Helium [Explicit Lyrics]

Helium [Explicit Lyrics]

Track Listings

1. Into the Ground

2. Just His Girlfriend

3. Ouch

4. Make It Go Away

5. Cup of Love

6. Helium

7. Low Action

8. Jesse

9. Bye-Bye Lighter

10. Last Cigarette

11. For Lack of Anything

12. Snow Globe

Tracks:

Strange Procession
Want
Doges
Darker Room
Rock Paper Scissors
Tangerine
Light Star
Pond
Silverized
Pasadena (Pt. One)
Pasadena (Pt. Two)

Amazon.com

It's been 14 years since Michael Brook did a proper solo album, Cobalt Blue, but that doesn't mean the guitarist has been absent from music. He's produced and performed on pop recordings by Julia Fordham and Jorane and made numerous albums for the Real World label, including signature releases by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Djivan Gasparyan, and Hukwe Zawose. He's also composed and performed on film scores and was part of Hans Zimmer's soundtrack posse, contributing notably to Black Hawk Down, among others. He throws all of that into his new album, RockPaperScissors, which could've been called RockPaperScissors and Whatever, as Brook slices up a career's worth of influences and drops them in one load--albeit an elegant one. Lebanese violinist Claude Chalhoub turns in a mournful duet with Brook on "Tangerine," singer Paul Buchanan shows up on the title track, and a Bulgarian choir turns up incongruously on a dreamy, '60s style guitar instrumental, "LightStar." There are King Crimson-like guitar grooves on "3 Doges," and on "Darker Room," a spoken-word sample of Richard Burton performing Dylan Thomas's "Under Milk Wood," quoting the "Starless and bible-black" line that Crimson connoisseurs will note as the title to a one of their albums. Given Brooks's extensive work as a film composer and session artist, it makes sense that much of the disc has a cinematic quality, with many tracks featuring a full orchestra. Excepting Lisa Germano's haunting turn on "Want", the other two vocal tunes drag. Rather than honing a sound, as he did with Cobalt Blue, RockPaperScissors brims with too many ideas, as if Brook thought it might be another 14 years till his next album and he had to get it all out now. --John Diliberto

Customer Reviews:

Bold, Beautiful, Haunting.......2006-10-26

So compelling is this CD that on the rare occasions when the house empties, the first thing I do is turn on RockPaperScissors. It requires closer attention; one listening and you are entranced-at least I was. Then it resonates within you. Oh, Tangerine is so sweet and haunting. The Bulgarian Orchestra, Bulgarian Classical Choir, the Cosmic Voices- wow, it adds such a large dramatic sensation. I Loved Richard Burton doing Dylan Thomas in Dark Room. Bold, Beautiful, Haunting.

Wow........2006-08-09

I heard Mr. Brook on Weekend Edition, thought he sounded like a great guy and I wanted to support him and his new album he spoke so eloquently about. RPS, as I call it now, came a couple days ago, and this might be a bit cheesy, but I believe this album to be magical. Somewhat a musician myself I am amazed at the seamlessness and gorgeousness of transitions every time I listen to any piece on this record. Brook very masterfully goes from electric guitar to an orchestra to a Bulgarian choir and it's so great that 1. I wish I had written it and 2. why doesn't everyone put a Bulgarian choir on their album!? It's just really beautiful. I can't even pick my favorite piece because honestly my answer changes every time I listen to it.

Supposedly this new album is a slight departure from previous works, if other online reviews are to be believed, and if it is, it is a departure to beauty and lushiness and exquisite detail that is so very worth listening to.

sublime razors' edge.......2006-08-01

I am a longtime and loyal fan of Michael Brook. I believe him to be a brilliantly innovative and creative musical force. I was extremely excited when I heard he was coming out with a long overdue solo release.

'Cobalt Blue' is still one of my all-time favorites and his collaborations with Nusret Fateh Ali Khan and Djivan Gasparyan are equally powerful and compelling offerings. All masterpieces.

Brook has such a unique way of structuring his compositions, and when coupled with his experimental sonic approach it's just breathtaking. So many unpredictable and engrossing sounds, but not in a self-important way. It is very mindful of the vast expressive sea in which he swims in.

Upon repeated listenings within the past few days, I have to say that that "RockPaperScissors" is very captivating and engaging. Though I also enjoyed it upon first listen, I somewhat agree with the other review below that it didn't fully sink in upon first listen. I'm glad it didn't. I usually find that the greatest work - music that penetrates deeply and lasts over time - usually has to possess this enigmatic quality. Michael Brook has captured it in spades.

I also read the critical review and see that person's point; the album at first is a bit wide in its scope. Yes, it is representative of Brooks' entire oeuvre, but in the best of ways. Even Brook describes it as a 'travelogue'. In the end, it absolutely adds up to much more than the sum of its parts, and thus, it is great art.

However, I don't believe that the particular reviewer who wrote that review allowed himself the pleasure of repeatedly listening to this sublime recording. There are many layers here, both sonically and vibrationally (if you know what I mean), which cannot possibly be absorbed in one or two surface listens. It is also important to be in the 'right' environment and headspace to openly receive this type of reverent music.

Having heard "RockPaperScissors" now seven or eight times I fully 'get it'. It truly is a masterpiece. In some ways better than other previous albums, but only time will tell.

Though I love the entire collection of songs, highlights for me are: "Strange Procession" is classic Brook, with abrupt changes in tempo and haunting guitar notes. "Doges" is a polished and primal ethno-trance sure to pull you into the jungle muse. The title track, "Rock Paper Scissors" even works for me; Buchanans' voice works perfectly with Brooks' sonic weave . "Light Star" perfectly builds into crescendos with the assistance of a surprising contrasted Bulgarian chorus. Again it totally works, very well I may add. "Silverized" is my favorite; it's just gorgeous and terribly beautiful. It reminds me a bit of Eno & Lanois' "Deep Blue Day" from "Apollo" soundtracks, which may simulataneously be the most inspiring and deeply sad song ever recorded.

I only hope we don't have to wait another 14 years for Brook to come out with another solo recording. He is far too gifted and amazing to just allow those he works with to take centerstage. Shine on Michael Brook! Thanks for all of your creative energy, it is very appreciated.

P.S. For those who may be interested, check out an interview NPR had with him on Sundays 'Weekend Edition' (July 30, 2006). Nice insight and very humbling indeed.

Really really beautiful.......2006-07-28

The first time I listened to this new album I quite liked it but wasn't blown away. A fellow Brook fan told me to give it one more listen and as I did I was fascinated by a billion details that I'd missed on the first time around. I was amazed and yes, blown away. It's a gorgeous piece of work ---- Tangerine in particular. It's all stunning, really.

Average customer rating:

Hint At Riot To Tint Hair = Ultimate Rhino Hit
Reinventing the setup with insane fusion project
it's -->FUNKAY <--
DISTINCTIVE
Helium - Tin Hat Trio

Helium
Tin Hat Trio
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00004NRQ2
Release Date: 2000-04-11

Tracks:

A Life In East Poultney
Helium
Beverly's March
Scrap
Sand Dog Blues
Fountain of Youth
Slip
Width Of The World
Seamstress Extraordinaire
Esperanto
Big Blue House
Old Grey Mare
Brennero
Anna Kournikova
Helium Reprise

Customer Reviews:

Hint At Riot To Tint Hair = Ultimate Rhino Hit.......2006-12-24

Accordion, violin & banjo (or sometimes dobro, harmonica and viola) make a bluegrass/Klezmer kind of sound, although the compositions tend toward a more cinematic sweep. Like Messiaen's "Quatuor pour la fin du temps" the instrumentation here feels accidental, circumstantial even. THT wanders between salon music and fractured dance band, never really deciding who, or what they are.

Or maybe what they are is this fuzzy in-between, where nothing is what it seems?

Helium is the second lightest element.

Reinventing the setup with insane fusion project.......2006-07-17

This ambitious band delivers it's own special brand of totally unique tango-americana by way of classical, parisian, and western influence. The unclassified trio does make extremely artsy, experimental music, although for this exception to the rule the savagely upbeat and extremely talented nature of the music will make everyone but the most self conscious listeners forget that the band sounds so weird since most likely they will be so engrossed in it's singular propulsion. Featuring outstanding musicianship from the three players (violin, guitar, piano-accordion), the level of interplay and synergy here is quite stunning- particularly through the ears of one who has true appreciation for musical composition. The sparse, though wildly eccentric, tunes do everything they can at each and every turn to floor with virtuoso-like precedence that would have become mired in it's own boxed off approach had it not been for the surging melodies to reel the listener back in from an overextended gray zone of "playing". As it is, this band is not to be ignored.

it's -->FUNKAY <--.......2001-03-04

tin hat rips 5h!t up. creepy 5h!t.

DISTINCTIVE.......2000-08-18

Is jazz too limiting a word? Tin Hat Trio makes a case in point. While certainly jazz oriented, they owe more of a debt to Charles Ives than to Charles Parker. Are they rooted in jazz? No less than they are rooted in the Serialist and Art music tradition. Yet, they certainly are capable of swinging. I think it is fair to say that they neatly encompass several strands of 20th century music including jazz. A Life in East Poultney starts it off showing a little more of a tendency to branch out into different styles than they had shown on Memory Is An Elephant. An Irish folk feeling prevails rather than the harmonic minor shuffle that endures through most of the first album. The second track is more reminiscent of the first album having that sort of Europe between the wars vibe. Throughout the album one can hear strands of Chet Atkins, Bill Frisell, Tom Waits (included on the final cut by the way), Stuff Smith, Alban Berg and a virtual potpourri of different musical styles. Country, Klezmer, Swing, Italian restaraunt music, there's alot to choose from here. My only complaint: A couple of the tracks really swing (#11,#13). I would have really loved to hear these themes developed further and improvised on. An excellent album-eccelectic yet still very much restrained. Their influences are all over the map, yet their sound is very distinctive.

Helium - Tin Hat Trio.......2000-06-21

I would recommend this CD to any one who likes good music with a difference. No one else that I know of puts out such wonderful unique and soothing music. I can't get enough of this CD! Every cut is great! The blend of sounds....truly wonderful! I hope these three gifted musicians are around for a long time to come! I really can't put into words what this music does to me. I love it. (Tom Waits ain't bad either!)

Average customer rating:

a tale of two worlds
Wow/Awesome/that's what I call music
Fantastic Vocals, Thrilling Instrumentals
Fantastic German pop

Helium Vola + Omnis Mundi Creatura
Helium Vola
Manufacturer: Chrom
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Qntal III: Tristan Und Isolde
Illuminate
IV: Ozymandias
Signum
Irfan

ASIN: B00005QZAC
Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

Funerali
Les Habitants Du Soleil
Omnis Mundi Creatura
Begirlich In Dem Hertzen Min
Je Chante Par Couverture
Gegen Einen Teufel
Fama Tuba
Losepruch
Sancte Sator
Du Tagte Ez
Les Habitants Du Soleil (Reprise)
Luvenes
Selig

Customer Reviews:

a tale of two worlds.......2007-01-04

charmed by the cover and mysterious name and hearing of their association to e nomine, i was instantly attracted to helium vola. the version i bought had 2 CDs, one, the single for Omnis Mundi Creatura and two the original self-titled release seen above. The single was exactly what i had anticipated; a strong beat that makes you tap your feet and nod your head, a latin choir-based chorus that chants a catchy melody, and mostly satisfactory programming/engineering. however, most of the rest of the release is not like this.

in fact, it seems divided into two worlds. one, the enchantingly beautiful world of 'les habitants du soleil,' 'du bist min' and 'bergirlich in dem hertzen min;' and two, the bizarre, darker world of 'fama tuba,' 'sancte sator' and 'gegen den teufel.' the former reminds one of a stroll through a sunlit monastery courtyard, while the latter invokes a clandestine and rather dark, cultic ritual. this rather dichotomous approach is more consolidated toward the end of the CD with 'do tagte es' which more or less combines the two worlds. 'selig' is more playful than the rest of the CD, and makes a great closing track; probably my favorite of the whole album.

both worlds utilize archaic german vocals, mostly for their magnificently gifted female vocalist, and latin for their darker male soloists and choir. the cd is quite unique in its approach and execution. much more serious than corvus corax, yet not the deathknell that is sopor aeternis, the album certainly makes for an interesting journey.

the album gets four stars from me because i favor the ethereal beauty of 'begirlich in dem hertzen min' so much over the likes of 'gegen einen teufel,' a track i keep finding myself having to fast forward through. it interrupts the atmosphere set by the previous tracks in a most unwelcome way. the darkness of it i suppose is intended to add some variety to an otherwise excellent CD. i would have opted for another track like selig; long, catchy, beautiful, beautiful...

by the way, the man behind helium vola is Michael Popp, also the man behind Deine Lakaien and of course the now ever-so popular Qntal.

Wow/Awesome/that's what I call music.......2004-08-17

Exquisitely beautiful dance inducing dark penetrating music.

I bought this unheard (though I had heard a few 30 second clips of another Helium Vola CD), thanks partially to the two previous reviewers.

I loved The Inhabitants of the Sun (I am sorry, I do not have the CD with me, and I cannot remember how to spell it), but the entire album is gorgeous. It surges and swells and dips - it reminds me of a thick, dark slow moving, perhaps, liquid.

It is intense and enters you

Fantastic Vocals, Thrilling Instrumentals.......2003-08-21

This CD is absolutely fantastic, the vocals harmonize beautifully. It is something of a mix between Dark Techno, Gothic, Opera, and Chanting. Definitely one to own, pleasant enough for the whole family, it will exceed your expectations.
1. Funerali -- intro track, fairly nonexistant.
2. Les Habitants Du Soleil -- rather slow song, the vocals really stand out well. 3/5
3. Omnis Mundi Creatura -- one of the best tracks on the CD, fast, great beat, a remix cd of this song is included 5/5
4. Begirlich In Dem Hertzen Min -- slow, sad song, beautiful, nearly brings tears to the eyes 5/5
5. Je Chante Par Couverture -- medium paced, mezmerizing song 4/5
6. Gegen Einen Teufel -- slower, bassy male chanting song 4/5
7. Fama Tuba -- faster, very punchy track, quite different from the majority of the disc 4/5
8. Losepruch -- slow, female vocal, brings a snowstorm to mind 4/5
9. Sancte Sator -- faster, great beat, fantastic use of instrumentalization, slightly trancey 5/5
10. Du Bist Min -- slow, this track is not mentioned, but is on the CD; my favorite track on the disc, spectacular 6/5
11. Du Tagte Ez -- slower, tenor & bass chanting, nice bassline, another excellent track, almost magical 5/5
12. Les Habitants Du Soleil (Reprise) -- slightly longer, improved version of the second track 4/5
13. Luvenes -- I've no idea; this track is somewhat strange ?/5
14. Selig -- medium/fast, long, fantastic song, excellent rhythm, catchy beat, you'll be singing Selig all day long 5/5

Fantastic German pop.......2003-02-15

This male-female duo from Germany has made a fantastic record that combines opera and classical influences with German electro and industrial. "Omnis Mundi Creatura" combines a gorgeous orchestration and powerful vocal arrangement with a marching drum machine that propels the song at a nice pace. "Selig" sounds like a demented Christmas song. My personal favorite is "Sancte Stor," which sounds like nothing I've ever heard before; clashing vocal pitches ride alongside a panic-inducing industrial rhythm, and the results are phenomenal. If you like stuff like Front 242, Haujobb and Deine Lakaien, GET THIS NOW!

Average customer rating:

Good Album
THE best Helium Record and my opinion counts
Like None Other
probably the best CD you've never heard!
The soundtrack to any Kafka novel

Pirate Prude
Helium
Manufacturer: Matador Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000036S9
Release Date: 1994-04-05

Tracks:

Baby Vampire Made Me
Wanna Be A Vampire Too, Baby.
XXX
OOO
I'll Get You, I Mean It
Love $$$
Track 7 (Surprise Ending)

Customer Reviews:

Good Album.......2005-05-01

When I was a teenager this album helped me deal with my very difficult and disturbed life. My sister gave it to me because she said it was too discordant for her.

Now that I'm a little less disturbed, I find I enjoy their late stuff better. This is still a really great album though. Please buy it, and share it with others, especially people younger than you, so that it doesn't get forgotten.

THE best Helium Record and my opinion counts.......2003-12-05

This record has got to be their best. It's short but it's got really great songs on it. If you're new to Helium upon first listen you'll most likely think, "hmmm, who are they ripping off" but Helium was THE FIRST band like this. I mean, there were surely some bands along the way like Sonic Youth that influenced them as far as guitar driven noise goes but Helium was the first band to put together a sound like this. Whatever the heck they're sound is ... they own it. My favorite Helium record. You won't be dissapointed.

My best explanation of their sound you ask? Mary timony has a really sullen, beautiful, moderately deep voice with a real dead flat pitch to it much like a girl version of Michael Stipe. Almost like she let's out half voice and half air. Can't explain it any better then that. The music is ... noisy ... wall of sounds but with lots of calmness as well, but most all of their songs are dominated by single stringed melodies and that's the most unique thing about their sound. The one string sounding meldodies as opposed to chords. I'm babbling ... listen to this record.

Oh, and if you're depressed then you'll like the record double and if you're not depressed then good for you.

Like None Other.......2001-10-25

This album sets the mood for Helium.
It is a sophisticated version of Veruca Salt. There is even a touch of Bjork on the end of "I'll Get You, I mean It".
In my opinion, Helium could either be considered like none other or a combination of everything. Le Tigre, Letters to Cleo, Veruca Salt,Portishead, etc.

probably the best CD you've never heard!.......2000-01-07

Mary Timony doesn't even have to try to convince you of the band's rare form. They just plug in, pluck away and levitate with a sound that can only be described as their own. Still haven't heard this disc? Go now. You MUST buy this!

The soundtrack to any Kafka novel.......1999-10-16

A keeper and even better live. The juxtaposition of Mary Timony's beautiful voice accompanied by the wrenching sounds of real life confronts you with emotions when you want to hear more of the voice but can't quiet the sounds around it.

Average customer rating:

A great find
Call it Alt -rock one-stop-shopping
Mary Timony is a goddess
Truly exceptional
This is magical music.

The Dirt Of Luck
Helium
Manufacturer: Matador Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Superball

ASIN: B0000036TO
Release Date: 1995-03-07

Tracks:

Pat's Trick
Trixie's Star
Silver Angel
Baby's Going Underground
Medusa
Comet #9
Skeleton
Superball
All The X's Have Wings
Oh The Wind And Rain
Honeycomb
Flower Of The Apocalypse

Customer Reviews:

A great find.......2003-06-23

Saw these guys on the 2nd stage at Lollapalooza in 1995. I was taking a break from watching the hip-hop bands they had thrown into the mix, and was mesmerized by these guys. It's pretty rare I see a band live that I've never heard of -- to hear that band and be blown away, I couldn't believe it. I bought the CD immediately, and didn't stop playing it for 2 years.

It has great lyrics, great music, great mood, great atmosphere, and just rocks. Mary Timony has such a unique sound, I still think mesmerizing is the best word for it.

Call it Alt -rock one-stop-shopping.......2003-05-14

Not to sound flippant or anything--I absolutely adore this record; it's one of my all-time faves. It also has eliminated the need, at least for me, to own several alt-rock classics--"Loveless" by My Bloody Valentine (who's austere, celestial guitar haze is evoked expertly on " Baby's Going Underground" and "Silver Angel") "Slanted and Enchanted" by Pavement (the dolorous, understated twang n' hiss of "Honeycomb" , a track which also niftily does away with the need for Mazzy Star) and "Dirty" by Sonic Youth ("Pat's Trick" and "Medusa" are effortlessly dead-cool--a perfect blend of distaff snarl and urban grit offhandedly intoned from behind Velvets fly shades). Lots of young bands wear thier influences proudly, especially on debuts, but Helium distill thiers in such a way that they end up with something fresh and thrilling. "The Dirt of Luck" is the sound of one young woman (Mary Timony-- the medieval indie-grrl of my dreams) getting together with a couple of friends, plugging in the distortion pedal, and deciding to rule the world--so long as they get done in time to hit the thrift stores before the wannabe-hipsters raid all the courderoy from the factory-seconds rack.

Mary Timony is a goddess.......2002-08-15

I love early Helium and this CD as far as I am concerned is the best. My favorite track is "medusa" which exemplifies riot grrl rock. The lyrics hit heard and Mary Timony's trademark gravely voice is splendid. Buy this C.D. if you love riot grrl music, want to get into good riot grrl music, or if you've never heard Mary Timony before.

Truly exceptional.......2002-02-27

This CD by a relatively little-known band, is truly amazing. People who listen to this CD love it, even if they dislike in general this kind of music. I am personally not at all a fan of alternative/rock etc. music but this is the best alternative CD of the 90s that I have heard, and one of my all-time favorite CDs.

Too bad it looks like Helium is not making any more music. Their last CD, "Magic City" is OK too, but it lacks the magic of "the dirt of luck".

I have heard them once live in Middle East. They were too noisy, not as good as the CD.

This is magical music........2001-11-11

I agree with everything that anyone who has given this album five stars has said. This is rock and pop, but also very emotional, but not the paltry emo-punk that has been clogging airwaves. It is soothing and soaring and magical and blah blah blah, but it evokes as time which I have not been a part of, which would be that of any burgeoning alterative rock/indie scene in a city somewhere. Seattle or New York or San Francisco? Maybe. For ten dollars...geez. You are only too lucky if you buy this.

Average customer rating:

Great Chill-Out record

Helium
The Urban Myth Club
Manufacturer: Trl Music Nl
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000EFTENA
Release Date: 2006-04-24

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E=UMC2
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Atlantic
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Secret
Cloud 9

Album Description

Urban Myth Club hit the world's music radar when a commercial radio station in Canada playlisted all 6 track from an album sampler in Dec 04. This is what followed: Debut at Glastonbury and Big Chill festivals (playing on main stage to a crowd of 5,000) - prior to anything being released. Tunes release (single/EP) - charted top 30 (single/album charts) Music week playlist Jul 05, with feature Oct 05. Collective includes Dezz, Ian Sanderson (previously working with Simon Mills (Bent) as Cuckooland), Any Dragazis (Blue States), Clare Szembek (Funky Lowlives), Stephen Barton (Hollywood film composer - including Narnia, Shrek 2) and more. Freshness & originality setting them apart from the rest" Music Week Absolutely gorgeous" Bob Harris (Radio 2) "Helium has not only blown me away but knocked me out" Pathaan, DJ Magazine "Destined for hugeness" Adam Freeland "Fantastic. One to watch in 2006" Pete Lawrence, Big Chill

Album Details

Urban Myth Club Hit the World's Music Radar When a Commercial Radio Station in Canada Playlisted all Six Tracks from an Album Sampler in Dec 04. That Prompted Music Week in the UK to Proclaim that They Had "Freshness and Originality Setting them Apart from the Rest". The Group Operate as a Collective and the Lineup Includes Dezz, Ian Sanderson (Who Worked with Simon Mills (Of Bent) as Cuckooland), Any Dragazis (Blue States), Clare Szembek (Funky Lowlives), Stephen Barton (Hollywood Film Composer - Including Narnia and Shrek 2) and More. Critical Pronouncements of Best Downtempo Album of the Year have Come in from all Quarters!

Customer Reviews:

Great Chill-Out record.......2007-02-13

This is probably one of the best down-tempo-chill-out albums I have heard in a while. The intro track serves as a preview of the album. It just has that ambient vibe that follows through the entire record. The female vocalist adds a rich texture to most of the tracks on the album.
I recommend this album to anyone who likes to have small get togethers with friends.

Average customer rating:

Under their spell
This city is good.
Gives "Prog" Back Its Good Name
not another fairy tale..
Sultry Surrealism for the 21st Century

Magic City
Helium
Manufacturer: Matador Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000036VZ
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Vibrations
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Ocean Of Wine
Aging Astronauts
Medieval People
Lady Of The Fire
Lullaby Of The Moths
The Revolution Of Hearts Pts. I and II
Ancient Cryme
Cosmic Rays
Devil's Tear
Clementine
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Amazon.com

The second full album from this Boston-based trio is a rich, complex effort that keeps you coming back again and again, and it grows with every listen. Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Mary Timony has a wealth of cool influences--from Krautrock and the Cars to the Velvets and vintage Pink Floyd--but all of them are filtered through her own distinctive personality, and married with lyrics that take an unromantic but nonetheless inspiring view of life in the modern world. Produced by Mitch Easter (Let's Active, R.E.M., Pavement), this is a lush, multi-layered disc full of such enticing touches as funky analog synths, cool overdriven guitar tones, Eastern percussion, and strings. In fact, the sound is almost as seductive as Timony herself. --Jim Derogatis

Customer Reviews:

Under their spell.......2004-12-19

This album is often absent from "Best of the 90's" lists, but it is easily one of the top twenty releases of that decade. Mary Timony transports the listener to her inner fantasy world on this concept album filled with great guitar playing and bizarre medieval instrumentation. The Magic City is surreal, warm, colorful, mysterious, and not without a sense of humor. This is the album that best showcases Mary Timony's talents as both a songwriter and a guitar player. In twenty years, the most creative artists in indie rock will be citing this as a monumental and influential album. Buy this album and listen to it early in the morning as the sun comes up.

This city is good........2004-11-04

Mary Timony is a childwoman genius. Always aloof and sparkling, she presents you an album that will make you want to do a few cartwheels and maybe a little mystical cheerleading. Many props to bassist and drummer for orchestrating the brilliance of this album. I still remain most devoted to The Dirt of Luck, though, so if you like this, eat that, too.

Gives "Prog" Back Its Good Name.......2003-03-26

I hope I'm not offending any indie die-hards out there, but "The Magic City" really does remind me of early Genesis in places, with grandiose, madrigal melodies and odd textures abounding. "Lullaby Of The Moths" immedeately comes to mind, with its lush Elizabethan swoon, and "The Revolution of Hearts Pts I and II" practically screams Gabriel-era Genesis, with it's brusque, galloping riff pattern and eight-minute sprawl. This record is a God-send to me because it finally reconciles my lingering love of the old Genesis records that got me through high school with the indie rock that sustained me through my post-adolescent drift. Mary Timony, on the smattering of Helium releases (two LPs, two EPs) and on her two solo records, has become one of my musical heroes, and this brilliant record has taken a prime spot in my collection, right beside "Foxtrot" and "Selling England By The Pound". Now if only Sleater-Kinney would do a riff-rock record about pipers and misty mountains....

not another fairy tale.........2001-12-09

Mary Timony is just one of those rare poison flowers. She hooks you in with this beautiful "magic" sound, then she throws it in your face. She's so sarcastic/sardonic and it gives her power. This album isn't just another teenage fairy tale girl thing, it goes way beyond that...

Sultry Surrealism for the 21st Century.......1999-10-31

Helium is one of those bands, much like Throwing Muses during the Eighties, that may never be appreciated by the public until after the fact (ten years after).

"The Magic City" is a lush and cryptic album that should be listened to at night with headphones. The dreamy, pastel imagery of Timony is full of texture and color. It's not just Timony's seductive voice and lyrical power that make this record work, it's the range of influences, from Pavement to King Crimson that seem to drive you along as you listen.

Certainly worth the price of admission.

Average customer rating:
EP

Manufacturer: Helium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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Gather Up

Eastmountainsouth

ASIN: B000FFRKVW

Product Description

7 Tracks: 1. Teresa 2. Little STranger 3. One Foot Down 4. Chant 5. Queen of Hearts 6. Lay Your Head Down 7. Gather Up

Average customer rating:

Helium would be one explanation for John Forster's mind
The funniest record ever? Close to it.
Not nearly as good as Entering Marion

Helium
John Forster
Manufacturer: Philo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Entering Marion
Beau Woes and Other Problems of Modern Life

ASIN: B0000003WV
Release Date: 1997-08-05

Tracks:

Helium
In The Closet
My Macedonia
The Tragic Kingdom
Spores
The Ballad Of Robert Moses
I'm Determined To Be King
A Mismatch Made In Hell
The Juice A La Seuss
Type A
Figaro Todd

Customer Reviews:

Helium would be one explanation for John Forster's mind.......2005-03-18

John Forster reminds a lot of people of Tom Lehrer, which makes sense when you consider both are from Harvard and both write wickedly funny songs. Others will be reminded of Shel Silverstein and Alan Sherman, and still others will already know about Forster because of the songs he wrote for albums by Tom Chapin (e.g., "Family Tree," "In My Home Town"), Rosenschantz (e.g., "Family Vacation"), and the Olsen Twins (e.g., "Brother For Sale," "I Am the Cute One"). His lyrics showed up in the Broadway show "Into the Light" while his songs made it as far as off-Broadway in "Upstairs at O'Neals" and "Pretzels." However, it was not until 1994 that he finally released his own album, "Entering Marion," with this second effort, "Helium," coming out in 1997.

However, be forewarned, these are most decidedly NOT "kiddy songs." The title track sounds like it might be a drug song but turns out to be merely an excuse to do a few balloons so the song can be sung in a high-pitched voice, whereas "The Tragic Kingdom" gives us an accented tour of Euro Disneyworld, whether we want it or not. Then there is "I'm Determined to Be King," which begins with a re-enactment of the infamous taped phone conversation between Prince Charles and his beloved Camilla, and then becomes a song in which the heir to the English crown laments that if he cannot be a certain feminine hygiene product he is "determined to be King." You do not want your children hearing that song. For that matter, I do not want Ashley and Mary-Kate hearing that song and I am not exactly a big fan of the uber-tykes.

At least a couple of them should tickle your finger bone, although there may well be more songs in the take it or leave it category. You certainly cannot accuse Forster of finding one little niche and sticking to it. For "The Juice A La Seuss" Forster gives a live recitation of a poem regarding the O.J. Simpson case in verse reminiscent of "The Cat in the Hat" (Thing 1 and Thing 2 are now the blood in the Bronco and the low-speed chase in the Bronco). "Figaro Todd" provides his peculiar take on the opera. In between those two is "Type A," which is Forster's an updated version of Sherman's "Harvey & Shelia." If you have never heard Sherman's song, then you will be more impressed in hearing Forster's ditty. If you have, it certainly has its moments but loses credit for being a totally original idea.

"In The Closet" has some clever things to say about the "don't ask, don't tell" policy towards gays serving in the military. Enchanted by all of the new nations in need of national anthems, Forster enthusiastically offers up "My Macedonia" to a live audience, but as if often the case with many of these songs the idea is a lot better than the execution. The same thing is true about "A Mismatch Made In Hell," a concerted effort to document in great detail the types of opposites that could attract. "Spores" is a duet about what sex would be like if we reproduced the way ferns do (do not knock it until you pay attention to the salient points), and "The Ballad of Robert Moses" celebrates the New York City highway system, which has to be a really ironic idea that most of the country is not going to be able to appreciate. With the hits and misses I was thinking 3.5, but I round up for effort because if there is one thing you can never have too much of in this world it is satirical song writers.

The funniest record ever? Close to it........2000-11-30

I can't believe that anyone would fail to give this record five stars, and I can't believe that John Forster isn't a household name. A co-worker turned me on to this album, and the next day I ordered it and "Entering Marion" from Amazon.

It's hard to describe John Forster in such a way that you can understand how good he is. Perhaps it's best to say that even now, when I've heard this album about a couple of dozen times, I'd be afraid to put it on a portable player and listen to it in public. It's so full of laugh-out-loud moments that other people would think they were in the presence of a madman.

Probably the one best word to describe this is "clever." Forster has the knack of using exactly the right word to make you laugh. Where others would take a song with a single joke and run it into the ground, Forster's inventive songs stand repeated listening. This isn't just for the archly satirical lyrics, but also for the well-written and memorable tunes.

You could describe Forster by saying he's like Tom Lehrer - but that's just the start. He runs the gamut of many musical styles, and he and his musicians are masters of them. To me, the album's standout track is "Spores," where Forster and his wife skewer the romantic duet with some of the wittiest lyrics I've heard.

But this is just one side of his talents. He'll use rock, folk, bluegrass, and classical styles to great advantage, and there really isn't a dud item in the bunch. "Helium" will have you grinning in no time, and tracks like "I'm determined to be king" and "Mismatch made in hell" will crack you up.

John Forster's music should appeal to just about anyone who's ever cracked a smile. And discovering this album solved our holiday gift-giving for many of our friends; we just ordered a whole bunch more from Amazon.

If you think this sounds too good to be true, take a listen to the track excerts above, or go to http://www.com-www.com/JohnForster/johnforster-mp3.html and legally download some Forster mp3s. You'll be back for the albums, I'll bet.

Not nearly as good as Entering Marion.......2000-01-09

This album is even more hit-and-miss than Entering Marion. Only a few songs (most notably "The Juice a la Seuss") really hit the funny bone; the rest seem overlabored ("Type A", Spores) or just too long for the slight subject matter (Figaro Todd, Helium).

And for some reason, the lyrics to "Robert Moses" don't stick in my head at all. I had to listen to the song 5 times just to figure out what he was trying to poke fun of...

At any rate, it's very literally a "sophomore" album-- hopefully the next few albums will graduate John Forster into the realm of the great comedy songwriters. For now, this is mediocre, with a few highlights.

Invincible
Average customer rating:
Invincible
Muse
Manufacturer: Wea/Helium
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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Knights of Cydonia

Starlight

Supermassive Black Hole

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Deadstar/in Your World

ASIN: B000OLG5JA
Release Date: 2007-04-16

Tracks:

Invincible (Album Version)
Knights Of Cydonia (Simian Mobile Disco Remix)

Album Description

2007 CD single from the Britpop superstars taken from their Black Holes And Revelations album. Features 'Invincible' plus 'Knights Of Cydonia' (Simian Mobile Disco Mix). Warner.

Album Details

An Outstanding Extraction from the Critically Acclaimed Album "Black Holes and Revelations" Backed with a Different Version of "Knights of Cydonia" Remixed by Simian Mobile Disco!

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