Year [CD-single]

Year [CD-single]

Year [CD-single]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Maddy Prior is best known as the lead singer of the British folk-rock band Steeleye Span, but on Year she substitutes cello, acoustic piano, and recorder for Steeleye's amplified guitars and fiddle. In fact, the instrumental interludes from the cello and piano provide the glue that holds together the album's two ambitious song suites. The first suite bundles up seven shorter tunes about the four seasons, while the second binds six short songs about the Fabled Hare. This sounds ominously artsy, but Prior's lovely, understated singing, combined with Nick Holland's subdued chamber-folk arrangements, turns the suites into elegantly harmonized triumphs. --Geoffrey Himes

Year,Maddy Prior,Park Records,Celtic/Irish,Country & Western,Folk,Int'l & World Music,Pop
Year Zero
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • High energy music with powerful lyrics
  • NIN legacy continues
  • ARE YOU PEOPLE DEAF???
  • The soundtrack for the US in our times.
  • The song on the radio is IT
Year Zero
Nine Inch Nails
Manufacturer: Nothing Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alt IndustrialAlt Industrial | Industrial | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative MetalAlternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Nine Inch Nails - Live - Beside You in Time
  2. Minutes to Midnight
  3. Icky Thump
  4. Survivalism, Pt. 2
  5. We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

ASIN: B000O178BY
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Tracks:

  1. Hyperpower!
  2. The Beginning Of The End
  3. Survivalism
  4. The Good Soldier
  5. Vessel
  6. Me, I'm Not
  7. Capital G
  8. My Violent Heart
  9. The Warning
  10. God Given
  11. Meet Your Master
  12. The Greater Good
  13. The Great Destroyer
  14. Another Version Of The Truth
  15. In This Twilight
  16. Zero-Sum

Amazon.com

Nine Inch Nails' sixth studio release, Year Zero takes the concept album further than it may have ever gone before. In advance of its release, URLs were hidden in tour t-shirts, music- and image-filled USB drives were 'found' at concerts, and dozens of websites have been packed with conspiracy stories that all involve the year 2022 or 'Year Zero.' Each clue is part of a cohesive whole, requiring a listener to follow an exhaustive web trail to grasp the entire tale. Focusing specifically on the music, "The Beginning of the End," the powerful first vocal track, is like the sonic and lyrical equivalent of an emotional ascension to a rollercoaster's peak, with the last few cacophonic seconds equaling the fall of individual freedoms. "Survivalism," Year Zero's first single, follows with guest vocalist/Slam artist Saul Williams pumping up the passion in its urgent chorus. While still industrial in genre, it's clear that Trent Reznor's musical evolution finds him bringing more mellow songs to the mix than he has on previous discs ("The Good Soldier," "The Greater Good," "In This Twilight") as well as an increased number of funk-affected rhythms, specifically in standout tracks "Capitol G" and "Me, I'm Not." Devotees of NIN's harder sound will appreciate the metallic crunch of "My Violent Heart" and "Meet Your Master." On the whole, the Nine Inch Nails we hear on Year Zero is less focused on producing heavy music and more focused on delivering its heavy, conspiratorial doomsday message. --Denise Sheppard

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars High energy music with powerful lyrics.......2007-08-01

This superb collection of noisy music from NIN really makes your body move while making you think about how government and religion abuse power. Reznor's well crafted lyrics really captures the spirit of the United States today, even though his album claims to be about a time a decade or more in the future. As usual, he pulls no punches when characterizing the attitudes of both presidents and prelates. This disc should be required listening for anyone elected to public office.

If you like NIN, you'll love this new release.

5 out of 5 stars NIN legacy continues.......2007-08-01

A nice new album from NIN. Kind of a mix between old and new. It has definetely a different beat to it...but the classic Trent Reznor lyrics and vocals. Some say that NIN has lost it...I say they just adapt and overcome. They always come out with something that's different than the crap that's already out there now...and they haven't conformed to mainstream junk. If you're a NIN fan, atleast buy it and give it a shot. For me, for just about every NIN album, it took me a couple listening's to start to dig it. At first it's kind of like...what the heck...and once you absorb it all in...it's pretty tight.

2 out of 5 stars ARE YOU PEOPLE DEAF???.......2007-07-31

THIS IS HORRIBLE!
Remain calm please. I've been a big NIN fan from way back.
This album just proves to me that Trent has lost his spark. Yes, I love a concept album as much as the next guy. But what do you do when every album you release has pretty much THE SAME CONCEPT EVERY TIME!
We all deal with the same fears and concerns that mr. reznor brings up every album. Yes we all feel alienated often, we all feel depressed often, we feel angry often. Is he breaking any new ground lyrically? NO! Has he broken any new ground since The Fragile? NO! I think he has regressed. I believe "With teeth" was a ghastly album. I believe this album is very much a BORING album.
When trent released the song "The perfect drug" I was under the impression that the sky was the limit! I was SO excited about hearing the journey I thought he was going to undertake. On a technical note Trent was a master of innovation in the mid 90's with his GROUNDBREAKING work with the Pro Tools recording system. Some of the layering and effects on "The Fragile" are mind blowing. That's all gone now. "Year zero" is FLAT! Trents so called angst and aggression almost sounds like satire now. Perhaps I'm jaded, but when I listen to his earlier works especially "The fragile" it seems very intense, and urgent, and REAL!
Maybe he realised the limitations of the sound he had a hand in creating. Maybe he just feels that it's asking too much to push the boundaries these days. This is a similar feeling to how I'm feeling about the new Smashing Pumpkins album. Not moved, not excited, not challenged. Nice cover artwork though. That's where my two stars are going.

5 out of 5 stars The soundtrack for the US in our times. .......2007-07-27

I'll be brief. Every time I listen to this album is like revisiting the dark side of the US (and the world) in our times: pseudo-religious fascism, jingoism, savage capitalism, the need to belong to something (even if odious). I could go on. Mr. Reznor has given us another masterpiece, full of poignantly insightful lyrics and music that is at the same time beautiful and powerful enough to blast your brain to pieces. I love it.

2 out of 5 stars The song on the radio is IT.......2007-07-25

The only good thing about this CD is the song they play on the radio. Too bad, really.
A Year in the Wilderness
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • An Undiscovered American Treasure
  • Just Fabulous
  • STOP, BUY THIS NOW!
  • Spend Some Time in the Wilderness
  • Brilliant...(don't tell anyone)
A Year in the Wilderness
John Doe
Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Roots RockRoots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Easy Tiger
  2. Sweet Warrior
  3. Sky Blue Sky
  4. Icky Thump
  5. Translated From Love

ASIN: B000NJWSHQ
Release Date: 2007-06-12

Tracks:

  1. The Wilderness
  2. Hotel Ghost
  3. The Golden State
  4. Darling Underdog
  5. A Little More Time
  6. Unforgiven
  7. There's a Hole
  8. Lean Out Yr Window
  9. Big Moon
  10. The Bridge
  11. The Meanest Man In the World
  12. Grain Of Salt

Amazon.com

It comes as little surprise that John Doe employs three different female vocalists (Kathleen Edwards, Jill Sobule, and Aimee Mann) to assist on A Year in the Wilderness. After all, it was Exene Cervenka's restless harmonies that bolstered Doe's own dusky lead vocals, providing X with a distinctive sound that has seldom been imitated and never bested, even by the group's own alumni. Doe nonetheless continues to refine the formula, delivering sharp, literate lyrics to rugged, often pensive odes. He mines a kinder, gentler, but no less incisive territory of the somewhat precarious space between the sexes. Doe even strums an acoustic guitar in full folk-ballad mode on "A Little More Time," a somber reflection on love lost. Former X guitarist Dave Alvin provides rootsy firepower on the driving "Hotel Ghost," as close as this disc comes to the old L.A. punk days. But Doe's raw approach chafes at the introspective nature of these songs, adding somber, gritty gravity to the uncompromising lyrics of "Unforgiven," "you say I'm good for nothing, so nothing's good enough for me." While the set lacks the blazing nervousness of X's best material, the older/wiser Doe preserves an uneasy sense of youthful alienation that sports a musically grizzled, five-o'clock shadow. These songs resonate with a mature, biting broodiness that updates, but never dilutes, his legendary early work. --Hal Horowitz

Product Description

John Doe is back again. As a founding member of punk monoliths X, he seized his rightful place as one of the most influential musicians in American alternative music in the 1980 s, clearing a path for the revolution in that genre that would take place a decade later. Since launching his solo career in 1990 with the dusty road-poetry of Meet John Doe, John has produced six stunning roots rock albums of frightening honesty and vision. A Year in the Wilderness is no exception.

This time around John has invited his friends and frequent conspirators to help him interpret songs that came fast and hard. Doe dubs the Wilderness sessions, A scary and wondrous process where a blast of intuition and force that takes only moments to realize, but that can last forever and carry consequences you never imagined. Guest stars appearing on A Year in the Wilderness include Dave Alvin, Jill Sobule, Kathleen Edwards, Dan Auerbach (from The Black Keys), Greg Leisz and Aimee Mann.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars An Undiscovered American Treasure.......2007-07-21

After being introduced to X in the early 80's, John Doe has never let me down. This album is no exception. He was part of my soundtrack to growing up in LA. Hearing him jam with Dave Alvin on Hotel Ghost really brought me back. Even Kathleen Edwards adds a little Yin to John's Yang the way Exene did back in the day, especially on Lean out yr window. He's as raw as ever. Maybe his words have matured, but his delivery is like it was in '85. I'm actually going to see him next Thursday in NYC and I'm beside myself with anticipation. If you don't' know John Doe, your need to. Although he's been in more movies than I can count, if you are a John Doe fan, you gotta see Roadside Prophets. He's the best.

5 out of 5 stars Just Fabulous.......2007-07-07

Although a long-time fan of X, I'd never bought any of John Doe's solo work before. I read a good review of this album in the LA Times, and thought I'd take a shot.....

I love it. The most commercial cut is "The Golden State", a great tune. I think my favorite song is "Unforgiven", and "Big Moon" seems to haunt my head. The whole album has this vibe that I can't describe, other than to say I find myself wanting to play it almost every day. It has a "deep sound", both musically and lyrically. The songs flow so well that listening is effortless, and leaves you wanting more when the album is finished.

I believe than John Doe is a great creative talent who seems to get better with age. You won't regret buying this release; on the strength of this one, I'm going to buy some of his previous releases!

5 out of 5 stars STOP, BUY THIS NOW!.......2007-07-07

I don't usually write reviews, but I am making an exception for this fantastic album.

BUY IT NOW! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.

I've loved John Doe since way back in the X days. I've had the pleasure of enjoying his music for decades. This is by far his best work and collaboration.

A true gem.

5 out of 5 stars Spend Some Time in the Wilderness.......2007-06-28

From the rollicking rhythm of "There's a Hole" to the breathtakingly soft intensity of "Grain of Salt," from the seductive and bluesy "Big Moon" to the "hauntingly" punkish "Hotel Ghost, "A Year in the Wilderness" contains all of the elements that have made John Doe one of America's greatest (although often underappreciated) singer/songwriters: poetic lyrics, vocal intensity, and well-chosen guests.

No one expresses the possibility, the longing and the loss of the landscape of love better than Doe. Like the wilderness, Doe's landscape is striking-- awe-inspiringly beautiful and able to make us feel connected to each other and the world while it resonates with a sense of isolation. This album features some of Doe's best writing to date, yet even when he makes use of a familiar phrase his delivery is transformative. No where is this clearer than in "The Golden State" where Doe uses phrases so familiar they have become clichés and transforms them in to a unique and powerful revelation about the complex nature of relationships through the alchemy of his delivery.

This album is a must have for long time Doe fans and a wonderful introduction to his work for those discovering him for the first time.

5 out of 5 stars Brilliant...(don't tell anyone).......2007-06-17

I've loved having John's solo work all to myself...pop music's best kept secret...music to share with your most musically sophisticated friends...music for long road trips. I suppose that's all over now.

And it's about time.

Because this MF is too big, too smart, too rocking, too cutting, to be denied a wide audience. I would love to see this thing come out of left field and sell 6 million copies, and have John win 5 or 6 Grammy's next February. Not that awards mean anything, but every once in awhile it's nice to see an exceptional artist, at his best, get recognized.

Besides, John has the best hair in rock and roll. "John, see you in Denver (6/22). Yrs. George Tadich Jr."

A Good Year
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Loved the Movie but don't know about soundtrack
  • fun mix of French music
  • Wonderful
  • A good little bit of cinema
  • A Good Year Soundtrack
A Good Year
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Legacy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A Good Year (Widescreen Edition)
  2. A Good Year (MTI)
  3. A Good Year: Portrait of the Film based on the Novel by Peter Mayle (Newmarket Pictorial Moviebooks)
  4. The Holiday (Score)
  5. The Painted Veil

ASIN: B000JBWWBK
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Tracks:

  1. How Can I Be Sure Of You
  2. "Il faut du temps au temps"
  3. Je Chante
  4. Breezin' Along With The Breeze
  5. Jump Into The Fire
  6. The Wedding
  7. Never Ending Song Of Love
  8. Old Cape Cod
  9. J'Attendrai
  10. Gotta Get Up
  11. Le Chant Du Gardian
  12. Itsy Bitsy Petit Bikini
  13. Max-a-million
  14. Le Coin Perdu
  15. Wisdom

Amazon.com

In a distinct break from their muscular triumph Gladiator, Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott teamed up again to bring Peter Mayle's sunny Provençal romance to the screen, a change of milieu that's spawned an equally warm, often sentimentally tinged soundtrack and score. Using a trio of pop songs by the great Harry Nilsson (including the joyous demo of Nilsson Schmilsson's "Gotta Get Up") as an axis that's as effusive as it is unlikely, this is a collection that romps through Franco-pop nuggets variously contemporary (Makali's elegant "Il Faut du Temps..."), vintage (Charles Trenet's "Je Chante," Jean Sablon's "J'Attendrai," Tino Rossi's "Le Chant du Guardian"), and downright loopy (Richard Anthony's French redux of "Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini"), making room for Patti Page, Josephine Baker, and Delaney & Bonnie along its merry way. Also included are three cues from newcomer Marc Streitenfeld's underscore, a nimble exercise in instrumental post-modernism whose electronica/folk/neoclassical mélange is as eclectic as the song choices, yet characterized by subtlety and grace. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Loved the Movie but don't know about soundtrack.......2007-06-15

Would have liked the soundtrack more if more songs from movie were on it.

4 out of 5 stars fun mix of French music.......2007-05-08

My husband lived in France for a year and speaks it well. We both loved this soundtrack because it's got a great mix of different kinds of French songs. Really sets a mood and background.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2007-04-07

The music on this cd is so different than what I usually listen to. When I heard the Wedding Samba on the movie, I knew I had to have the cd. The cd is just what I thought it would be, a great collection of music that takes me back to the French countryside and downtown London. Great cd.

4 out of 5 stars A good little bit of cinema.......2007-04-05

I read this book years ago and it has stuck with me, so I was excited to see the preview for this film. I had to wait until it came out on video because my town's theatres cater to the teenage mainstream (slasher gore, remakes of slasher gore, CGI, hollywood (deliberately NOT capitalized!)formula films, etc.)

To be honest, the first time through the film did not dazzle but, as with most of Ridley Scott's stuff, you simply have to watch it more than once to really SEE it and get to know the character's stories. In this case love stories - Max's love of money and power; DuFlout's love of the land; a town's love of their way of life; a nephew's love for his uncle; a young woman's love for a man she never met; a man's love for a woman and a place.
The scenery is spectacular, the supporting cast is by turn funny, sincere and slimy, and I think Russell Crowe's charater may start off a bit of a phony and that's how he's playing him.

My husband, who is normally, "If this has 'feelings' I'm not watching" really liked the story. Yes, it's a bit predictable, and sometimes that's just what I want. In a world that's so short attention span, Wow I've never seen that before, Gee, that looks almost real- it's nice to find a sweet little love story that shows a place and people we wish we really knew and works out the way we all wish life could.

(I got the soundtrack too.)
A Good Year

3 out of 5 stars A Good Year Soundtrack.......2007-03-27

For me, I get my money's worth with Track 12: Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini in French is unbelievable. The second this song played at the end of the movie, I knew I had to get my hands on this soundtrack.

It is a VERY eclectic mix of music, I like the Harry Nilsson numbers pretty much, and some of the French music is fun. A couple of the final tracks (French songs) seem plodding to me, and the Patti Page number seems very out of place. Maybe if I see the film again, I will gain a new appreciation?
A Year and a Night with G. Love and Special Sauce
Average customer rating: Not rated
    A Year and a Night with G. Love and Special Sauce
    G. Love & Special Sauce
    Manufacturer: Brushfire Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Blues RockBlues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Mistico
    2. White Moth
    3. Lemonade
    4. The Mix-Up
    5. Some Live Songs

    ASIN: B000SQJ282
    Release Date: 2007-07-31

    Tracks:

    1. 76
    2. Back Of the Bus
    3. Let the Music Play
    4. Free
    5. Hot Cookin
    6. Steppin Stones
    7. No Turning Back
    8. Baby's Got Sauce
    9. Gimme Some Lovin
    10. Cold Beverages

    Album Description

    A behind the scenes look at the band's 13th year of touring. From the U.S. to Europe to Japan and back. (Featuring an exclusive concert shot on the final night of the tour).The DVD contains a 1 hour documentary with 12 full length performances and guest appearances from Tristan Prettyman, Marc Broussard and Donovan Frankenreiter. The CD contains a 10 track live album taken from two sold out nights at the Electric Factory in New York. The band will be out on tour in the summer of 2007 with Slightly Stupid and Ozomatli.
    7even Year Itch: Collective Soul Greatest Hits 1994-2001
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Metamorpho-Let Your Light Shine Down....
    • Awesome Hits
    • Good classic stuff!
    • Greatest Hits
    • Melodious rock
    7even Year Itch: Collective Soul Greatest Hits 1994-2001
    Collective Soul
    Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    Party BoysParty Boys | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Collective Soul
    2. Dosage
    3. Awake: The Best of Live
    4. Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid
    5. Disciplined Breakdown

    ASIN: B00005O6E7
    Release Date: 2001-09-18

    Tracks:

    1. Heavy
    2. She Said
    3. Shine
    4. Energy
    5. Run
    6. Gel
    7. Precious Declaration
    8. Why Pt. 2
    9. The World I Know
    10. Next Homecoming
    11. Listen
    12. December
    13. Forgiveness

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Metamorpho-Let Your Light Shine Down...........2007-07-24

    After the Cleopatra episode (which has happily embedded itself into my conciousness) I had another dream whereby the all elusive premier ultimate force of the Universe spoke to me. "You realize that you are a part of the eternal conciousness and collective soul of all". Said with total aplomb, I might add. "Yes. But what does it all mean?", I asked with equal aplombably. "Oh nevermind", was the exasperated reply. "Here's a c.d. , pop it into your dune buggy tomorrow"! Now folks, you have to remember that I envison the Ultimate Force as wearing a Seer's hat. And why not? Certainly the Universe has to be user-friendly, and something I can relate to. Then again, they say that universal remotes are user-friendly as well. I think it's time to beckon Cleopatra to reappear.
    That said, we have hear the Best of Collective Soul 1994-2001. I took it and indeed played it in my dune buggy, happily motoring past mimes, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, and starfishes of reknown. A sunny day. The winds flowing through my grey (but substantial) Seer's hair. The music was certainly a rush. And I cannot offer a better remedy to listen to while stuck in rush hour. The traffic is not a rush- but this music is.
    Be advised, this music is not for the faint of heart-but it is very well done accomplished rock.
    It is hard for me to zero in on any one song here. Probably because the tunes, for the most part, offer up enigmas that cannot often be easily answered. And yet, there are songs that prod one to think about reality in more meaningful terms. "Why can't you listen? Why can't you hear"? from "Listen". "I was blind, but now I see", from "Precious Declaration".
    In many ways- the lyrics try for a breakthrough of the mind. Excellently written in concise and short verse, it is also home to many an alluring hook. This is not metal. This is not soft-rock and easy listening. This is rock at some of it's finest and most listenable. So very well done.
    I think that if you start this and listen all the way through , you will find fine arrangements, nice accompaniment, and substantial rock grooves to make you move. The ballads are grand and the rockers can be hard and insistent. In all, not a bad job at all.
    I would say, though, that this band is not classic-thus the four stars. But, if you like good rock music-it certainly deserves 4 and 1/2 stars.
    So good. And let's not forget the l.p. scratchiness of "She Said". Funny that c.d.s, with their ability to give pristine clarity should want to imitate the l.p. But, that is a touch that gives this album just another reason to like it.
    Now it is time to put the pedal to the metal and see what this dune buggy can do. Whoa! Is that the beach police gaining on me? Time to contact that ultimate souce! Now-where did I put that cell number?

    Calling collect---your desperate Metamorpho

    5 out of 5 stars Awesome Hits.......2007-07-16

    I am a die-hard Collective Soul fan. I have followed them since their first album and "Shine." This is an excellent greatest hits CD and a great start for someone just discovering them or someone wanting a sample of their music. "Energy" is a great song, too, that can't be found on the other albums.
    There are only about 2 or 3 Collective Soul songs that I don't care for much, so the other CDs are still great even in addition to this one.

    4 out of 5 stars Good classic stuff!.......2007-02-06

    This music was some of the best when I was in High School. Great stuff!

    4 out of 5 stars Greatest Hits.......2007-01-11

    I am very happy with my purchase of this CD. I am a big collector of Greatest Hits and adding this one to my collection is just a bonus especially if you enjoy the 90's alternative rock genre.I highly recommend it.

    5 out of 5 stars Melodious rock.......2007-01-09

    This music is evokes a deep sense of reflection for me. Besides, the product is beautifully melodiuos.
    That Was the Year That Was
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Great fun
    • TW3 Lives!
    • That Was the Year That Was
    • This CD never goes out of style!
    • It's people like this who make you wonder what you've really accomplished.
    That Was the Year That Was
    Tom Lehrer
    Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Country ComedyCountry Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Classic ComedyClassic Comedy | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Novelty MusicNovelty Music | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Songs & More Songs By Tom Lehrer
    2. An Evening Wasted With Tom Lehrer
    3. Revisited
    4. My Son, The Greatest: The Best Of Allan Sherman
    5. The Remains of Tom Lehrer

    ASIN: B000002KO7
    Release Date: 1990-04-12

    Tracks:

    1. National Brotherhood Week
    2. MLF Lullaby
    3. George Murphy
    4. The Folk Song Army
    5. Smut
    6. Send The Marines
    7. Pollution
    8. So Long, Mom (A Song For World War III)
    9. Whatever Became Of Hubert?
    10. New Math
    11. Alma
    12. Who's Next?
    13. Wehrner Von Braun
    14. The Vatican Rag

    Amazon.com

    Harvard-educated mathematician by trade and sociopolitical humorist and satirist by avocation, ivory tickler Tom Lehrer sang irreverent ditties that both outraged and delighted listeners during his on-again, off-again heyday of public performance in the late 1950s through the 1970s. Perhaps best known for his "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park," Lehrer combined razor-sharp wit with dry delivery inspired by everything from vaudeville and ragtime to whimsical show tunes and faux folk. Though a tad dated, Lehrer's wickedly pointed That Was the Year That Was is as good a representation of the mid-'60s American social and political climate as any. Recorded live in 1965 and composed largely of songs from the contemporaneous NBC series That Was the Week That Was, the album takes on boho Americana ("The Folk Song Army"), censorship ("Smut"), and the atomic bomb ("Who's Next"). Devilishly funny as well are the outstanding "Vatican Rag" and the puzzle that is "New Math." --Paige La Grone

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great fun.......2007-05-20

    Recently our youngest son told us he was teaching his daughter So long Mom, I'm Off to Drop the Bomb. He remembered the words from playing our old records when he was a teen ager. Now the words and melodies keep popping into my head. Throughly enjoyed this CD-much better quality than the old records.

    5 out of 5 stars TW3 Lives!.......2007-03-30

    1965 is looking better every year when one can go back and enjoy Tom Lehrer. Some songs are specific to the date but others (like "Alma") can be enjoyed forever. The concert version (at the "hungry i" in San Francisco) adds so much to this album, huh, CD. Lehrer chips in his funny introductions and the audience laughs heartily. He knows how to pause for the laugh at just the right moment. If only we had Tom Lehrer nowadays to poke fun at our foibles and politics.

    5 out of 5 stars That Was the Year That Was.......2007-03-24

    This is a superb collection of Tom Lehrer's most memorable songs: funny and smart, sparing none and satirizing all.

    5 out of 5 stars This CD never goes out of style!.......2007-02-21

    I first heard this album in the late sixties and purchased it for the sake of nostalgia. Hard to believe how timely his satire continues to be today. From "Who's Got the Bomb" to "Send in the Marines" to "Pollution" and throughout, almost all of the songs on the CD are still relevant. Tom Lehrer was one of the all-time great satirical songwriters and I still laugh out loud when I listen to his stuff.

    5 out of 5 stars It's people like this who make you wonder what you've really accomplished........2007-02-10

    It's a sobering thought to realize that, when Tom Lehrer was my age, he had been retired for ten years.
    Overture of the Wicked
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • As Wicked as it gets!
    • Very cool return
    • IE Shouldn't Look Back
    • NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
    • This really didn't need to be done. But it's still pretty cool.
    Overture of the Wicked
    Iced Earth
    Manufacturer: Steamhammer/SPV
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive MetalProgressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Ghost Opera
    2. United Abominations
    3. Paradise Lost
    4. Unia
    5. Systematic Chaos

    ASIN: B000PA9PME
    Release Date: 2007-06-05

    Tracks:

    1. Ten Thousand Strong 3:53
    2. Something Wicked Trilogy: Prophecy / Birth Of The Wicked / The Coming Curse 18:31

    Album Description

    America's most successful pure Heavy Metal band has returned with the kickoff for their most ambitious project to date! Iced Earth have long been known as the champions of American Metal and have consistently delivered absolute quality for their legions of fans. Overture Of The Wicked is the opening salvo in their forthcoming two-part series that continues their famed Something Wicked This Way Comes series. The Overture Of The Wicked CDS contains a brand new song along with a re-recording of some of the Something Wicked... material. The first shot has been fired and Iced Earth is back!

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars As Wicked as it gets!.......2007-07-24

    This was my first experience with Iced Earth, and I am shocked, shocked that I haven't gotten into them before now. This EP is arguably one of the best things I have heard in a long long time. So as a consequence I have since bought 3 other Iced Earth albums. The musicmanship and production is top notch........I can't wait for the new album.

    4 out of 5 stars Very cool return.......2007-07-13

    First off, I've been a fan of this band since I took a chance in the metal-dead environment of the late 90's and bought the wonderful 'Alive in Athens' CD (one of the greatest live albums of all time) in 1999. Like many, I felt very sorry about Matt Barlow leaving some years ago, the disintegration that followed and the multitude ill-turns suffered by leader Jon Schaffer.

    So that's why I'm happy as hell for the return of the band and in this metal-happy musical climate of today I wholeheartedly wish Schaffer has finally his revenge and gathers the recognition that always eluded the band through 15 years of hard work and excellent music.

    So what we have here is a taster of the forthcoming new album and a reworking of the classic "Something Wicked" trilogy from 1998's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes'.

    Well, the new song "Ten Thousand Strong" is the first Iced Earth song we've heard written specifically for new singer Tim 'Ripper' Owens (since the 'Glorious Burden' album was written with Barlow in tow and only later was resung by Owens), and it shows; the guy is a monster singer. The song is pretty much 'Glorious Burden' fare, except perhaps a bit better. This is killer, even if simple, stuff.

    No doubt the eyeopener here is the remake of the old trilogy, and so Ripper is *again* cast to repeat a Barlow performance, and one much loved by fans no less. And again, he falls short; clearly he is no match for Matt's tone and emotional delivery and comes across a bit forced and shrill sounding. The re-recording itself (I mean the music) is cool, even if I still prefere the original.

    One very cool feature of this record is the return of 'Alive in Athens's excellent skinsman Brent Smedley, and if you fear after 8 years out of the band he may have lost his touch, well rest assured it's not the case because he is an absolute monster, even more than on the old days. If someone said it's Richard Christy playing, no one would doubt it, it's that good, stunning machine gun precision all the way. Another thing to mention are new axeman Tim Mills' lead guitar breaks, which are probably the best lead guitar ever featured in the band.

    Finally a special mention to the excellent cover art, depicting the return of the Set Abominae character.

    So all in all a very nice taster for what I hope is a killer CD to come in September, and one to finally put this great band where it has always deserved: at the top of the metal world :)

    Let's just hope Schaffer manages to keep a lineup together long enough to see it happen.

    3 out of 5 stars IE Shouldn't Look Back.......2007-07-05

    If the new single is an indication of what to expect from the new album, then this will probably be the best since 'Wicked'. The problem with this disk lies in the re-recorded material. When judged on his own merits, Ripper has a great voice, and he shows it off on the first track. However, the 'Something Wicked' trilogy can't be listened to without comparing it directly to Barlow's version, and in this context, the Ripper just can't win. The original was nothing short of amazing, and could hardly be improved upon, Barlow's voice thick and powerful. In comparison, Ripper sounds hollow and weak. It's not a fair comparison to make, because the two singers have completely different styles, but it's a comparison that's impossible not to make when Ripper sings Matt's songs.
    If Iced Earth and its fans can manage to look forward to the future instead of looking back at what was, then there is reason to be optimistic. This single will serve as a good primer for the full-length.

    3 out of 5 stars NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!.......2007-07-03

    I don't hate Tim Owens. I loved "The Glorious Burden", almost as a different Iced Earth than the ones previously. I love Tim Owens' voice for Iced Earth. I loved Matt Barlow's voice for Iced Earth.


    This is only four songs on a single, and only one of them is new. The new song "Ten Thousand Strong" is great. It bears traces of old Iced Earth without being the same old crap or repetitive.


    Why do I scream "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" for the title then? The other three tracks.

    The other three tracks are not re-recordings, but new versions of the "Something Wicked..." trilogy at the end of "Something Wicked This Way Comes", "Prophecy", "Birth of the Wicked", and "The Coming Curse"

    I don't mind having Tim Owens sing over songs that were originally done by Matt Barlow. But they completely RE-DID these songs! They sound very little, if anything like the originals. I am sort of a music traditionalist by nature. Cover songs don't appeal to me as much as originals, re-recorded albums are never better than originals unless it's an unchanged remastering.


    It's not just the lack of Barlow's deeper, more husky voice in these songs, it's a completely new guitar, bass, and drum lines used. The rhythms are done at different speeds, the moods are changed. Where once "Prophecy" was a darkly moody, brooding song, it's now something resembling generic "demonic" metal.


    I look forward to the new Iced Earth album. I love Iced Earth, and if Schaffer continues to get better with age like his previous albums, I will love it. What I do NOT like is the "rewriting of history" so to speak, the re-writing of these three classic songs of the "Wicked" trilogy. Please... if you don't want Barlow's voice on them, just record Owens over the song as it was! Don't totally rewrite the rhthyms, tempos, moods, etc! It ruins it for traditionalists who have stuck with IE through the ages.

    3 out of 5 stars This really didn't need to be done. But it's still pretty cool........2007-07-02

    I am going to be brief. "Something Wicked" was my first Iced Earth album, and the original trilogy sent chills down my spine when I listened to it. Iced Earth have changed the trilogy.

    First off, the trilogy sounds more produced than ever. Some parts sound really cool and dark, but in general the song just sounds more computerized and polished than the original's. One good thing, however, is the ethnic addition. The song sounds very middle eastern now, which it sort of lacked before. Anyway, I'll take the original version any day. But this version is still pretty good. Makes for a good recap before the new album comes out, but like I said it just sounds too computerized and polished. Also, I like Owens, but he can't match this song which was written with Barlow in mind.

    "10,000 Strong" is unremarkable. It's just a single, so I can't complain to much, but it doesn't feel as heavy as it should be. I blame this on the mix and the production.
    Year of the Cat
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Sounds of a happy times
    • Out Of This World
    • Al Stewart Enters His Best Period
    • Fits the definition of "classic"
    • Still strong 30 years later
    Year of the Cat
    Al Stewart
    Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
    Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Folk RockFolk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
    Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
    Rhino RecordsRhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    PuristsPurists | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Time Passages
    2. Past, Present And Future
    3. Greatest Hits by Alstewart
    4. A Beach Full of Shells
    5. City to City

    ASIN: B0001XAS1W
    Release Date: 2004-04-27

    Tracks:

    1. Lord Grenville
    2. On The Border
    3. Midas Shadow
    4. Sand In Your Shoes
    5. If It Doesn't Come Naturally, Leave It
    6. Flying Sorcery
    7. Broadway Hotel
    8. One Stage Before
    9. Year Of The Cat

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Sounds of a happy times.......2007-07-19

    Today you may find this songs "ridicule" because of their "middle class burgoisise" context, but back in 1977, they sounded fresh and optimistic.
    And that is how I remember them: the atmosphere of the small sea-towns, an aura of Casablanca movie in the title song, the semi-gay voice of Al Stewart sounds like one of a spoiled, honest child, hungry for adventures, nice girls and harmless "noir" adventures.
    Today,it still sounds just the same; perfect for beach-caffe s with margaritas and a sunset. White mornings after the one-night stands with satin-ladies, gauloise before entering the exotic marketplaces in Maroco or Spain. Good for people over 35, or maybe younger romantics.
    Not for hip-hop lovers.
    Brilliant production,fresh as it was 30 years ago.

    5 out of 5 stars Out Of This World.......2007-03-20

    What can I say about this album except that since it's release back in the 70s, it has always been one of my favorite albums. I repurchased the album because my original copy was bad. And I guess if you listened to a CD like this one as much as I have, your copy would be bad too. I consider this album a classic of classics and highly recommend it to anyone. You won't be disappointed.

    5 out of 5 stars Al Stewart Enters His Best Period.......2006-12-23

    With YEAR OF THE CAT, Al Stewart enters his best period musically. He'd found a sympathetic producer in Alan Parsons, whose production added much-needed muscle to his music, while Stewart's folkie leanings prevented Parsons from overdoing things. The closing title song uses the "mystery woman" theme to describe a feeling about being slightly "out of your time", and thus describes why I hang up pictures of pretty actresses as a deterrent to thoughts of going to food-related reunions at my old school, but the other songs are also quite good. The fact that a couple of Stewart's albums have dated poorly takes nothing away from the excellence of this one or its immediate successor, TIME PASSAGES.

    5 out of 5 stars Fits the definition of "classic".......2006-11-26

    Recently I've gotten back into vinyl. "Year of The Cat" is one of the handful of records I kept, and thank god for that moment of clarity! I'm listening to this right now on a new turntable. First time I've heard it in probably 2 decades. The music really holds up - There's not a weak song on the entire album. The recording quality is fantastic (recorded at Abbey Road in London).

    Very highest recommendation.

    4 out of 5 stars Still strong 30 years later.......2006-09-12

    I loved this album back when it first came out, but I was also 13 at the time and had questionable musical tastes. In a fit of nostalgia, I picked it up recently and was surprised at how well it holds up thirty years later. Listening to it with adult and much more educated ears, I found that my favorite tracks have changed--the women in title track is no longer my ideal self, for example, but I understand "Broadway Hotel" in a way I didn't as a kid. Full of odd little twists and influenced by forgotten moments in history, it's a fantastic example of thoughtful, intelligent, '70s soft rock.
    A Year with Frog and Toad (Original Cast Recording)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Old School Fun!
    • A Must Have for Anyone with Kids!!
    • What Friendship Means
    • We really enjoy this CD
    • Saw the show at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis
    A Year with Frog and Toad (Original Cast Recording)
    Robert Reale , Willie Reale , Jay Goede , Mark Linn-Baker , and Kate Reinders
    Manufacturer: P.S. Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Sing-A-LongsSing-A-Longs | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Frog and Toad All Year (I Can Read Book 2)
    2. The Frog and Toad Collection Box Set (I Can Read Book 2)
    3. Days with Frog and Toad
    4. Frog and Toad CD Audio Collection
    5. Frog and Toad Together (I Can Read Picture Book)

    ASIN: B0001IN0LW
    Release Date: 2004-04-06

    Tracks:

    1. Opening
    2. A Year With Frog And Toad
    3. It's Spring
    4. Seeds
    5. The Letter
    6. Gotta Loada Toad
    7. Underwater Ballet
    8. Alone
    9. The Letter (Reprise)
    10. Cookies
    11. Entr'Acte
    12. The Kite
    13. A Year With Frog And Toad (Reprise)
    14. He'll Never Know
    15. Shivers
    16. The Letter
    17. Down The Hill
    18. I'm Coming Out Of My Shell
    19. Toad To The Rescue
    20. Merry Almost Christmas
    21. Finale

    Amazon.com

    A winning combination of a talented cast, appealing music and lyrics by Robert and Willie Reale, and Arnold Lobel's classic children's books made A Year with Frog and Toad a Broadway success that earned 2004 Tony nominations for best musical, best book, and best original score. The brainchild of Adrianne Lobel (the author's daughter and a veteran stage designer) and the Reale Brothers, Frog and Toad was originally produced at The Children's Theater of Minneapolis, turning Lobel's stories into entertaining vignettes starring the titular amphibians (played by Jay Goede and Mark Linn-Baker, Adrianne Lobel's husband) and colored by jazzy '30s-style music. "The Kite," for example, is an energetic Charleston, "He'll Never Know" is a soft shoe, and "Seeds" illustrates Toad's gentle love of plant life in a lyric ballad. This recording captures the original cast from Minneapolis (which transferred intact to Broadway, except Jennifer Gambatese replaced Kate Reinders as one of the birds) and adds an attractive 32-page booklet filled with photos, lyrics, and notes by Adrianne Lobel and the Reales. A Year with Frog and Toad deserves a long life in the repertory of children's theater alongside such fare as You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Old School Fun!.......2007-05-26

    We just love this family CD. The songs are so much fun... Even I find myself lost in imagination as I listen to these songs - It reminds me of simpler times when a book is all you needed for entertainment. A must for Frog & Toad lovers!!!!

    5 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Anyone with Kids!!.......2007-05-23

    We've seen the musical twice now and would love to see it again. The songs are catchy, clever and cute. The characters are wonderful and richly developed. The songs go along perfectly with the stories if you have the book (if you don't you should get it). This is fun for our kids and I like it too!
    Absolutely delightful!

    4 out of 5 stars What Friendship Means.......2007-01-15

    This is a delightful musical designed to appeal to children of all ages. (I'm 65 and found it magical!) Although I sure it's better to see the show than just hear it, this cast recording captures the energy of the show quite well. Most importantly, the valuable message of the show comes through very well on this recording. The message of the show is to answer the important question: "What is friendship?" Frog and Toad teach us the true meaning of this wonderful word in a way that is fun to hear!!

    5 out of 5 stars We really enjoy this CD.......2007-01-10

    My daughter saw the play, my son did not. But both of them are singing along with this CD all the time! It's very fun music.

    5 out of 5 stars Saw the show at the Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis.......2006-11-20

    I am about to order my third copy of this disk. I have two boys, ages 11 and 7, and theater-going is the one art-y activity I can get them to do. We are ardent Children's Theatre Company fans, and this is one of our favorites. Even their dad- who doesn't usually accompany us to the theater, LOVES this disk. (Now, if we could only quit wrecking it up!)

    The book is based on the Arnold Lobel books. Interesting facts: His daughter and inspiration, Adrienne, was twice involved with the production. First-wise as the set designer, secondly as real-life wife to cast-member Mark Linn-Baker (Toad, also seen on TV in Perfect Strangers, and in the very enjoyable movie My Favorite Year).

    All the cast is simply wonderful. The lyrics and music are so much fun. You'll be singing along before you know it!

    Highly recommended - you don't need to see the show to *love* this music.
    This Year's Model (With Bonus Disc)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A rock classic beautifully rendered on cd
    • elvis's 2nd album, one of the best by about anyone
    • Well worth re-buying
    • His masterpiece enhanced by second disc
    • I think this is Costello's best...
    This Year's Model (With Bonus Disc)
    Elvis Costello
    Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    British PunkBritish Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    New WaveNew Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    BritainBritain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Rhino RecordsRhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. My Aim Is True (With Bonus Disc)
    2. Armed Forces
    3. Get Happy!!
    4. Trust
    5. Imperial Bedroom

    ASIN: B00005Y1XZ
    Release Date: 2002-02-19

    Tracks:

    1. No Action
    2. This Year's Girl
    3. The Beat
    4. Pump It Up
    5. Little Triggers
    6. You Belong To Me
    7. Hand In Hand
    8. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea
    9. Lip Service
    10. Living In Paradise
    11. Lipstick Vogue
    12. Night Rally
    13. Radio, Radio

    Tracks:

    1. Big Tears
    2. Crawling To The USA
    3. Running Out Of Angels (Demo)
    4. Greenshirt (Demo)
    5. Big Boys (Demo)
    6. You Belong to Me (Demo)
    7. Radio, Radio (Demo)
    8. Neat Neat Neat (Live)
    9. Roadette Song (Live)
    10. The Price Of Love
    11. This Year's Girl (Alt. Version)
    12. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea (Alt. Version)
    13. Stranger In The House (BBC Version)

    Amazon.com essential recording

    Only months after his initial conquest with My Aim Is True, Elvis Costello delivered an even fiercer diatribe. His first record with the long-running Attractions, 1978's This Year's Model remains one of that blistering rock year's most indelible albums. Orwellian even when not directly alluding to the great man (a sly nod to 1984 on "Living in Paradise"), the 22-year-old and band crashed through the raging anti-party of "Pump It Up" ("When you don't really need it"), the perverted Spectorisms of "Hand in Hand," the punk manifesto "Radio, Radio," and the stylishly anti-fashion "This Year's Girl" (in the season of Suzanne Somers, no less) with no less force than the Clash. Probably his greatest, most elegantly imagined and rendered long-player. The bonus tracks on Rhino's 2002 edition include an "Alison"-style take on Costello's country ballad "Stranger in the House" and a cover of the Damned's "Neat Neat Neat," both early proof of the new king's adeptness at outfitting his sets with conceptually brilliant surprises. --Rickey Wright

    Album Description

    Next batch of Rhino Records expanded reissues, each beautifully remastered and presented with a bonus disc of rarities. Bonus disc material Running Out Of Angels (Demo) 'Greenshirt' (Demo), 'Big Boys' (Demo), 'You Belong to Me' (Demo), 'Radio, Radio' (Demo), 'Neat Neat Neat' (Live), 'Roadette Song' (Live), 'The Price Of Love', 'This Year's Girl' (Alt. Version), '(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea', (Alt. Version) & 'Stranger In The House' (BBC Version).

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A rock classic beautifully rendered on cd.......2007-01-30

    The merits of this album need not be discussed here. This Year's Model has been widely regarded as a rock classic for over twenty years now. What does need addressing, however, is the sound Rhino has acheived in rendering this recording on cd.

    The 'remastering' game that has been going on for the past decade has yielded mixed results. Record companies promising superior sound have come up short more than half the time when it comes to reissuing classics. Lucky for us, that's hardly the case with Rhino's treatment of Elvis Costello's back catalog.

    This Year's Model is what every fan hopes for when plunking down hard earned cash for an album he already owns. The sound is incredibly warm with every instrument coming through distinctly. It is as if the Attractions have set up shop in your living room. Seriously, the immediacy of this recording is so impressive that I had to play it on the cheapest stereo in my house just to make sure I wasn't imagining it.

    Revisit a classic and hear what you missed the first time around. This Rhino series will be the death of our pocketbooks.

    5 out of 5 stars elvis's 2nd album, one of the best by about anyone.......2006-09-13

    i had been in a deer hunting accident. i awoke in a hospital and down the hall a boombox was playing this album very loudly. i knew everything was going to be okay.

    5 out of 5 stars Well worth re-buying.......2006-04-27

    I owned an older CD of this from the 80s, one of his rocking-est albums and my favorite, along with "Delivery Man". The definitely superior sonic remaster (not a lot of obvious re-mixing for a change!), the bonus disc and informative liner notes really made this worth buying. I subsequently bought the other remasters with bonus discs, and now have a huge library of THE Elvis (as I heard him claim on a radio interview in 1977), with loads of demos, alternative versions and tasty goodies.

    5 out of 5 stars His masterpiece enhanced by second disc.......2006-03-15


    This second album by Elvis Costello is far better than My Aim is True, in my opinion. The tunes are more immediate with much more of a pop flavour whilst the music is also more rhythmically varied and compelling. It marks the transition to his wonderfully accessible Armed Forces masterpiece.

    There is even a reggae beat in (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea and a ballad with lovely piano - Little Triggers. My favourites on the original disc are the up-tempo Pump It Up, You Belong To Me and the poignant This Year's Girl, plus of course the pulsating Radio Radio with its subversive lyrics. Night Rally is somewhat dark and disturbing.

    The second disc includes a wealth of previously unreleased tracks, demo tracks, live and alternative versions. Not all of these alternate takes are as gripping as the familiar versions but they are certainly interesting and worthwhile, demonstrating various facets of his extraordinary musicianship.

    5 out of 5 stars I think this is Costello's best..........2006-01-26

    In truth, I've only been exposed to ten or eleven of Elvis' 30+ records. Some are very good. Some are very bad. Still others are just okay. But This Year's Model beats 'em all, except possibly its sequel, Armed Forces.
    The first thing you may notice about this album is the difference in bands. Clover, Costello's collaborators on My Aim Is True (his third-best), were just another bar band. Not the Attractions. The Attractions were an anaglam of punk, New Wave and a bit of funk (listen to Bruce Thomas' bass, and you'll know what I'm talking about). They're also far more fierce. They don't just rock, they rock with a vengeance. And everybody adds something important: Bruce and Pete Thomas give a strong, supple, funk-rock rhythm section; Steve Nieve, weird, sometimes cheesy keyboards. And Elvis of course gives the VENOM.
    Then there's the songwriting, which is even sharper than it was first time out. The melodies are always strong, whether the song itself is great (the Beatles-like No Action; the cynical This Year's Girl, lightspeed Lipstick Vogue) or just okay (Little Triggers, Hand in Hand). But even the just-okay songs are listenable. And the lyrics. Remember how I talked about venom? It's all over the place. You've got your big, bad, funky anti-hendoist classic Pump It Up (with the ultimate shout-along chorus - arena-ready, but in a good way. And that bass solo!), the nervy, paranoid, very underrated Beat (which I think is my favorite on the album - I love the chorus and Neive's keyboards), the unforgivably nasty, take-no-prisoners attitude of This Year's Girl (Based on the Rolling Stones' Stupid Girl, which it manages to one-up in the anger department); the aforementioned Lipstick Vogue, which again spares nothing in putting down an ex-lover ("Sometimes I almost feel... just like a human being" - great, GREAT lyric), and my second-favorite, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, where Costello unloads all his ire against vanity. And it's funky, with Elvis almost rapping over the tight groove. Love it. Oh, almost forgot the Spector-esque protest Radio, Radio. WHAT A SONG! While Costello was mad with everybody, he decided corrupt, payola-influenced DJ's would be another valid target. And while it's essentially whining, who can argue with the brutal lyric "They say you'd better listen to the voice of reason/but they don't give you a choice because they think that it's treason" (or something like that)? Love the video, too. I'm not the kind who sits around watching MTV or VH1 - I saw it at a Hard Rock Cafe - but it was amazing, just so unpretentiously fun - look at Steve Nieve in the background, totally making a fool of himself. (It's worth noting that, right afterwards, GN'R's pompous, unintentionally hilarious video for Estranged came on - no need to ask which one I prefered, I hope). More to the point though, that's a hell of a video.
    And this is a hell of an album. Like My Aim is True and Armed Forces, it's all the Costello a beginner needs, along with a compilation of some kind.

    Music Review:

    1. 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Chris de Burgh [Enhanced] [Original recording remastered]
    2. 42.5
    3. A Roof for the Rain
    4. After Hours at Hull University [Live]
    5. Albion Heart
    6. At the Foot of Yonders Mountain
    7. Beyond Recall: Record of Jewish Musical Life in [Box set]
    8. Bodies Of Water
    9. Bridge of Love
    10. Call Me Home

    Music Review

    music review

    Recommended Music:

    7 Days [CD-single] [Import]

    Dvorák:String Quartets op. 96 & 105

    Great Romantic Overtures

    Best of Contemporary Jazz, Vol. 1

    Jalaito

    Funk Um Agin...(Live in L.a.) [Import]

    II or More

    In the Running

    Four Bridges

    El Gran Pelon [Explicit Lyrics]

    Fiend at the Controls

    El Pico Del Tucán

    History of Techno [Box set] [Import]

    Saint-Saens: Bassoon Sonata; Grondahl: Bassoon Concerto; Rontgen: Basoon Sonata

    The Complete Village Vanguard Sessions