masterpiece STAND IN THE FIRE--until now woefully out of print--prompted allmusic.com to write, "No one argues that Warren Zevon is a gifted singer and songwriter, but STAND IN THE FIRE proves that, when he wants to, he can also rock with the best of `em." Recorded at L.A.'s Roxy theatre in 1981, the disc features the two unforgettable original songs Zevon debuted on that year's tour, "The Sin" and "Stand In The Fire." Also includes searing versions of "Lawyers, Guns And Money," "Werewolves Of London," "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me," "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," "Mohammed's Radio," and "Jeannie Needs A Shooter," a co-write with Bruce Springsteen, among other stellar performances. Boasts liner notes by David Fricke and four previously unreleased cuts including "Johnny Strikes Up The Band," "Frank And Jesse James," and "Hasten Down The Wind."

Album Details

The 1981 Live Album Masterpiece "Stand in the Fire", Until Now Woefully Out of Print, Prompted Allmusic.com To Write, "no One Argues that Warren Zevon is a Gifted Singer and Songwriter, but "Stand in the Fire" Proves That, When He Wants To, He Can also Rock with the Best of `em." Recorded at L.a.'s Roxy Theatre in 1981, the Disc features the Two Unforgettable Original Songs Zevon Debuted on that Year's Tour, "the Sin" and "stand in the Fire." Also Includes Searing Versions of "lawyers, Guns and Money," "werewolves of London," "poor, Poor Pitiful Me," "i'll Sleep When I'm Dead," "mohammed's Radio," and "jeannie Needs a Shooter," a Co-write with Bruce Springsteen, Among Other Stellar Performances. Boasts Liner Notes by David Fricke and Four Previously Unreleased Cuts Including "johnny Strikes Up the Band," "frank and Jesse James," and "hasten Down the Wind."

Customer Reviews:

Stand in the Fire~ Warren Zevon.......2007-07-27

I've had this as a LP and long last on CD. This is every dedicated music fan's item, that is a must. Rock 'n Roll in its natural, time withstanding state.
Rob

One of THE great rock and roll live albums.......2007-07-24

Warren's shining moment. That this incredible album only existed on out-of-print vinyl and cassette (and a year ago, on a very limited, expensive Japanese import CD) for so long was a travesty; at long last this error has been corrected. Warren is simply "on fire" at the shows this was taken from, and man, does this lay to waste the studio versions! The backing band, Boulder, is fantastic, with a superb lead guitarist. While one might want to start with "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" (the Anthology on Rhino, not the book; that is for fanatics ONLY), this is far better. Get the anthology double set, this and The Wind; then proceed to, oh, Learning to Flinch (how could "I'll Sleep when I'm Dead" leave off "The Worrier King"??)(or choose the live version of The Indifference of Heaven over the studio one?)Anyways, this disc is Warren in all his glory, with stupendous versions of...well, everything! But especially Jeannie Needs A Shooter,Excitable Boy, and Lawyers,Guns,and Money. The title track is a SUPERB rocker, and The Sin is excellent as well,and you'll only hear them here. The bonus tracks are a nice treat, with Johnny Strikes Up The Band being the best of them. Get this. If you have no concept of Warren other than the "acoustic Heavy Metal troubadour", or the balladeer of beautifully sensitive songs that comprise most of The Wind, this CD will suprise you nicely. AWESOME.

About time........2007-07-15

Seems like another life time since this first came out. Zevon may have gotton better through the years but these performances still sound great.

Live and Raw Zevon.......2007-06-29

I got this in college and had been looking for years for this disc. Once I got it in my hands and put it in the disc player it was like being reunited with an old friend.

I saw Warren twice in acoustic shows, but never got the chance to see him with a full band. This is a great live recording; raw, electric and alive with a unique vitality. Warren takes the energy of the audience and channels it into a vivid preformance. He was one of the most honest rock n roll artists ever. This disc is a must have. Incredible versions of "Lawyers, Guns and Money", "Excitable Boy" among others. Nothing weak on this album. Your collection is not complete until you add this disc.

An interesting piece of Warren Zevon's musical development.......2007-06-29

Representing one of Zevon's very early musical experiments, Stand in the Fire is a live album with ALOT of energy. He was young and wild (he was such an excitable boy). Luckily, his musical talent evolved with time & experience. Both his writing and presentation of his songs improved with age. I rated this CD a "3", mostly for historical interest in his developing talent, & less for pure musical enjoyment.

Average customer rating: Best music to emerge fromt he Iraq War No one will replace Bob Marley, but Franti comes close The best hip-hop hippie protest and dance music out there! It's not often... Great! Great! Great!!!

Yell Fire! Michael Franti and Spearhead Manufacturer: Anti ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: I Know I'm Not Alone Everyone Deserves Music Songs From the Front Porch: An Acoustic Collection Stay Human Home ASIN: B000FMGTX0 Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

1. Time To Go Home
2. Yell Fire
3. I Know Im Not Alone
4. East To The West
5. Sweet Little Lies
6. Hello Bonjour
7. One Step Closer To You
8. Hey Now Now
9. Everybody Ona Move
10. See You In The Light
11. Light Up Ya Lighter
12. What I've Seen
13. Tolerance
14. Is Love Enough?

Amazon.com

One thing you know you'll get from Franti and Spearhead is a certain kind of crystal clarity--on the production, musicianship, and, of course, in the righteous political message. Released two years after Franti traveled by himself to war-ravaged Baghdad, Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, each of these songs deals with the human cost of war poignantly and pointedly. The lyrics may seem simplistic when removed from the songs--"Those who start wars never fight them/And those who fight wars never like them" and "The F15 is a homicide bomber"--but very few artists have the honesty and balls that Franti does. Bless him for that. Spearhead might lose credibility with some by tying Peter Tosh's chant to "legalize it" to their call for revolution, but those folks are not in the target demographic, anyway. Those who are will thoroughly dig this. From the jam band accents of "Time to Go Home" to the reggae of "Light Up Ya Lighter" to the U2-ish ballad "I Know I'm Not Alone," it's easily Franti's best album yet. --Mike McGonigal

Description

In 2004, Franti and his team traveled to the core of the red-zoned, war torn neighborhoods of Baghdad, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip with his guitar, video cameras, and the intent to experience first hand the human cost of war. Out of this journey, he created a compelling documentary ("I Know I'm Not Alone") and a searing, reflective album of original songs. "Yell Fire!" is his most compelling, engaged collection of songs, fired by a fury at the injustice of war, and a rediscovery of the love and community that supports those doing the fighting. It embraces reggae, blues, folk, hip-hop, and the anthemic politics of rock artists like U2 and Springsteen. With massive grooves and soaring choruses, Franti and Spearhead have produced an album to inspire and ignite.

More from Michael Franti

I Know I'm Not Alone (DVD), Directed by Michael Franti	Stay Human, Michael Franti and Spearhead	Everyone Deserves Music, Michael Franti and Spearhead
Songs from the Front Porch: An Acoustic Collection, Michael Franti	Love Kamikaze: The Lost Sex Singles & Collectors' Remixes, Michael Franti,	Live in Sydney, Michael Franti and Spearhead

Customer Reviews:

Best music to emerge fromt he Iraq War.......2007-07-13

Michael Franti is a dedicated musician and person. If you get a chance to see him live, don't miss him. Yell Fire! does not quite capture the power of his live concerts, but comes very close. The songs on Yell Fire! capture his love of humanity and sardonic commentary on the war. A few of his songs sound like covers of U2 songs, but if you are going to cover a band, you could do worse than U2. Franti's music is based in reggae, but offers a broad variety of music that is quite good.

No one will replace Bob Marley, but Franti comes close.......2007-07-09

i purchased the Yell Fire album about 3months ago i find i keep going back to listen to it again and again as it has the certain magic of a charismatic communicator that can give you both so much spirituality and outrage in a riveting mix.
The voice, the intensity, the knowing you are listening to the real thing, and nothing phony, knowing that love and outrage can co-exist, which brings immediately to mind the last word of the album "Co-Existence".
Michael Franti has been just below the radar for some years now but i feel his "Yell Fire" album will make more and more aware the gift this man has.
i have never seen him perform, but i can imagine him at 6'6" and ean and with dred-locks makes for a fine stage persona as he moves to the beat.
One wanting fine writing and beat from a man with a message that needs be heard, this is THE ALBUM, it is a must.
For those of neo-conservative bent or merely think they be good citizens of good country that is bringing democracy to the world, don't buy this album, you would despise it as you are what he is OUTRAGED at.
As Franti sings "The revolution, it will come without warning", i simply think "yes".
i am glad we have at a superb talent such as Franti to stand up and sing out his heart, a great album is this "Yell Fire". Max90

The best hip-hop hippie protest and dance music out there!.......2007-06-11

After some of their sublime recent efforts, I was ready for a letdown, but this CD just keeps giving and giving. Yell Fire is an absolute rocker and shows Michael isn't ready to back down from laying the truth out there. Many other great social consciousness and peace music tracks on there ('It's time to come home,' 'East to the West', 'Hello Hello', ...). Also my 14 month old daughter loves to dance to tracks 8 and 9!

Michael's leading the love revolution. When I saw him in Tucson last year it was one of the greatest performances I've seen. The most amazing things was his total confidence in himself which seems to have led him into a position of being totally selfless in his sharing.

It's not often..........2007-05-30

... I hear a record so emotionally powerful that it moves me to tears. This is an extraordinary record.

Great! Great! Great!!!.......2007-05-19

I am not usually a "reggae" fan, but this album is great. It has a timely message of waking up about war and it sure wakes up the listener. My husband asked me if I had worn the grooves off the CD yet. He (the old time country music fan) is even singing along with a couple songs. I would gladly give this album as a gift to anyone one I know. In fact, I have been spreading the word about this album to anyone who will listen.

Average customer rating: This CD Equals or Surpasses Her Last Effort. Dissasitfied!! Maysa Deserves Live Musicians Disapointed, Maysa's KARAOKE CD I love Maysa's soothing, sultry voice!

Feel the Fire Maysa Manufacturer: Shanachie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ladies' Choice Stay with Me Babysoul Born 2 Groove Distant Lover ASIN: B000OLHGKW Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. I Can't Help It
2. You Are My Starship
3. Happy Feeling
4. I Don't Want To Lose Your Love
5. Feel the Fire
6. Zoom
7. Send For Me
8. I'm In Love
9. This Time I'll Be Sweeter
10. Ain't No Sunshine

Customer Reviews:

This CD Equals or Surpasses Her Last Effort........2007-07-30

Maysa's last CD was entitled, "Soul Classics," and has garnered critical acclaim. This new CD, "Feel the Fire," easily equals or surpasses her last effort. What stands out are the song selections and the arrangements for them. This CD has a sweet sound reminiscent of sweet soul music from the past. It also features a stellar recording as well as first rate musicians playing their butts off. As far as I'm concerned Maysa can continue with her re-makes as long as she chooses the songs and keeps these musicians. This is a first rate effort.

Dissasitfied!!.......2007-07-20

I have been a long time FAN of MAYSA ..but.. I'm trying to understand what has happen to her. Going back as far as INCOGNITO I have enjoyed her style and voice but this CD I have much regrets. The previous CD I did enjoy but this one has made me very unhappy knowing that it could have been better since she wants to do remakes. WHERE ARE THE LIVE MUSCIANS AT????

Maysa Deserves Live Musicians.......2007-07-15

I have been a fan of Maysa's voice for many years. Going back to her period with Incognito, I always have enjoyed the sounds produced by her vocal cords. Given the nature of this recording, I looked forward to its release for many months. I was so certain it would be a major success that I order four copies -- one for myself and the remaining ones as gifts -- well in advance of its release. Upon receipt, I listened to it several times. As forecast, I was not disappointed by the vocals. I was, however, disappointed by the synthesizer -- the only "instrument" -- that supported this superior vocalist. Like most vocalists, Maysa needs, and deserves, the support of acoustic instruments. The synthesizer left many voids. This would be a superior recording with horns, drums, bass, guitar, and an occasion string instrument. The absences rendered this an average or below average recording. Maysa has earned the right to be supported by live musicians in the studio. Further compromises of this nayture will destroy her brand. I hope she will heed this message.

Disapointed, Maysa's KARAOKE CD.......2007-07-15

I love maysa's voice and music which had been pleased my ear for years. But this is under average of her music.
Her music on those Top 10 classic songs are only KARAOKE quality ( Record company wants Easy-money )
Not good back music-a bad arragement with cheap sound.
I don't think anybody would get impressed by her singing of "FEEL THE FIRE",After people listen Stephanie Mill's version & Teddy's or Peabo Bryson's version (original).
I want Maysa would go back what she used to do

I love Maysa's soothing, sultry voice!.......2007-07-06

She tackles the classic songs in her own special way. This is a CD that you can put on repeat and not get tired of hearing her sing. It is so sad that she has not had the "commercial success" in the US.

Average customer rating: Great Old Fashioned Fun Brings back great memories... Underestimated brilliance Terrific Album good sound for a good movie

Streets Of Fire: A Rock & Roll Fable (1984 Film) Ry Cooder , Jim Steinman , and Dan Hartman Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 1980s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Blues | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Blues | Blues | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Soundtracks General | Soundtracks | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Streets of Fire Eddie & The Cruisers - Soundtrack Eddie & the Cruisers 2: Eddie Lives! Eddie and the Cruisers Flashdance: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture ASIN: B000002O1Q Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Nowhere Fast
2. Sorcerer
3. Deeper And Deeper
4. Countdown To Love
5. One Bad Stud
6. Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young
7. Never Be You
8. I Can Dream About You
9. Hold That Snake
10. Blue Shadows

Album Details

The Film Soundtrack that Acted as the Vehicle to Promote the Late Dan Hartman's Last Hit Single 'i Can Dream About You' as Well as the Fixx's 'deeper and Deeper', plus Tracks from Marilyn Martin, Greg Phillinganes, Maria Mckee, Ry Cooder, the Blasters and More.

Customer Reviews:

Great Old Fashioned Fun.......2007-06-27

Michael Pare & Willem Dafoe really bring back the old days with their hero versus villain story. Each time that I watch this movie, I am captured by the music as time passes quickly as I am on the edge of my seat awaiting the next move.

Brings back great memories..........2007-06-08

I loved this movie back when it came out and I still do. Great music for those of us growing up in the 80's. Would recommend this to anyone wanting to reminisce. Diane Lane, Michael Pare, and Willem Dafoe are great. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Underestimated brilliance.......2007-05-27

This CD is fantastic. The feel of the songs match the mood of the film. I invite you all to listen to it and tell me you don't get a feel good wave running through you. Quite simply ... exceptional

Terrific Album.......2007-05-16

A very enjoyable album. The music is powerful, exciting and fun. It was a favorite when I watched the film and it has remained one for me.

good sound for a good movie.......2007-05-13

Not enough appreciated by the public, still one hot action movie of the '80s.

Average customer rating: Darker, but Excellent beautiful VERY Disappointed Nickel Creek is Awesome. Not Their Best, But Close

Why Should the Fire Die? Nickel Creek Manufacturer: Sugarhill ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Nickel Creek This Side Lonely Runs Both Ways Not All Who Wander Are Lost Reasons Why: The Very Best (CD + DVD) ASIN: B0009ML2BU Release Date: 2005-08-09

Tracks:

1. When in Rome
2. Somebody More Like You
3. Jealous of the Moon
4. Scotch & Chocolate
5. Can't Complain
6. Tomorrow is a Long Time
7. Eveline
8. Stumptown
9. Anthony
10. Best of Luck
11. Doubting Thomas
12. First and Last Waltz
13. Helena
14. Why Should the Fire Die?

Amazon.com

Why Should the Fire Die? is Nickel Creek's first album without Alison Krauss in the producer's chair, and on it, the trio's genre-expanding acoustic music has shifted even farther away from its bluegrass origins. The opening "When in Rome" perfectly encapsulates the aggressive approach the band favors, and features poetic lyrics far more obtuse than those of most groups with similar roots. The disc's first half stays rooted in a fairly conventional folk mode, with a lovely cover of Bob Dylan's "Tomorrow Is a Long Time" (one of the few solo vocal turns from fiddler Sara Watkins) and "Jealous of the Moon" (cowritten with the Jayhawks' Gary Louris) obvious highlights.

But the album gradually grows darker. The songs take unexpected twists that are challenging and unconventional, while still emphasizing those angelic vocal harmonies that float and sting. Chris Thile's peppy instrumental "Stumptown" leads into the menacing "Best of Luck," with its edgy minor-key chorus echoed by Watkins's deceptively sweet voice spitting out lyrics of an obsessive high-school love affair gone wrong. And the drums of "Helena," one of the group's most radical compositions, bring out Nickel Creek's inner Coldplay. Not a complete break with their bluegrass beginnings, Why Should the Fire Die? is certainly the trio's boldest and most creative album, albeit one that might not appeal to their earliest fans. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Darker, but Excellent.......2007-05-27

The lyrical content of this album is definitly darker than the first two, but those songs are easily complimented by some lighter tunes as well. They never cease to amaze me. It took a while to let this album grow on me, but eventually it did and I can't get enough of it. Favorite song: Helena...although the guy in the song is a complete jerk, it's still such a great song.

beautiful.......2007-03-14

I got this to complete my Nickel Creek collection. This is an entire album full of break-up songs, and while not entirely uplifting, the poetry and music are beautiful!

VERY Disappointed.......2007-03-12

I had the albums "Nickelcreek and "This Side" on an mp3 disc that I recently listened to, and it reminded me how much I like this group. I wanted more. So I ordered "Why Should The Fire Die". VERY disappointing. It's not at all pleasant to my ears. It brings to mind the worst of the real weird stuff the Beatles occasionally came up with. If Alison Krause's involvement made that much difference, then they need Alison back! I can only hope that this album is a total flop for Nickelcreek so they'll go back to making that fantastic music they're known for. After this album, who knows, maybe the fire will indeed die.

Nickel Creek is Awesome........2007-02-16

Why Should the Fire Die? was the first Nickel Creek CD that i bought, but i have them all. and love them all. I think everyone should own this CD. Nickel Creek is probably my favorite band, seriously. go see them in concert if you are able, you wont regret it.

Not Their Best, But Close.......2007-01-15

I had lost track with Blue Grass for a while. Ran into a friend and he got to talking about this CD. So I had to pick it up. It is a good sound, not the greatest of their efforts -- but it still has a nice sound. Worth the money and a great entry to Nickel Creek to those that don't listen to them yet.

Average customer rating: Top Ten A magnificent offering.... The best mix of studio & live Cream "CREAM EXPLODES!!!!!" Their best, hands down

Wheels of Fire Cream Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Disraeli Gears Fresh Cream Goodbye Blind Faith Live Cream ASIN: B0000067L3 Release Date: 1998-04-07

Tracks:

1. In The Studio: White Room
2. In The Studio: Sitting On The Top Of The World
3. In The Studio: Passing The Time
4. In The Studio: As You Said
5. In The Studio: Pressed Rat And Warthog
6. In The Studio: Politician
7. In The Studio: Those Were The Days
8. In The Studio: Born Under A Bad Sign
9. In The Studio: Deserted Cities Of The Heart

Tracks:

1. Live At The Fillmore: Crossroads
2. Live At The Fillmore: Spoonful
3. Live At The Fillmore: Traintime
4. Live At The Fillmore: Toad

Customer Reviews:

Top Ten.......2007-06-12

This album may not be "THE BEST" album of the era,but it certainly ranks up there with the top ten.Spoonfull is one of the most underappreciated rock and roll songs of our time.

A magnificent offering...........2007-06-08

This album really epitomizes what Cream was about. They were both marvels live and in the studio, and never was that shown better than in this album. Jack Bruce and Peter Brown were amazingly prolific writers, and their best songs are all here. White Room is deserving of its classic (with a really good, intricate drum workout by Ginger Baker), and As You Said is another gentle, charming song. Passing the Time is really beautiful (showing Baker could write great songs too). I love Politician, whose chorus "I support the left, though I'm leaning, leaning to the right" still rings true today. The live stuff is phenomenal, especially the epic cover of Spoonful and Bruce's blues workout Train Time. The only song I could do without was Toad. It starts out well, but Baker's drum solo isn't very dynamic, and it goes on much too long. If Baker and Bruce had gotten along better (contrary to popular belief, it wasn't Clapton feuding with his other band mates, but Baker and Bruce, who had a bit of a history before Cream), Cream would have kept making great albums for a while. Nevertheless, this is a great album, Cream's best.

The best mix of studio & live Cream.......2007-05-01

The pinnacle of Cream's achievements. Jack Bruce gives a taste of his considerable talents as a multi-faceted musician: string instruments, bass, keyboards as well as a couple other instruments show how remarkable he is. EC starts contributing more with vocals and multi-layer guitar tracks on the studio offerings. Ginger Baker shows that you don't have to be fancy to be great; the "less is more" philosophy is evident on "Sitting on Top of the World"-just enough for the feel of the track without overpowering it. Some bizarre name tracks on the studio offerings but if you can preview them first with an open mind and you may be surprised at how some may start appealing to you (Pressed Rat and Warthog, As You Said). This also kind of foreshadows what happens to groups when they put out a double album--it seems to show them at their peak and most times the offerings that follow just don't seem to have the same energy and appeal. The live tracks show the raw talent of each member without any tricks or gimmicks-just great musicianship. Of course it has the requisite drum solo track that was a part of the '60's rock legacy, but still a great title to have in your collection and a must-have for the Cream aficionado!

"CREAM EXPLODES!!!!!".......2007-02-19

Yes. I am still at this farm in Michigan. Why? Becaue I have promised myself to stay here for peace and quiet while I review the Cream albums. But, tragedy struck again. Seems Bossy (the cow) somehow ate up all of Metamorpho's food supply and I had to walk 30 miles to the nearest food store. (Magic Seer's carpet was in for repair), So I set out and realized that I had left my fur-lined Seer's cape at home when a snow storm surprised me on the way. Luckily, a man in an old Dodge pick-up truck picked me up and gave me a ride. Amazingly, he recognized me and, for the price of an autographed picture, gave me a return trip! What luck! But, I suppose for being spiritual (and a friend of the Universe), one is entitled to such perks. Nevermind all that. Cream's EXCELLENT "Wheels of Fire" awaits us all.
I must elucidate on these reviews. They are done, not only because the band is so reknown, but to explain why they are so. Positively, in the psychedelic sense, they progressed and moved the music into more formidable areas. What is so amazing is that they made this double c.d. set to show you what they are capable of in the studio- and live! And this shows you the real talent behind this band. Not only could they construct inticate landscapes and unknown terrain in the studio-but also be mega as far as live recording. This was confidence of the highest order. And it shines through miraculously.
What do we have here exactly? We have Cream adhering to their "traditional" blues roots. On the first part they tackle Howlin' Wolf's excellent "Sitting On Top of the World" as well as "Politician" which is the best Howlin' Wolf song not written by Howlin' Wolf (accolades to Jack Bruce on this one). "Born Under a Bad Sign" also reflects the blues-but in a more controlled and upbeat fashion. Definitely superb! The second part-needless to say, extends blues in live fashion and never lets up. The jams, the leads, are to die for (I hate to be banal but even Metamorpho has laspes sometime).
I can not say enough about Jack Bruce on the first part. Superb songwriting and construction. He extends himself to bleak areas. "White Room", although pristine, gets soiled by disappointment. The lively riff is juxtaposed against feelings; and especially lines like "where the shadows run from themselves" are as vivid and unique and understood as being exemplary. "As You Said" employs his wonderful acoustic guitar (with cellos!) and interesting construction insofar as chords and keys. What are they Jack? Sharps and flats I am sure, but maybe 5ths, 9ths, and sustained? This is his songwriting. Other-worldy and quite a marvel. "Deserted Cities of the Heart" has a little of this added as well. Ginger Baker adds his unusual "Pressed Rat and Warthog" (a talky piece with horns even alternately between two chords!). But, recovers and proves himself with "Those Were the Days". The best Jack Bruce tune not written by Jack Bruce.
On part two we have his blues jam "Traintime". Can almost imagine the train click-clacking along with this harmonica inspired number. We also have Ginger Baker's wonderous drum solo again in "Toad". Much better than the original studio recording, if you ask Metamorpho. "Spoonful" is much more precise and measured. A true joy. But, then we get to the "core" of exhileration. "Crossroads", in itself, is worth the purchase of this classic c.d. Clapton's lead transcends human boundaries (and, when listened to loud, will bounce you off the walls! Just as it has done to your beloved Seer since he listened to it many Seer moons ago!). This, I feel, was the peak of Clapton's power. Yes. He certainly has done many other excellent things ("Wonderful Tonight" just doesn't even compare to this). But, as raw live power- nothing rivals this, except Jimi at his finest. Take my word.
In short (!) a classic double album by one of the very best. And do remember that the cover (which your Metamorpho has tried to embed himself in and has gotten bounced out each and every time) reflected like sheer aluminum. How sad the times have compromised true value. But, you always have imagination. So says Metamorpho.
Like to thank T and Johnny L for their support. After all, they are better than absent guides in the long run.
So. That's it. One more review and I'm out of this Michigan farm. For Cream reviews, farm living is the place to stay- but I get allergic smelling hay. Ah. So it goes.
To all who support Metamorpho-your check is in the mail.
To those who don't-a check to the homeless shelter.
Have fun!

Bossy packs a mean hoove lead! ----------Metamorpho

Their best, hands down.......2007-02-06

Wheels of Fire (1968) Cream's third studio album.

One of the biggest debates among Cream fans and music fans alike is whether or not "Wheels of Fire" is better than "Disraeli Gears". Honestly, both albums are ultimately powerful, so it comes down to your personal taste. Cream is my favorite band, and "Wheels of Fire" is not only my favorite Cream album, it's my favorite album of all time. The reason is very simple; experimentation.

Cream had developed their sound after their debut, fusing blues-rock with the new wave of psychedelia. Once that had been established, Cream took it one step further on "Wheels of Fire".

There's the opener, "White Room", one of Cream's most heralded songs. Here we see the psychedelic side of the band, with an unusual 5/4 time signature and a killer guitar solo. We also see the psychedelic stuff on tracks like "Pressed Rat and Warthog" and "Those Were the Days". What this album is probably better known for, though, is its reworking of old blues songs, as well as adding new ones. The covers of both "Crossroads" and "Born Under A Bad Sign" are amazing, and the original bass riff that Bruce constructed on "Politician" is one of my favorites. It was with this album that Cream further pressed the hard-rock cusp.

The experimentation, which I mentioned earlier, is what really draws me to this album. The strange, psychedelic/prog/alternative sound of "Passing the Time" (one of Baker's best contributions to Cream) is insane, and the acoustic guitar that Clapton strums on in "As You Said" is incredible. We truly get a taste of what Cream would have been capable of, being that they were excellent songwriters in their own respect as well as fantastic musicians.

The second disc, "Live at the Fillmore", is where some fans have complaints. I actually don't have any problems with the extended improv acts that they put on, because their reworking of "Spoonful" and Baker's extensive solo on "Toad" are both great. And, as I have said, it features one of the greatist guitar performances not only by Clapton, but by any guitarist period. I speak of the immortal "Crossroads".

SUGGESTION: Of the three good Cream albums (I'm excluding "Goodbye"), you should listen to this one last. Start with "Disraeli Gears" and then "Fresh Cream". Because the sound on this album is so different and innovative, it may not be kind to the ear during the first listen. But believe me, it's a masterpiece, and it will grow on you.

Dance Music:

1. First Generation Rap [Box set]
2. Four Corner Hustler [Explicit Lyrics]
3. From the 4 Corners of the Universe [Import]
4. G to the Game [Explicit Lyrics]
5. Gangstaology [Explicit Lyrics]
6. Ghetto 2 Tha Barrio, Vol. 3 [Explicit Lyrics]
7. "Gotta Have It" Tha Compilation [Explicit Lyrics]
8. Hated with Respect [Explicit Lyrics]
9. Hell in August [Explicit Lyrics]
10. Hip Hop Wars [Explicit Lyrics]

Dance Music

dance music

Dance Music

21st Century Seance

David Van Vactor

Como La Vida Puede Ser (How Life Could Be)

All About Love

Only the Strong Survive

Conversation Peace

Evidence

Eduard Haken

Glow

Gershwin Brothers

Dig

God Sun

Corridos Cabrones

Brian Ferneyhough 1

A Sound Investment