Versus

Versus

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Given that remixers' recourse to acoustica is the next logical link to down-tempo electronica, it's no surprise that the Kings of Convenience's beguiling debut has undergone this treatment. Versus sees the winsome, lovelorn ditties of Quiet is the New Loud reinterpreted by the likes of fellow Norwegians Royksopp (whose lovely remix of "I Don't Know What to Save You From" appeared on the "Failure" single), Four Tet, Ladytron, and Alfie, among others. Apart from Ladytron, who opt for their characteristic warped synth-pop, on the whole the assembled cast gently tweaks the songs, rather than offering any radical reworking of them. Evil Tordivel update "Leaning Against the Wall" with sprightly horns and keyboards, leaving the song less introspective, but still recognizable. Wayward folksters Alfie remake "Failure" (also included on the single), but are less successful, as their skewed lo-fi tends to overbear much of the all-important melody. Riton's remix of "The Girl from Back Then" adds gentle sprinkles of nonchalant, shuffling beats, but the highlight is the "Weight of My Words" remix by Kieran Hebden, a.k.a. Four Tet. As showcased on his glorious Pause album, he melds bubbling electronica with an organic, folky ambience, perfectly demonstrating the premise of Versus. --Suzannah Brown

Product Description
'Versus' is a remix collection mostly taken from their U.K. single releases and some brand new mixes, including Ladytron, Royksopp, & Andy Votel. This Astralwerks release is available on CD & LP.

Tracks:

Introduction
The Contenders
Strangers
Denmark Street
Get Back In Line
Lola
Top Of The Pops
The Moneygoround
This Time Tomorrow
A Long Way From Home
Rats
Apeman
Powerman
Got To Be Free

Amazon.com essential recording

The Kinks' 1970 effort was the penultimate creation in a five-year, six-album burst that ranks just a notch below the great sustained rock & roll eruptions of Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Stones, and Elvis Costello. Of course, the linchpin to this collection is "Lola," Ray Davies's irresistibly vivid account of the charms of a seductive transvestite. Its daring (for the time) subject matter aside, "Lola" stands as one of the great singles of all time. Add to the list the almost as infectious "Apeman," a slew of funny, shrewd, alienated-rock-star screeds ("Top of the Tops," "The Moneyground," "Powerman"), and a couple of memorable contributions from Ray's brother, Dave ("Strangers," "Rats"), and you have the Kinks at their raucous, righteous, quirky quintessence. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Meta-Kinks.......2007-05-28

I take a backseat to no one in my love for the Kinks. They were the first rock band that grabbed me back in 1965 with "Well Respected Man" and "Sunny Afternoon," and, thereafter, I continued to rediscover them. I caught up with Kinks in 1969 with "Arthur," then again in 1970 with "Muswell Hillbillies," and again in 1972 with the Kink Kronikles retrospective, which introduced me to the UK hits "Waterloo Sunset" and "Days" as well as oddly compelling achievements like "Autumn Almanac" and "Death of a Clown." I recall vividly the release of the single "Lola," which came after "Arthur." It was almost too good: Too melodic, too funny, too brilliant in every way. The album, which followed, left me a little cold, and I've never really given it much of a listen in the past 35+ years since its release.

Now that I've given this album another chance, I can't seem to pry it from my CD player. Is this the Kinks' best album? Better than "Village Green Preservation Society?" "Muswell Hillbillies?" It might be. Musically, it's their biggest, boldest statement. Lola is like the seed of a pearl, the album being about the creation of a hit single, first the desperate climb to the top, in "The Contenders," "Denmark Street," "Get Back in Line," followed by the single itself, followed by all the things that followed; hitting "the Top of the Pops," inspiring "The Moneygoround," where people make money off "a song they've never heard," and then the life of being stars, represented by two of the disc's highlights, "This Time Tomorrow" and "A Long Way from Home" -- two of the prettiest melodies Ray Davies ever wrote. Then, finally the sometimes funny, sometimes angry struggle to break free of the commercial monster they've created, in "Apeman," "Powerman," and "Got to be Free." Woven into this narrative are two of Dave Davies' best Kink contributions, "Strangers" and "Rats," which don't fit the story line precisely, but capture its mood, "Strangers" especially.

See? It's an album with a hit single that's about the hit single. And by the end of it, they're running as far away from the hit single as they can. This is meta-fiction, 25 years ahead of its time. But it's not difficult. This album has a little of everything that makes the Kinks great: Beautiful melodies, savage rock riffs, music-hall-style satire, and lyrics both clever and heartfelt. A true treasure. Why didn't I hear it this way before?

Almost Perfect.......2007-05-05

I first bought this album because the morning show that I would listen to on the radio in SLC (Radio from Hell) would sometimes play "Apeman" as an intro song. After hearing it about half a dozen times, I finally decided to hunt down this CD. I concur with the opinions expressed by many of the previous reviewers. This is a stellar album, and I am disappointed in myself that I hadn't heard it earlier in my life. I do have one complaint for which I am subtracting one star. To my ears, this CD desperately needs to be remastered. The mix sounds tinny and weak. For me, this is most apparent on the song "Apeman" - the reason I bought the album. The vocals seem to be buried underneath the the instrumentation. I bought my copy used, so perhaps it was an earlier release CD, and there has since been a remastered release. But believe me, you will not regret purchasing this album.

Brilliant concept album.......2006-12-19

I owned this LP when it was released and I played it non-stop. The songs were acted out in "the theater in my head": it took me on an exciting, sometimes poignant, emotional journery every time. This is a brilliant concept album. "Lola versus Powerman..." still holds a very special place for me in the exordinary Kinks discography.

This is where Lola shows you who's boss........2006-11-30

Having grown up thru the British Invasion I can tell you that Ray Davies was writing songs on par with Lennon/NikCartney. The Kinks invented hard rockin', I don't care who agrees. RD in his prime could go song to song with the 'Beatlez' and his prime lasted longer than either of the aforementioned.

Toppermost of the Poppermost.......2006-11-30

Absolutely the best Kinks album, bar none. It also is one of the greatest rock albums ever. No need to delete anything before you hit "play" - unless maybe you've heard "Lola" once too often. It also has cohesiveness and a storyline. Although I usually get tired of even good material, this one always seems fresh and gets a regular spin. (It brings back fond memories of when I managed to play "Top of the Pops" on my high school's PA system.) In my experience, whenever someone hears it for the first time they always ask about it (sometimes they think it's a "greatest hits" CD - altho Lola was actually the only hit). Bottom line: if you don't own it, buy it.

Average customer rating:

another great album
What's this I see?
Save us, oh Lord, from the wrath of the Norsemen
Terrific purchase.
Fear the Norsemen!

Versus the World
Amon Amarth
Manufacturer: Metal Blade
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Death Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Fate of Norns
The Crusher
Once Sent From the Golden Hall
With Oden on Our Side
Avenger

ASIN: B000078DOC
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Customer Reviews:

another great album.......2007-05-28

This may be my favorite Amon Amarth album, although they are all pretty good its hard to decide. There's not a single bad track on here. Also the the version i got has an extra disc with their first cd sorrow throughout the nine worlds, plus there first and second demo's. Definately worth the price for them alone. If your an Amon Amarth fan and don't have this yet, pick it up, and if you havent heard them before check it out, i highly recomend.

What's this I see?.......2007-01-19

A reason to live that's been a long time coming.A worldview into the Pagan with the most emotive musicianship I've seen. I've said it that this is my favorite metal album in terms of guitars and their emotions and the creative interplay between the guitars and I am transported. If my friends never reclaim me as such i stand before the gates with the fortitude this provides. I am ready to Take on the world, As Amon Amarth "Vs. the World"!

Save us, oh Lord, from the wrath of the Norsemen.......2006-05-14

This album is amazing. To try to illustrate how great it really is, I'll tell you this: while I have always been a fan of metal, I never really had ventured far into the Death Metal genre. But Amon Amarth, and specifically this album, sucked me in.

Disc one is the actual "Versus the World" album, and every track is a keeper. No filler here. My favorites are "Death in Fire" and "Thousand Years of Oppression". But they all rock.

On disc two, there is one bonus track for the "Versus the World" album, "Siegreicher Marsch". Another awesome song about Viking beserkers, all in German. The remaining songs are taken from early Amon Amarth albums and demos. They're good songs, but not as powerful as the disc one songs.

Terrific purchase........2006-05-11

One of the best metal albums ever released, Amon Amarths 'vs the world' is a brilliant slab of mid-paced melodic viking metal. Whats more, the bonus disk is worth the price of the entire remaster alone! Bonus tracks from Amon Amarth's earlier black metal EPs and Vs. the world for the price of one cd makes this album a very necessary purchase for anyone into melodic metal. You cant go wrong with this one... so just buy it!

Fear the Norsemen!.......2005-08-04

If I had to choose the greatest Viking metal band of all time, this would be it. Their newest release Fate of Norns, might make me question that claim, but we'll save that for another review. Every band reaches their peak and inevitably starts their downward spiral. This band was lucky to have an early peak (Once Sent from the Golden Hall) and managed to hover around that peak for 3 more albums. This is the last of their three crushing follow up albums to Once Sent.

This CD is absolutely amazing in every aspect. It has everything you could ask for from a Viking Death Metal band. Heavy crushing beats, unique and low growls, lyrics centered on Viking heritage and religion; nothing's left out of this classic. I've had this CD for over a year now, and decided I should let everybody else know how good it is. There are fast songs, there are slow songs, there are doom-like songs, but one thing remains the same. The Amon Amarth sound. These guys escape the "generic" tag that some have been given in their genre and they continue to experiment with style and sound to create a new and fresh sounding album every time. It's not a coincidence that most of my favorite bands happen to do this.

Death in Fire is a perfect way to kick off this album, as the drums totally get you into it to the point where you want to jump out of your seat and start growling the lyrics like a true Norseman. (I...uh... have never done that... ya...) What follows is eight more brutal and masterful tracks, and I can truly say that none of them are even close to boring or repetitive. Every song on this album is amazing, and together makes up one of the most solid CD's in my extensive collection.

If you are new to Amon Amarth, this is the place to start; I promise you won't be disappointed. As an added bonus, we are treated to a second CD full of older demos and re-mastered songs from older albums.

\m/ Recommended \m/

Average customer rating:

Fast Pace and Some Slow Pace
Interesting
Very Underrated Release
Sexy Versus Was A Masterpiece!!
Sexy Versus Had A Few Good Versus or Two

Sexy Versus
Al B. Sure
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Private Times... and the Whole 9!
In Effect Mode
Changes
The Future
Ralph Tresvant

ASIN: B000008LAM
Release Date: 1992-09-22

Tracks:

Right Now
U & I
Playing Games
Natalie
Ooh 4 You Girl
Kick in the Head
Turn It Out
See the Lady
Thanks 4 a Great Time Last Nite
I Don't Wanna Cry
Die for You
I'll Never Hurt You Again
Papes in the End

Customer Reviews:

Fast Pace and Some Slow Pace.......2007-06-05

This is one CD that is old school.It Tastefulness of a good music to dance to. Back in the day of partying and a good time.Kick in the head is one and See the lady track with Heavy D. Just listen and you'll see when you get in the groove it will make U dance...................

Interesting.......2007-05-24

Personally my favorite tracks on this album are U &I, Natalie, Playing Games,Right Now and I'll Never Hurt You Again. Al B Sure snapped off on the song U & I and it my favorite song on this whole CD.

Very Underrated Release.......2006-12-31

While it doesn't stand up to "In Effect Mode", Al B.'s third release called "Sexy Verses," DOES have some very good tracks on it. I personally enjoyed nearly every track save the final one. I was in college when this release came out and I still rock to "Right Now" and "U & I" even today in my 30's. If those two aren't defining "baby making music", then I don't know what is!

"Natalie" is almost a love ode that is very good. "Kick In The Head" and "Turn You Out" were a bit ahead of its time. They would sound out of place today but I agree with another reviewer that for 1992, it was definitely in place. Again, I would say those two tracks were even AHEAD of that time period a bit! I also liked the remix of "Channel J" on this one as well renamed "See The Lady."

"Playing Games" was a heartbreaker and definitely a break up song while "I Would Die For U" is a devotional song so with those two he gives us the opposite ends of the spectrum for a relationship. The death of one but the devotion of another. I also liked "Thanks For The Great Time Last Night" but could've lived without the silly interlude prior to it.

As I said, the final track is the weakest on here but even that makes for "pass the time" music. Again, while it isn't the classic that "In Effect Mode" was, give it a chance. It'll be worth it.

Sexy Versus Was A Masterpiece!! .......2006-10-20

This album is my all-time favorite release by Al B. Sure! It remains, well, underrated because he (or his record company) decided to release only TWO songs that weren't all that appealing TO THE GENERAL crowd. These were slow songs that sounded like anyone can just pass up. They were "Right Now" and "Natalie". To me, "Right Now" and "Natalie" are excellent but you really have to study every aspect of the two songs in order to like it the way I do. Some people may like it at first listen however. And that's pretty much why the album failed and remains discontinued. 1. the promotion of it, 2. only two songs were released instead of four, and 3. the songs they chose to release doesn't give a good impression to the mainstream crowd which was a big mistake in WARNER BROS. part. Instead, they should have released "Die For You", "Turn You Out", "I'll Never Hurt You Again", and "Ooh 4 You Girl". If this would have been done, I bet you anything that this album would have been as big as his first album release, "In Effect Mode". Also, the person below me that commented about the uptempo tracks being outdated for the time it was released is totally wrong. These tracks reflect the times in a big way. This was the music played in 1992. They are outdated NOW but they weren't outdated then. And actually, "Ooh 4 You Girl" (which is uptempo) would have been a chart topper if it would have been released. It tops any other New Jack Swing song i've ever heard. Al shows a side to him that's never been heard before with this track and to add, it sounds like he put alot of effort into just this one song. When I first heard this album, I immediately had favorites, one by one, as the cd progressed to the next track (which is something rare to see in a normal non-g-hit CD). "Kick In The Head" features Rakim and has a great message about love & relationships, "Turn You Out" has an awesome beat to it and was way ahead of it's time for quite some years in sound (contrary to what the guy said below me), "See The Lady" is basically a remix of B. Sure's previous album release single "Channel J". This one has a good beat to it as well. Lastly, Thanks 4 A Great Time is one awesome, creative, and original song. I would add this one to my list as the 5th single to be released if the company was gonna go for more to be released (which has happened in the past). The only thing I would change about this song would be that annoying carnival intro music in the beginning of the track. Other than that, it was excellent. And this is why I feel that this was his best work yet!

Sexy Versus Had A Few Good Versus or Two.......2005-06-22

Al B. Sure delivered to us his final album in which had some moments but did not appeal to a lot of critics back in '92 when the changing of the guard was going away from the new jack swing movement into the g-funk movement. The album starts off promising with hits like "Right Now", "U&I", "Natalie". Then I can see where the album hits a snag with the uptempo songs that was kind of outdated for its time. Now Devante from Jodeci did produce some of the uptempo tracks along with Al B's cousin Kyle West & Howie Tee but it just was not appealing. Then the album gets back on track with my favorite song on the album "Die For You", this song is very underrated because if you really listen to message, it talks about loving your mate unconditionally that you would literally die for them, to me that is true love. Then the next track "I'll Never Hurt You Again" is another great slow jam that really talks about true love. The last track is ok but nothing to get excited. To me this is a poor-man's version of "Diary of a Mad Band" by Jodeci with dynamic slow jams but below to average up-tempo songs. This CD is still worth to take a chance on and you can buy very cheap at your local record store.

Average customer rating:

Orignal album better, but this is still worth more than 5 stars.
Much better than "Quiet Is the New Loud"!
if you feel like stoning
Who wouldn't like this?
The best of the 'Kings of Convenience' albums....

Versus
Kings of Convenience
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Quiet Is the New Loud
Riot on an Empty Street
Unrest
DJ-Kicks
Let It Die

ASIN: B00005Q36C
Release Date: 2001-10-30

Tracks:

I Don't Know What I Can Save You From (Remix) - Royksopp
The Weight Of My Words (Remix) - Four Tet
The Girl From Back Then (Remix) - Riton
Gold For The Price Of Silver (Collaboration) - Erot
Winning A Battle, Losing The War (Remix) - Andy Votel
Leaning Against The Wall (Remake) - Evil Tordivel
Toxic Girl (String Arrangement) - David Whitaker
Failure (Remake) - Alfie
Little Kids (Remix) - Ladytron
Failure (Arrangement) - Kings Of Convenience
Leaning Against The Wall (Remix) - Bamboo Soul
The Weight Of My Words (Remix) (Instrumental) - Four Tet

Amazon.com

Given that remixers' recourse to acoustica is the next logical link to down-tempo electronica, it's no surprise that the Kings of Convenience's beguiling debut has undergone this treatment. Versus sees the winsome, lovelorn ditties of Quiet is the New Loud reinterpreted by the likes of fellow Norwegians Royksopp (whose lovely remix of "I Don't Know What to Save You From" appeared on the "Failure" single), Four Tet, Ladytron, and Alfie, among others. Apart from Ladytron, who opt for their characteristic warped synth-pop, on the whole the assembled cast gently tweaks the songs, rather than offering any radical reworking of them. Evil Tordivel update "Leaning Against the Wall" with sprightly horns and keyboards, leaving the song less introspective, but still recognizable. Wayward folksters Alfie remake "Failure" (also included on the single), but are less successful, as their skewed lo-fi tends to overbear much of the all-important melody. Riton's remix of "The Girl from Back Then" adds gentle sprinkles of nonchalant, shuffling beats, but the highlight is the "Weight of My Words" remix by Kieran Hebden, a.k.a. Four Tet. As showcased on his glorious Pause album, he melds bubbling electronica with an organic, folky ambience, perfectly demonstrating the premise of Versus. --Suzannah Brown

Album Description

'Versus' is a remix collection mostly taken from their U.K. single releases and some brand new mixes, including Ladytron, Royksopp, & Andy Votel. This Astralwerks release is available on CD & LP.

Customer Reviews:

Orignal album better, but this is still worth more than 5 stars........2006-04-06

The original album is better in my opinion, yet this is still better than most albums. All the tracks are at least interesting. The best are the opening track "I Don't Know What I Can Save You From (Remix)" and the Arrangement version of "Failure," which make this well worth more than a $15 purchase cost. I would be more interested to hear a remix album from "Riot on an Empty Street" but I am still happy to have this in my record collection.

Much better than "Quiet Is the New Loud"!.......2005-03-26

For the most part, "Versus" is an album of remixes from "Quiet Is the New Loud". But it's actually more than that: it's a step above its parent album. The remixed versions keep you into the album, something that the original tracks were unable to do for the most part. While I still prefer the band's (much folkier-sounding) "Riot on an Empty Street", "Versus" is a pretty good album by the Norwegian duo.

if you feel like stoning.......2004-06-22

Very good chillout music. Royksopp's rendition of Don't know what I can save you from is reminiscient of the background music of the old kid's computer game "Treasure Cove", which is laidback and lovely. The circus-sounding Leaning against the Wall by Evil Tordivel is fresh and amusing, and Winning a Battle, Losing a War should be heard by anyone who's ever loved someone without being loved in return.

Who wouldn't like this?.......2003-12-07

I see I'm not the first person who was a little shall-we-say skeptical of the concept. I mean, really. Electronica remixes of acoustic folk lullabyes? Does it get any more gimmicky?

Yea, all signs pointed to "save your money" on this one. But deep down I wanted to believe. I knew that a concept like this really could make for wonderful music, if only it was done right. With taste, with imagination, with respect for the source material -- I mean, it could be really good! Couldn't it?

So, with a little trepidation, I purchased Versus. I bought it used, so as to limit my losses. And what do you know.

It's better than I'd even hoped. My wife loves it too -- we even found that the baby will stop crying when we put it on. She just stares at the speakers with an expression halfway between awestruck and dumbstruck.

We love it so much that we were hesitant to buy the original versions ("Quiet is the New Loud") until just recently. I figured they would seem empty to us. Wrong again. Blown away again. But that's a subject for a different review.

I can go back and forth between this and QitNL without any of that jarring feeling -- you know, like when you hear an old song that your favorite band covered once, and you're so used to the cover that something always seems to be missing, and you can't stop noticing its absence? Well, none of that. It's like each of the artists brings such a new vision to their track that they created a whole new song altogether. Almost all of them, anyway.

Maybe if I'd bought QitNL first it would be different. I don't know. I say, get this one first. It's a little more "hooky".

There is a bit of repetition. Personally, I would have chosen just one of the "Failure" mixes; they're just too similar. Not so with the two versions of "Leaning Against The Wall." They're very different and both fantastic and both fit in well. And Four Tet coming back again at the end? Love it. Can't get enough of that one.

Usually I try to explain "if blah blah, then you'll like this, and if blah blah blah, then you may not." But I don't really know what kind of music fan wouldn't like this disc. I don't know, your mother, maybe. If you see a one-star review ever show up here one day, your mother is suspect.

The best of the 'Kings of Convenience' albums...........2003-10-30

This is a exemplary slice of `Folktronica' (Folk inspired Electronica), and with this release they take existing artists (Ladytron, Four Tet, Andy Votel, Röyksopp), and rework them to work within a `Folktronica' rearrangement (mostly downtempo melodic harmonies), and if all of this sounds a bit `Pleasant'.....you'd be right, but that shouldn't distract from what is some of the most blissfully hushed electronic music. `"Andy Votel's - Winning a Battle, Losing a War" steals the show with it's tremulous choruses, and gentle Synth-Pop strumming, containing as much melancholic ideas, as conventional singer/songwriter acoustic artists.....and although there is nothing song wise (apart from `Ladytron's' remixed "Little Kids") that raises above quietly melodious grooves, this album has a real substance.....it could even be argued that "Quiet!!...is the new Loud!!".

Average customer rating:

Be prepared to meet one of your new favorite bands
Gripping
Wanna Dance?

Downtown Battle Mountain
Dance Gavin Dance
Manufacturer: Rise Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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What Ever I Say Is Royal Ocean
Curses
Before Their Eyes
She Watched the Sky
On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax

ASIN: B000OQF4PQ
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Untitled
And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman
It's Safe To Say You Dig The Backseat
Strawberry Andre
Lemon Meringue Tie
The Backwards Pumpkin Song
Antlion
Turn Off The Lights, I'm Watching Back To The Future
Open Your Eyes and Look North
Suprise! I'm From Cuba, Everyone Has A Brain
12 Hours, 630 Miles

Customer Reviews:

Be prepared to meet one of your new favorite bands.......2007-07-07

This CD is perhaps one of my favorite CD's out now in 2007. Compared to some of the other overproduced CD from Rise Records (Drop Dead, Gorgeous, Before Their Eyes, The Devil Wears Prada, etc.) , there is a more honest sound in Downtown Battle Mountain, minus a few little thing's like in the Untitled track and 12 Hours, 630 Miles.

Dance Gavin Dance sounds a little bit like Chiodos, mixed with At The Drive-In, mixed with an R&B singing style, and man does it sound good and orginal. Although there is alot of screaming in the Downtown Battle Mountain, this CD could possibly change your mind about Screamo music if you don't like it.

Here is a small review of each song

1. Untitled NA/5 - This is just an intro that's about less than a minute

2. And I Told Them I Invented New Times Roman 5/5 - A good start for the album and the intro sets up the song nicely

3. It's Safe To Say You Dig The Backseat 5/5 - Once again another awesome song

4. Strawberry Andre 5/5 - Good song as well, the lyrics in the beginning made me laugh a little

5. Lemon Meringue Tie 5/5 - Starts off slow at the beginning for a short time, but then picks up the pace a few seconds later. The chorus in this song is probably my favorite one of the CD

6. The Backwards Pumpkin Song 5/5 - If you haven't been impressed by the CD so far, this is the song that will make you change your mind.

7. Antlion 5/5 - This song is where the band starts sounding the most like
At The Drive-In. The beginning also sounds pretty energetic.

8. Turn Off The Lights I'm Watching Back To The Future 5/5 - Another good song with a good chorus and a nice slow bridge.

9. Open Your Eyes And Look North 5/5 - A nice slow beginning to the song that makes you think it's a slow song at first, but then picks up the pace.

10. Surprise, I'm From Cuba, Everyone Has One Brain 5/5 - (I guess it's not suprising that I'm giving alot of 5's to the songs) Once again great song that also lyrics about some type of fantasy RPG. Instant 5 for that.

11. 12 Hours, 630 Miles 3.5/5 - This is definitely the weakest song in the CD. It's a nice slow acoustic song that as soon as you think the song is getting somewhere, it ends. It's a shame that a CD with consistently amazing songs ends with a weak song.

Anyways, what are you waiting for? Go buy this CD now. I won't be disappointed.

Gripping.......2007-06-06

Comparisons to Underoath would be appropriate, but Dance Gavin Dance has a more progressive, more melodic sound. Like most of the "screamo" bands, the melodies at times have to contend with the screaming. But the lead vocals of Jonny Craig are so stirring and the songs structured so tightly that you'll be hooked quickly enough. It would, nonetheless, be interesting to hear Mr. Craig singing more traditional rock. Along with Circa Survive, this has to be one of the best releases of 2007.

Wanna Dance?.......2007-05-29

Dance Gavin Dance's brand new album is unbelievably good for a number of reasons. When I bought this album I was expecting it to be alright based on their previous EP. The EP is decent but nothing that would shoot the band up into one of my favorites. Downtown Battle Mountain is NOTHING like the EP. This full-length is just gripping the whole way through. Every track is a standout. This band just loves to mix it up and they combine elements of all types of music with a screamo/hardcore spin on it.
The album sounds like a clash between two people; one telling his story with beautiful melody and the other screaming about everything. What I really love about this album is the guitar work. There is a ton of emotion felt with the guitar riffs and sometimes it feels very Fall Of Troy-ish and even atmospheric like Circa Survive.
This really is a solid release by this band and has unexpectedly given them a spot in my list of favorite bands.

The best tracks on this album are definitely Lemon Meringue Tie, The Backwards Pumpkin Song, and Antlion. Anyway give this a real listen and you'll be surprised with how innovative they are in a genre of music that has a lot of repetition.

Average customer rating:

Captivating Tunes
Good value for your money

Polyphonic Aquitaine of th 12th Century

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
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Le Manuscrit Du Puy - Les Premieres Polyphonies Francaises
Aquitania
Magister Leoninus: Sacred Music from 12th-Century Paris
Ambrosian Chant
Chants de L'Eglise de Rome: Période byzantine

ASIN: B000009Q28
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Domine Labia Mea Aperies/Deus In Adjutorium Meum - Ens Organium/Marcel Peres
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Christus Natus Est Nobis. Psaume 94 - Ens Organium/Marcel Peres
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Hymne: Christe Redemptor Omnium - Ens Organium/Marcel Peres
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Versus: O Primus Homo Coruit - Gerard Lesne/Josep Benet
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Jube Domine, Puis Lecture: Primo Tempore - Josep Benet/Josep Cabre
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Repons: Hodie - Gerard Lesne
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Prose: Laude Jocunda Melos - Josep Cabre/Philippe Balloy
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Repons: Angelus Ad Pastores - Josep Cabre
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Versus: Veni Solis Radius - Dominique Vellard/Josep Benet
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Lecture: Libri Sapientiae - Gerard Lesne/Philippe Balloy
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Repons: O Magnum Misterium - Dominique Vellard
Extraits Des Matines De Noel: Improvisation Meditative Sur Le Theme 'O Magnum Misterium'... - Ens Organium/Marcel Peres

Customer Reviews:

Captivating Tunes.......2006-10-31

Astounding harmonies, hypnotic, restful, great echo. I bought this as part of a boxed set and found myself listening to "Aquitane" to the exclusion of the other material. There is something comforting and familiar and strangely accessible. The fourth hymn, "O Primus Homo Coruit," has a particularly appealing melody and engages the mystical in a way comparable to gazing at an elaborate stained glass window. "Jube Domine, Puis Lecture: Primo Tempore" will remind some of the scene in Monty Python & the Holy Grail when the monks chant and strike themselves with their Bibles. I like the first five selections best. Often play as I drift off to sleep.

Good value for your money.......2001-02-22

This CD, containing a selection of 12th century French church choral music, is a good buy. The general style of the music is similar to that of the recently popular Gregorian chants, but with a greater variety of arrangements. The recording includes works for choir, solo voice and duets (all male), and solo organ.

Tracks:

I. Sinfonia
I. Versus 1. Christ Lag In Todes Banden. Allegro - Alla Breve
II. Versus 2. Den Tod Niemand Zwingen Kunnt
III. Versus 3. Jesus Christus, Gottes Sohn. (Allegro) - Adagio - Allegro
IV. Versus 4. Es War Ein Wunderlicher Krieg
V. Versus 5. Hie Ist Das Rechte Osterlamm
VI. Versus 6. So Feiren Wir Das Hohe Fest
VII. Versus 7. Chorale. Wir Essen Und Leben Wohl
I. Sinfonia. Aus Der Tiefen Rufe Ich, Herr, Zu Dir. Lente (Adagio)
I. Herr, Hore Meine Stimme. Vivace
II. So Du Willt, Herr, Sunde Zurechnen. Andante
III. Ich Harre Des Herrn. Adagio - Largo - Adagio
IV. Meine Seele Wartet Auf Den Herrn
V. Israel, Hoffe Auf Den Herrn. Adagio - Un Poc'allegro - Adagio - Allegro - Adagio
I. Sonatina. Molto Adagio
IIA. Gottes Zeit Ist Die Allerbeste Zeit. - Allegro - Adagio Assai
IIB. Ach, Herr, Lehre Uns Bedenken. Lento
IIC. Bestelle Dein Haus. Vivace
IID. Es Ist Der Alte Bund. Andante
IIIA. In Deine Hande Befehl Ich Meinen Geist
IIIB. Heute Wirst Du Mit Mir Im Paradies Sein
IV. Glorie, Lob, Ehr Und Herrlichkeit. - Allegro
I. Sinfonia
II. Der Herr Denket An Uns Und Segnet Uns
III. Er Segnet, Die Den Herrn Furchten
IV. Der Herr Segne Euch Je Mehr Und Mehr
V. Chorus. Ihr Seid Die Gesegneten Des Herrn

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher early music fan.......2005-12-21

The 4 cantatas performed on this disc were all composed in 1707-08,when Bach was in the first flush of youth, in his early 20's. He was writing cantatas for every Sunday service and at the same time was organist and choirmaster at a church in Muhlhausen. In Bach's day the 4 soloists would have been members of the small chorus; in this recorded performance the soloists serve, together, as the chorus. In the end, we have to say that Bach wrote his most sublime music for the church; but most important, his writings have a spiritual power, a solid strength and sincerity that cannot be traced to technique, but to the inspiration of pure genius. And the 4 soloists on this disc bring out very clearly his greatness!!!!There are quartets, duets, trios and solos all accompanied expertly by the Purcell Quartet. In addition we have recorders, oboe and bassoon to add to the overall instrumental "color". Some of the high points for me: "In deine Hande.." Michael Chance (countertenor solo);"Den Tod....." Emma Kirkby & Chance duet. It's all great music and a must if you are an Early Music fan!

Average customer rating:

The sport of percussive pugilism.
Great Material, But...
Probably the Best "Drummer's" Album
The drum lover's dream come true!
Relic from a bygone era

Rich Versus Roach
Buddy Rich , and Max Roach
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Krupa & Rich
The Drum Battle: Jazz at the Philharmonic
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Mercy, Mercy
The Max Roach Trio, Featuring the Legendary Hasaan/Drums Unlimited

ASIN: B0000046Y8
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Sing, Sing, Sing (Previously Unissued, Alternate Take)
Sing, Sing, Sing
The Casbah
The Casbah
Sleep
Figure Eights
Yesterdays
Big Foot
Big Foot (Previously Unissued, Alternate Take)
Limehouse Blues
Limehouse Blues (Previously Unissued, Alternate Take)
Toot, Toot, Tootsie Goodbye

Customer Reviews:

The sport of percussive pugilism........2007-04-04

Please note the title of this session--especially all those reviewers who are so quick to deny the competitiveness on the date and to insist on the "appropriateness" of each drummer's individual style. (Perhaps we've become too politically correct to engage in "cutting contests" and "battles of tough tenor saxophones.") It speaks well of Buddy that he's willing to risk his claim to the title "world's greatest drummer"--not against Gene Krupa but against arguably the best of the modernists; it speaks well of Roach that he's willing to be the challenger. (It's true, though, that after the death of Clifford Brown and leading several groups with very uneven results, Roach sadly became more of an "historic" figure than a vital, innovating musician beginning in the 1960s.)

Rich was a drum prodigy, a phenomenal technician around which a vaudeville act was built. Putting aside the aesthetics, the art, the music, he sounds practically superhuman on this recording--his drum rolls and pedal work on the bass drum are executed with the power and precision you would expect of a machine. And he was still doing this in the '70s when players like Cobham and Mouzon came on stage with four times the artillery, frequently with cymbals jacked up to ridiculous heights and facing outwards.

Sure, Rich was about show. But it wasn't accomplished with smoke and mirrors. He did it with two hands, two feet, and a simple drum set--as minimal as they come. And of course like Miles, Mingus, and a few others, there was no shortage of "attitude." Why not?

Great Material, But..........2007-02-02

As much as I agree that there is some nice material on here, and that both drummers play their sock (cymbals) off, it was clearly mixed to favour Rich in the "competition" angle. I doubt either musician viewed it that way, but I had to sell my copy of this because everytime I listened it would annoy me that Rich's parts were jacked way up in the mix, and Max sounded like he had been recorded in the bathroom. It isn't down to Max's drums at the time, though that could have contributed. It is the mix... I have the Newport Rebels LP, recorded a few years before this, and on it both Max and "Papa" Jo Jones play on a Booker Little composition called "Cliff Walk"- both kits come out loud and clear, in fact it is a monumentally exciting piece because of the propulsion of the twin drummers. I just wish the snazzy arrangements, great musicians and master drummers on this particular record could have been recorded with a little more care (and a little less bias) Still recommended- esp. for trapsmen!

Probably the Best "Drummer's" Album.......2005-09-16

I heard about this album from watching the "Burning for Buddy" VHS set that David Garibaldi described on the video. It sounded interesting to me, but I never got around to getting it, until one day when I saw it at a local music store! I almost immediately picked it up with so much anticipation, and heard one of the most interesting albums I have ever heard!In being a drummer I was struck with utter amazement. Although this isn't a great album from a musical standpoint, it has some of the greatest drumming one will ever hear. If you are looking for a great all around jazz album this isn't it. Some great highlights from the album are "Sleep" the rendition of "Sing, Sing, Sing", and "Figure Eights", which is all drum solos and no accompaning music. Listen about 3/4 of the way through the song and it sounds like a machine gun and Buddy and Max play in unison! When one listens to this album you can clearly define what drummer is what by their respected solos. Besides the fact that Rich is in the left speaker when soloing and Roach in the right, you can still hear the differences. Rich as the more faster speed with the crisper snare drum, while Roach is more inventive with his syncopated tom fills and "old school" snare sound. So which drummer is better? They both have equal representation from my standpoint. Do yourself a favor, drummer or not, pick up this album. If you think some of these rock drummers from today are good? Listen to this and then determine who is better. Both drummers have great quintet bands backing them, only giving supported to probably the two greatest ever!

The drum lover's dream come true!.......2005-05-16

The late Don DeMicheal (one of jazz music's foremost writers, and a fine drummer as well) once wrote about this session calling it "this drum lover's dream come true". DeMicheal went on to say that the two drummers are heard "throwing ideas back and forth as if engaged in a mad, joyous tennis match. And how they inspire each other".It is certainly a great tribute to the greatness of both Mr. Rich and Mr. Roach, that here we are 46 years after this remarkable session was recorded, and the album is still the subject of a much heated debate among jazz fans, drummers, as well as students of jazz (as can be witnessed in many of the reviews found here), with many praising the drummer who is their favorite and (very sadly) putting down the drummer who is not their favorite.The truth is that BOTH Mr. Roach AND Mr. Rich DESERVE to be called CHAMPIONS! Both have given so much to jazz! Yes indeed they both have different styles, but isn't that what makes jazz music such a art form?For those of you who are interested in reading a SERIOUS analysis of this recording (and not just the childish remarks of "my favorite is better than your favorite"), I suggest that you go to your nearest research library and try and locate a copy of the March 24, 1966 issue of DOWN BEAT. It contains a very interesting notated analysis of two of the tracks from this great recording (completely transcribed), by drum authority Rupert Kettle. (For those who do not know, Mr Kettle has written much about drumming throughout the years in many publications including SOUND & FURY, MODERN DRUMMER, as well as DOWN BEAT).As Mr. Kettle points out in the article (on page 19), "The 1959 Mercury album presents the playing of possibly the finest representatives of their respective approaches and at the same time presents both men as mature musicians, at the height of their creative and technical powers".I feel that jazz fans and drummers on both sides of this debate would do well to read this article. Mr. Kettle enjoys, understands and appreciates the playing of both Mr. Rich and Mr. Roach, as do I.So to the people on both sides of this debate, I say, take the time to find this article, it will help you to understand the playing of BOTH of these drumming greats much better than reading most of the childish comments that I am again sorry to say have been posted here.I will sum up this remarkable album by again quoting Mr. DeMicheal when he wrote that "the winner is the listener".

Relic from a bygone era.......2004-12-19

I read an interview with Art Blakey in which he talked about his album "Orgy in Rhythm", which featured three drummers and other percussionists. Art wasn't happy with it. He said, basically, that you can get three horn players together and get music, you can even get three pianists together and get music, but you get three drummers together you get noise because they're always trying to hog the spotlight and they don't play together effectively. That being the case, the only way you can get Buddy Rich on disc with Max Roach is to have "Rich versus Roach". The whole competitive thing shouldn't be taken too seriously, it's just a format necessitated by the role that drums play in jazz. And it sure shouldn't be an exercise in "my favorite drummer can beat up your favorite drummer", which seems to be the approach taken by a lot of the reviewers here. I like Buddy, I like Max, I like a lot of other drummers too. It's interesting to hear them contrasted on the same disc but I'd rather hear them in their natural habitats. The one good thing is that back in the day when this was made, enough attention was paid to the drummers to merit showcase vehicles like this. I don't think that's the case now.

Average customer rating:

Versus shines through all expectations of what you would consider good music
Possibly the best indie rock album, ever!!
GOOD ALBUM
Get this CD or else!
This is good music

Secret Swingers
Versus
Manufacturer: Caroline
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Two Cents Plus Tax
Dead Leaves
Deep Red
The Stars Are Insane
Pull

ASIN: B000000I2Z
Release Date: 1996-07-30

Tracks:

Lose That Dress
Yeah You
Glitter Of Love
Ghost Story
Use As Directed
Double Suicide(Mercy Killing)
Jealous
Shower Song
Angels Rush In
One Million
A Heart Is A Diamond

Customer Reviews:

Versus shines through all expectations of what you would consider good music.......2007-07-13

Versus...ahh...musically magical in a very manic and immediate...listen to me sing and jerk your soul around kinda way. Listening to this album repeatedly over the years just allows me to build up these incredible feelings of nostalgia. A band like this, as Bukowski said so eloquently, is like finding gold in a garbage dump; a washed out 5 dollar bill in your jean pocket; an unexpected kiss from your new, strange lover; a cup of good steaming coffee while you blow smoke from your cigarette into the air. Fantasic and ecstatic in its urgency to brand you with their sound.

This lyrics are rugged, yearning and melodically raw. Female and male vocals come together on this album so distinctively and yet so complimentary. What a real pleasure hearing this band put together one rugged and immediate song after another. If you listen closely, you will hear a band driving their spikey souls into your soft inners.

This is by far their best album. I saw them live and they will keep you enthralled with their energetic performance and their sound. They have perfected driving their sounds into anyone who will listen.

Don't let this classic indie album pass you by.

I strongly believe that after repeated listenings of this album, you will begin to develop a vague romantic nostalgia for the melodies. This nostalgia will develop unbeknownst to your active consciousness and your unconscious will haunt you with these songs of lust, lost feelings and misguided yearnings for romance.

Listening to this album is like listening to a young, hungry, passionate singer and his band yelling, groping, melodically hammering, sternly searching for some kind of love undefined.

Possibly the best indie rock album, ever!!.......2003-06-28

High praise, I know, but well deserved on this, the greatest of Versus releases. "Lose That Dress" is simply one of the most stunning entrances on a rock album. If those chords don't touch you, check your pulse...or turn up your stereo, it's too quiet.
In my opinion this was the height for this essential Indie band although Two Cents deserves a good look as well. Be sure to check out Dead Leaves (a singles comp) and The Stars Are Insane as well.

GOOD ALBUM.......1999-07-01

All I have to say is, if your smart and you like good pop, you'll buy this album.

Get this CD or else!.......1999-04-04

I bought the Versus CD "Two Cents Plus Plus Tax" before this one. I decided I should stop listening to the same CD over and over again and finally go out and buy another Versus CD. Not that I was getting sick of it, but I wanted to hear their other stuff. I love "Secret Swingers" just as much as "Two Cents..." My favorite tracks are 1 and 6, Lose That Dress and Double Suicide (Mercy Killing). The blending of Fontaine and Richard's voices is fantastic on "Mercy Killing". I love Versus very very very very very much! They are excellent live, too. If you get the chance, see them live! I am going to buy one of their older albums "Dead Leaves" very soon. I'm sure it won't disappoint. Oh yeah, the person from Hatfield, what a coincidence! I used to live in Hatfield!!!

This is good music.......1999-01-09

This album is ever so enjoyable to listen to. The quality of indie rock has been declining steadily. However, Versus is always a joy. "Jealous" is a wonderful song. This is good music for a long car ride.

Average customer rating:

Really Good
im intruiged despite the inconsistency * * * 1/2 stars
overlooked hidden talent! amazing
Excellent CD
AbsolutePunk.net Review For: The Panic Division - Versus

Versus
The Panic Division
Manufacturer: Militia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hey, I'm a Ghost
Controversy Loves Company
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In the Wake of Determination

ASIN: B000BI0WT0
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

Versus
Goodbyes
Automatic Synthetic
Paradise
Songs Of A Dead Poet
Little Child
Sweet Devotion
Easy Target
Questions & Answers
Delta
DWI

Customer Reviews:

Really Good.......2007-07-30

I'm always stoked to hear a band that is doing something different and doing it well. Case in point with these guys. The electronics incorporated into the songs is great, great stuff but I agree with the other review in that it is a bit too inconsistent. I disagree with his opinion of "song's of a dead poet"...which is one of the top tracks. A few tracks in the middle just didn't do it for me like "Sleep" and "Little Child". But overall an awesome debut. Very well put together and clearly lots of talent here. By the sounds of thier new album they have gone even more towards that 80's sound that they hinted at in 'Versus'. I look forward to it simply for the fact that there is really nothing else out there like it. By the way, the last track on this album, entitled "DWI" is disgustingly good. It has become one of my all-time favorite songs and I listen to lots of music.

im intruiged despite the inconsistency * * * 1/2 stars.......2006-08-02

i really want to like this group alot. The inventive and compelling keyboards,the ambient porudction, massive wall of sound guitars, but the band lacks in variety. Songs like "goodbyes" "delta" and "sweet devotion" and "paradise" are brilliant, while others like "songs of a dead poet" lag without the same kind of drive as the aformentioned. The atmospheric and inventive keyboard parts are good throughout so all in all im intruiged and wanting back for more

overlooked hidden talent! amazing.......2006-04-12

A band who it seems have been overlooked for far too long, The Panic Division's blend of aggressive, punchy rock and blasting choruses are not to be ignored. "Versus," the album originally recorded and released by the band themselves almost a year from its re-release on The Militia Group, compiles 11 shimmering rock songs. Electronic loops and blasting guitars find their way through the breed of rip-off bands out there, with rather ordinary but nonetheless catchy vocal stylings and melodies.

The title track, "Versus," rips. As the drums blast away and the song kicks into full gear, you can't help but be suprised at the way the song sinks its teeth into you. The electronic looping is done suprisingly well, and breaks the band out of its shell, shining through on tracks like "Paradise" and "Sweet Devotion" especially. Truly, "Sweet Devotion," with its atmospheric intro and mad riffing guitars, sounds huge, enormous. Key tracks "Songs Of A Dead Poet" and "Paradise" all expose the insane catchiness and passion of the band, and while at moments the production might sound a little weak, overall it's obvius this band is meant to and do sound enormous, especially in their impressive live act.

Noisy and intense, "Versus" is what happens when a band who know their favorite styles in rock and hardcore make an album that is purely driven on melodies and original, interesting electronic synth looping. This album is absolutely insane, and incredibly underrated, and will undoubtedly pump up anyone's day. Go grab yourself a copy already.

Excellent CD.......2006-03-30

I've been listening to these guys for years now, back when they were 'Carbon 12 Theory', I've even lived with two of the members, and can say they are very hard working, and extremely dedicated when it comes to their music. This band deserves to finally get out there and be heard by a much larger audience. This is their first national release, but they've made so many other great songs, a few of them have made it to this CD.

1. Versus: 5/5 Great opener, starts off fast, and strong.
2. Goodbyes: 5/5 I love the opening of this song, and the rest doesnt dissapoint.
3. Automatic Synthetic: 3/5 The original version was excellent, Its hard for me to listen to this one and not want to play the old version. It still brings a lot to the album.
4. Paradise: 5/5 Another strong, emotionally charged song.
5. Songs of a Dead Poet: 5/5 I actually enjoy this one much more than the older version, the keyboards added a great touch.
6. Little Child 4/5 Good song, its more of a "break" between songs, sets a good mood.
7. Sweet Devotion: 5/5 Great song, fast, loud it even has some screaming.
8. Easy Target: 4/5 Starts a little slow, dark sound to it, but the chorus is great, catch.
9. Questions and Answers: 5/5 I love this song, great lyrics, great sound to it.
10. Delta: 3/5 Not as good as the original, but its still a pretty good song.
11. DWI: 5/5 One of my fave's on this disc. Great drums, just an all around good song.

Overall, I'd say this is a really good disc, and a great band. If they come to your city, you have to go see them. I've seen numorous shows and they've all been excellent.

AbsolutePunk.net Review For: The Panic Division - Versus.......2006-01-04

Let's do a little mind experiment, shall we? Take The Jealous Sound, de-indie-fy them, inject them with a 300% dose of hard, heavy rock, heap layers upon layers of dark, atmospheric, electronic textures on the band's palette, and marvel at the product: The Panic Division. The band's Militia Group debut, Versus, is an exceptionally crafted, melancholy, dark, electronic-based, spacey, heavy-hitting, pop-tinged rock record; yes, it's as good as it sounds.

Whereas many bands these days scatter electronics throughout their songs simply as an afterthought, The Panic Division actually writes their songs based off the electronic loops they create. Such a process results in a very genuine sounding record: the electronic loops and keyboards weave in and out of the songs gracefully, never coming or leaving abruptly, but always setting the mood and helping to carry the songs where they need to go. Weaned on such artists as Aphex Twin, DJ Shadow, and Snapcase, singer Colton Holliday says the band tries to combine electronic and rock music "the right way." Well, Mr. Holliday, The Panic Division has succeeded. With flying colors.

When I listen to Versus, I am immersed in a world all my own. The mood the album creates is one I empathize with: melancholy, and a sense of loneliness. Err, I guess that makes me sound like I'm depressed, but I'm not. It's just a warm feeling to know that other people can create music that sounds the way I feel at times-after all, isn't that what music is about? Whenever I listen to the album, I feel like I'm wandering around in a desolate, urban, city late at night, just walking and thinking. Yeah, that's pretty weird, I know, but the album does that to me. And I love every second of it.

The rich, textural electronic samples perfectly complement the heavy, hard-hitting guitars, and though I've said this before, the fusion of the two really is remarkable. The synth loops are deep and expressive, the swirling, oft-delayed guitars are full-bodied and ready to smack you in the face, and the vocals and harmonies are smooth and melodious. The production is nice and thick with the guitars, but allows for some breathing room too-it fits the music perfectly. If you were reading this review to figure out whether or not to buy the album, the answer is a resounding yes. Well done, The Panic Division, well done.

--Rohan Kohli/AbsolutePunk.net

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