Universal

1. Intro

2. Legendary

3. U Know the Name

4. Take a Breather

5. Take My Life

6. C.P.R.

7. My Life (Alter Ego), Pts. 1-3

8. Frequencies

9. Word

10. Looking Glass

11. Mind Over Matter

12. Front Row

13. Club

14. Love Song

15. World Renown

16. Outro

Tracks:

Oxygen
The Little Things
One Fine Wire
Bubbly
Feelings Show
Midnight Bottle
Realize
Battle
Tailor Made
Magic
Tied Down
Capri

Album Description

Singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat is one of the most celebrated artists to emerge from the growing talent pool of digitally-savvy self-launched artists, whose rise to prominence as the #1 unsigned artist on the popular myspace site has been largely due to her refreshing sense of understatement.

With no marketing push and only the power of the music behind her, Caillat became a sensation on the social networking site. Rolling Stone highlighted her as one of the top female artists on myspace. Ultimately, her number of friends swelled to more than 100,000. Her profile has been visited over 3 million times, and she has more than l0 million plays. She's currently averaging 50,000 + a day.

The songs on Caillat's debut album COCO mirror the Malibu-born Caillat's low-key, refreshing style. Armed with her acoustic guitar and her dusky vocals, she evokes the same gentle, yet spirited style of her musical influences John Mayer, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and The Weepies. The laid-back tempo of Hawaii, where she spent twice annual family vacations, is echoed in the music.

"She's the real thing," stated Monte Lipman, President of Universal Republic Records. "From her unique songwriting skills to her powerful but understated presence, Colbie has connected to millions of music lovers simply through the power of her music.

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-07-28

I saw Colbie in concert and immediately bought this CD. She has a fantastic voice and the CD was as good as I had hoped.

Refreshing and consistently good.......2007-07-28

I listened to the free single of the week, Bubbly I received through iTunes and liked it. Went and listened to samples of the other songs on the album and immediately knew I had to have the entire album.

Saw reviews that called her the female Jack Johnson. I find I like Coco better than any Johnson album I've heard. While he as a few strong hits, he has a lot of songs I find myself bored with and forwarding through. I don't have the desire to forward through any of the songs on Coco. Consistenly good and very listenable. Give this one a try.

Totally Wonderful!.......2007-07-26

I've just got to say that Colbie Caillat is amazing! I love her voice, the lyrics in her songs, and the music itself. I got started with her on MySpace and absolutely fell in love with "Bubbly." When I got the album I realized that she has many amazing songs. I have recommended this album to MANY of my friends and no one has been dissatisfied yet! Buy this album it's totally worth the price, in fact it's under-priced as far as I'm concerned. Wonderful, I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

Perfect Summertime Music!.......2007-07-26

I admit that I never heard of Colbie Caillat until yesterday, when I noticed that her debut album had entered Billboard's Top 200 chart at Number 5. Then I decided to check out this new singer-songwriter from California. I am pleased to report that I came away from the experience suitably impressed! Colbie's music has a laid-back, almost tropical feel that actually sounds a bit Hawaiian at times. Perhaps the reviewer at the allmusic.com web site put it best: "a lighter, brighter spin on Norah Jones that sounds like an ideal soundtrack to a few hours in a cozy coffeehouse..."" And I would expect that we will hearing "Coco" at Starbucks locations around the world in very short order!

I LOVE IT!!!.......2007-07-26

This is a wonderful cd. The music is so refreshing and calming and her voice is so angelical. So far, this is my favorite cd of the year! It is a must have.

Average customer rating:

Great album, ranks up there with "Be"
The GREAT, Underated does it AGAIN!!
REMARKABLE!!!
Spottie Ottie Dopaliscious
FINDING IS BETTER THAN "BE"..........

Finding Forever
Common
Manufacturer: Universal Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Graduation
Desire
T.I. vs T.I.P.
From Nothin' to Somethin'
I Am

ASIN: B000RN86BK
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

Intro
Start the Show
People
Drivin' Me Wild - Lily Allen, , Common
I Want You
Southside - Common, Kanye West,
Game
U, Black Maybe
So Far to Go - Common,
Break My Heart
Misunderstood
Forever Begins

Amazon.com

It's no small feat to follow an instant classic like Common's Be (2005) but he skillfully builds on that success with a worthy sequel. The two albums share much in common, especially with Finding Forever's focus and brevity (under 50 minutes) and especially with Kanye West's musical direction. The two Chicago natives have forged a strong chemistry together, especially on songs like "Start the Show" and "Southside" where both men appear, but just as a producer, West makes his presence felt on everything from the catchy piano tinkles of "Driving Me Wild" (featuring British chanteuse Lily Allen) to the brass-knuckled "The Game" (featuring DJ Premier). As has become his trademark, Common balances heartfelt earnestness ("Black Maybe") with clever charm ("Break My Heart") though he has one too many love songs ("I Want You"). Whether Finding Forever surpasses Be is a matter of individual, song-for-song taste: At worst, it's on par--a laudable accomplishment for a veteran now 15 years into his career. --Oliver Wang

Album Description

Multi-faceted Hip-Hop superstar Common is prepping his highly anticipated seventh album, Finding Forever, for a July 31st release on G.O.O.D Music/Geffen Records. The album is the follow up to the four times Grammy nominated, critically heralded and Kanye West produced Be, which spawned hits including The Corner, Go, and Testify. Finding Forever, finds Kanye again taking the bulk of production work with help from Will.I.Am on the sultry I Want You, the late great J. Dilla on So Far To Go, featuring a surprise guest appearance by D'Angelo and G.O.O.D Music producer Devo Springsteen on Misunderstood. On Finding Forever, Common, rips the mic like a hungry newcomer. The street single The Game produced by Kanye with scratches by the legendary DJ Premier is a horn drenched, vintage NY rap boom-bap banger from the Chi-town emcee, no less. The resounding lead single The People finds Common lyrically asserting why and who he creates his music for over regal strings, delectable keys and hard to get vocals by Gil Scott Heron. This is the explicit version.

Customer Reviews:

Great album, ranks up there with "Be".......2007-07-31

With all the 20 plus track rap albums we see coming out these days, full of filler and the same "catchy" type songs, Common's new album is a breath of fresh air. It's got a 13 track playlist and I was feelin all but maybe 1 track. Overall, the album hits hard, makes you think and examine yourself. More music needs to do that. The final track, if you give it a serious listen will make you question alot about life and legacy. Pick this one up if you're a Common fan, or a rap fan in general, because it doesn't disappoint.

I've seen people say this album is better than "Be". In terms of that comparison, I still give "Be" a slight edge, but this album is nearly as good.

The GREAT, Underated does it AGAIN!!.......2007-07-31

His best work in the 15 years I've been listening to Com'. The way he's progressed in this thing of our's we call HIP HOP is amazing.

Anyone who purchases this album will not be dissapointed. The ryhmes, the beats, the message(s). Simply, the hottest album of the year.

REMARKABLE!!!.......2007-07-31

Just bought this album not too long ago and the CD ROCKS SOMETHING SERIOUS OF HIP HOP. It's like one of those albums where you put your headphones on, close your eyes and just let your head nod as you are mentally taken into some Mythical journey. With this "Snap and Pop" generation, I almost had to shed a tear when I was listening to this Common album. My respects!!

Spottie Ottie Dopaliscious.......2007-07-31

Once again Common comes with a ridiculously consistent and solid album. just like BE, there arent any holes in the tracklisting. My Favorite songs are "The People", "Drivin Me Wild" (LILY), "Misunderstood" and "Forever Begins". Great production from Kanye, Dilla "So Far To Go" (which is featured on The Shining) and Devo Springsteen "Misunderstood".

I would rank this tied for third in Common's catalogue (which is very impressive) with Be and behind Resurrection and Like Water For Chocolate.

FINDING IS BETTER THAN "BE".................2007-07-31

MUSICALLY, REPLAY VALUE, LYRICALLY AND PRODUCTION WISE...FINDING FOREVER IS SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN "BE"...EVEN THOUGH "BE" WAS A BEAUTIFUL ALBUM TO LISTEN TO AS WELL. ITS A VERY GOOD ARGUMENT WHICH ALBUM IS ACTUALLY BETTER...U MAY LIKE "BE"...YOUR FRIEND MAY LIKE "FINDING FOREVER"...BUT THAT FACT THAT COMMON HAS GIVEN US 2 ALBUMS SO GOOD THAT THEY BOTH WILL BE CONSIDERED CLASSIC'S IS A TESTAMENT TO COMMONS'S HARD WORK AND ABILITY TO PUT OUT QUILTY MUSIC.

FROM THE "INTRO" ON FINDING FOREVER..TO "THE GAME"...TO "SOUTHSIDE"....TO "I WANT YOU"...TO "MISUNDERSTOOD"... ALL THE WAY TO "FOREVER BEGINS"..EVERY TRACK IS DAMN NEAR FLAWLESSSS. KAYNE WEST HAS TURNED COMMON INTO AN RAP ICON, SAVING COMMON FROM HIS ELETRIC CIRCUS ALBUM AND PEOPLE SAYING HE HAD FELL OFF WITH THAT ALBUM, EVEN THOUGH I ACTUALLY LIKED ELECTRIC CIRCUS. WE NEED TO ALL THANK KAYNE WEST FOR REVIVING COMMON'S GREAT CAREER. COMMON AND KAYNE ARE 2 FOR 2 SO FAR "2 CLASSIC'S" EVEN THOUGH FINDING FOREVER IS BETTER THAN "BE" OVERALL. NOW LET'S SEE IF COMMON CAN TOP "FINDING FOREVER" A YEAR OR TWO FROM NOW. I'LL ENJOY THIS CLASSIC FOR THE TIME BEING AND HOPEFULLY MANY MORE TO COME FROM THE RAPPER CALLED "COMMON".

FINAL VERDICT IS :

"BE"..4 1/2 STARS
"FINDERING FOREVER.."5 STARS"

Average customer rating:

Curses, Foiled Again
Awesome CD!
Once Upon a Theme
AMAZING CD... Now I'm getting all their CD's
More than satisfied

Foiled
Blue October
Manufacturer: Universal/Motown Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

History for Sale
Consent to Treatment
Extreme Behavior
Eyes Open
How To Save A Life

ASIN: B000E97HBC
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

You Make Me Smile
She's My Ride Home
Into The Ocean
What If We Could
Hate Me
Let It Go
Congratulations
Overweight
X-Amount Of Words
Drilled A Wire Through My Check
Sound Of Pulling Heaven Down
Everlasting Friend
18th Floor Balcony

Amazon.com

Texas quintet Blue October has bounced from Houston-based indie darlings to the majors and back twice since their '98 bow. Yet there's little sense they've compromised much of their eclectic, creatively restless ethos in the bargain on this, their fourth studio album (and second major label stint). In the hands of less ambitious musicians, the personally harrowing, perfectly crafted "Hate Me" would have become template for the entire collection; here it's but the most commercially focused of band leader Justin Furstenfeld's eclectic musical obsessions. His taste for early '80s UK New Wave evinces itself in a fondness for lyrical shadows and fleeting sonic echoes of Richard Butler's P-Furs and Peter Gabriel. But it's in the collection's quieter, more reflective songs ("Let It Go" and "Congratulations" turn on Ryan Delahousaye's signature violin phrases; "X Amount of Words" effortlessly morphs through several intriguing techno conceits; "18th Floor Balcony" bristles with an almost neo-classical elegance) where Blue October sets itself a cut above its post-grunge contenders. -- Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The Texan rockers build on their guitar and violin-driven sound, setting their pained-yet-hopeful lyrics to moody-yet-catchy tunes with touches of electronica and piano-laced balladry. Includes the hits "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean," plus "Drilled a Wire Through My Cheek," "Congratulations" (with Imogen Heap), and more.

Customer Reviews:

Curses, Foiled Again.......2007-06-16

Linda Ruelas, the weekend receptionist at the office where I work, was listening to this song. I had heard it on the radio, and wondered who sang it. She has a boyfriend stationed in Iraq, and she found out his MySpace password, and read email he wrote to his buddy that said something like, "you know how I roll," which seems to imply that he was not trying to maintain the monogomous lifestyle while stationed in Iraq. Or some such drama that made this song resonate with her.

And it goes something like this:

"I have to block out thoughts of you, so i don't lose my head

They crawl in like a cockroach leaving babies in my bed

Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I'm alone

Playing movies in my head that make a porno feel like home

There's a burning in my pride, a nervous bleeding in my brain

An ounce of peace is all I want for you, Will you never call again?

And will you never say that you love me just to put it in my face

And will you never try to reach me, it is I that wanted space"

And then that catchy catchy chorus:

"Hate me today

Hate me tomorrow

Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you

Hate me in ways, yeah ways hard to swallow

Hate me so you can finally see whats good for you"

Anyway, Blue October is from Texas, but you wouldn't know it from their sound. The only thing like Texas about them is that they have a very big sound. It is more alternative rock than anything, but I guess it is not all blues, or country, or Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

Awesome CD! .......2007-06-10

I was totally blown away by this CD. I had just bought it for Hate Me and Into the Ocean, only to find out that the other songs are even better. The CD plays as a story of Justin (the lead singer). If you listen to the lyrics you will be amazed at his talent and his life struggles. Oh, and it rocks too! Number 4, 7 and 10 are the best.

Once Upon a Theme.......2007-06-08

A better title for this CD would have been a "Fine Madness", except it's already been taken. The airplay of Hate Me and Into the Ocean do not do justice to Foiled. It's an album meant to be played in one sitting, front to rear, as in FM radio's heyday.

Foiled is a finely crafted work:the haunting violin on 18th Floor Balcony, the hypnotic guitar work and vocals on She's My Ride Home, the three part vocal on Into the Ocean and it goes on. There is a theme running through the album that belies the eclectic label. Although the hard edge of Drill it, Hate Me and What if We Could are miles from Congratulations' pop chorus and Overweight's unique structure, each song develops the theme of love and madness, cause and effect, bringing the listner to the edge: sometimes granting friendship, sometimes decrying its loss, but redeeming love at the end (the point in 18th Floor Balcony being the last track).

Wonderfully done.

AMAZING CD... Now I'm getting all their CD's.......2007-06-02

All I can say is WOW! The variety of the songs just blows me away... there seems to be a song I can listen to no matter what mood I'm in! The music is not cliche and very unique... they have their own sound and are not generic in any way. LOVE IT! I just ordered their other CD's b/c this one is so great! I'm definitely a big fan now.

More than satisfied.......2007-05-31

I Love this CD. I took a chance buying it only knowing one song. But it totally paid off because i listen to it constantly and am loving every minute of it.

Average customer rating:

Perfection
brilliant

Frank
Amy Winehouse
Manufacturer: Universal Republic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
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Back to Black
Back to Black
You Know I'm No Good
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Introducing Joss Stone

ASIN: B000PKG7I4
Release Date: 2007-11-13

From Amazon.co.uk

With her debut album Frank, Amy Winehouse proves to be one of the most original, honest, and brave singer/songwriters to emerge in recent years. Over the course of the 13 songs, she manages to do everything required of a classic album. This is a stark piece of work, comprising husky, frequently sexually charged vocals, painfully honest lyrics and soft trumpets, laidback beats, and sparse guitar work. It seems that soulful jazz doesn't always have to be bland--it can also be playful, twisted, and arrogant ("Amy Amy Amy"). "F*** Me Pumps" charts a seemingly guilt-free act of infidelity: "What do you expect when you leave me here alone?" she asks coyly, as if by way of justifiable explanation. "You wouldn't want me to be lonely," she adds. You can't help warming to her, despite what she's saying. A unique sense of humour (how rare in music now) and a no-bull attitude make for an interesting, compelling debut. Frank? Yes, but refreshingly so. You wouldn't want her for a girlfriend, but as a life companion she may yet prove indispensable. --Cortman Virtue

Customer Reviews:

Perfection.......2007-07-06

I stumbled upon Amy Winehouse through a music profile on a friend's myspace page. The song was "Back To Black" from the same-titled recent release.

I was completely blown away by the sound. Her voice is like silk over the tripped up beats and rehash of the 1960's.

I looked deeper into her book of work and picked up "Frank". While "Back to Black" is a flawless piece of work... "Frank" is simply perfection. It's much simplier but in it's simplicity lies it's beauty. She allows the beats to remain scarce so that her voice is the anchor to each song.

This album is definitely worth hunting for.

brilliant.......2007-07-04

If you think Back to Black is brilliant, wait until you hear Frank! Soul and Jazz stylings meet together here and the end result is magnificent. Do what you have to to bring this into your listening space...buy Frank from ebay, UK, etc. I'm surprised Amazon isn't offering it, and erroneously has it's release date as 1969.

Average customer rating:

Another side of John Mellencamp
Best CD I've purchased in a very long time
Love the songs
Mellencamp Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mellencamp's Return to Greatness!

Freedom's Road
John Mellencamp
Manufacturer: Universal Republic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits
Van Morrison At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits

ASIN: B000KGGZXA
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Someday
Ghost Towns Along The Highway
The Americans
Forgiveness
Freedom's Road
Jim Crow
Our Country
Rural Route
My Aeroplane
Heaven Is A Lonely Place

Amazon.com

The heartland rocker's first album of all-new material in more than five years finds John Mellencamp in full anthem mode. This is his State of the Union address, with guitars that chime like the Byrds heralding sentiments that recall the socially-conscious 1960s, yet sound all the more pertinent today. Balancing the desolate landscape of "Ghost Towns Along the Highway," the hell-on-earth of "Rural Route," and the tolls demanded on the title track's "Freedom's Road" are the embrace of brotherhood on "Someday," the Everyman populism of "The Americans," and the soaring transcendence of "My Aeroplane." Within the context of the album's song cycle, the "Our Country" centerpiece sounds richer and more powerful than it has as a truck commercial--like a roots-rocking sequel to Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." Mellencamp enlists Joan Baez for a duet on the protest ballad "Jim Crow," while saving his most blistering political commentary for the unlisted bonus track, "Rodeo Clown." --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Another side of John Mellencamp.......2007-07-27

I enjoy this new side of John Mellencamp. Even though he sold "Freedom's road" for a car commercial. We all have to live.

Best CD I've purchased in a very long time.......2007-07-23

I originally purchased this CD for the song heard in commercials, "This Is Our Country". What I found were several heart & conscience wrenching songs that I cannot get out of my head. I highly recommend this, but I would buy 2. You might wear the first one out!

Love the songs.......2007-07-18

This is my first Mellencamp CD and I love the songs on the CD. I didn't give it 5 stars because there is a technical problem with this batch of CDs. The last song (maybe it's really 2 songs) has a 2 minute gap about 4 1/2 minutes into the song. I got it replaced, but the replacement had the same problem.

Mellencamp Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-07-17

Yes he is back to his good ole days of his Scarecrow,Lonesome Jubilee and Big Daddy days. A MUST for all his fans

Mellencamp's Return to Greatness!.......2007-07-03

Finally returning to the music that made him great, John Mellencamp nails it with this CD. Although not a Scarecrow or Jubilee, this is a solid CD which definitely harkens back to these other works. We've definitely missed him and his music. Although fans will always buy whatever he puts out, it was clear that he was trying new musical paths that didn't completely work for him until he woke up with this effort! Thanks John! You didn't forget your roots after all.

Average customer rating:

Umbrella remix CD by Rihanna
ANOTHER HIT!!! Keep it UP!!!
THE CITY OF SAC THANKS YOU.......
Rained Out

Umbrella
Rihanna , and Jay-Z
Manufacturer: Universal/Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

Dance Hall | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

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Good Girl Gone Bad
Say It Right
U & Ur Hand
Last Night
B'day

ASIN: B000PMGPV6
Release Date: 2007-06-04

Tracks:

Radio Edit
Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit
Lindbergh Palace Remix
Video

Album Description

2007 enhanced CD pressing of the first single pulled from her third album Good Girl Gone Bad. 'Umbrella' features Jay-Z and is another summer anthem in the vein of previous smashes 'Pon De Replay' and 'S.O.S,'. Features four versions of 'Umbrella': Radio Edit, Seamus Haji & Paul Emanuel Radio Edit, The Lindbergh Palace Remix and Enhanced Video. Mercury.

Album Details

After Selling Almost Half a Million Copies of "a Girl Like Me", the 19 Year Old Beauty from Barbados Returns with her Third Album "Good Girl Gone Bad". The Single "Umbrella", featuring Jay Z, is Lifted from the Set and is Presented Here with Mixes by Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel and Lindbergh as Well as the Enhanced Promotional Video.

Customer Reviews:

Umbrella remix CD by Rihanna.......2007-07-14

The two remixes on this CD are awesome. The original version of Umbrella is not so hot, but the the remixes make it a totally different song.

ANOTHER HIT!!! Keep it UP!!!.......2007-06-11

Rihanna came with another summer anthem. 'umbrella' a great track over all... there are not many artist that have more than one hit.... rihanna can say that. she has had a hit for the past 3 summers and has no sign in slowin down.

Jay-Z did not take over the track like he alwayz tries to do... then rihanna comes with the hotness.. her voice may not b the strongest voice in music but she does kno how to use it and does songs that suit her...

the chorus is timeless "U can stand under my umbrella ella ella ey ey ey"... its the way she is singing it that makes it stick in your head.

the 'umbrella' video is so breathe takin... the silver body paint sold me....

'pon de replay", "SOS', 'unfaitful', now "umbrella".... keep the hits comin... ill b listenin

THE CITY OF SAC THANKS YOU..............2007-06-06

This work is genius..... from Bach to Tupac. I love this Song. A True Classic. JAY-Z you know what sounds right!!!!! and that is why you Earn the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Bling Right??
Thank you BOTH FOR This wonderful Addison to the Sound of Club-Classic Music.

DJ SANDMAN WjT. Sac, Yolo, CA...........
Small Town USA. Real To life People.....

Rained Out.......2007-06-03

There are times where a good artist can make a song that can be a dissapointment, and there are those artists who've made dissapointing songs altogether. Rihanna has been unfortunately one of them. Her latest single, Umbrella from her upcoming record A Good Girl Gone Bad tries to place her into a more Hip Hop Soul style that tries to capture what Beyonce and Ciara have brought to the public. Sadly, Rihanna misses out from that image, and the song doesn't seem to help either. Especially, after the last few singles like the depressing Unfaithful, didn't help her sales. All in all, I think that she needs to find better material for herself, because it is going to be a stormy career left.

Song: D

Average customer rating:

the magic position
Special!
A Viable Performer!
BRILLIANT PATRICK WOLF DAZZLES WITH HIS LATEST
The WolfMagic

The Magic Position
Patrick Wolf
Manufacturer: Fontana Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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The Reminder
Sound of Silver
Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters
Mirrored
Release the Stars

ASIN: B000NJVX5O
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

Overture
The Magic Position
Accident & Emergency
The Bluebell
Bluebells
Magpie
X
Augustine
Secret Garden
Get Lost
Enchanted
The Stars
Finale

From Amazon.co.uk

Standing at 6 feet 4" tall with a shock of bright red hair, 23 year old Patrick Wolf is something of a statement even before he opens his mouth. His two albums to date--2003's Lycanthropy and 2005's Wind in the Wires--have showed him to be more than a pretty face, however, with songs that strike an attractive balance between the imaginative and the indulgent. His third album, The Magic Position, is undoubtedly Wolf's 'pop' moment. The rollicking romp of "Get Lost," the upbeat "Accident and Emergency," and the celebratory title track all underline new levels of accessibility and--dare we say it--optimism. There are hints of the old Wolf too of course, especially in the eclectic choice of instrumentation and the off-kilter song arrangements; for every pop-perfect track there's a slice of raw darkness ("Bluebell") casual introspection ("Augustine") or sidereal rock-tronica ("The Stars"). Less a dramatic reinvention than a sideways turn into the world of adult emotions and mainstream accessibility, The Magic Position is nonetheless Patrick Wolf's most accomplished work to date. --Paul Sullivan

Customer Reviews:

the magic position.......2007-07-23

i saw him on a late night show, not the type of music i normally listen too, fell in love with his energy and style. i love the cd, my granddaugter thinks i am regressing. good for me !!

Special!.......2007-07-22

this CD is very special with all kinds of special effects
One should listen a few times to appreciate the music!

A Viable Performer!.......2007-06-27

In my never ending search for what is good out there and the possible surpirse of finding a really tasty talent (no, I am not going to eat it, just and expression!)I keep looking for highly rated albums for each year and I use AMG, Metacritic (which I do like a lot), Rolling Stone, Spin whatever is available and that so far I respect their opinions. Patrick Wolf I found in Rolling Stone "artists to watch for" and since I became intrigued I bought "The Magic Position". Overall, I fairly assigned 4 stars to the CD. Since my collection as of late is growing at a rapid rate (blame that to musical boredom and a need to listen more and new acts)I only have heard this album 1 time but there are enough good sounds to call it a "keeper". Some of the instrumentation is deceptively appealing and quite melodic. From his looks on the cover I did not know how the waters run with Patrick Wolf but in the end his music did all the talking and I enjoyed it. There were a couple of intimate songs that were very very nice. Obviously Patrick Wolf listens to his own "drummer" and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. A Viable Performer and who knows? When the rotation includes this album again might be twice as enjoyable, after all the very best grows after two or three listens. 4 Stars for "The Magic Position".

BRILLIANT PATRICK WOLF DAZZLES WITH HIS LATEST.......2007-06-26

Patrick Wolf dazzles with his third and latest album, "The Magic Position," a brighter, bolder work than his previous, but no less extraordinary, "Wind in the Wires." With remarkable breadth and depth, he focuses on various states and stages of relationships, from the ebullient title song to the mournful "Bluebells" to the striking "Accident & Emergency," the light "Let's Get Lost" and the reverential "The Stars." It all kicks off with "Overture's" mounting pulse and alluring message to "open up now" and "let the light in."

The music ranges from symphonic to spare, but always seems multi-layered and rich. Wolf's lyrics are stirring, descriptive and drenched in wisdom and insight.

Wolf is truly in a class by himself. As a singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, performer and visual artist, he possesses an extraordinary talent, vision and appeal--all of which are realized on this amazing album.

The WolfMagic.......2007-06-02

Along with Feist's The Reminder and Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion, Patrick Wolf's 3rd outing The Magic Position is nothing short of being charismatic. The album is a whimsical mix of electro-pop, dance, rock and classical music. As an young artiste who single-handedly plays over 40 instruments, his music is immediately varied and arresting.

The opener Overture begins with some serious deep beats before breaking into a rock song. The title track is a boisterous child-like track that brings with it a cheerful disposition. Accidents and Emergency contains an irresistible hook consisting of horns and sirens. Magpie perfectly demonstrates his classical leanings. His deep baritone voice is a stark contrast to his flamboyantly loud image on the album art.

With The Magic Position, Wolf shakes off the dark imagery of his previous releases and emerges with greater faith and conviction. One of the year's best! (A+)

Average customer rating:

Wasted Opportunity
Different covers album.
Arden "Uncovers" Gems

Uncover Me
Jann Arden
Manufacturer: Fontana Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Love Is the Only Soldier
Jann Arden
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ASIN: B000MGUZ7K
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

Bring the Boys Home
California Dreamin'
Peace Train
At Seventeen
Love Is a Battlefield
Son of a Preacher Man
Counterfeit Heart
You're So Vain
Downtown
Solitaire

From Amazon.ca

Perfectly titled Uncover Me is a collection of nine cover songs and one original that allows Arden to show how emotion-driven music has influenced her along the way. The disc kicks off with "Bring the Boys Home" (originally a 1971 anti-Vietnam war song) that is especially moving with its refrain, "bring 'em back alive." The '70s hit "Peace Train" by Yusuf Islam (a.k.a. Cat Stevens) also delivers another powerful message in a gentle melody. True to Arden's musical nature, there are a handful of melancholic tracks, including the aptly wistful version of Janis Ian's "At Seventeen" and a moving, traditional take on the Carpenters' "Solitaire." The disc's one original, "Counterfeit Heart" is a definite standout of the slower numbers, one that seems awash with a '40s croon and ache. That track aside, the strongest parts of the CD come in the form of the sassy female-fronted melodies that bring out the best of Arden's style. Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," Pat Benetar's "Love Is a Battlefield," and Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man" each allow Arden to infuse a little extra zest and oomph in her vocals. The only downside? That in choosing the songs, Arden didn't pick a number with a little more bite to it, such as Heart's "Crazy on You" or Joan Jett's "Bad Reputation," which would have allowed her to shake off the softness, if only for a while. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

Wasted Opportunity.......2007-07-27

Cover albums are risky at best. Rare is it that an artist covers unknown material and rarer that they do a better job than the popular original they will inevitably record.

Unfortunately, Jann Arden falls into this all to easy trap. That's not to say there are not good attempts and bold song selection choices.

I was more than mildly surprised by the take on "California Dreamin'". She certainly does a better job than Matthew Sweet/Susannah Hoffs did with "Monday Monday".

Even the cover of "Love is a Battlefield" was unexpected and not unpleasant. Some of the background vocals could have been cut, but she tackles it better than I would have thought. "Solitaire" is not bad either.

But then things do go south for me. 10,000 Maniacs did a much better cover of "Peace Train". Things don't go well for "You're So Vain" or "Downtown" and I don't know that "Son of a Preacher Man" should ever be touched. Some songs are too iconic to be successful at - no matter who you are.

The biggest disappointment is "At Seventeen". If it had to be covered, Arden would be a perfect artist to attempt it. But the drums and brushes in the back make is sound like a lounge band cover performing at the airport Holiday Inn. A shame.

Different covers album........2007-03-07

Some people like to do things the easy way. Jann Arden is not one of them.
Consider her latest disc "Uncover Me".
For many artists, a covers album is a cop-out -- a set of tried-and-true tunes tossed off to plug the gap and fatten the wallet between discs.
But not Jann. And not for want of trying, either.
The Canadian singer-songwriter reportedly cut a disc of croony standards, but scrapped it as too downbeat (and coming from ballad queen Arden, that's really saying something).
Instead, she regrouped and recorded the fittingly titled "Uncover Me", a collection of '60s and '70s pop tunes that give us a revealing glimpse into her early musical loves and influences.
Listening to her glistening pop-rock versions of classics like Janis Ian's "At Seventeen", Carly Simon's "You're So Vain", The Mamas and the Papas' "California Dreamin'" and Karen Carpenter's "Solitaire", you can picture her sitting alone in her teenage bedroom after school, strumming an acoustic guitar and singing along with her turntable.
The timeless messages of Freda Payne's "Bring the Boys Home" and Cat Stevens' "Peace Train" resonate strongly without seeming heavy-handed, while her somewhat tongue-in-cheek cover of Dusty Springfield's "Son of a Preacher Man" is just a kick.
Most of the tunes are pretty faithfully rendered, with the exception of Pat Benatar's "Love is a Battlefield", which is recast as a shadowy ballad.
But no matter the setting, everything possesses Arden's usual undercurrent of melancholy -- even Petula Clark's sugar-spun ditty "Downtown" sounds ironic and resigned in her hands.
After all, Jann knows that forgetting all your troubles and cares is easier said than done.
Lovely, sensitive, beautiful!

Arden "Uncovers" Gems.......2007-03-07

Prime Cuts: Solitaire, Downtown, You're So Vain

To designate Arden as a one-hit wonder with her emotionally ravaging top 20 smash "Insensitive" is a caricature. Across the border on the 49th parallel, this chanteuse has been amassed with 8 Juno Awards (the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys) and she was also the receipt of the esteemed 2000 Prairie Awards Songwriter of the Year. However, for "Uncover Me," her ninth studio album, Arden has decided to give her writing kilt a rest. Save for one newly penned tune, this album finds Arden covering a wide array of music from Cat Stevens to the Carpenters to Pat Benator to Carly Simon to Pertula Clark to Dusty Springfield. Naturally such an adventurous excursion lend itself to being one of the most vocally challenging endeavors Arden has had ever committed on record. Unable to divorce herself totally from the originals, she does vocally import Karen Carpenter's vulnerability, Carly Simon's spitefulness, and her own skeptical bite, making Arden a much richer composite vocalist.

If a song could cut the heart like a stiletto it has to be the Carpenters' "Solitaire." A probable biography of Karen Carpenter's vacuous quest for true love, this piano-based ballad finds Arden cribbing Carpenter's forlorn and despairing purrs with great effect. Pertula Clark's "Downtown," though traffics with a carefree disposition, guises an ache of loneliness where the song's protagonist tries to forget her pain vis-à-vis window shopping. Arden's new composition "Counterfeit Heart," though not as melodramatic as the aforementioned tracks, is still a heart wrenching ballad of misplaced trust and broken promises to which Arden conveys with mastery. Also, emotionally lacerating is Janis Ian's "At Seventeen," a song of struggling identity that still speaks today as it did over thirty years ago.

Not one to be victimized by life's circumstances, "You're So Vain" is the perfect "get even" type of a song that Arden performs with sass and attitude. While she sticks too close to Pat Benator's "Love is a Battlefield" that Arden veers dangerously close to being enmeshed into a Benator soundalike. Similarly, a couple of misfires comes in the form of songs that are more "inspirational" in nature. Cat Stevens' "Peace Train," despite being a well crafted song about world peace with those intricate spiritual/Biblical overtones, has been done to death. And sadly Arden adds nothing new to it. Likewise, "Bring Home the Boys," with its over-produced backing, somehow gags Arden's performance.

Nevertheless, as far as cover albums go, "Uncover Me," albeit some too obvious choices, is a well selected opus. Further, the highlight is Arden's interpretative skill: soaking up the best emotional nuances of the originals and adding her own razor-sharp affections, these paeans beget an unflinching realism that is hard to resist. After all these years of experience, Arden has triumphantly channeled her best into the articulation of these songs.

Average customer rating:

pretty good
sweet relief
Love Metal At Its Best

Uneasy Listening: Vol. 2
Him
Manufacturer: Universal Republic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Uneasy Listening, Vol. 1
Summer Wine
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Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights

ASIN: B000PC6FYS
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Buried Alive By Love
Rendezvous With Anus
Sigillum Diaboli
I Love You (Prelude To Tragedy)
The Beginning Of the End
Again
Wicked Game
Soul On Fire
Beautiful
Endless Dark
Hand Of Doom
Right Here In My Arms
Sailin' On
Pretending

Customer Reviews:

pretty good .......2007-06-22

this is just a sample complation cd but its not bad its way better tthen the last uneasy listin cd it has alot more unrealesd stuff to if you are a him fan by it but if not then download it or something

sweet relief.......2007-06-07

Some people think it's a cop-out to release CDs of remixed songs, but I think it's legit as long as it sounds good and gives a different flavor than the original, and this CD delivers. A lot of these mixes would not really work in a live performance setting, and that's probably why they were not released initially. Anyway, it's sweet relief for the ears to have new HIM sounds to listen to!

Love Metal At Its Best.......2007-05-24

I ordered this cd early from Finland on the original release date in april and i can't stop listening to it. The 616 versions of "Buried Alive By Love" and "Endless Dark" are amazing, my favorites by far; the live material is great, "Hand of Doom" and "Sailin' On" are the best live covers i've heard. A Must Have. BUY THIS CD NOW! Can't wait for Venus Doom in July, its going to be the best ever!

Average customer rating:

great album
non-purchase
As Good As Always
Impressive; 3 ½ Stars
Awesome

III
Joe Nichols
Manufacturer: Universal South
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Doin' Somethin' Right
Time Well Wasted
Man with a Memory
Your Man
Real Fine Place

ASIN: B000B8I8MS
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Size Matters (Someday)
Freedom Feels Like Lonely
Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off
Talk Me Out Of Tampa
That's What Love'll Get You
I'll Wait For You
Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)
My Old Friend The Blues
As Country As She Gets
Honky Tonk Girl
Just A Little More

Amazon.com

Though previous releases established Joe Nichols as a traditionalist of uncommon vocal subtlety and emotional depth, the featured tracks on III are comparatively lightweight. Both the album-opening "Size Matters" and the first single, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," attach suggestive titles to material that is more like playful hokum. The former stresses the importance of a big heart; the latter concerns a girl who gets innocently careless when she's out barroom dancing. (If Nichols isn't embarrassed to sing the lines "Them panty hose ain't gonna last too long/If the DJ puts Bon Jovi on," he should be.) Yet much of the rest of the album reinforces his stylistic strengths, with "Talk Me Out of Tampa" evoking the conversational phrasing of prime Merle Haggard, "Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)" channeling the inspiration of retro George Jones, and "I'll Wait for You" wringing every last tear from a stone cold country weeper. As Patty Loveless did on Dreamin' My Dreams, which came out a month earlier, Nichols also covers Steve Earle's "My Old Friend the Blues," which appears on its way to becoming a contemporary country standard. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

great album.......2007-06-23

what can I say, fantastic album, there's not a song that's boring, great country, rock and loves songs, absolutly a favorite of mine......can't wait for the new album

non-purchase.......2007-04-03

I did not purchase this item. I wanted to, but I did not get it.

As Good As Always.......2007-01-28

The new CD from Joe Nichols is fantastic. His music gets better with every CD. Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off is very funny especially after watching the video for the song. Size Matters is another pretty good song. My favorite song on the CD is I'll Wait For You. This song is a tear jerker. It is about a man who can never make it on time to come home when he goes out of town. The last verse is the saddest. His wife passes away and he never makes it to the hospital in time to say goodbye but his wife writes him a letter and it says I'll Wait For You at the pearly gates but I will tell St. Peter I can't go in until my love gets here. WOW what a powerful song. Joe Nichol's should get more recognition than he gets. He is a powerful singer with a powerful voice. Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy) is another song that should be a single.
Joe Nichols is Good As Always!!!

Impressive; 3 ½ Stars.......2007-01-23

I'll be the very first to say that I'm NOT an avid country fan. I don't dislike country music in the least, but it isn't the genre of music that I run to the record store to buy the newest attraction. For me, I have an acquired taste when it comes to purchasing country CDs; I have select favorites. Recently, I've been trying to explore the music more because being a musician, I feel it is important to be well-rounded in as many genres as you can be. Personally, country has a few artists that draw my attention and even in some instances strike my fancy: Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood (impressive enough new artist), The Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, and now Joe Nichols joins the batch. Even with that said, a few standout singles impress me from time to time, particulary Billy Currington's catchy "Must Be Doing Something Right" or Johnny Cash's posthumously released single/video for "God's Gonna Cut You Down". Getting back to the person being reviewed, Joe may not be the most popular nor the most lauded country singer, but I think Joe has a lot of promise in the industry; his baritone vocals certainly resonate with me and he is good for a couple of strong country singles. His baritone is quite reminiscent (to me at least)of Alan Jackson. However, III isn't an Alan Jackson album in the least-- it is a Joe Nichols album.

The album starts out rambunctiously with the infectious, playful "Size Matters", which starts out with a country, twang sound, heightened via fiddles in the background. Sure, it has your typical country sound, but it is a strong, catchy track. The chorus resonates very well: "with a big ol' heart/ who can love her like nobody can/ big ol' kisses that go on and on and never end/ with a big ol' small that'll fill the world with laughter/ size matters/ size matters". You can't help but sing "Size Matters" to yourself, which is what makes it such a strong track. "Freedom Feels Like Lonely" is another strong track, though not as strong as single "Size Matters". The chord progression and song writing here are very tight and the production suits Nichol's baritone vocals perfectly. It is in the pocket, even if it doesn't quite live up to the greatness and the fun qualities of "Size Matters". It is a good, "it is, what it is number."

"Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" is the number that drove many buyers to Nichols's new album. It is definitely fun and sort of "raw" in a tasteful way. Most amazing may be Nichols's reference to "patron" in a country song! You'd expect to hear references to patron in a hip-hop/rap number, but a country track? That's innovation right there! One trend within III is that the best tracks tend to be the ones that are a bit riskier such as "Size Matters" and of course the rediculous, but credible "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off".

"Talk Me Out Of Tampa" is another strong track, though it is more low key compared to the risky "Size Matters" or "Tequila". It does however return Nichols to a tamer country sound with some pop sensibilites, well at least till the chorus exhibits all of Nichol's country chops. "That's What Love'll Get You" is a faster track, needed after the good, but slow "Talk Me Out Of Tampa". It isn't anything truly new or anything that we haven't heard from country singers in the past, but it is your typical country performance and it is above average.

What attracted me to III was a quick skip past Country Music Television's Top 20 Video Countdown. There I saw the excellent, yet underrated "I'll Wait For You". For me, "I'll Wait For You" is perhaps the most touching ballad I've heard for a while, country, pop, rock, reggae, or whatever it be. Nichols sounds fantastic here and the song makes you just want to burst into tears. I took the risk of buying the whole album because I loved "I'll Wait For You". Honestly, I wasn't the least bit disappointed either. "Should I Come Home (Or Should I Go Crazy)" is another straightfoward country number that doesn't wow me, but it is very catchy. The chorus is another that I enjoy to sing to myself and the vocal harmonies are very lovely. The production work is very strong as well and is simple enough that it truly highlights Nichol's deep baritone.

"My Old Friend The Blues" is another slow number, which starts out without drums and eventually adds them in. It is predictable, but Joe again sounds at his very best and he doesn't oversing the song. It is a number like this where you hear the "Alan Jackson" comparisons. The simplicity is what makes this number. "As Country as She Gets" is more rhythmic, but it is "Honky Tonk Girl" that revives the album for anybody who had doubts after the past few tracks preceeding it. Again, Nichols proves that his strongest material is he "riskier" numbers. "Just A Little More" ends the album with a very slow rhythmic feel. Again, the production is very simple with only traces of instruments adding to the feel occasionally. Nichol's subtle vocals again drive this number and it proves to pay off, even if it is predictable. It is a nice way to end a brief, but overall very strong album.

III is strong enough for me, but I do wish that it was a bit longer. I think that shorter albums are more consistent because there is less room for error (or filler), but 37 minutes maybe cutting it a bit too close. 45 minutes is more acceptable in my eyes. The positive thing is that III does feel complete enough and the extra 8-10 minutes may have hindered it as opposed to helped it. Sure, III isn't perfect, nor is it the best country album I've heard, but it is very good and it is a shame that just 500,000 country fans purchased it. But, Nichols I think has a promising future and if he keeps getting better and better he will hopefully one day get the recognition he deserves. 3 ½ Stars.

Awesome.......2007-01-10

Every country music fan should have this C.D. in their collection.
Once you see the tequila video you will see us hicks have a sense of humour too.

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