In the Saddle

In the Saddle

Track Listings

1. Ami Ami Slack Key [Instrumental]

2. Bob and Led's Modern Slack Key [Instrumental]

3. Meleana E

4. No Ke Ano Ahiahi [Instrumental]

5. Lei 'Ohu [Instrumental]

6. Wai 'Alae Waltz [Instrumental]

7. Ahoe Hakuloa [Instrumental]

8. In the Saddle [Instrumental]

9. He 'Olu la No'u (That's Just Fine for Me) [Instrumental]

10. Aloha la O Wai'anae

11. Ku'u Ipo Onaona [Instrumental]

12. Kukuna O Ka La [Instrumental]

13. Pua Be Still [Instrumental]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Although the guitar was introduced to Hawaii only in the 1830s (the European guitar tradition dates at least to the 1500s), Hawaiian musicians developed two of the instrument's most important playing techniques: the use of the metal slide or steel to fret the strings, and the altered tuning style known as slack key. On In the Saddle, Led Kaapana, one of the current masters of slack key, and Bob Brozman, the king of acoustic steel guitar, join together to play an enchanting collection of old Hawaiian melodies and original compositions. Hawaiian guitar music is one of the most sweetly melodic styles in the world, and Kaapana and Brozman's versions of tunes like "No Ke Ano Ahiahi," which was made famous by Gabby Pahinui, and "Meleanna E," a party favorite that dates back to the 1900s, rank among the most lovely renditions ever recorded. Most of the tracks here are instrumentals, but Kaapana sings a small handful in the traditional falsetto style. In the Saddle is a fine example of two of the world's finest guitarists playing some of the world's prettiest music. --Michael Simmons

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Almost as wonderful as the first.......2007-08-02

We bought Beethoven's Wig 1 and loved it. My kids (ages 5 and 9) really enjoy listening over and over. Number 2 is almost as good. All of the songs are amusing and a couple are very funny. The lyrics are clever and do help you become familiar with composers and their music. I like that the pieces are played again in the second half without the lyrics. I highly recommend it for kids who enjoy music.

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground

Average customer rating:

just wow.
Wow
Lifted, or the Story Was Daniel Johnston's
SCREW ALL THE BAD REVIEWS
Broad scope of Oberst's narrow view

Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground
Bright Eyes
Manufacturer: Saddle Creek
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels
Plans
From a Basement on the Hill
Home, Vol. 4
XO

ASIN: B00006FRN7
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

The Big Picture
Method Acting
False Advertising
You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? Will
Lover I Don't Have to Love
Bowl of Oranges
Don't Know When But a Day is Gonna Come
Nothing Gets Crossed Out
Make War
Waste of Paint
From a Balance Beam
Laura Laurent
Let's Not Shit Ourselves (to Love and Be Loved)

Amazon.com

Nebraskan wunderkind Conor Oberst writes songs so naked and heartfelt they make you feel like a voyeur just listening to them. This precocious singer-songwriter croons with the astonished intensity of a homeless Robert Smith singing for his supper. And his band's fourth album is every bit as lyrical, sprawling, and pretentious as its title. The production is notably brighter and crisper than previous efforts, with some songs, notably "Nothing Gets Crossed Out," lushly swathed in sweet-sounding strings. When Lifted is great, as on the slow-churning anthem "From a Balance Beam," it's superb, visionary pop music, on par with Jeff Mangum, Phil Elvrum, and Daniel Johnston--and on occasion, Dylan. Unfortunately, half the songs sprawl on too long or revisit the same themes too frequently. Still, anyone who can operate a fast-forward button will find much to enjoy on this vital, messy masterpiece. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

Full title - Lifted or The Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground. Born in 1980 in Omaha and recording since he was 13, Conor Oberst owns a voice that quakes with the tumultuous energy that only youth can produce. Slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

just wow. .......2007-05-31

I bought Lifted on vinyl recently and I have to say it must be one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Every song just pours warbly emotion and honest yearnings. The lyrics can be cuttingly blunt and oddly abstract, but they hit you where it counts. Conor's voice is an instrument in and of itself; I guess one of my favorite singers can't really sing, but it wavers with the intensity and earnestness you don't often hear from musicians.

Buy this. From start to finish it's endless poetry to music.

Wow.......2007-03-22

Give this one a few listens and it will stay in the rotation forever...having come late to the Bright Eyes party (after seeing him post-Wilco on Austin City Limits a few months ago) - and ignoring tremendous reviews in Paste, et al - I've got to say that Conor Oberst is outstanding.

Heartfelt is an understatement -- terrific music (even occasional steel guitar) -- lyrics to rival anyone...

I'm Wade Awake still Bright Eyes' best album, but believe me, give this a shot - you won't be disappointed (regardless of your politics).

Anyone with a remote interest in Ryan Adams, Gillian, Wilco, Sufjan needs to give Bright Eyes a try...

Lifted, or the Story Was Daniel Johnston's.......2007-01-03

Lyrically this album is near unparallelled in its blunt honesty. You've got to have a taste for the type of vocalization of Oberst's, a warbly jitter, or you'll instantly dislike the album. The music behind the lyrics ranges from Country (along the lines of bluegrass) to semi-industrial ("Lover I Don't Have To Love"). It has recordings that are pieced together from a lo-fi singalong to brilliant studio quality.

I have to say though, that the most compelling plotline of Bright Eyes' work here, or through their other albums to this one, is that Oberst has captured a page from the semi-obscure musician, Daniel Johnston. Agree or not, you can hear the resonance of Johnston's work, a decade later in the work of Conor Oberst's early works. I'd have to believe that if Johnston hadn't drown in obscurity and mental illness he'd sound a lot like Bright Eyes today.

"Lifted" is, in my opinion, currently, the definitive work of Bright Eyes. This is a great place to start if you are delving into their catalogue.

SCREW ALL THE BAD REVIEWS.......2006-06-28

Having listened to this album from a band I had never heard before I was at first uncertain, but it was listed as "inspirational" on eBay from a seller I liked. I listened to it on a plane headed for my new destination. The album took me on a musically/lyrically beautiful path. The songs have a soul and heart unlike 99.9% of most music out there. I can't compare it to their other albums since I have not heard them, but that shouldn't discourage someone from buying this cd. Indie music isn't mean to be rhymically perfect or rhyme. It shouldn't have to answer to any review on it because it stands as a testiment of music that must be heard and played. It is meant to save us from ourselves and this hell we live in(no matter where in the world you live). Even if it only makes you happy when you hear it, it has done its intentions. Music shouldn't have rules and if you want it to, then listen to every other kind of music they is regurgated by the corporate industries, but leave indie be. It just might save a wretch like me.

Broad scope of Oberst's narrow view.......2006-05-23

This weighty album finds Bright Eye's at his most eclectic with lush, sometimes over-produced instrumentation guiding the tortured vocalist through his trademark soul baring lyrics. The songwriting, while perfectly competent, even eclectically intelligent, does often become mechanized under it's plodding pace. Also, when Oberst fails to restrain his need to convey his awkwardly exploitive, emotionally fragile demeanor in the most bluntly pathetic manner it can often cheapen and disservice his overwhelming talent for such a young folk prodigy. Despite many overbearing faults this is an impressive effort that hints at the potential this artist has still only begun to hopefully realize.

Average customer rating:

MUCH better than the debut...Troy found his groove here...
WORST RAPPER EVER

Black In The Saddle
Cowboy Troy
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace
One of the Boys
Big Dog Daddy
Relentless
5th Gear

ASIN: B000OY8NDS
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Buffalo Stampede -- featuring M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold]
Lock Me Up -- featuring J. Money and Angela Hacker
How Can You Hate Me?
Take Your Best Shot Now -- featuring J. Money
Hick Chick -- featuring Angela Hacker
Man With The Microphone
My Bowtie
Cruise Control -- featuring James Otto
Paranoid Like Me [Tis The Season Of Discontent]
Blackneck Boogie
Hick Chick [Dance Mix]
I Play Chicken With The Train [Barn Dance Mix]

Amazon.com

As co-host of CMT's Nashville Star, Troy Coleman might have been expected to stick to the amiable hick-hop novelty of his 2005 debut, Loco Motive. Instead, his sophomore effort rocks harder than expected--think heavy-metal guitars--and emphasizes the "black" of the title. While hammy barnyard tunes ("Hick Chick" and a dance mix of "I Play Chicken with the Train") raise their feathered heads, Cowboy brings along Angela Hacker, J. Money, and M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold to balance the MuzikMafia shtick. "The Black Buffalo comin' out the box," he warns in "How Can You Hate Me?," a song that seethes with anger: "Some of y'all sayin' Troy ain't nothing but a Sambo." No more, big guy. No more. --Alanna Nash

Album Description

With his intriguing blend of country and hip hop, Cowboy Troy is Back in the Saddle. Featuring collaborations with such artists as: Angela Hacker, J. Money, and M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold, this album is bound to be full of blending genres and exciting sounds.

Customer Reviews:

MUCH better than the debut...Troy found his groove here..........2007-07-20

I am actually SHOCKED how much I love this record!!!! Most will probably tell me I should be ashamed of myself, but in reality, THIS is the record that Big & Rich should have released instead of the enjoyable but something's missing "Between Raising Hell & Amazing Grace"...it's much better, catchier and more exciting, edgier throughout.

If anything, it's like a much better, non-Republican, Kid Rock. Troy doesn't sound like he's trying too hard here, the songs are better-written, they're much more cohesive, and there's no sense of novelty like "Loco Motive" had. The blend of hard rock, old school hiphop, alt-country, and dance rhythms works really well all over "Black In The Saddle", a really seamless blend...Troy and John Rich finally figured it out...it's equal to Big & Rich's "Horse Of A Different Colour", Troy's version of it...and this album proves that John Rich (he goes under the pseudonym "J.Money" here) is capable of matching it and maybe even surpassing it...BRHAAG is not it..."Black In The Saddle" is equal to that vision.

I love the references to rock bands like Guns & Roses and mosh pits, goood times and "Hick Chicks, Dixie Divas and you Southern Belles"...and the "Barn Dance Remix" of "I Play Chicken With The Train" is better than the original, the novelty aspect gone, replaced by a cohesive vision of rock, dance, hiphop and country.

I like I like...and most mainstream country people would probably hate this like poison. I wonder who this should be aimed towards??? The dance clubs??? The modern rock crowd??? Rappers, maybe, but they're too closed-minded. Maybe those who dug Run DMC, Beastie Boys, old school rap, Ice-T collaborating with Body Count???

I don't know, but it doesn't matter, it's a great record that will go underappreciated and unnoticed...too bad really...Cowboy TRoy's really good after all...even his inbetween single "Hook Em Horns" was great too...

WORST RAPPER EVER.......2007-07-12

ALL HE HAS IS A GIMIC HE STOLE FROM KID ROCK AND UNCLE KRACKER. HIS VOICE IS HORRIBLE AND EVERY SONG SOUNDS THE SAME. M SHADOWS COULDN'T EVEN SAVE THIS ALBUM. MAYBE HE SHOULD RECRUIT SOME SOUTHERN HIP HOP PRODUCERS AND MAKE AN INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM, OR MAYBE LOTS OF GUEST RAPPERS LIKE DIDDY. KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR GOOD AT TROY. STAY A HYPE MAN. THERE IS ALREADY TOO MUCH BAD MUSIC ON THE SHELVES COLLECTING DUST AT WAL-MART.

Back in the Saddle Again: 25 Cowboy Classics

Average customer rating:

Gene Autry "Back In The Saddle Again:"
Must have CD for Country Western fans.
BACK IN THE SADDLE-AUTRY ALBUM
25 of Gene's best ranging all different styles he's covered
MELLOW VOICE OF AMERICA'S FAVORITE SINGING COWBOY

Back in the Saddle Again: 25 Cowboy Classics
Gene Autry
Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music

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Songs of the Old West
The Essential Gene Autry: 1933-1946
Ultimate Collection
Cool Water (& 17 Timeless Favorites)
Tumbling Tumbleweeds

ASIN: B000001HJA
Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks:

Back In The Saddle Again
Blue Yodel No.5
Any Old Time
High Steppin' Mama
Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine
Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Ridin' Down The Canyon
Mexicali Rose
Blue Hawaii
Dust
The Old Trail
Paradise In The Moonlight
Rhythm Of The Hoofbeats
South Of The Border
Blueberry Hill
Be Honest With Me
When The Swallows Come Back To Capistrano
You Are My Sunshine
A Year Ago Tonight
I'll Never Let You Go
I'll Wait For You
After Tomorrow
Lonely River
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?
Goobye Little Darlin' Goodbye

Amazon.com

Though easily as popular as Bing Crosby, Gene Autry was not as versatile and perhaps not as talented as his fellow multimedia star. But to his credit, Autry was better able to capture the imagination of a young, ever-expanding American consciousness with songs that helped create the myth of a West where "you sleep out every night and the only law is right." The songs on this collection span from 1929 (with a wonderful yodeling blues called "Blue Yodel No. 5") to his signature tunes "Back in the Saddle Again" and "You Are My Sunshine," recorded in the early 1940s. What's remarkable about this collection (arranged roughly in chronological order) is how closely many of the early songs are tied to African-American blues. As the collection progresses into the mid-30s, the elements we've come to recognize as "Western" begin to emerge in the music. Through it all, Autry's performances are sturdy and plainspoken, unfolding with an unexpected ease and grace. Generally excellent sound makes this CD a perfect starting place for those interested in one of America's most important early pop icons. --S. Duda

Customer Reviews:

Gene Autry "Back In The Saddle Again:".......2007-07-18

It is Gene at his all time best. If you are either an old or new fan of him I highly recommend it for your collection. Again my cassettes do not even start to compare in goodness to this CD in showing his great musical talents both vocal and instrumental. A must have.

Must have CD for Country Western fans........2006-02-14

This is one of my favorite country western CDs. Ol' Gene gave us his best in numbers ranging from Mexicali Rose to Blue Hawaii to Blueberry Hill.

I just can't get enough of the simple somewhat melancholic style. Also these are transfers from analog recordings and the slight degradation in sound quality adds to the "long ago" feeling.

The simple, yet memorable arrangements will melt a heart of stone. I remember listening to some of these numbers on the Voice Of America program. The VOA programs used to open with some songs as a prelude to interviews and the like.

What a treat. Makes one pine for the wide open spaces.

BACK IN THE SADDLE-AUTRY ALBUM.......2003-10-19

THIS IS GREAT, AS WERE THE OTHERS YOU HAVE ON AMAZON.COM

25 of Gene's best ranging all different styles he's covered.......2002-01-25

Gene recorded much of his best in between the 1930's and 1940's and this compilation of 25 Gene Autry classics on ASV runs the gamut of musical styles he has covered ranging from western (Back In The Saddle Again, Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Dust, South of The Border, etc.), pop (Blue Hawaii, Mexicali Rose, Blueberry Hill, etc.), blues (Any Old Time, his cover of Jimmie Rodgers's Blue Yodel #5, etc.), country (You Are My Sunshine, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, etc.) and other styles and were recorded from 1929-1945. While Bing Crosby covered Gene's "Goodbye Little Darlin' Goodbye" ..., the sound quality for the most part is generally excellent while some songs such as "Mexicali Rose" and "Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" do sound rough compared to CD's using Sony's original sources but it does sound acceptable for the 78 plus the surface noise adds authenticity and nostalgia for the people who grew up in the era these songs were recorded. This is the perfect introduction to the talent of Gene Autry, plus ASV has a companion disc to this collection called "The Last Roundup" if you want more to add to this collection with no overlap. Absolutely essential to any collection of country, western, and early pop music and after all you can't go wrong with ASV's product after all.

MELLOW VOICE OF AMERICA'S FAVORITE SINGING COWBOY.......2000-03-16

THIS CD HAS 4 BLUES SONGS SUNG BY GENE AUTRY. THE REST ARE MOSTLY EASY LISTENING. THESE SONGS EXCEPT FOR "BACK IN THE SADDLE" HAVE A VERY MELLOW SOUND AND ARE VERY SPIRIT LIFTING. ONLY GENE AUTRY COULD DO SUCH A FANTASTIC JOB. LOVE THE VARIETY AND THAT MELLOW VOICE!

Average customer rating:

Conor discovers Kraftwerk!
Wow, and Wow
Beautiful.
Eery briliance
digital ash...amazing

Digital Ash in a Digital Urn
Bright Eyes
Manufacturer: Saddle Creek
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Plans
One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels
The Crane Wife
Z
Home, Vol. 4

ASIN: B00070FWUG
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Time Code
Gold Mine Gutted
Arc Of Time (Time Code)
Down In A Rabbit Hole - (with Nick Zinner)
Take It Easy (Love Nothing)
Hit The Switch
I Believe In Symmetry - (with Nick Zinner)
Devil In The Details - (with Nick Zinner)
Ship In A Bottle
Light Pollution
Theme From Pinata
Easy/Lucky/Free - (with Nick Zinner)

Amazon.com

Having established himself as a folk singer-songwriter of considerable weight with 2002's--take a deep breath--Lifted, or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground, Conor Oberst takes the opportunity to experiment here. Released simultaneously with the more conventional follow-up disc, I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, Digital Ash in a Digital Urn sees the Omaha-based leader of Bright Eyes teaming up with a diverse set of musicians that includes Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner for a collection of songs that aim to recreate the alien landscapes of Radiohead but more often come off sounding like midperiod Depeche Mode. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst continues to earn his reputation as our most respected young troubadour with almost frightening ease. He's been recording since the age of 13, and for the past few years he's been tagged "rock's boy genius" by the music press. Now, with the release of these two albums, we have unequivocal proof that the 24 year-old Oberst belongs amid our lineage of great American songwriters. These albums are a soundly articulated slice of modern life rolled into two very different records, both bursting with all of the heartfelt poetry for which Bright Eyes' records have earned their acclaim.Of course, the rough edges haven't gone away - the palpitation of a splintering note, the crack of a voice as it overextends, the clumsy thump of a misplaced thumb. It's all still there. But there's a glorious new level of depth and a maturation of texture, writing and delivery.

Customer Reviews:

Conor discovers Kraftwerk!.......2007-01-30

Have you ever read those stories wherein an artist gets into a battle with their record company because the label hates the record, it doesn't sound like the artist and they can't hear a hit? Ever wonder what those records sounded like? Well, welcome to "Digital Ash In a Digital Urn." After several albums of really fine folk music with incredible lyrics, the ever-ambitious Conor Oberst decided he'd release two albums at once. The first, the five-star worthy "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" is everything you'd expect. Insightful lyrics, beautiful melodies and even EmmyLou Harris. "Digital Ash In A Digital Urn" is the sound of an artist stepping outside his range to really bad results.

Conor discovered the synth and decided to write about machine music. And unfortunately, that means every cruddy lyrical cliche about programming, man-machines, time codes, circuit boards, life and death in the digital age. Frankly, every thing you've heard done a million times better by the likes of Kraftwerk, New Order or even The Buggles. There's hardly a memorable melody or even an interesting song to be found here.

Really, if this had been on a major, someone with a lick of sense might have been able to talk him into working a bit more on the better of these songs ("Take It Easy" maybe) and re-cutting them later. But since Bright Eyes is essentially Saddle Creek's bread and butter, no-one was going to tell the kid the "Digital Ash" was a digital dog. Be honest here; if this wasn't Bright Eyes, it would be laughed off as amateurish electronica. I give it 2 1/2 stars because the best two songs here are really great, but the context is ill-suited. Get "I'm Wide Awake..." if you really want to hear why fans and critics are nuts about this guy.

Wow, and Wow.......2007-01-15

I really was suprised by the massive amount of negative buzz surounding an album. But, after reviewing Conor Oberst's track record, I knew I had to give this album a chance. And I did buy it, and I don't regret doing so.

Released as the companion piece to the bright, acoustic I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning, it shows off not just the plugged in/unplugged style of Conor, but instead the total opposites that exist inside his mind. Morning allows for bright, almost cheerful acoustic songs, while Digital Ash showcases intense melancholy. And, honestly, I couldn't be happier.

When the drumming, strings, and female vocals connect on "Down in a Rabbit Hole", you feel that Conor is up to something amazing. His more conventional fans hated this, but i was a great chance for conor to experiment, and it paid off well. Best Songs include Time Code, Light Pollution, and Down in a Rabbit Hole.

Beautiful........2006-11-18

It was a track on this album that first got me addicted to Bright Eyes. I was going to purchase it, but somehow the multiple negative reviews turned me away from it for awhile. When I finally did, I realized how wrong they all were.

Seriously... WHY do people hate this album so much?

Sure, it's synth-poppy here and there and sounds different from their usual releases, but remember that Bright Eyes is a band that likes to experiment. Styles and techniques are always changing, and personally I think it's an excellent release(though I've always enjoyed electronic music to begin with). The tracks on this album are simply uplifting and great to listen to(especially "Gold Mine Gutted", "Arc of Time" and "Easy/Lucky/Free"). Seems like no matter what Oberst does, whether he's writing depressive or happy music, the public just aren't satisfied and feel they have to pick away at it. Oh well, it's their loss.

Eery briliance.......2006-07-02

Not unlike all of Bright Eyes's albums, listening to this album is somewhat alluring and results in an inevitable pondering in a deep-delving, intense trance. Conor Oberst's unique style certainly would not appeal to many who don't have the time or desire to embellish their lives with this magnificent trance, however Conor's skill with words should be appreciated (yes, the parachute line is fetching and is used skilfully as a softer note to the more intellectual statements), and the alternate beats, instruments and digital enhancements combine to produce intricately carved, intruiging songs.

digital ash...amazing .......2006-06-13

i have listened to bright eyes for awhile now, and digital ash was an amazing road conor oberst chose to go down. this is by far my most favorite cd of bright eyes. there are the obvious great tracks like "take it easy," "gold mine gutted," and "easy/lucky/free." but, if you hang in there on "i believe in symmetry" the song wraps around towards the end w/an killer break in the rhythm and a more profound ear of the violin. also, another great song i love on this cd is "light pollution," where at first i really disliked this song, but the more i listened to it the more i love it. i kind of has a pop beat in the beginning but smooths itself out. all and all, i have never been disappointed in a bright eyes cd and some fans like this cd the least, but it is my favorite. enjoy!

Average customer rating:

Best Contemporary Slack Key
Bob, this is GREAT!

In the Saddle
Ledward Kaapana & Bob Brozman
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Kika Kila Meets Ki Ho'Alu
Waltz of the Wind
Four Hands Sweet & Hot
Black Sand
Led Live-Solo

ASIN: B000056CAE
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Tracks:

Ami Ami Slack Key [Instrumental]
Bob and Led's Modern Slack Key [Instrumental]
Meleana E
No Ke Ano Ahiahi [Instrumental]
Lei 'Ohu [Instrumental]
Wai 'Alae Waltz [Instrumental]
Ahoe Hakuloa [Instrumental]
In the Saddle [Instrumental]
He 'Olu la No'u (That's Just Fine for Me) [Instrumental]
Aloha la O Wai'anae
Ku'u Ipo Onaona [Instrumental]
Kukuna O Ka La [Instrumental]
Pua Be Still [Instrumental]

Amazon.com

Although the guitar was introduced to Hawaii only in the 1830s (the European guitar tradition dates at least to the 1500s), Hawaiian musicians developed two of the instrument's most important playing techniques: the use of the metal slide or steel to fret the strings, and the altered tuning style known as slack key. On In the Saddle, Led Kaapana, one of the current masters of slack key, and Bob Brozman, the king of acoustic steel guitar, join together to play an enchanting collection of old Hawaiian melodies and original compositions. Hawaiian guitar music is one of the most sweetly melodic styles in the world, and Kaapana and Brozman's versions of tunes like "No Ke Ano Ahiahi," which was made famous by Gabby Pahinui, and "Meleanna E," a party favorite that dates back to the 1900s, rank among the most lovely renditions ever recorded. Most of the tracks here are instrumentals, but Kaapana sings a small handful in the traditional falsetto style. In the Saddle is a fine example of two of the world's finest guitarists playing some of the world's prettiest music. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

Best Contemporary Slack Key.......2007-01-12

I live part-time in Maui and have been researching Hawaiian slack key musicians for over 15 years. Kaapana and Brozman, in my opinion, are in the same league as Gabby Pahinui: classical but interpreted for contemporary times, angelic masculine voices, and guitar wizards.

Bob, this is GREAT!.......2001-01-20

I first met Bob Brozman, and his steel guitar work, years ago playing in the "Cheap Suit Serenaders". It was there I learned of his expert command of Hawaiian music and "In the Saddle" lives up to his stunning talent. This cd is an absolute joy to listen to.

Average customer rating:

Have a little buckaroo or buckarette?
Pleasing Harmonies and funny lyrics!
A wonderful selction of western songs for kids and adults!

Saddle Pals
Riders in the Sky
Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Cowboy Songs
The Cowboy Way
Always Drink Upstream from the Herd
The Best of the West Rides Again
Yodel the Cowboy Way

ASIN: B0000003F6
Release Date: 1992-02-14

Tracks:

Yippie-Yi-Yo and Away We Go
The Old Chisholm Trail
Get Along Little Dogies
Biscuit Blues
Sweet Betsy from Pike
There's A Great Big Candy Roundup
I'm Going to Leave Old Texas Now
The Cowboy's ABC
Clementine
'One, Two, Three' Said the Miner
Fiddle Medley
Down the Lullabye Trail

Customer Reviews:

Have a little buckaroo or buckarette?.......2006-02-22

This CD is really good for those aspiring cowgirls and cowboys in your family. It is filled with familiar songs, easy to listen to by the kids and their parents! My son listened to this CD over and over and now his son is too. A timeless collection of fun!

Pleasing Harmonies and funny lyrics!.......2001-06-19

So many albums for children are full of schmaltzy overly preachy sermons. This one is just plain fun. I checked it out from the library once, and it quickly became our favorite. Especially "Biscuit Blues" and "Cowboy Lullaby". Your kids will love it and you'll be singing along with them.

A wonderful selction of western songs for kids and adults!.......1998-11-14

We drove cross country with our children, ages 7 and 5, this was the most requested CD. It is very funny and you will not be able to keep from singing along!

Sucking the 70's: Back in the Saddle Again

Average customer rating:

Most of this is awesome
What A Way To Remember Rock!

Sucking the 70's: Back in the Saddle Again
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Small Stone Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Sucking the 70's
II
In the Groove, Vol. 1
High Volume: The Stoner Rock Collection
From Beale Street to Oblivion

ASIN: B000LE1EZ0
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Tracks:

Are You Ready - Sasquatch
Crazy Horses - Puny Human
Red Hot Mama - Clutch & Five Horse Johnson
Rock Candy - Dixie Witch
Don't Lie To Me - The Brought Low
Sin City - Novadriver
One Way Or Another - Colour Haze
Man On The Silver Mountain - Alabama Thunderpussy
Mongoloid - Dozer
The Stake - Acid King
Honky Cat - Halfway To Gone
Those Shoes - Antler
Outlaw Man - Brad Davis (Fu Manchu)
Season Of The Witch - Gideon Smith & The Dixie Damned
Running With The Devil - Whitney Morgan And The Waycross Georgia Farmboys

Tracks:

I Just Wanna Make Love To You - Throttlerod
Saturday Night Special - Red Giant
Bonie Maronie - A Thousand Knives Of Fire
Rock N Roll Singer - The Glasspack
When The Levee Breaks - Roadsaw
Super Stupid - Greatdayforup
Turn To Stone - Fireball Ministry
Born To Be Wild - Los Natas
Two Of Us - Scott Reeder
New Rose - Orange Goblin
Garden Road - Mos Generator
Snortin' Whiskey - Honky
I Don't Need No Doctor - The Muggs
Neighbor, Neighbor - Amplified Heat
Parchment Farm - RPG
Dreamweaver - Valis

Album Description

It's time to dust off the vinyl and take your air guitar out of storage, because Small Stone is proud to present Sucking the 70's: Back in the Saddle Again. Let's get this straight right up front: these aren't covers. What you will find are some of the best and most true to life rawk bands of the twenty-first century lovingly re-working, re-interpreting, and in some cases re-defining the music that first inspired them to make music in the first place. This is an incredibly limited pressing and when it's gone it's gone, so you'd better get it while you can. Eight track version not available. Stairway not included. Void in Kansas, Chicago, and wherever the hell the Bay City Rollers are from.

Customer Reviews:

Most of this is awesome.......2007-06-17

Both 1 and 2 are very cool. There are only a few lame cuts on here. I am a Clutch fan and really dig their track. Greatdayforup, Mos Generator, and RPG are the other cuts I liked. Very cool collectible, probably arent finding it in stores anywhere.

What A Way To Remember Rock!.......2007-03-02

This second series of the Sucking The 70's doesn't disappoint! Many of the awesome bands that appeared on the first instalment back it up here with rivetting takes on hits from the past. No one song stands out as they are all mastered perfectly by bands that have proven themselves already. If you're after a great rocking album that hits the spot everytime, get your hands on this gem! In years to come it will be hard to find!