SMiLE

Amazon.com
The Greatest Album That Never Was finally is. The Beach Boys' uncompleted 1967 album Smile has remained the elusive touchstone of Brian Wilson's brilliant, star-crossed career for decades. Artistic Holy Grail and troubling professional Waterloo for Wilson, a tantalizing prism of unfulfilled promise to his loyal cadre of fans, its story has become pop music's Rashomon. Finally completed via spring 2004 recordings with his stellar, longtime touring band (none of the original '60s sessions were used, though they've been recreated here with often stunning authenticity), it's arguably as alien to contemporary pop as it might have seemed in its intended '67 context--even to ears freshly primed by the glories of Pet Sounds.

Collaborator Van Dyke Parks's impressionistic, often mischievous lyrics conjure a collage of arcane 19th-century Americana that's equal parts artful ellipse and aloof nostalgia. But wed to Wilson's innovative composition and recording techniques (echoing beat author William Burroughs's fabled cut 'n' paste methodology and exemplified by the modular "Good Vibrations"), the resulting semisuite confections challenge the boundaries of both song and album form, but with an insouciant charm that's as different from Pet Sounds as that landmark was from "I Get Around." Turns out those hypothetical comparisons to Sgt. Pepper's weren't so far off the mark. --Jerry McCulley

Smiling with Brian
Amazon.com Music Editor Peter Hilgendorf called Brian Wilson to congratulate him on the release of Smile, and to talk about the recording and some of the history behind this highly anticipated release. Listen now.

Catch Up with Brian Wilson and the Legend of Smile:
Here are a few lists to help unravel the stories and sounds of Smile.

• Essential Brian Wilson CDs
• Essential Brian Wilson DVDs
• Essential Brian Wilson books

Product Description
Smile is inarguably the most long-awaited album in modern pop history. It's been more than 37 years since the title first appeared on a label release schedule, intended as the January 1967 follow-up to the groundbreaking art-rock of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. But Smile never made its initial release date. Today, this album is not a mere reconstruction of past performances, but something entirely new, a serious summation of a project that has been gestating for nearly four decades.

SMiLE,Brian Wilson,Nonesuch,Chamber Pop,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Average customer rating: An Elegantly Flawed Disc Goodbye Surfing, Hello God ! Smiley Smile 2 stars - Wld Honey 4 stars Smiley Smile- 4 Stars Wild Honey- 5 Stars An awesome CD!

Smiley Smile/Wild Honey The Beach Boys Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Friends/20/20 Sunflower/Surf's Up Today/ Summer Days (and Summer Nights) Little Deuce Coupe/ All Summer Long Carl & The Passions - So Tough / Holland ASIN: B00005ABX0 Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

1. Heroes And Villains
2. Vegetables
3. Fall Breaks And Back To Winter (Woody Woodpecker Symphony)
4. She's Goin' Bald
5. Little Pad
6. Good Vibrations
7. With Me Tonight
8. Wind Chimes
9. Gettin' Hungry
10. Wonderful
11. Whistle In
12. Wild Honey
13. Aren't You Glad
14. I Was Made To Love Her
15. Country Air
16. A Thing Or Two
17. Darlin'
18. I'd Love Just Once To See You
19. Here Comes The Night
20. Let The Wind Blow
21. How She Boogalooed It
22. Mama Says
23. Heroes And Villains (Alternate Take)
24. Good Vibrations (Various Sessions)
25. Good Vibrations (Early Take)
26. You're Welcome
27. Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring
28. Can't Wait Too Long

Amazon.com

These albums mark nothing less than a watershed in the Beach Boys' and Brian Wilson's careers. Fresh from the artistic triumph of Pet Sounds and the landmark single "Good Vibrations," Wilson began work on Smile, a project that would become a music fan's Rashomon: pop's most (in)famous unreleased album; artistic Waterloo for Wilson; near career-ruination for the band. Smile seemed an attempt to expand on the jigsaw session methodology Wilson had applied to "Vibrations." What went wrong has been debated for decades, but Smiley Smile was the album that followed in the summer of '67--a "bunt instead of a home run," as Carl Wilson admitted. Bookended by the glories of the "Vibrations" single and its truncated follow-up, "Heroes and Villains," Smiley can seem an exercise in creative schizophrenia. There's an earthy quality to remakes of Smile tracks "Wind Chimes," "Vegetables," and "Wonderful," while Wilson's "Fall Breaks," "Little Pad," and "Whistle In" underscore his playful, off-center instincts. But this album also anticipated the roots-conscious retrenchment that the Beatles and Bob Dylan would undertake at the end of the '60s.

Wild Honey has taken its place as a cult fave among fans, and rightly so. Its surprising R&B influences (epitomized by the buoyant title track, "Darlin'," and "Here Comes the Night") were not only a brave turn for a band just then at a low ebb, but a prescient pointer to the black music explosion of the early '70s. This great twofer edition includes some of the series' best tracks: a near seven-minute "in progress" suite of "Good Vibrations" outtakes as well as a complete early version; the odd, Smile-era B-side "You're Welcome"; a beautiful live rehearsal rendition of the a cappella showcase "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring"; and another suite of edited session takes for the unreleased standout "Can't Wait Too Long." -Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

An Elegantly Flawed Disc.......2007-05-22

I feel that this grouping of albums is a blessing in that you can get two important but slightly flawed albums of Tehe Beach Boys for a low price. The music is unbelievable especially Smiley Smile. It is exhilirating to hear Brian Wilson's genius in this stripped-down form. What is there just teases you as to what it would have been if all the problems of Smile hadn't occured. The second half, Wild Honey, is just fun Beach Boys, no psychedelia at all, just fun. It's a great summer album all together, the first half for when your blazing, the second for when your driving around in the hot summer air. I recommend this album.

Goodbye Surfing, Hello God !.......2006-07-16

Smiley Smile - The "released" version of Smile is here in a smaller scale. If you ever wanted to hear what the Beach Boys would sound like on Hashish and laying on their backs while singing harmony stoned, get this, it's really good.
Wild Honey - White soul before there was white soul and 10 years before Hall & Oates and the white Philly soul movement, The Beach Boys did it in 1967.

Smiley Smile 2 stars - Wld Honey 4 stars.......2005-11-16

Smiley Smile simply is the moment when the Beach Boys died. It maybe impossible to imagine now, but up to 1966 the Beach Boys were as respected as artists as the Beatles. Smiley Smile is a rushed album, with practically no instrumentation whatsoever and many under-rehearsed vocals, except for Good Vibrations and Heroes and Villians. If Capitol ever releases a Smile box set as they promised, Smiley Smile will be then send to oblivion, in the hall of shame where it belongs. The world never took the beach boys seriously after that. Wild Honey is actually a very good album, not better than Pet Sounds or Smile, but different than anything they ever did before. Some of the songs and arrangements are totally Brian Wilson at his best. Some of the 'soul' vocals I find difficult to digest and I miss the Beach boys blend on the songs. The extra tracks on the album are ESSENTIAL to any serious beach boys fan, so, if you are, you need this album.

Smiley Smile- 4 Stars Wild Honey- 5 Stars.......2005-08-23

Letting go of the "what could have beens" with Smile hasn't been easy for many Beach Boys fans- yet it tarnishes a lot of what they did afterwards. There have been many bands that have had aborted projects- some songs found life in other projects. In the progression of The Beach Boys circa 1966-67 there's Pet Sounds, the "Good Vibrations" single, Smiley Smile, and then Wild Honey. There was a time when I might I have thought that Smiley Smile and Wild Honey were steps back artistically; especially when I would put myself to wondering about the aborted Smile project; but in my maturity the steps back artistically have become steps forward humanly. The proceeding albums had less flair and "ambition"; the staple became more and more friendly and subtle- especially when you include the wonderful Friends album.


The enormous ambition that was so much the core of Brian Wilson's progress had turned into personal flights of fancy. The remnants of this, Smile, was rerecorded and turned into Smiley Smile. Parts spooky and haunting, parts comical and silly, the music is complex yet at times astonishingly simple- it was an exorcism and slow return to being the Beach Boys. One major change that started occurring during the recording of this album is that the Beach Boys started recording the music themselves without the assistance of the Wrecking Crew (a famous group of LA session musicians).

Although I have preferred the "Smile" versions of Wonderful, Vegetables, Wind Chimes they are not without plenty of charm. She's Going Bald and Little Pad are fun ditties that have some experimental elements. Although this is a personal estimation I think some of the songs could be very disregarded by the most serious fans such as Fall Breaks Back Into Winter and Getting' Hungry.


Within the same year they had switched tracks to a much more earthy less psychedelic sound. The result is the highly enjoyable Wild Honey. This is a truly great album by the Beach Boys- this was their back to basics album with a new found interest in R&B. It was a group effort on many levels- the song writing was very good and the performances had a passion and honesty that I have found on Pet Sounds without the self indulgence. Songs like Darlin', Wild Honey, Here Comes The Night and Aren't You Glad are on my list of top Beach Boys songs. The Stevie Wonder cover I Was Made To Love Her is actually a surprisingly good cover; Carl sounds quite soulful.

Finally I have to mention Let The Wind Blow- a touching reminder of the power of love- the deepest and most important thing in the world. The sentiment came during a time when many were writing protest songs about everything that was wrong with the world. The simplicity of the desire to give and feel love to one special person in his life resonates so strongly in contrast to the protests and criticisms of inhumanity. The song itself is so simple that it's easy to past right by it but with the feeling of the song hits you it is a sincere plea for more love.


The bonus tracks a cool- there is an amazing live recording from another aborted album; Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring is a cover of a Four Freshmen song that harkens back to Brian's youth. There's also a good version of Can't Wait Too Long once again from the Smile sessions.


I highly recommend these albums. They come as a twofer but both albums are remarkably short; many albums back then clocked in at 40 minutes long because of the time constraints of records-- Wild Honey is only 23 minutes long!)
Also check out Sunflower, Friends, Holland, and Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blues (if you can find it) all top notch albums.

An awesome CD!.......2005-08-22

Smiley Smile is a terrific album, and definitely should rank among the most underrated, overlooked masterpieces of the last 200 years.

Sure, it wasn't "SMiLE", but it stands alone as a great work of art with its own merits. The songs, "Heroes and Villains", "Good Vibrations", and the several rare bonus tracks make the CD well worth buying, yet the CD offers much more than that.

If you like offbeat, eclectic songs, you will love Smiley Smile. This stuff is far wackier and stranger than anything the Beatles, Pink Floyd, or anyone else was doing at the time, or really since. But the songs aren't just strange and mystifying; they're also quite beautiful and enchanting.

The vocal harmony work on Smiley Smile is among the best the group ever did. The instrumentation is sparse on some songs, and deliciously rich and intricate on others. The album is an amazing tapestry of wild sound effects, beautiful vocals, haunting instrumentation, gorgeous melodies, psychedelic clownery, and genius concepts.

I could go on and on about Smiley Smile. It's one of my personal favorite albums and I never get tired of listening to it. But Smiley Smile is only half (in volume) of what the CD offers. I don't have much to say about Wild Honey other than there are several good songs on it, and it's a solid album with a consistent sound. The production is minimal as is most of the instrumentation. Overall, it's a good album worth owning if you like the Beach Boys.

The bonus tracks on this disc are just amazing. You get to hear an alternate version of Heroes and Villains often referred to as the "Cantina" version, and some of the tracking sessions for Good Vibrations, which is really quite cool. There's also a wonderful a capella song, originally from the 4 Freshman, that the Boys do with incredible grace and remarkable beauty. "Can't Wait Too Long" is apparently a SMiLE-era outtake that was never used, but it's hard to see why; it's a great song.

Basically, if you are a Beach Boys enthusiast and really like Brian's experimental side, you must get this CD. These Capitol "two-fers" are a great value, and this one in particular is a real gem.

Average customer rating: SMiLE Utterly Unique and Worth The Price What could have been is what isn't. " Smile".........It never really was. You should have this album

SMiLE Brian Wilson Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pet Sounds Brian Wilson presents SMiLE Smiley Smile/Wild Honey Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson Sunflower/Surf's Up ASIN: B0002LI11M Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

1. Our Prayer/Gee
2. Heroes and Villians
3. Roll Plymouth Rock
4. Barnyard
5. Old Master Painter/You are My Sunshine
6. Cabin Essence
7. Wonderful
8. Song For Children
9. Child is Father of the Man
10. Surf's Up
11. I'm in Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop
12. Vega-Tables
13. On a Holiday
14. Wind Chimes
15. Mrs. O'Leary's Cow
16. In Blue Hawaii
17. Good Vibrations

Album Description

Smile is inarguably the most long-awaited album in modern pop history. It's been more than 37 years since the title first appeared on a label release schedule, intended as the January 1967 follow-up to the groundbreaking art-rock of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. But Smile never made its initial release date. Today, this album is not a mere reconstruction of past performances, but something entirely new, a serious summation of a project that has been gestating for nearly four decades.

Customer Reviews:

SMiLE.......2007-07-30

SMiLE, a legend in its own lifetime. Probably the most famous unreleased album of all time. Here is the reworked and fully completed version by Brian Wilson. The original tapes by The Beach Boys, remain unreleased to this day.

A veritable treasure trove of music and lyrics, and an essential addition to any serious record/CD collection...

Utterly Unique and Worth The Price.......2007-07-28

This is an amazing combination of vocals and instruments that is perfect for your quiet time of day when you want to relax with random thoughts. Envision "Electric Light Orchestra instrumentals and atmosphere meets the imagery of late 60's Beatles lyrics, sung in Bee Gees harmony with a hint of Bohemian Rhapsody timing shifts", and you'll get the idea. The overall effect is quite surreal.

If you equate the Beach Boys with sing-along surf music, you might not find this to your liking. But if you are looking for something to which you can listen when you are all by yourself and need to reflect on your life or kick-start your creativity, then this is definitely the music for you.

Though I missed the hype over this release, I can see why people who heard the demos in the 60's called it revolutionary and lamented its delayed release. There certainly wasn't anything in the rock world that was remotely like it at that time, nor is there much now to touch it. The musical complexity is astounding. I can't imagine what the score of this looks like, but I'm pretty sure that Mozart came back as Brian Wilson. Yes, it really is THAT creative and original. Give it a shot.

What could have been is what isn't........2007-07-17

For those people trying to relive the glory that Pet Sounds represented, along with the musical genius of Brian Wilson--a genius that seemed not to have reached it's full potential--this is the album for you. Listen to it and wallow in the pits of your despair over what might have been and rejoice in the vague scraps of genius on Smile to fuel your nostalgia. But the truth of the matter is that this cd is lackluster. The liner notes describe the songs lyricist Van Dyke Parks as "visonary." Well what was the guy looking at? They're abstract for sure, but not brilliant. Some of the lyrics--such as the ones to Vega-tables--are outright stupid. Wilson's voice is also not what it was and the vocals on the album do not contain the clear, magnetic harmonies the Beach Boys were famous for. This album is drenched in what could have been. Looking at it beyond its historical context the album simply doesn't cut it.

" Smile".........It never really was........2007-07-07

To those of us that were around at the time,we heard all the rumors,all the hype,the anticipation that Smile was the genius follow-up to Pet Sounds. I seem to remember that Brian left the Smile project unfinished, because he had a serious mental meltdown, and has never been quite the same, since. Chopped up the master of what WAS done.We all thought that it was the masterpiece, that never quite was, and probably would never be. Well....nothing that Brian does today,never quite surprises me. After 30-odd years, he decides to complete Smile.I thought, " OK. Let's see". I wish that I could have joined all of those that think that this was worth the wait. I can't. Brian should have left this alone, and simply just let the legendary Smile project be, what it was---a memory that could have been, but wasn't.

You should have this album.......2007-07-06

I am a huge Brian Wilson fan. I love what he has done and respect him very much.
Putting aside all this folklore and history assocaited with the album, this record is just ok. I used to listen to it thinking it was so good. Having heard the old soundbites and seeing Brian in concert. I slowly stopped listening to it. Then I decided to pop it in recently and I was very surpised to find that I really didnt want to hear any of the songs. I find them very silly and goofy, they dont need a girl singing on the album, and the vocals arent great.

Average customer rating: A Vocally Dazzling Esparza Rides High on an Exuberant Pre-"Rent" Larson Score Great tunes - great lyrics - great harmonies Love the Music Larson Lives Fantastic Music, but i wouldnt want to see it live

Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast) Jonathan Larson , Amy Spanger , and Raul Esparza Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: tick, tick ... BOOM! The Last 5 Years (2002 Off-Broadway Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Wild Party (Lippa) (2000 Off-Broadway Cast) Songs for a New World (1996 Original New York Cast) ASIN: B00005NQK5 Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. 30/90
2. Green Green Dress
3. Johnny Can't Decide
4. Sunday
5. No More
6. Therapy
7. Real Life
8. Sugar
9. See Her Smile
10. Come To Your Senses
11. Why
12. Louder Than Words
13. Boho Days
14. 30/90 Playout

Amazon.com

Rent is usually treated as Jonathan Larson's one and only show, but the truth is that he had a career--albeit a hitless one--before that blockbuster. There was a musical titled JP Morgan Saves the Nation with lyrics by Jeffrey M. Jones and music by Larson. And there was Tick, Tick... Boom!, an autobiographical piece that Larson workshopped for a while before setting it aside and finishing Rent.

In 2001, Tick, Tick is getting a full off-Broadway production, and it's a rather endearing one. Lyrics have never been Larson's strong point, but he was a hell of a melodic composer--and the score here is even poppier than that of Rent (think Top 40 rather than Sondheim). It's hard to pick favorite songs: "Green Green Dress" is built on a rollicking piano boogie, for instance, and "Real Life" and "See Her Smile" are the kind of elegiac ballad that Larson would later perfect with "Seasons of Love." Luckily, this show has a lot more to offer than mere youthful musings. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A Vocally Dazzling Esparza Rides High on an Exuberant Pre-"Rent" Larson Score.......2007-06-16

Perhaps it's a coincidence that the immensely talented Raúl Esparza plays a character dreading his 30th birthday in this 2001 recording of the hit off-Broadway show by the late Jonathan Larson, while five years later, he would play the elliptical Bobby dreading his 35th birthday in the enthralling 2006 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. In both performances, Esparza shows a true affinity for capturing the angst of men undergoing transitional points in their lives which render them emotionally paralyzed. At first glance, Sondheim and Larson would not seem like kindred spirits, but both share a gift for sophisticated lyrics in an unmistakable musical style defined by their oeuvres. Larson even pays tribute to Sondheim in the story's climax and with the sardonic, work-is-hell "Sunday", a take-off of the song with the same name in Sunday in the Park with George.

However, it is the familiar Larson sound of Rent that is heard most in this score - driving, rock-out rhythms with unavoidable pop hooks and yearning, piano-driven ballads. Even the opener, "30/90", is a virtual sound-alike of the bigger show's title tune. If the songs are not quite as polished or even memorable as those in Rent, they feel more personal because the autobiographical story is far more intimate in scale. Set in 1990 in the same SoHo neighborhood as Rent, it's a simple three-character piece about Jon, an aspiring composer who considers giving up his dreams on the verge of his 30th birthday. With charismatic fire, Esparza is equally adept using his beautifully expressive voice in a rock milieu as in a Sondheim character study. He brings energetic brio to finger-snapping rockers like the Twinkie-induced "Sugar" and especially shines on the ballads, "See Her Smile" and the revelatory "Why".

With a slightly pinched voice that reminds me a bit of the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, Amy Spanger as girlfriend Susan duets nicely with Esparza on the touching "Johnny Can't Decide", the rocking "Green Green Dress", and the comical self-help wordplay of "Therapy". Her shining solo moment comes with the knockout ballad, "Come to Your Senses". As Jon's embattled pal Michael, Jerry Dixon provides powerful vocals, bringing particular warmth to "Real Life" and grit to the fed-up rave "No More". The trio closes the show powerfully with the anthem-like "Louder Than Words". The overall score is a bit derivative and a tad too earnest, but the youthful zest of the cast and Larson's pop craftsmanship more than compensate. Two bonus tracks are offered at the end - an instrumental replay of the opener, "30/90 Playout" and a rare recording of Larson singing "Boho Days" a capella with propulsive hand claps.

Great tunes - great lyrics - great harmonies.......2006-11-04

If you are a fan of the late great Mr. Larson you will love this music. Okay, I have seen the play a couple of times so I know what happens between the songs but this, his autobiography, really moved me. Even my kids like the Green Dress Song.

I hope you like it... The theme is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" rings true today as the day he wrote it.

John we miss you.

Love the Music.......2006-08-22

I saw this play a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the music, so I got the CD. The voices, and lyrics are amazing! However, as I often find with CDs of musicals, there wasn't always the right feeling in the voice, particularly in "Therapy" where couple ought to be angry at each other, and it seems more cute on the CD.

Larson Lives.......2006-05-06

I love Tick, Tick... Boom! The show is quite refreshing. The show works so well with three actors. I LOVE "30/90" and "Louder Than Words." Both speak really strongly to the audience because they both are really relatable to anyone's life. Admittedly the middle of the show drags a little, and Spangler's voice can be chipmunkish at times. However those are minor detractions when it comes to this show. It is especially moving if you know Jonathan's story. It is no Rent, but the short piece is really moving

Fantastic Music, but i wouldnt want to see it live.......2006-04-30

I was soo soo very pleased with the music from "Tick...Tick..BOOM!". Rock Operas are my favorite type of musical theatre, and i must say this is one of the best. The storyline, however, although dealing with bohemian problems like AIDS, rehersals, love, didnt meet the power of the music. It was taken from Johnathans original one-man show and made into a three-man show. This was the only way possible to make this conversion, but still it was a dull storyline only going over the time period of one day in the day in the life of Johnathan Larson. Yes, it was an important day, his thirtieth birthday and his friend annoucing that he is HIV positive, but none of this happens until the end. The show lacks obsession, and in order to make a good musical storyline there has to be an obsession. Luckily, the weak storyline is backed with fantastic music, perhaps even better than Rent. 30/90 is my all time favorite song EVER i have listened to it over and over and still am not sick of it. other favorite tracks include:
30/90
Green Green Dress
No More
Sugar
Come To Your Senses (originally from Superbia)
Louder Than Words
and i also enjoy the rest of the songs as well.

Average customer rating: "Extremely catchy" by BJ Not the End of the World for This Band... It's OK Not really a kid, i just dont wanna get an acount....well actaully im 15 but... unbeliveable

Smile, It's the End of the World Hawk Nelson Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Letters to the President The Face of Love Hearts of the Innocent We Can't Stand Sitting Down Business Up Front/Party In The Back ASIN: B000EOTF0S Release Date: 2006-08-21

Tracks:

1. The One Thing I Have Left
2. The Show
3. Bring 'Em Out
4. Everything You Ever Wanted
5. Something On My Mind
6. Is Forever Enough
7. Zero
8. Nothing Left To Show
9. Head On Collision
10. Hello
11. It's Over
12. Fourteen

Customer Reviews:

"Extremely catchy" by BJ.......2007-03-29

As soon as I heard Hawk Nelson at the 2007 Winter Jam Tour in Mobile, AL, I knew I just HAD to get one of their CDs. A couple days later my dad picked up "Smile, It's The End of the World" for me, and since then my sister and I have been blasting this CD on her stereo almost daily! Every song is extremely catchy, especially "Everything You Ever Wanted", "Zero", and "Head On Collision". At times the band could start to "scream" instead of "sing", and some of the songs sound almost non-Christian, but the album is still better than average. When I say that some of the songs are almost "non-Christian", I mean that they turn into almost "love" songs. Also, this album ISN'T for adults or young children--I think only teens will enjoy this one.
However, all in all this CD is still one of my favorites--and Hawk Nelson seems like Stellar Kart's twin!!

Not the End of the World for This Band..........2007-02-26

From the first time I heard "Every Little Thing" from Hawk Nelson's first CD, I have loved this band. Fortunately and unfortunately, they have greatly matured from their first album to create Smile, It's the End of the World. While traces of their old style remain, this album sounds much different than their last one. While it is still as "unfocused" as their past work, this album is on a different side of the pop/rock spectrum. Fans of the old record might be appalled by the change of style, as was I, but will most likely be quickly converted. Every song has something to offer. Some are happy and poppy, others edgier, and some even throw in a little Gospel flare.

Overall, this is a CD that does what it does right. No matter the atmosphere of the song, it is communicated effectively, and ultimately catchy. No one who enjoys this genre should miss out on this one.

It's OK.......2007-02-02

This album has a light, fun sounding feel to it. It is intended to appeal to teenagers and seems to have a sound that they like.

It is rather meaningless lyrically. It is full of fluff and little meaningful content. Hawk Nelson is purported to be a Christian band, but I heard nothing in this album that would validate that. Some of the songs are boy-girl love songs. Some others are hard to tell what they are even about - mainly nonsense.

In spite of the fairly trivial nature of the lyrics, there is nothing offensive about them. This is not an album that parents would need to worry about being a bad influence on kids.

There is one song that sounds pretty good: 'Everything You Ever Wanted'. A couple of others are kind of catchy.

Overall, it is an ok album. It is not one that I particularly enjoy, but I'm sure it has some appeal for its intended audience.

Not really a kid, i just dont wanna get an acount....well actaully im 15 but..........2007-01-19

ok, whoever said that fall out boy is a poser band, you should do some research before you say something like that. Just so you know, they had THREE albums out before they got popular, and, ever think that maybe people listend to them when they "sucked"?? Just because the band got popular DOES NOT mean that they are posers, are people who were listening to them before From Under The Cork Tree, are gonna listen to Good Charlotte.. and why does it matter if someone likes Good Charlotte, or some other "poser"?? Oh, and i happen to know for an absolute fact that fall out boy is not in it for the money, although i know that they enjoy the money(Who wouldnt). Trust me, i KNOW that. Anyways, i really like this cd. There right up there with Panic! At The Disco and Cobra Starship in my favourites. I really like Bring Em Out. Oh, and one more thing: if you dont like a band, dont bash them in front of people you know love them. It's not a good idea =) BUY THIS CD!!!!!

unbeliveable.......2006-11-04

there are many songs and groupos that i like but this tops it!(aside from relient k) the songs are so amazing! great guitar playing and his voice fits the music...it's soooo cool! get it it is totally worth it!

Average customer rating: item not yet received For the boy '80's Perfection That Still Holds Up Great Album! Aged well. DLR doing what he does best

Eat 'Em and Smile David Lee Roth Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Skyscraper Crazy from the Heat The Best Diver Down DLR Band ASIN: B000002L9W Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Yankee Rose
2. Shyboy
3. I'm Easy
4. Ladies' Nite In Buffalo?
5. Goin' Crazy!
6. Tobacco Road
7. Elephant Gun
8. Big Trouble
9. Bump And Grind
10. That's Life

Amazon.com

Roth, who turned the flamboyant-frontman role into an art form, turned out this solo effort after leaving Van Halen. Hiring two of the top instrumentalists in the hard-rock genre, guitarist Steve Vai and bassist Billy Sheehan, Roth created meta-arena rock--big, exaggerated rock music with heavy guitars. Typical entries included "Goin' Crazy" and "I'm Easy"; "Yankee Rose" had one of the more entertaining videos on MTV at the time. The cover of "That's Life," which closes the album, is predictably overblown, but Roth can be forgiven as it's obvious that he's not taking anything too seriously. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

item not yet received.......2007-01-31

This item is not yet arrived!
Can you please let me know.
Thank you

For the boy.......2007-01-18

This was a gift for my sondd, he absolutely LOVES it. David Lee Roth never fails to deliver.

'80's Perfection That Still Holds Up.......2006-10-14

Just in case you don't know, this CD has some of the best work all around by everyone involved; But obviously it's Vai and Seehan that steal the show with some of the most amazing riffing ever heard, even today. As good, if not better, than any Van Halen album; Nice variety of song styles, great drums, and lots of insane stringed madness. A true classic...

Great Album! Aged well........2006-07-27

I had this album back in the day and loved it. It's been shelved for a long time and taken back out. I must say if you haven't heard this one in a while, CRANK it up!

The Album kicks off hard with "Yankee Rose". DLR's vocals are perfect and his screams put chills down your spine. "Yankee Rose" was to be DLR's opening song to throw at Van Halen to say "I can do it without you" and he does. "Rose" is follwed up by another rocker "Shyboy". When you hear the intro though you'll be thinking this is from a Van Halen album. Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan really bring it on this song. Great track. "Goin' Crazy" is a bit pop but played loud it still rocks to me. "Tobacco Road" is a great cover. The entire album is great. DLR sounds happy and content, he has great musicians backing him up and he just "ROCKS"! If you haven't heard it, get it, and if you have forgotten it, CRANK it!

DLR doing what he does best.......2006-04-08

This is a fun solo album that has a lot of what post 1984 Van Halen might have sounded like if Roth would not have been kicked out. Eddie's guitar is replaced with Steve Vai's guitar and it all works out well. Roth gets a little more creative freedom and we get a great bunch of songs.

So, do we miss Eddie and the gang? Of course. You can never replace the formula that was the original VH. But this cd is better than the first Van Halen cd with Sammy.

Average customer rating: NEVER RECEIVED THIS ITEM!! Perlman, Williams reunite in wonderful Serenade sequel Some of the most beautiful music you'll ever hear Don't compare it to Cinema Serenade 1 I can't stop listening to this CD....

Cinema Serenade II: The Golden Age Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Israel | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Korngold, Erich Wolfgang | ( K ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Perlman, Itzhak | ( P ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Soundtracks | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cinema Serenade Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Itzhak Perlman's Greatest Hits Classic Perlman: Rhapsody Itzhak Perlman - A la carte / Lawrence Foster ASIN: B00000JQG0 Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

1. Laura
2. Now, Voyager
3. Modern Times
4. Lost Weekend
5. The Quiet Man
6. The Adventures Of Robin Hood
7. Casablanca
8. Henry V
9. The Uninvited: 'Stella By Starlight'
10. My, Foolish Heart
11. Gone With The Wind
12. Wuthering Heights

Amazon.com

Cinema Serenade 2: The Golden Age is the sequel to Itzhak Perlman's popular album of movie themes performed with soundtrack composer John Williams. Unlike its predecessor, this disc focuses on classic cinema themes and features the Boston Pops Orchestra, not the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The Laura theme, as well as Max Steiner's Now Voyager and Miklós Rózsa's Lost Weekend themes, sound lush and romantic in Perlman's lyrical hands. The traditional Irish jig "The Quiet Man" is the disc's most upbeat moment, while the unforgettable Gone with the Wind theme is its most memorable. These are timeless, dreamy compositions, though not necessarily the most uplifting. If you're looking for something cinematic to get your heart racing, check out Ricardo Chailly's recording of Shostakovich's film scores or even Leopold Stokowski's classic work on Fantasia. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

NEVER RECEIVED THIS ITEM!!.......2007-03-17

I cannot review the product which I know is great , as I was billed for it, but never received it.

Perlman, Williams reunite in wonderful Serenade sequel.......2003-12-04

With the success of Cinema Serenade, conductor John Williams and violinist Itzhak Perlman reunited to record another collection of classic movie themes. Performed this time by the Boston Pops Orchestra, the music of Cinema Serenade 2: The Golden Age harkens back to the days of stars such as Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Ray Milland and Clark Gable.

The 12 selections include themes by Hollywood legends Max Steiner, Miklos Rozsa and Erich Wolfgang Korngold (whose son George would later produce several of composer/conductor Williams' scores for Varese Sarabande Records). Cinema Serenade 2 presents beautiful arrangements of Steiner's themes for Now, Voyager and Gone With The Wind, Korngold's love theme from The Adventures of Robin Hood, Charlie Chaplin's lovely Modern Times and "St Patrick's Day," a traditional Irish song from the John Wayne classic The Quiet Man.

Since I consider myself to be a charter member of The Rick Blaine Society of Rank Sentimentalists, I'd have to say my favorite tracks on this album are Herman Hupfeld's timeless "As Time Goes By" from 1942's Casablanca and Victor Young's "My Foolish Heart" (from the 1949 film of the same title). It was while I was listening to the radio (on the late WTMI 93.1 FM classical station) that the DJ played "As Time Goes By" and I discovered this recording of mostly lyrical themes; I listened to Perlman's haunting violin solos and the Boston Pops' bravura performance and nearly wept. I, of course, bought this CD the next day and it's now one of my favorites.

For fans of Itzhak Perlman, John Williams or film music in general, both of the Cinema Serenade CDs are a treasure trove of beautiful and memory-stirring themes.

Some of the most beautiful music you'll ever hear.......2001-06-15

This is one of the most beautiful CDs I've ever heard. The selections are musically much richer than Cinema Serenade I. In particular, Sir William Walton's music from Henry V, Korngold's music from Robin Hood, and Newman's music from Wuthering Heights are standouts. The Korngold is my favorite, with several themes from the picture packed into a short love scene lifted straight from the movie. The arrangements on this album are stunningly lush, especially those by Williams. His opening chords from The Uninvited are terrific harmonically.

Don't compare it to Cinema Serenade 1.......2000-01-24

Itzhak Perlman is still considered by me the best violinist alive today. His techiniques are so impressable and heartouching and nobody can contest that. The idea of this CD was wonderful, although the selections of the musics aren't so good than in Cinema Serenade 1. But anyway, if you want to listen musics that worldwide the people emotioned with, buy this CD, but don't fall in the temptation to compare it to the first one.

I can't stop listening to this CD...........1999-10-03

All of those lush movie themes are greatly compiled on this CD. I especially liked Laura and Stella by Starlight. After listening to this, you will want to go out and buy/rent these great old movies!

Average customer rating: Relive you movie experiences

The Ultimate Movie Music Collection Erich Kunzel Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Incredible Film Music Box Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores Simply the Best Movie Themes Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000BFH26Y Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

1. The Imperial March: The Empire Strikes Back
2. Main Theme: Jurassic Park
3. Main Title: Shakespeare In Love
4. Themes: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
5. Main Title: The Last Of The Mohicans
6. Theme: The Godfather
7. Unchained Melody: Ghost
8. Theme: Goldfinger
9. We're Losing Him: Somewhere In Time
10. Space Camp
11. Opening And Closing Titles: Henry V
12. Theme: The Thorn Birds
13. Suite: Moonwalker
14. The Time Of Your Life: A Bugs Life

Tracks:

1. Batman Theme: Batman
2. Bicycle Chase: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
3. Suite: Independance Day
4. Love Theme: Romeo & Juliet
5. Theme: Back To The Future
6. End Credits: Contact
7. Theme: Breakfast At Tiffany's
8. Main Theme: Star Trek
9. May It Be And Themes: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Ring
10. Love Theme: Cousins
11. Sean's Theme: Minority Report
12. I Will Wait From You: The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
13. Theme: Rocky
14. The Sand Volcano: The Mummy
15. The Raider's March: Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Tracks:

1. Theme: Mission Impossible
2. Casablanca Suite
3. Book Of Days: Far And Away
4. Love Theme: Superman
5. Tara's Theme: Gone With The Wind
6. Don't Mess With: Z
7. Main Title: The Mask Of Zorro
8. Finale: Victor / Victoria
9. Carol Ann's Theme: Poltergeist
10. Love Theme: Star Wars: Episode ll: Attack Of The Clones
11. Main Theme: Willow
12. Main Title: Star Trek ll: The Wrath Of Kahn
13. MAin Theme: On Golden Pond
14. Theme: A Summer Place
15. Theme: Chariots Of Fire

Tracks:

1. Iceberg!
2. Back To Titanic
3. Main Themes: Hook
4. Theme: Pink Panther
5. Lara's: Doctor Zhivago
6. Theme: Love Story
7. Right Stuff
8. Theme: Jaws
9. When You Believe: The Prince Of Egypt
10. Smile: Modern Times
11. The Apollo 13 Mission
12. Re-Entry And Splashdown: Apollo 13
13. Main Title: Beetlejuice
14. War: Pearl Harbor
15. Cavatina: The Deer Hunter
16. Throne Room And End Title: Star Wars: Episode lV: A New Hope

Customer Reviews:

Relive you movie experiences.......2006-01-24

This collection of movie themes, will allow you to relive the chilling experiences from practically all (4 CDs)of the great movies. Great movies would not be great without great music. The Cincinnati Pop with Eric Kunzel are unbeatable recordings. Every minute is more beautiful and inspiring to the next. If you love Pops music, this is the begin all, end all.

Average customer rating: Different Taste Poison gone punk; Good, but better with C.C. Crack A Smile, Believe Me Child You Will!!! Great album with Blues saraceno THE 80'S ROCKED

Crack a Smile... And More Poison Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Live Albums | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hollyweird Power to the People Flesh & Blood Songs of Life Look What the Cat Dragged In ASIN: B000046QAJ Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

1. Best Thing You Ever Had
2. Shut Up, Make Love
3. Baby Gets Around A Bit
4. Cover Of The Rolling Stone
5. Be The One
6. Mr. Smiley
7. Sexual Thing
8. Lay Your Body Down
9. No Ring, No Gets
10. That's The Way I Like It
11. Tragically Unhip
12. Doin' As I Seen On My TV
13. One More For The Bone (Outtake From Crack A Smile)
14. Set You Free (Outtake From Crack A Smile)
15. Crack A Smile Unfinished Demo
16. Face The Hangman (Outtake From Open Up And Say...Ahh!)
17. Your Mama Don't Dance (Live On MTV Unplugged)
18. Every Rose Has It's Thorn (Live On MTV Unplugged)
19. Unskinny Bop (Live On MTV Unplugged)
20. Talk Dirty To Me (Live On MTV Unplugged)

Amazon.com

Poison fans will love this: unapologetic, full-on raunch 'n roll and tongue-in-cheek power ballads. Crack a Smile consists of 12 tracks of unrequited glam-punk, including a drunken late-night rendition of Dr Hook's "Cover of the Rolling Stone" and the anthemic "Best Thing You Ever Had." And the More! offers bonus outtakes, the B-sides, and the self-deprecating "Tragically Unhip." All this, plus four of Poison's top 10 singles, as recorded live on MTV's Unplugged in 1990. The highlight? The heavy, albeit acoustic version of "Unskinny Bop," replete with screaming girls and loose harmonies. --Everett True

Customer Reviews:

Different Taste.......2007-06-09

On this cd, you will hear MANY different sounds of songs! There are a few good tracks on this cd:
1) Best thing you ever had
2) Shut up, make love
4) Cover of the rolling stone
5) Be the one
6) Mr. Smiley
7) Sexual Thing
8) Lay your body down
The last 4 songs are from MTV Unplugged...so they aren't bad, just didn't list them as a highlight for why i bought this cd.
*Note this cd doesn't have C.C. on it, Blues Saraceno filled in for him*
Good addition to the collection again.

Poison gone punk; Good, but better with C.C........2007-01-22

Poison turning from glittering glam to darker punk on this album. As always Poison brought us a great album, but it lacked C*C*'s screaming guitars and unique charm... Best song on the album is Mr. Smilie.

~EK

Crack A Smile, Believe Me Child You Will!!!.......2006-04-21

From the opening chords of "Best thing you ever had," you are HOOKED. Bottom line, this CD rocks, great Rawk n Rowl!! Its sad that this CD was shelved for a couple of years. Its good-time music, theres plenty of tongue-in-cheek and great music, great hooks and great lyrics. There's tons of energy, between Crack A Smile and Native Tongue, the 2 CD'S without C*C*. They're a different band on a higher level, its sad but true! The anticipation of waiting for the "lost POISON album" lives up to its expectations and beyond! I grew on POISON, I'm a creature of habit for '80's music. Poison never lets you down on record or on the stage. BMIFC member # 420 out!

Great album with Blues saraceno.......2006-04-04

Great album with poison's third lead guitarist Blues Saraceno.
Only complaint is that it should have been left as 16 tracks, the last 4 mtv unplugged tracks of the classics wasn't needed as this album was strong enough without them. Those songs have been heard before, they were on the greatest hits album before this one and also live versions were done on Swallow this.

THE 80'S ROCKED.......2003-12-24

THE 80s ROCKED WITH BANS LIKE,AUTOGRAPH,BRITNEY FOX, FASTER PUSSYCAT,THE FOUR HORSEMEN,JACKYL,JUNKYARD,KIX,MOTLEY CRUE, OZZY, TNT,TESLA,"Y&T",ECT. ALTHOUGH ITS HARD TO FIND ALBUMS OF SUCH BANDS AT MOST LOCAL RECORD STORES THESE DAYS. ROCK ON!

Average customer rating: Anything but corporate country... not really a Lyle Lovett album ok.. but not classic Lyle eclectic genius More Corporate Country

Smile ~ Songs from the Movies Lyle Lovett Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: My Baby Don't Tolerate The Road to Ensenada Lyle Lovett and His Large Band Pontiac Step Inside This House ASIN: B000089H9U Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

1. Blue Skies (from With Honors)
2. Straighten Up & Fly Right (from Dear God)
3. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (from Kissing Jessica Stein)
4. Smile (from Hope Floats)
5. Moritat (Mack The Knife) (from Quiz Show)
6. Summer Wind (from For The Love Of The game)
7. What'd I Say (from Where The Heart Is)
8. Tile The Sun Shines (w/ Keb Mo) (from Mumford)
9. You've Got A Friend In Me (w/Randy Newman) (from Toy Story)
10. Walking Tall (from Stuart Little)
11. Pass Me Not (w/George Duke) (from Leap Of Faith)
12. I'm A Soldier In The Army Of The Lord (from The Apostle)

Amazon.com

If it hadn't been so long since Lyle Lovett released an album of original songs--that would be 1996's Road to Ensenada--Smile might seem more significant than it really is. Not that it doesn't contain some wonderful music. But like Step Inside This House, Lovett's 1998 tribute to his favorite Texas singer-songwriters, Smile only whets the appetite for more original material. The concept is simple enough: take 12 songs that Lovett has recorded for various movies since 1992 and put them all on one disc. The crowd-pleaser "You've Got a Friend in Me," his Toy Story duet with Randy Newman, is probably the most familiar of the bunch, followed by Burt Bacharach and Tim Rice's wistful "Walking Tall," from Stuart Little. Even better, though, are the ones that may have slipped through the cracks, such as the gospel standard "Pass Me Not," from 1994's Leap of Faith, and Nat "King" Cole's "Straighten Up and Fly Right," from the 1996 Garry Marshall comedy Dear God. And Lovett's Chet Baker-style take on Irving Berlin's "Blue Skies," from 1994's With Honors, proves that the Texas troubadour is a much more versatile singer than he often gets credit for. Smile may not be in the same league as Lovett's best original work, but it's a pleasant enough diversion nonetheless. --David Hill

Customer Reviews:

Anything but corporate country..........2006-08-23

Wow, Kavity Killer - have you even heard this album? It's certainly not corporate, and it's nowhere near country for the most part. These are songs Lovett did specifically for films, and most of them are old chestnuts - not exactly tunes you hear on Top 40 (or any other kind of) radio. It sounds to me like you had something you wanted to say, and you said it - regardless of the fact that it had nothing to do with either the artist or the music. This is hardly Lyle at his best - check "Pontiac", "Joshua Judges Ruth", or "The Road to Ensenada" for that - but it's him doing something he does well, which is bringing a distinct and curiously affecting voice to some pop standards. This record was released to satisfy the terms of a contract with a record label, no doubt, but it's still good stuff.

not really a Lyle Lovett album.......2006-06-15

From almost any other singer this would be a three-star disk, but for Lyle Lovett this is a disappointment. Lovett is one of the most likeable popular musicians around, which guarantees that if a movie studio has him record the featured song for one of their films everyone is going to like it and more tickets will get sold. But he didn't write any of the songs on this CD and they seem to be pushing him into genres and styles that are a bit of a stretch for him.

Don't get me wrong, he sings these songs well. But he's out of his element in all but two or three of them. Straighten Up and Fly Right could be a song he wrote, and the duet with Randy Newman is of course a delight (though not as much so as Long Tall Texan, on The Road to Ensenada). I also kind of liked Summer Wind. The rest of the tunes? Hmm...

I consider Lovett, when in prime form, to be the best singer-songwriter in all of popular music: better than Lennon/McCartney, better than Dylan. Add to that fact the fantastic band he backs himself with, and wow! But Smile contains no Lovett tunes and uses studio ensembles, not his Large Band. Hardcore fans will be unable to do without this album, but if you're more selective and are only really interested in his best stuff, in the Lyle Lovett of Joshua Judges Ruth and The Road to Ensenada, this has little in common with those albums and is of only a passing interest.

ok.. but not classic Lyle.......2006-01-31

I liked this cd in general, however, I did feel like it was a means to complete a contractual obligation. I prefer Lye's other works better.

But no matter what song he sings, Lyle re-invents it to be his own, even if he didn't write it.

eclectic genius .......2006-01-01

I loved this CD. The mix of country, blues, jazz and pop is perfect. The choice of songs is great and Randy Newman is a welcome addition and very upbeat.

More Corporate Country.......2004-11-25

Lyle Lovett is just the latest corporately manufactured top 40 country singer to come down the line. It totally sounds like they overdubbed his voice in the studio and used background singers to bolster his thin, quavering voice. Most of the backing tracks were also obviously programmed on a cheap synthesizer, Casio mayber? 3-minute ditties that sound like they were designed with the top-40 in mind, banal subject matter, and a real lack of conviction on lovett's part all add up to an album that will be in the cut-out bin within the month.

Average customer rating: lovely light music with enough grit to stick to your ribs. Great CD, wonderful production One of best albums ever -- by anyone A Pop Gem Stays in the CD player

Smile The Jayhawks Manufacturer: American Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sound of Lies Tomorrow the Green Grass Hollywood Town Hall Rainy Day Music Blue Earth ASIN: B000068FXS Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

1. Smile
2. I'm Gonna Make You Love Me
3. What Led Me To This Town
4. Somewhere In Ohio
5. A Break In The Couds
6. Queen Of The World
7. Life Floats By
8. Broken Harpoon
9. Pretty Thing
10. Mr. Wilson
11. (In My) Wildest Dreams
12. Better Days
13. Baby, Baby, Baby

Amazon.com

In the mid-1980s, this Minneapolis band shared tavern stages with fellow hometown punk bands like the Replacements and Soul Asylum, dishing out a then-unique blend of country-rock that pre-dated "alt country" by a decade. More than 15 years later, their sixth album is also their second without cofounder Mark Olson. Led by Gary Louris, the newfangled Jayhawks play pop music in the truest sense of the word, and Smile is another trademarked batch of their heartrending laments: hooks that you can't get out of your head ("I'm Gonna Make You Love Me"); melodies snatched off of '70s AM radio ("Mr. Wilson"); epic harmonies from the Big Star handbook ("What Led Me to This Town"); and even a modest attempt at Midwestern hip-hop ("Somewhere in Ohio"). Produced by Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd's The Wall), Smile is a tad slicker than 1997's Sound of Lies. But like its predecessor, this record's charm rests in a handful of dazzling ballads ("Better Days," "A Break in the Clouds" and "Broken Harpoon")--polished, yes, but never overbearing. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

lovely light music with enough grit to stick to your ribs........2006-03-15

I broke this album 4 years ago when I dropped my discman pulling a gumball out of, yes, a gumball machine. The disc itself cracked in half, and I almost cried.

Though I haven't heard its songs once, since, I can still sing many of them, melody and all. These songs are stick in my brain, but not like an irritating Clear Channel single. Instead, they're sweet flitting things that pop in-and-out like a best friend visiting... not staying too long and coming at just the right intervals to remind me how much I like them.

My favorite's "Break in the Clouds," and I also particularly like "What Led Me to This Town." I dislike "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me." Gonna re-purchase it one of these days!

Great CD, wonderful production.......2005-12-04

This CD brings together the excellent song writing with polished production. 'Sound of Lies' was the pre-cursor to this and they made a CD even better than that one.

BTW, I like the more bare-boned sound of their earlier CDs however I think the followup, 'Rainy Days Music' is way off the mark.

This is the best Jayhawks CD.

One of best albums ever -- by anyone.......2005-11-19

I discovered the Jayhawks through 'Smile.' It's one of my favorite albums ever, by anyone -- all I can say is it turns up in my cd player all the time. It's sort of like Hank Williams, Lennon-McCartney, Bob Dylan and (at times) Jimmy Page all jammed together to create something completely new and unique. I've since gone back and have heard all their albums, and they're all great. It's interesting to see how the band has evolved. This is a band that should have a much, much (MUCH!) broader audience. Can't recommend it highly enough. Or you could, you know, keep listening to the crap that's on the radio...

A Pop Gem.......2005-11-04

I suppose I can understand why fans of earlier Jayhawks albums were disappointed with this release. This is not alt-country by any means. However, this was the first Jayhawks CD I bought so, unlike those fans, I had no preconceived notions of what to expect. What I heard was one of the best blasts of pure pop magic of the last several years.

The melodies of songs like "Smile", "What Led Me to this Town", and "A Break in the Clouds" are hauntingly beautiful. Gary Louris' voice is perfect for this material and I love the backing vocals by Jan Gunderman. (Gunderman's piano is also excellent throughout). More uptempo and upbeat songs such as "Queen of the World" and "Wildest Dreams" are also executed perfectly and are supremely catchy.

There are two songs, "Life Floats By" and "Pretty Thing", that give the impression that the band is trying to obtain indie cred. Unfortuantely, these songs are too raucous and feel totally out of place here - and they're just not that good. I just program those two songs out and let the 11 other excellent songs carry me away to Pop heaven.

Stays in the CD player.......2005-06-10

This is just a great, great CD. I find myself listening to this one, probably more than any other CD I own---and I own a lot.

Only one negative thing I can say about this CD is that "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" sounds EXACTLY like Fleetwood Mac. Not that there is necessarily anything wrong with that!!!!

Meditation Music:

1. Stripped
2. Thankful [Enhanced]
3. The Art Of Fritz Reiner, Volume 10 [Box set]
4. The Art Of Fritz Reiner, Volume 12
5. The Association's Greatest Hits
6. The Best of George Harrison
7. The Best of Hanson Live and Electric (CD & DVD) [Limited Edition] [Live]
8. The Definitive Collection [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]
9. The Eminem Show [Explicit Lyrics]
10. The Preacher's Wife: Original Soundtrack Album [Soundtrack]

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

American University W.D.C. [Live] [Import]

Wedding Bouquet

Wagner: Siegfried Idyll in E WWV103; Bruckner: Symphony in A No6, WAB106

Music: Schoneberg, Vol. 2 [CD-single]

Zing Zang Zing Lustige [Import]

Word of Science [Import]

Www.Pfmpfm.It [Import]

Whitewater [Enhanced]

We Are Escalator Records V.3 [Import]

Voices of Light

Woodlore [Original recording remastered]

Virao

Usted Se Queda Aqui

Stand up and Surrender

There's Only One