Automatic

1. Testify

2. Train Travelling North

3. Dog Day Afternoon

4. 4 Ballyboots

5. Place We Pray For

6. Bubbling Blue

7. Duende

8. Flaming Creatures

9. Bill's Last Waltz

10. Thunderous Accordions

11. Fish Owl Moon

12. Little Luminaries

Automatic,Channel Light Vessel,Gyroscope,Ambient,Experimental,Popular Music,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock

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Average customer rating: The last worthwhile R.E.M. album OUTSTANDING...Enduring...everlasting...a musical giant! One of the greatest albums ever released! I'm not getting it... An Instant Love Affair!

Automatic for the People R.E.M. Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Out of Time Green Monster Murmur Document ASIN: B000002MG1 Release Date: 1992-10-06

Tracks:

1. Drive
2. Try Not To Breathe
3. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
4. Everybody Hurts
5. New Orleans Instrumental No.1
6. Sweetness Follows
7. Monty Got A Raw Deal
8. Ignoreland
9. Star Me Kitten
10. Man On The Moon
11. Nightswimming
12. Find The River

Amazon.com essential recording

Continuing to specialize in the art of curve-throwing, R.E.M. followed up its 1991 smash, Out of Time, with this fragile album of soft melodies and string arrangements. The sympathetic ballad "Everybody Hurts" must have prevented countless suicide attempts, while the Andy Kaufman tribute "Man on the Moon" (with Michael Stipe affecting an Elvis Presley imitation) and the rock-into-oblivion "Drive" are among the quartet's strongest hits. (The opening line, "Hey, kids, rock and roll," isn't so much a rallying cry as an expression of anxiety.) It takes a few listens for its charms to unfold, but Automatic is the gem between bigger hits Out of Time and Monster. --Steve Knopper

Customer Reviews:

The last worthwhile R.E.M. album.......2007-07-05

For all the angst and harrowing depression that seemed to be the vogue of the time, few tried making it as soft and beautiful as the arrangements found on Automatic For the People. Several of these tracks are quite affecting even after multiple listens and even the overplayed hit, "Everybody Hurts," is good in small doses. "Man on the Moon" is one of their all-time best tunes, "Drive" a fabulous opener, and "Nightswimming" one of their most underappreciated singles.

One must wonder how much credit is due to John Paul Jones, who does the strings on several songs, but consider this something of a comeback for R.E.M. after their last two limp efforts--sadly, the comeback would NOT last. A bit overrated (some call it the band's best album), but still a very solid effort all around, and the last R.E.M. album worth picking up for anyone except hardcore fans.

Best cuts: "Man on the Moon," "Nightswimming," "Drive," "Try Not to Breathe," "Sweetness Follows," "Everybody Hurts," "Find the River," "Monty Got a Raw Deal"

OUTSTANDING...Enduring...everlasting...a musical giant!.......2007-06-29

It was the summer of my lost youth, and my cousin and friends were diving on the cliffs in Newport, Rhode Island, and we knew we shouldn't have been there, and I was bringing a boom box with us everywhere. They wanted LL Cool J and the like, and I pumped out "Out of Time" and they all gave me dirty looks, but moved their heads and got into it just the same.

When 'Automatic for the People' came out, it was if I had found my place in the world. I was an older, (much older) teenager, but I seemed to find my niche in this busy sector of life, and Michael Stipe seemed to portray in no uncertain terms, what it was like to be alive.

I was alive. 'Everybody Hurts' is an anthem for a lost culture, not just a generation. How splendid the video was, how utterly bewildering the song was, still echoing somewhere in my minds eye today, stood sinister and barren on the wooded knoll of my future; and I thought, with so much energy, that things couldn't be that bad. That with some thought and drive, anyone could really get through anything that this cruel world throws at them. That is what this album meant to me friends.

'Automatic for the People' is pure, refined Stipe at his finest. Those days where REM was splitting ears all over the globe, and the baby boomer generation asking 'wow, who is this.'

I miss those days of wonderment and fine music. I miss those days of knowing and anticipating your favorite bands next album, and not wondering, not hoping, but KNOWING, that it would be magical, tangible, and that it would speak to you. That every song would be your favorite and you would know each one word for word, just like 'Green'.

Songs like, 'Find the River' and 'Try not To Breath' told me that things are what they are, and REM proved beyond all recognition and understanding, that they, all four of them at that time??? were the band to be reckoned with......

.....Michael Stipe has given us poetry in motion and I thank him for his prose and talent, and for that, for that small, simple part of this gigantic metaphor we find ourselves in, is worth living...just to hear this poetic album of solitude and understanding....

As others have stated before me, "Automatic for the
People" is one of the most enduring musical achievements of the 1990's.

In fact, I would put it in the leagues of the finest albums of all time, on the run with RadioHead's 'Ok Computer'.

Thank you.

One of the greatest albums ever released!.......2007-06-08

Automatic For The People is REM's 1993 album released as follow up to the successful Out Of Time. The album is unique in REM's discography in that it relies heavily on string arrangements, which gives the album a nice, cozy, and sentimental feel.

The albums kicks off with the outstanding Drive before driving us through 11 tracks of pure excellence that includes the brilliant Try Not To Breathe and The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, the heartbreaking hit single Everybody Hurts (a song once dedicated to the late Nirvana frontman, and Michael Stipe's friend Kurt Cobain), the politically charged Ignoreland, the elusive Sweetness Follows and Star Me Kitten, the Andy Kaufman ode and hit single Man On The Moon (the song that would eventually become the foundation for a movie of the same title in 1999 starring Jim Carrey as Kaufman), the ethereal Nightswimming, and the folksy album closer Find The River.

REM went on to release other powerful albums in the years that followed Automatic, most notably Monster, but Automatic stands out as an album that really pulled me in, and made me appreciate REM to this day.

One of the greatest albums ever released!

Recommended

A

I'm not getting it..........2007-05-12

This was a massive success, completely dwarfing even Out of Time - not to mention each of the group's previous albums - in terms of units moved. And I can see why. It's a very accessible collection, much easier to listen to than the murky early records. And Stipe's clearly enunciating his words, rather than mumble his way through. Which is where the controversy sets in. Depending on who you ask, Automatic is either a brilliant masterwork of an album, among the best R.E.M. ever put out, or it's an abomination. At first I put it in category 2 - initially, only Man on the Moon and Everybody Hurts grabbed me. Now I think it occupies the vast territory between the two, much like Green.
The beginning and end of this record are as strong as any - the orchestrated Drive sets the tone nicely, and the ballad Try Not to Breathe continues to. I assume you've heard The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite (AKA callmewhenyoutrietowakeher), and it's a brilliantly stupid song. And if you've turned on the radio for the past decade you know Everybody Hurts, which is brilliant but NOT stupid - a surprisingly emotional power-ballad. Great, great, GREAT song.
You might as well skip straight ahead to track ten, though, because there's nothing of value coming for a long stretch. New Orleans Instrumental #1, Sweetness Follows, Monty Got a Raw Deal, Ignoreland, Star Me Kitten... No, no, no. What are they doing here? Get rid of 'em all. In fact, let's forget they ever existed.
Okay, now we can get back to the good stuff. Man on the Moon was overplayed as hell back in the '90s, but circa 2007 it's much easier to appreciate the mature lyrics, deeply layered harmonies, and the song's atmosphere. I think this is my favorite off the album, maybe even the group's best of the '90s. Love it. Same with the lush, nostalgiac Nightswimming, the fourth ubergiganto radio hit. Another favorite of mine. And Find the River brings the whole thing to a lovely close.
So, not a bad album, and thankfully there's nothing as bad as Shiny Happy People or Stand. But this is unbelievably far from R.E.M.'s greatest achievement - even if it kicks the crap out of Out of Time.

An Instant Love Affair!.......2007-04-26

R.E.M. had had a difficult job following up the success of Out Of Time but they had finally managed to produce an album equally as good and commercially more successful. Its commercial success had laid in the fact that the album had more songs which appealled as singles and the success of 'Man On The Moon', 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite' and of course 'Everybody Hurts'.

The album starts off with two songs which lead the listener into the album nicely; Drive and Try Not To Breathe. Just as the middle tracks are sometimes overlooked by the brilliance of the three major songs and Nightswimming, the first two tracks can sometimes be forgotten, but both are excellent and well placed as lead ups to The Sidewinder.... and Everybody Hurts. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite is one of REM's happy songs and is in beautiful contrast with the sombre Everybody Hurts. Although the lyrics for the latter suggest it is about overcoming problems it is only occasionally that the music matches this and it is impossible to describe Everybody Hurts as anything other than, in contrast to The Sidewinder, a sad REM song. This may be the sort of description a child would use but the songs themselves are plain and simple - one fun and happy the other sad and sombre.

Althought the middle of the album lacks the greatness that sparks the rest of Automatic For The People, the tracks are still of a high quality and in particular Monty Got A Raw Deal and Sweetness Follows. Ignoreland has good lyrics and is the groups political song on the album but the music lets it down somewhat - however it still adds an extra dimension to the album.

It is the last three tracks that really confirm the albums place in greatness however. Man On The Moon is simply Stipe at his best as an entertainer and the song just pips The Sidewinder as the most upbeat song on the album. Again, as they had earlier on the album, REM follow up a happy song with a tragic one and for me, personally, one of their best ever. Nightswimming is the song sums up the album personally and also has the advantage of not being played countless times in the media. Without doubt the highpoint for anyone buying this album who is familiar only with REM's major commercial successes. The album closes as quietely as it began with Find The River, and it is these three songs which end the album that show REM at their very best.
In its time, Automatic For The People had been voted 6th by the public for a book by Virgin acclaiming the top 100 albums ever in England. Although there are often these polls a closer look shows why this demonstrates how good this album is. The Beatles' Revolver had claimed top spot and the group had had two other albums in the top five. In second Radiohead had had The Bends and in fourth they had Ok Computer. When coming only behind the most acclaimed group of all time and the most acclaimed group of nineties Britain, it is clear that this album does appeal over a wide circumference of people. Along with Out Of Time this is REM at their original best and a must for even the very slightest of fans.

Average customer rating:

Not Accepted Anywhere Automatic Automatic Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics | Desktops | Monitors | Networking | Notebooks Similar Items: Favourite Worst Nightmare Our Love to Admire A Lesson in Crime The Sun And The Moon An End Has a Start ASIN: B000QEIM2I Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. That's What She Said
2. Raoul
3. You Shout You Shout You Shout You Shout
4. Recover
5. Monster
6. Lost At Home
7. Keep Your Eyes Peeled
8. Seriously...I Hate You Guys
9. On The Campaign Trail
10. Team Drama
11. By My Side
12. Rats

Average customer rating: GREAT!! But WHERE'S BARBED WIRE KISSES, RHINO??

Automatic The Jesus and Mary Chain Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post-Punk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Scotland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Eccentrics | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Honey's Dead Darklands Psychocandy Stoned & Dethroned Barbed Wire Kisses ASIN: B000FFJ82G Release Date: 2006-07-11

Tracks:

1. Here Comes Alice
2. Coast To Coast
3. Blues From A Gun
4. Between Planets
5. UV Ray
6. Her Way Of Praying
7. Head On
8. Take It
9. Halfway To Crazy
10. Gimme Hell
11. Drop
12. Sunray

Tracks:

1. Here Comes Alice
2. Coast To Coast
3. Blues From A Gun
4. Between Planets
5. UV Ray
6. Her Way Of Praying
7. Head On
8. Take It
9. Halfway To Crazy
10. Gimme Hell
11. Drop
12. Sunray
13. Blues From A Gun [DVD]
14. Her Way Of Praying [DVD]
15. Head On [DVD]

Album Description

Supercharged and aggressive, 1989's AUTOMATIC spawned the smash modern rock singles "Blues From A Gun" and "Head On" plus the favorites "Halfway To Crazy" and "Gimme Hell." DVD Side, All songs in high resolution stereo plus videos for "Blues From A Gun," "Her Way Of Praying," and "Head On."

Customer Reviews:

GREAT!! But WHERE'S BARBED WIRE KISSES, RHINO??.......2006-07-15

Of the 5 JAMC Dual Discs I bought, this one is probably the least essential, because the sound improvement was not quite as noticeable as it was on the other 4, and the videos are the most MTV-like (in other words, the least exciting) yet if you are a fan of the JAMC, it IS essential!! I certainly am KEEPING IT!!!
The sound IS an improvement - on BOTH the CD and DVD sides, and well worth buying!! I just do NOT understand why RHINO did not release the 1988 collection of singles and B-sides, BARBED WIRE KISSES!! It is a BIG HOLE in the Dual Disc collection, and they could have easily included it, with a video of Sidewalking and a bonus video of Some Candy Talking!! I hope they will consider releasing it!!

Average customer rating: Haunting, Imaginative & Creative 1+1=3 Ataxia Awareness a great album and an amazing project yet another side of Fru...

Automatic Writing Ataxia Manufacturer: Record Collection ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Shadows Collide with People To Record Only Water for Ten Days Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-Shirt Smile From the Streets You Hold E Desecration Smile ASIN: B0002IQM98 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Dust
2. Another
3. Sides, The
4. Addition
5. Montreal

Album Description

Ataxia is the brainchild of John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Josh Klinghoffer of Bicycle Thief, and Joe Lally of Fugazi. This record is part of the Frusciante solo record series that'll continue to be released each month on vinyl and CD.

Customer Reviews:

Haunting, Imaginative & Creative.......2006-09-26

You always know anything featuring John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer is going to be excellent. This is no exception.
This record sounds like 3 guys jamming with a bit of reverb added later. From what I understand, 'Automatic Writing' is only half of what Ataxia recorded during these sessions, and plan to release the rest at a later date. We Can only hope.
The record runs at 45mins, with only 5 songs each song is pretty long, but captivating. It is experimental and even sounds improvised. The lyrics don't mean much at all but John delivers through his guitar playing which will blow you away. Josh shows his talent once again, delivering a solid platform with his drums along with Joe Lally on bass.
Josh even sings through most of track 2 'Another'. And when John joins in toward the end, the result is just pure musical bliss. This is definitely my favourite track on the record, along with 'Addition', the darkest song on the album.
The whole album is dark actually, but groovy at the same time. Its not an album that you will listen to as often as Johns others, but after a few listens, it will definitely be stuck in your head, and possibly even haunt your dreams.

These guys know how to jam and I look forward to any further releases.

1+1=3.......2006-08-21

Wow, this is one of the greates cds of the year!! It's the kind of situation where 1+1=3, the sum of the skills of each musician exceeds the individuals!! Every single song it's over 6 or 7 min but are so hypnotic that you can hardly notice the lenght. John's guitar playing is awsome, probably the best so far. Joe Lallys and Josh work is remarkable as well.
Hope they keep doing such an interesting music, although i heard this was only a one time project!! =(

Ataxia Awareness.......2006-06-30

Wow, I really wonder what was the driving force behind the chosen name of this band?? Ataxia is a medical term. In a standard medical dictionary, the definition refers to failure of muscular coordination; irregularity of muscular action...Most laymen think of a drunkard when their gait is ataxic; yet sadly, there are a number of people that suffer from a rare type of this progressive, neurologic disease known as something-something-ataxia, be it hereditary or sporadic.
Anyway, back to the music review -- hats off to the threesome for appropriately titling their experimental effort. The music is quite "without order" as is the Greek definition of the word...definitely for the eclectic and adventurous musician wanna-be's out there.

a great album and an amazing project.......2006-06-16

first of all i'm really 17 not 13. but this album shows that john is capable of giving the unexpected side of him a good ear to the public. the next half of ataxia should come this year. this record is why i started to play bass .i can play the bass for the whole album.

Dust-cool bass intro and great solos, some of the best john has ever produced.
Another-took a while for this song to grow on me, but its simple without being boring and the vocals give the song real spirit.
The Sides-the first song i heard from the album and its the best along with dust. i love all solos and those intro drums sound catchy.
Addition-i wondedred if theres a guitar in this song.but anayway its very dramatic but also has a good output of synth. the outro drums are the same for 'a loop" on will to death.
Montreal-listen to it for 4 minnutes, because its the most boring song i heard from john. and what was he thinking with those lyrics? it doesn't make sense.

this album is a must have for any fru fan. my best advice is download it its hard to find in stores. great work guys and i hope the next ataxia record to be the same. i know it will.

yet another side of Fru..........2006-04-12

John Frusciante never ceases to amaze me...
This is a good addition to an existing collection of John's releases. However, it's very different from his other releases. There's more a rockin' jam-band feel throughout, but it's still got plenty of John's amazing vocals (although I'll admit that I'm not a big fan of excessive reverb on vocal tracks)

Average customer rating: A very good and pretty interesting indie rock album - serves more as background music, but it's very good! - 4.5 stars playing bongos, with flare Strong debut by an overlooked band Best Manchester/Madchester Band

Pigeonhole New Fast Automatic Daffodils Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Body Exit Mind Peel Sessions Bong Bed Chicken Rhythms ASIN: B000008IW8 Release Date: 1991-04-16

Tracks:

1. Get Better
2. Fishes Eyes
3. Working for Him
4. Pt. 4
5. Big
6. You Were Lying When You Said You Loved Me
7. Amplifier
8. Reprise
9. Partial
10. Penguins
11. I Found Myself in Another Room
12. Pigeonhole

Customer Reviews:

A very good and pretty interesting indie rock album - serves more as background music, but it's very good! - 4.5 stars.......2006-01-06

New Fast Automatic Daffodils' (god that's a bad name) "Pigeonhole" is a good indie/pop rock album with some obvious influences (the guitar part in the first song sounds eerily similar to many tracks on The Police's "Zenyatta Mondatta"). The singer does a relatively good job - he seems to fit the style, but not perfectly. I'm not sure who to compare him to. Musically this is actually pretty interesting as many different kinds of instruments are used in the songs (they're all relatively complex which is cool). Sometimes the band reminds of Wall Of Voodoo's "Call Of The West", but without the post-punk. Lyrically it's not very interesting, but you won't necessarily mind. It's kind of a trippy album that serves well as background music. The drums especially are pretty funky and African-sounding (I think they're bongos) which makes the album a relaxing experience (the drums are insanely fast most of the time). It's actually quite a unique album as I've heard many many bands but still cannot find one who's similar to them as a whole - definitely interesting stuff. The songs don't usually stand out by themselves - it's basically an album that you listen to on low volume. None of the songs are bad, though. If you're curious, an open-minded listener, or if you're looking for good background music then this a good album to have around. Recommended if you can find it (it's out of print!).

Highlights include:
the entire album!

playing bongos, with flare.......2005-01-06

I want to see them in concert if nothing more than to scream out "You were lying when you said that you loved me!"

But seriously, I discovered these guys on the Mute compilation - Tonal Evidence (usa version) and was enthralled. I've always been a fan of the Manchester bands, and this is yet another unique sound coming from that part of the world. I am still partial to their song 'Partial', but the entire album is fairly consistent. I want to put them in the same category as Inspiral Carpets (without the Hammond Organ), but they really do have a unique, sparse sound -- although their music solidified with their subsequent release, Bong.

I still classify NewFADs as one of my all-tiem favorite bands. Wish they hadn't imploded.

Strong debut by an overlooked band.......2004-04-02

The Madchester influence is quite apparent in 'Pigeonhole', but the New Fast Automatic Daffodils bring a bit more to the table. Front and center is the baggy-vibes sensibility of Madchester, with the beats/rhythms strongly resembling The Charlatans UK first 2 albums. The vocals have this lazy Julian Cope-type drawl, an interesting backdrop to the guitar-work, which seems to be a combination of different influences. A fusion of spikey post-punk riffs (The Jam, The Rapture, Interpol) and funk noodlings, ala, 'Fools Gold' by The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays. This is one half of the equation, with the other half derived from fluid Smiths/Britpop-like guitar-lines, eg, Shed 7, The Darling Buds, Suede, etc. An strong and interesting debut, a precursor of what was to come in 4 or 5 years.

Best Manchester/Madchester Band.......2004-03-02

When bands like Happy Together and the Charalatans UK were ruling the rave-crazy Manchester scene, the New Fast Automatic Daffodils flew under the radar. They never attained mainstream success, but will be remembered for their unique sound and intense live performances. In "Pigeonhole", their best album, fast tribal beats, loopy guitar sounds, rough vocals, and weird repetitious lyrics blend together seamlessely -- it's dance music that is oddly moving and devoid of electronica.

Average customer rating: Excellent Brilliant Album, Good Sound Quality, Great Packaging! New Re-Release Package Automatic Classic

Automatic for the People (CD & DVD Audio) R.E.M. Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Jangle Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Out of Time (CD + DVD-A) (Dig) Monster (CD + DVD+ A) (Dig) Green (CD + DVD-A) (Dig) New Adventures in Hi Fi (CD + DVD+A) (Dig) Reveal (CD & DVD Audio) ASIN: B0006ICF9K Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

1. Drive
2. Try Not to Breathe
3. Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite
4. Everybody Hurts
5. New Orleans Instrumental, No. 1
6. Sweetness Follows
7. Monty Got a Raw Deal
8. Ignoreland
9. Star Me Kitten
10. Man on the Moon
11. Nightswimming
12. Find the River

Tracks:

1. Drive [DVD]
2. Try Not to Breathe [DVD]
3. Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite [DVD]
4. Everybody Hurts [DVD]
5. New Orleans Instrumental, No. 1 [DVD]
6. Sweetness Follows [DVD]
7. Monty Got a Raw Deal [DVD]
8. Ignoreland [DVD]
9. Star Me Kitten [DVD]
10. Man on the Moon [DVD]
11. Nightswimming [DVD]
12. Find the River [DVD]

Amazon.com

Continuing to specialize in the art of curve-throwing, R.E.M. followed up its 1991 smash, Out of Time, with this fragile album of soft melodies and string arrangements. The sympathetic ballad "Everybody Hurts" must have prevented countless suicide attempts, while the Andy Kaufman tribute "Man on the Moon" (with Michael Stipe affecting an Elvis Presley imitation) and the rock-into-oblivion "Drive" are among the quartet's strongest hits. (The opening line, "Hey, kids, rock and roll," isn't so much a rallying cry as an expression of anxiety.) It takes a few listens for its charms to unfold, but Automatic is the gem between bigger hits Out of Time and Monster. --Steve Knopper

Now expanded, this edition features the regular, remastered album as well as a newly produced bonus DVD. Included on that disc are both new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes of Scott Litt's evocative studio productions and a previously unreleased, 15-minute 1992 documentary featuring band interviews and in-studio clips, as well as song lyrics and a gallery of still photos.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-02-10

Everything everyone else has said. But, I do have to add this one: The song Find the River ALONE could easily make this their best record. I lack the words.

Brilliant Album, Good Sound Quality, Great Packaging!.......2006-02-26

This is not only R.E.M.'s best ever album but is very probably one of the best ever albums. A classic from start to finish with excellent songwriting, musicianship and like a true classic, the whole is a great deal more than the sum of the individual tracks; change anything about this album e.g. track order, track additions etc and you destroy it.

The whole theme of this album centres on death and mortality and suggests that there may be more to life than what's here on earth and perhaps the afterlife is not to be feared after all. The album's tour de force, "Man On the Moon" even alludes to this, suggesting that such diverse personalities such as Elvis, Andy Kaufman, Mott the Hoople, Isaac Newton, Fred Blassy may all be rubbing shoulders and goofing around in heaven if they "made the list, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah".

John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin fame has also done a brilliant job with the orchestrations on a few of the tracks and most notably on "Nightswimming". The album ends with my favourite track, "Find the River" which has simply wonderful lyrics that very poetically describes the feeling of a soul leaving this earth to head for the afterlife and an expectation of better things on the other side.

Without a doubt, Michael Stipes' lyrics have never exceeded the heights that they attained on this album. No fillers here as every track is a classic gem. How this album didn't witn the Grammy for Album of the Year, I cannot understand but I suppose like most all-time classic albums, it takes time before the true brilliance shines through and for the mainstream to catch on.

This version of the album has both a remastered cd and a dvd-audio that plays in 5.1 surround sound as well. The dvd sounds excellent and even accentuates some parts that you just don't hear on the regular cd. There is also a humorous short documentary on the making of the album interspersed with funny shots of the proprietor of the restaurant that coined the album title.

Great album, great tracks and great sound plus video make this an excellent buy. Highly recommended.

New Re-Release Package.......2005-11-06

If one album were to be fingered as R.E.M.'s masterpiece, this would be it. Automatic For the People is the most pensive, reflective and well-paced album of the band's career. With nothing really left to prove, R.E.M. could afford to please themselves first - something they've always done, to be sure, but usually with a sideways glance over their shoulder - and this time around, they run with it. The result is an album whose sum is much greater than the individual parts. The ratio of ballads to rockers is shifted heavily toward the former, which provides singer/lyricist Michael Stipe with the basic framework to stretch out lyrically. Mystifying tunes ("The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight", "Star Me Kitten") sit comfortably beside some of his most literal lyrics yet ("Everybody Hurts", "Man On the Moon"), while all are ensconced within creative and contagiously appealing melodies (did you happen to notice the sly four-note allusion to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" buried in "Sidewinder"?). As the saying goes, death and taxes are the only things in life that are unavoidable, but this record shuns fear and is full of acceptance. Human frailty hovers over the proceedings like the ghost of Christmas past ("Everybody Hurts", "Sweetness Follows", "Man On the Moon"), painting mortality in a light that is downright agreeable. Not many artists are capable of making you smile while contemplating death. Taxes may still suck, but on "Automatic For the People", R.E.M. provide evidence that our ultimate destination need not be something to fear. A Tom Ryan

Automatic Classic.......2005-05-07

Automatic for The People is R.E.M.'s follow-up to their greatest commercial triumph, Out Of Time. The success allowed R.E.M. a bigger forum to get their message out. Automatic For The People finds the band exploring such subjects as suicide, euthanasia, Republicanism, lost stars, groupies and pop culture. The album opens with "Drive" which riffs on the David Essex classic "Rock On". "Try Not To Breathe" deals with the subject of euthanasia and is sung from the perspective of an elderly person asking for understanding in his request. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" lightens the mood a bit. Michael Stipe has fun with the song singing it in a "Subterranean Homesick Blues" style, even affecting an Elvis Presley imitation. He can actually be heard laughing on the track. Things get serious again with "Everybody Hurts" in which they broach the subject of suicide. They could've sounded preachy on the song, but Mr. Stipe sings with such compassion and understanding that song reaffirms life. "New Orleans Instrumental No. 1" is a throwaway track and "Sweetness Follows" is a very pretty number. "Monty Got A raw Deal" is the first song on the album about a late misunderstood actor. It's about Montgomery Clift and is quite powerful with some stirring music. "Ignoreland" is a hard-edged rocker that speaks out against the indifference towards people created by Republicans in their White House years of the 80's and early 90's. "Star Me Kitten" is their ode to groupies and is done in almost sleepy sound. "Man On The Moon" is the second actor song and probably the most famous song from the album. It is about the late Andy Kauffman and served as the title for the recent biopic starring Jim Carrey. It's got a honky tonk sound and some good slide guitar work by Peter Buck. The album closes with two slow numbers. "Nightswimming" is heavily laden with strings and is about longing for days gone by while "Find The River" closes the album on high note. The band finally seemed to be comfortable in the spotlight and they created a personal and enduring classic. The previously unreleased documentary is good and the DVD also contains Mr. Stipe's original handwritten and typed lyric sheets.

Average customer rating: The Radio is off now. Welcome into our house! Bummer dude Its a pretty good cd hmph... Please retire Him

Automatic Richard Humpty Vission Manufacturer: Thrive (Red) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Big Floor Funk House Connection Behind the Decks (CD + DVD) House Nation Drop That Beat ASIN: B000ARFPYE Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. David Garcia & Jay Walker "Too Good "
2. Mal Black & Dee Leviense "Splinter"
3. Cirez D. "Lost Love"
4. Mike Balance & Joey Mazzola "In A Groove
5. Macca "Ride Me Baby"
6. Richard Vission feat. Stranger Days "Automatic"
7. Coburn "We Interrupt This Program"
8. Plump DJs "Acid Hustle"
9. Mousse T. "Right About Now" [Fuzzy Hair Vocal Mix]
10. DJ DLG "Back For More"
11. JJ Flores & Steve Smooth featuring Delano "Let Me Live"
12. Green Velvet "Temptation"
13. Mylo "In My Arms" [Sharam Jey Remix]
14. The Bravery "Fearless" [Richard Vission Remix]
15. Chris Holmes "Rock n Roll Part 3" [Richard Vission Remix]
16. Richard Vission feat. Stranger Days "Somebody"
17. Static Revenger Presents Long Distance "Round And Around"
18. INXS "Need You Tonight" [Static Revenger Mix]
19. C-MOS "2 Million Ways" [Axwell Remix]
20. Richard Vission "Freeze"

Tracks:

1. Richard Vission feat. Stranger Days "Automatic"
2. Richard Vission feat. Stranger Days "Somebody"
3. The Bravery "Fearless" [Richard Vission Remix]
4. Richard Vission "Freeze"
5. Richard Vission "Higher"
6. Chris Holmes "Rock n Roll Part 3" [Richard Vission Remix]
7. Andrea Doria "Bucci Bag" [Richard Vission Pro-Funk Mix]
8. Richard Vission Presents Electrik Children "I Said"
9. Richard Vission "Never Let Me Down"

Amazon.com

The grooves come fast and furious with Richard Vission's hyperactive house style. His wax flies at turntablist speed, and the way he restlessly bounces between tracks could spur an ADD epidemic. It's an approach that has made him justifiably famous; he makes most house DJs seem inexcusably lazy. If there's a downside, it's that Vission's torrential downpour of tracks can get too ambitious for listeners looking to lose themselves in the flow. Blending the 54(!) tracks found on his 2000 release Shut The F*** Up And Dance was an exhilarating accomplishment but it struggled to keep such a jigsaw of rhythms together. The first disc of the two-disc set Automatic features another marathon mix, but cuts down to a paltry 20 tracks—a pittance! But have no fear; the man has mastered his genre mixing over the years, and his savvy with playing the vibe over a continuous mix set has never been keener. Few, if any, dance records this year will have anything as fun as his transition from Mylo's "In My Arms (Sharam Jey Remix)"to his own remix of the Bravery's "Fearless." Tracks from INXS and Green Velvet are plenty tasty as well. As a testament to his studio skill, the second disc is nothing but remixes, all presented at their full lengths and left to stand on their own, devoid of quick cuts and blended transitions. The combination just about guarantees something of value for any fan of quality house, or for that matter, anybody who likes to dance at all. -Matthew Cooke

Album Description

Don't think, don't question, just listen: it's 'Automatic' by Richard Vission, a new mix CD out October 4th, 2005 via his recently inked deal with Thrive Records. 'Automatic' is the 10th release in Vission's mix CD catalogue, and his first double CD ever. The first disc is an explosive 20 track mix featuring Mylo, Plump DJ's, The Bravery [Richard's own remix], INXS, Static Revenger, Green Velvet and David Garcia. Disc 2 is a collection of Richard Vission productions & remixes including three original Vission songs: "Automatic," "Somebody" and "Freeze" all featuring Stranger Days. The lead single "Automatic" is a wicked blend of dirty analogue basses, squelchy synths, nasty guitars and a hook that will stick in your head for weeks: "I keep searchin', searchin' for that perfect feelin."

Customer Reviews:

The Radio is off now. Welcome into our house!.......2006-09-23

Wow - are you kidding me. This album is insane. Some great mixes and beats.
Its just absolutely amazing.
You have to love "Rock'n'ROll". I mean. I can listen to that one till my ears bleed.
This is the sound of a revolution...(pause)
This is the sound of a revolution...(pause)
This is the sound of ROCK 'n ROLL!!!

OMG I love it!

Bummer dude.......2006-03-27

I have been buying Richard since I first heard of him post "Jump" days... I was a little dissapointed with this album. Some really nice singles on it, but if you like Damn that DJ and expect something to back it up (assuming you didn't buy Big Floor Funk) this won't deliver.

Its a pretty good cd.......2005-12-08

This CD makes me want to move. The first one is really good. Good songs with funky beats. If you love older more jumpy house music this really isn't for you. Richard Humpty Vision has relaxed "just a little bit" more in this cd. The songs are just a little more chill, but still hold that funky house feeling. I wasn't to crazy for the 2nd cd. If you are a big true RHV fan who is not STUCK in the past of how house use to be then you should like this CD.

hmph..........2005-11-06

I have enjoyed Richard's mixes for a long time now. I didn't really enjoy this one.

The track selection is pretty lame. Gone are the days of thumping, pounding, make you wanna get off of the couch or dance in the car tracks. This is pretty run of the mill house with some funky beats. The selection is weak, and at times, the mix doesn't seem to flow seamlessly. Trancy-type tracks are thrown in the middle of the set and throw off whatever vibe he was trying to create.

I put down the DJ Dan double cd for this one. I'm regretting this decision.

If you want a cd that is remiscent of Richard's style, buy his old albums and stay away from this one!

Please retire Him.......2005-10-21

I have been a loyal house head for over 15 years and for the first time since Richard has pumped out intense mixes, this is the first time I am dissapointed. It sounds more like electro-pop-rock-digital boring crap. I didnt bob my head or feel like dancing. Is he even trying anymore. If his next album is this bad he will be cutt of from being in my vinyl and cd collection.

Average customer rating: good modern rock Exceptional Music ... Amazing The best record of the year....

Automatic City Controlling the Famous Manufacturer: Militia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Math Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pessimism & Satire Waiter: "You Vultures!" Sleepaway The Search Party Never Came Hello, Control ASIN: B000F9T6JC Release Date: 2006-05-16

Tracks:

1. Detox
2. Heart Attack
3. Highway Parking Lot
4. Easy Life
5. If You Die
6. Two Sides
7. Long Day
8. Maybe Were Dead
9. Pyromaniac
10. Devils Suitcase

Album Description

HQ: Los Angeles, CA
CHECK OUT: Automatic City (THE MILITIA GROUP; themilitiagroup.com)
FOR FANS OF: Cursive, Fugazi, Minus The Bear

On Automatic City, Controlling The Famous display their ability to combine smart, belligerent math rock with huge melodies. Produced by Alex Newport (At The Drive-In, the Locust), the disc is a concept album that attempts to immerse the listener in the frenetic pace one experiences living in Los Angels, touching on a variety of desperate cosmopolitan themes involving driving, dreams and that great equalizer: death. According to singer/guitarist Max Hellmann, CTF's goal is to "Challenge the listener, but not to a point where [the music is] unlistenable. We want something that grows organically [by] word of mouth, and something that isn't about the latest style or moment in time. We want to make the music timeless, if at all possible." [AMART]

Customer Reviews:

good modern rock.......2007-05-20

I heard "Highway Parking Lot" on the label sampler and was haunted by it

Exceptional Music ... Amazing.......2006-06-30

Indie rock (Independent rock) label TMG (The Militia Group) gave Controlling The Famous a nod, and a blank canvas, and this is the timeless masterpiece they painted, "Automatic City". Some call their subgenre of rock "math" others "post-rock" and I've even heard "grunge", yet never "pop". They're definitively not trying to fit the cookie cutter mold of any type as not to inhibit their freedom of musical expression. They play Rock 'n' Roll with no frills, two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer. All four members are mature, accomplished musicians in their own right, and together they transform into a rarity of unbelievable Synergy. I have a few albums where there are no bad tracks, yet I could easily tell you a favorite song or two on each of them. Not an easy task on "Automatic City", as each song equally makes up the collective whole. The lyrics social commentary can be awakening, seductive, sometimes dark, and always addictive.

If you have the opportunity, see them live, as they have commanding stage presence giving their audience a riveting performance. Live or on CD Controlling The Famous (CTF) leaves you wanting more.

Don't take my word for, read what MSNBC had to say about CTF. Still not decided, then listen to some clips at their website.

Artists are Max Hellmann (Guitar, vocals, songwriter), Johnny Collins (Guitar, vocals, songwriter), Brendan Hughes (Bass), and Mike aka "Fred" Schneider (Drums).

This is an unsolicited, independent review by someone who appreciates exceptional music, be it Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Rolling Stones, Duane Allman and The Allman Brothers Band, Jim Morrison and The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Riley King aka B.B. King, Albert King, Freddy King aka "Freddie" King (these three Kings are not related), Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steven Tyler and Aerosmith, Los Lobos, R.E.M., Bob Marley, Madeleine Peyroux, Aimee Mann, Diana Krall, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Joni Mitchell, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, Dave Grussin, Oscar Peterson, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong aka Satchmo, Charlie "Yard Bird" Parker, Lee Ritenour, Earl Klugh, Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, Andrés Segovia, Kevin Moore aka Keb' Mo', Chester Burnett aka Howlin' Wolf, McKinley Morganfield aka Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Eddie James House aka Son House, Robert Johnson, or Charlie Patton just to name a few ... IMHO.

The best record of the year...........2006-06-07

I've been waiting for this album to come out for 6 months. The wait was well worth it. This record is full of intelligent and mature songs. Indie rock never sounded so good. These guys are the huge breath of fresh air independent music has been craving. Standout tracks are "Highway Parking Lot", "Pyromaniac", and "Heart Attack." Pick up the record...you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended for fans of Minus The Bear, Cursive, The Valley Arena, and Fugazi.

Average customer rating:

The Looking Glass Wars Soundtrack Various Artists Manufacturer: Automatic Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Seeing Redd The Looking Glass Wars Princess Alyss of Wonderland ASIN: B000L22UU0 Release Date: 2006-09-22

Tracks:

1. To Another World (Kube)
2. Wonderland (3xInfinity)
3. Thru The Looking Glass (Adham Shaikh)
4. Burn The Clock (Freeland)
5. Puddles (Phontaine)
6. Courier Heart (Eccodek)
7. Mirror (Juliana Raye)
8. Deadly (Silence)
9. Looking Glass (Hypnogaja)
10. Lullaby (Hypnogaja)
11. Sea Of Redd (Phontaine)
12. Shattered (Silence)

Product Description

THE LOOKING GLASS WARS is a novel set in two dimensions -- our world and Wonderland. Since so much of the story unfolds in Wonderland it came to me that for the reader to more fully experience these characters and their world I should somehow extend the mental dimension of the page to the aural dimension to make it more sensory and emotional. Acting on an Imaginative impulse I decided to create an aural novel by producing a soundtrack much the same as a director would for a film. It was an abstract concept but one that I felt held a secret, locked promise if faithfully and artistically pursued. The musical landscape offered an incredible choice of talent and within a short time a number of artists were at work on their songs. And this is where it all became strange... For as the music came together and the tracks were compiled I came to know these characters, my characters, on a much deeper level. Ultimately, I found it both shocking and exhilarating to so intimately experience the anguish and passion of the heroic, monstrous, vengeful and loving denizens of Wonderland. Frank Beddor

Average customer rating: excellent but uncomplete To call it music may be a bit limiting. A worthwhile collection OhMyGodHowDreadful Kid Stockhausen

OHM: The Early Gurus of Electronic Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Ellipsis Arts ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Cage, John | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Messiaen | Messiaen, Olivier | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reich, Steve | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Riley, Terry | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Stockhausen, Karlheinz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Electronic | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music | Computer General | Classical | Styles | Music Ambient | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Box Sets | Stores | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: An Anthology of Noise & Electronic Music, Vol. 3: 1952-2004 Audio Culture: Readings in Modern Music Roxy Music Profiler - Season 4 A Decade of Hits ASIN: B00004T0FZ Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Valse Sentimentale - Clara Rockmore
2. Oraison - Ens D'Ondes De Montreal
3. Etude Aux Chemins De Fer - Pierre Schaeffer
4. Williams Mix - John Cage
5. Klangstudie II - Herbert Eimert/Robert Beyer
6. Low Speed - Otto Luening
7. Dripsody - Hugh Le Caine
8. Forbidden Planet: Main Title - Louis Barron/Bebe Barron
9. Elektronische Tanzste: Concertando Rubato - Oskar Sala
10. Poem Electronique - Edgard Varese
11. Sine Music (A Swarm Of Butterflies Encountered Over The Ocean) - Richard Maxfield
12. Apocalypse-Part 2 - Tod Dockstader
13. Kontakte - James Tenney/William Winant
14. Wireless Fant - Vladimir Ussachevsky
15. Philomel - Milton Babbitt
16. Spacecraft - MEV

Tracks:

1. Cindy Electronium - Raymond Scott
2. Pendulum Music - Sonic Youth
3. Bye Bye Butterfly - Pauline Oliveros
4. Projection Esemplastic For White Noise - Joji Yuasa
5. Silver Apples Of The Moon, Part 1 - Morton Subotnick
6. Rainforest Version 1 - David Tudor
7. Poppy Nogood - Terry Riley
8. Boat-Woman-Song - Holger Czukay
9. Music Promenade - Luc Ferrari
10. Vibrations Composees: Rosace 3 - Francois Bayle
11. Mutations - Jean-Claude Risset
12. Hibiki-Hana-Ma - Iannis Xenakis
13. Map Of 49's Dream The Two Systems Of Eleven Sets Of Galactic Intervals: Drift Study '31/69 c.... - La Monte Young

Tracks:

1. He Destroyed Her Image - Charles Dodge
2. Six Fants On A Poem By Thomas Campion: Her Song - Paul Lansky
3. Appalachian Grove - Laurie Spiegel
4. En Phase/Hors Phase - Bernard Parmegiani
5. On The Other Ocean - David Behrman
6. Stria - John Chowning
7. Living Sound, Patent Pending Music For Sound-Joined Rooms Series - Maryanne Amacher
8. Automatic Writing - Robert Ashley
9. Canti Illuminati - Alvin Curran
10. Music On A Long Thin Wire - Alvin Lucier
11. Melange - Klaus Schulze
12. Before And After Charm (La Notte) - Jon Hassell
13. Unfamiliar Wind (Leeks Hills) - Brian Eno

Amazon.com

Opening with Clara Rockmore's reworking of Tchaikovsky with the theremin, and finishing with one of Brian Eno's ambient soundscapes, OHM artfully succeeds in its goal of giving a representative (as opposed to the impossible, comprehensive) overview of the first several decades of electronic music. Over 3 discs, 42 compositions, and 96 pages of notes and photos, OHM clearly illustrates the producers' and contributing writers' point that early electronic music is much of the foundation of contemporary music. Herein lies the connective tissue bridging musique concrète, 20th-century classical, electronic experimentation, and the theoretical avant-garde to psychedelia, ambient, dub, techno, electro, and synthpop and the globalization of sound. The groundbreaking uses of loops, sampling, drones, remixes, and cut-and-paste technology are put fully into context. The diversity of music included makes any sort of summation impossible, but that is also the point: electronic music is not really a genre, but an open field of endless possibility. From John Cage's famous "William's Mix" of tape snippets to Karkheinz Stockhausen's electronic orchestral compositions, from David Tudor and Holger Czukay's experiments in unrelated blendings of audio elements to David Behrman's supremely peaceful duet between computers and musicians, the aural renegades on OHM tread where none (save a few of their contemporaries) had gone before. The liner notes convey the incredible amount of hard work and experimentation it took to stitch together many of these pieces in the predigital era. Putting aside the inevitable quibbles about what's missing (much of it due to legal and/or logistical issues), a more complete collection of musical eggheads, eccentrics, and visionaries is hard to imagine. --Carl Hanni

Customer Reviews:

excellent but uncomplete.......2006-11-12

Althought most of the music here is an excellent collection of electronic music history, this 3 CDs lack of the important contribution given by the RAI phonology studios of Milan, Italy in the 50s
(which was bigger than Koln's WDR studios) with Bruno Maderna, Luciano Berio and Luigi Nono.
This is a big mistake. Milans studios were the biggest of europe and produced many important electroacoustic pieces.
If the collection aim to describe faithfully electronic music history, it should include this artists too.

To call it music may be a bit limiting. .......2006-10-24

Some of the tracks on here are "music". That is that they contain all the bits we're trained to experience as music -- melody, etc. Some are not, and the composers would be the first people to tell you that. A lot of these works are reactions to ingrained rules, so they're bound to be jarring.

A more successful way to approach such a broad and varied collection of audio experimentation is to think of it as curated sound. This isn't something to wash the dishes to, or to seduce someone to (although if you did manage to seduce someone with the recordings on this anthology, HOLD ON TO THAT PERSON, because they've got to be a keeper). These are unique sound textures that deserve a close, probably solitary listen, and I think if you're in the right frame of mind, it can be a very rewarding listen.

My main complaint is sequencing: each dicrete piece follows it's own internal logic, so there are more than a couple rough gear changes. However, since each piece is so different, and the collection is so varied, I'm not sure that you could totally escape that.

A worthwhile collection.......2006-01-11

The OHM collection contains some of those ground breaking electronic compositions that have shaped today's styles, from the early electronic instruments of Theremin and Martenot, through Pierre Schaeffer's Music Concrete tape music and the electronic music of Stockhausen and Subotnick, to the mainframe computer output of Risset and Chowning.

It is unfair to mark this collection down due to the production quality and 'musicality' of its contents, to do so would be to staggeringly miss the point of the development of electronic music through the 20th Century. What this collection shows is the ideas behind those at the cutting edge of the genre before many could even conceive of such output. That said it is hard going at points, as experimental music can be.

Highlights for me are no doubt Olivier Messiaen's 'Oraison' on CD 1, David Tudor's 'Rainforest Version 1' on CD 2 and on CD 3 David Behrman's 'On the Other Ocean' and Maryanne Amacher's 'Living sound Patent Pending'.

OhMyGodHowDreadful.......2005-08-15

Ok, this collection is supposed to be early works and, thus not expected to be very sophisticated or polished. But the OHM collection sounds like the first attempt of a spastic cat turned-loose on a Moog keyboard. When it is not boreing, this collection of random and dissonant sounds (I can't call it music) is without any redeeming qualities to make it worth while. Don't get me wrong, I am a long-time fan of Wendy (nie Walter) Carlos and some other real pioneers of electronic music. However, I find that the Ohm collection has no similar qualities and is a major disappointment.

Kid Stockhausen.......2003-01-17

This is required listening for anybody interested in the history of electronic music. Although implicitly aiming for the techno music audience, this audio history is overwhelmingly focused on the classical avant-garde of electro-acoustic composers. The closest you'll get to pop electronica is the Brian Eno track at the end of the third disc. No Kraftwerk, no Moroder, etc. Instead "OHM" manages to point to the continuities between, say, John Cage and artists currently working at the experimental edges of electronica (so-called IDM). It seems to be saying, "You think Kid 606 is visionary? Well check out this Stockhausen track from '59!"

Admittedly, some of the songs are much more interesting to think about than they are to listen to. Some of the early pieces that were made through thosuands of hours of pains-taking tape-splicing could be made today in an afternoon with a digital audio editor and a few effects plug-ins.

It is a beautiful package, containing a 90 page booklet of essays, quotations from the featured artists, and photographs. What all music should be: an education in daring.

Meditation Music:

1. Back to the Garden
2. California Roll
3. Candlelight Moments: Moonlight Reflections
4. Candlelight Moments: Romantic Moments
5. Carried By My Father
6. Celestial Navigations
7. Celtic Mysteries
8. Christmas 2 [Import]
9. Collection [Import]
10. Comala

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Legends of Rock

A Pocketful of Trouble [Enhanced]

Andrés Segovia: Golden Guitar Recital

Music: Safety in Numbers

Chiller Cabinet

All the Way [Import]

A Bobino [Import]

All Eyez on Me [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered] [Clean]

A Million Dollar Scam

'67-'70

Big Fun [Enhanced] [Import]

Albi Et'hawas [Import]

Angels, Vol. 2

Hello Lucille, Are You a Lesbian?

Ritmi Dell America Latina