Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling

Track Listings
 
1. Ugly Duckling
2. Blue Moon on the Horizon
3. The Vegetarian Blues
4. Claire Bear's Waltz
5. Fatman
6. Tinkerbell
7. 'Round the Horn
8. Another Breakfast Goodbye
9. Living on My Knees
10. (Make That) Pigeon Holler
11. Gone
12. May There Be a Road
13. Like Sherman to the Sea

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The musical paths of Beckie and Sid first crossed in a jazz workshop in the mid 80's in Columbus, OH. Outside the workshop, Sid was always looking for opportunities to expand the variety in his instrumental musical styles. Beckie was developing her vocal and songwriting skills. In time they found that they complimented each other and began to work together in 1990.

Influences on their music are nearly countless, but there is the common appeal acoustic sounds. Although jazz is largely on his mind, Sid's early exposure to ethnic music and the Incredible String Band is still apparent. Beckie has always been drawn to the honest, straight- forward sound of early country and folk music.

For the past seven years they've both performed with the Columbus, Ohio based Celtic band Stark Raven.

Product Description
original eclectic acoustic tunes and songs featuring vocals guitars mandolin fiddle flute whistle banjo tuba tablas upright bass drums and percussion. husband/wife duo, with friends

Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling,Beckie and Sid
Bang for the Buck
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • not perfect, still great
  • Boring...
  • I think I gotta hit ya like SMACK!
  • Worth the Bang for your Buck
  • Back to funk
 Bang for the Buck
Ugly Duckling
Manufacturer: Fatbeats
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Stepfather
  2. Fresh Mode
  3. Taste the Secret
  4. The Next Step
  5. O.S.T.

ASIN: B000EQ47XG
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

  1. Bang For The Buck
  2. Yudee!
  3. The Breakdown
  4. Left Behind
  5. Smack
  6. Einsteins On Stage
  7. Let It Out
  8. Lower The Boom
  9. Andy vs. Dizzy
  10. Slow The Flow
  11. Shoot Your Shot
  12. The End Of Time

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars not perfect, still great.......2007-05-24

I want to change this review to 4 stars but amazon won't let me.

Production on this album is excellent. Really stellar. Unfortunately there are several tracks I have to skip every time. 3, 5, 8 and usually 10 are out of the question. See, UD is not a tough band, and on this album they make some stabs at it. I understand their frustration for being so dope for so long and still being underground, but they really aren't good with confrontation. Also, they can get a bit boring. But that's only some of the tracks. The rest of the tracks are close to perfect once you acclimate to their style and really hit you hard. They satisfy an urge no other group can reach.

This album is worth buying. YEs production on half of the tracks is sit up and take notice jaw droppingly great. Worth the cost of admission.

Andy vs Dizzy goes to Andy easily, its a joke. He kills. Great stuff with a Digital Underground shout. Dizzy's schtick is personality, but nothing on this album connects compared to his earlier work with the exception of track 11, a great posse cut with PUTS. Be warned though, Double K's verses do not abide by the UD squeaky clean standards. Great cut though.

In all good stuff, but I stand by my earlier recommendation that the neophyte begin with their earlier work, Journey to Anywhere and especially Fresh Mode.

2 out of 5 stars Boring..........2006-06-24

I like Ugly Duckling's earlier music, although all their tracks have the same flaw. They all sound the same! The lyrics are just too rambling. If you skip to the middle of each song you can hardly even tell it's a different track. They dont even really rap, it's more like talking over a beat.

Track 3 "The Breakdown" starts strong, the beat starts up at 0:10 and you're like wow this is going to be hot! Then at 0:19 that beat fades out and some other garbage starts... It's reused again at the chorus but the whole song just doesnt gel, it's like two different beats moulded as one. It's almost as if they had a pile of acapellas laying around they needed to find beats for and just slap it together and shipped it...

Anyway if you're new to the underground scene, avoid this. Check out some of their earlier stuff first at least... UD, get a better producer and try changing up the flow a bit more.

5 out of 5 stars I think I gotta hit ya like SMACK!.......2006-06-16

Say you got three white guys from Long Beach in a hip hop group, one of whom is a DJ who wears a big dookie gold neck chain, and whose music sports a catalog of songs about not cursing on the mic, being nice and respectful to women, a fictional fast food restaurant that serves liquified meat, and dreams about cartoon characters. Chances are you'd probably think it was pretty lame. And that's ok, but since their debut EP, it doesn't seem like Ugly Duckling really cares. They're too busy making some of the most consistently great golden era hip hop to really listen to any complaints.

Bang for the Buck is a culmination of why every Ugly Duckling album has been great. It combines the playfulness of Journey to Anywhere, with the themes and production style of Taste the Secret, and the unflagging dedication to old school hip hop of Fresh Mode. Only, it sounds different...and better. Maybe because DJ Young Einstein is on top of his game, making some of the most ridiculously layered beats. Just have a listen to the organ-punched beat of "Yudee" or the drums on "Einstein's On Stage" (with a nice Gangstarr shout out). Maybe it's because Dizzee has stepped his game up by leaps and bounds ever since the Combo Meal EP, with stellar verses on "Left Behind" and "Andy vs. Dizzy". Maybe it's because Andy Cooper is still the anchor that he's always been, throwing out some great bars on the single "Smack!" and the title track. But something about this album manages to click, bringing together all the reasons you love UD, and leaving out all the reasons you may not (e.g. the God references, excessive goofiness, kitschy gimmicks to end the songs, excessive interludes).

But from the moment you hear the gunshot of "Bang for the Buck" until the bouncingly epic final track, "The End of Time", Ugly Duckling takes you a ride that rarely lets up, turning the other cheek to any of the naysayers and pledging their dedication to the playful and childlike glee that comes with hearing your first hip hop record. Listen close enough, and it may rub off on you too.

5 out of 5 stars Worth the Bang for your Buck.......2006-04-24

So many reasons why this album is so great! The beats are just so whack and they have their distinct style of rapping it's just unreal! I love it how they change beats throughout the song halfway and then change it back. They are not like the generic rappers you'd hear on the radio. These guys are truly something!

5 out of 5 stars Back to funk.......2006-04-22

Ugly Duckling has topped themselves with Bang For the Buck. Journey To Anywhere has that special place on my top albums list, but I'm able to admit that the new UD has definitely shown how far they've come and how good they've gotten. While Taste the Secret was a very fun, upbeat and more unique sounding record, Bang For the Buck sounds like a return that classic funk sound. Einstein kills it with his incredible beats, and Andy's and Dizzy's flows took it to another level. It's hard to say which songs are the standout tracks, because all the songs are awesome with their own different sounds. I'm already waiting for the next album and for UD's return to the states to show off their skills live.
Taste the Secret
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Genius
  • Smart rap for the No Logo crowd
  • another underated masterpiece
  • The Pinnacle of Creativity
  • Not their best, but....
 Taste the Secret
Ugly Duckling
Manufacturer: Emperor Norton
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fresh Mode
  2. Bang for the Buck
  3. Journey To Anywhere (Bonus CD)
  4. Journey to Anywhere
  5. Leftovers

ASIN: B00009IC1F
Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

  1. Opening Act
  2. Turn It Up
  3. Meatshake
  4. Dumb It Down
  5. Abigail Silk
  6. Energy Drink
  7. The Drive-Thru
  8. Mr. Tough Guy
  9. Pass It On
  10. La Revolucion
  11. Potty-Mouth
  12. Daisy
  13. The Confrontation
  14. Rio De Janeiro
  15. I Wanna Go Home
  16. Goodnight Now

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Genius.......2006-01-07

So who here is tired of the gangster garbage rap has succumb to these days? yeah thats pretty much everyone. So has ugly duckling, so they released an album to completely overthrow that. They managed to make an amazing album entirely without cursing or any guest appearances. This album is just a funny, chilled out album. For those not feeling the G-rated style this album contains then i think your crazy becuase i find it hillarious. "Dumb It Down" is the key song in this album as it pokes fun at the whole "its cool to dumb" thing the majority of the youth hip hop world has become nowadays. They do it with funny, clever rhymes from Andy and Dizzy and really the best beats Young Einstein has put together to date. "Meat Shake" is another great song that parodies major fast food companies going overboard with the amount of beef put on menus these days. "Rio De Janiero" is one of the best laced hip hop - jazz beats ive ever heard all about that feeling everyone has to just get away. But enough about the songs, the point is that theres nothing new about Ugly Duckling except that this album is their best to date and i reccomend it really to anyone.

4 out of 5 stars Smart rap for the No Logo crowd.......2005-09-30

Great beats, solid anti-consumerist message, and, for a wonder, funny skits. The smarts come through all the way from the songs to the packaging. I picked this up on spec because I liked the cover. Definitely counts as a find.

4 out of 5 stars another underated masterpiece.......2005-09-17

more like 4 and a half but this is a great great album einstiens production is some of the best very old school and very detailed and layered you can tell that this is a man that puts his heart and soul into his music and that is definitely a good thing dizzy and andy are very underated lyricsts and it doesnt really show on this album maybe more on journey to anywhere but never the less they are great the skits are hilarious and those of you who chose to give this a one star review i dont know what your smokin but this is by far a better album than journey to anywhere. Dont get me wrong Journey was good but this is better

4 out of 5 stars The Pinnacle of Creativity .......2004-12-19

What is hip-hop? Is hip-hop about sharp rhymes and catchy hooks? "Off the chain" beats and brilliant production? Maybe one's definition of hip-hop is some super sick one-hundred bar verse. However, for myself, hip-hop is more than that. Hip-hop is a culture that has been exploited by mainstream America. That's why Ugly Ducklings' Taste the Secret is not on your typical "hip-hop's most wanted" list.

Taste the Secret is off the meat rack (no pun intended). Sure, this is no Long Live the Kane or Critical Beatdown, but for this album to be released in 2003, you can't help by feel Taste the Secret has taken you on a trip back to the Golden Ages of hip-hop. This album doesn't have any one single outstanding track. It's more like one big track into an entire album. From beginning to end, you really don't notice the transition from one track to another. It's a joyride true hip-hop fans will cherish in an era where true hip-hop isn't abundant.

I'm not a huge fan of Ugly Ducklings' other works, but Taste the Secret was something I found one of the best releases of 2003 (a fairly good year for hip-hop music). This album did big things for the underground community. Not an undisputed classic, but I'd reward 4.5 stars. You're not going to discover verses that'll make you sick to your stomach (in a good way), but you'll find yourself wishing the Golden Age of hip-hop still existed. Taste the Secret was like a brief ray of sunshine in a day and age where hip-hop is for the most part is overcast.

4 out of 5 stars Not their best, but...........2004-11-16

In the annals of hip hop, plenty of different movements have come and gone. The message folks were replaced by the gangstas. The gangstas were replaced by the rappers who just want to have fun. The funsters were replaced by the deep thinkers, and the deep thinkers were replaced by the gangstas. Through it all, most of the movements have stayed around, they've merely moved out of the mainstream. Well, the fun rappers are alive in the underground, and, along with a handful of others (Pigeon John, LA Symphony, Dirtburg, etc.) Ugly Duckling is headlining the movement, even if they're not headlining the tours.

With Fresh Mode and Journey to Anywhere, Dizzy Dustin, Andy Cooper and Young Einstein showed us that they were students of old school hip hop. Throwing rhymes back and forth, finishing each other's sentences, upbeat rhymes about goin' out on Friday Night, scratchin' the dickens out of old vinyl, etc. were (and still are) a breath of fresh air. Taste the Secret takes the same style, and mixes it up with a quirky theme that provides one of the most disgusting (but funny) hip hop songs I've ever heard (MeatShake). There are some extremely high quality tracks on this album, my favorite of which is Turn It Up, a call to...well...turn it up. Opening Act is a fun track that explains UD's position in the hierarchy of touring hip-hop. Potty Mouth is an entertaining track that exposes the use of curse words as a crutch/marketing gimmick. The cd as a whole is pretty good, but these three tracks stand out in my mind. The picture is this, Taste the Secret is a step back for the group, but considering that they were already about 4 steps ahead of most hip-hop, so it's not a huge deal.
Journey to Anywhere
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A New Semester at the Ol' Skool
  • UNDERATED
  • Ol' Skool Guyz & Very Funny Album
  • Old School In 2000
  • This one is classic
 Journey to Anywhere
Ugly Duckling
Manufacturer: 1500
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fresh Mode
  2. Bang for the Buck
  3. Taste the Secret
  4. Question in the Form of an Answer
  5. Or Stay Tuned

ASIN: B00004Y6RS
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

  1. Introduckling
  2. I Did It Like This
  3. Journey To Anywhere
  4. Friday Night
  5. A Little Samba
  6. The Pike
  7. If You Wanna Know
  8. Eye On The Gold Chain/The Piano Bar
  9. Pick-Up Lines
  10. Rock On Top/By Your Command
  11. Oasis
  12. Dizzy/Ugly What?
  13. Down The Road
  14. Lay It On Ya

Amazon.com

Although they hail from Long Beach, California, Ugly Duckling couldn't be further afield philosophically from Snoop Dogg, the MC who put their hometown on the hip-hop map. With Andy Cooper and Dizzy Dustin kicking simple yet engaging rhymes and DJ Young Einstein hauling out jazzy midtempo beats apparently dusted off from the late '80s and early '90s, UD are as defiantly throwback as the gold chains they occasionally rock. Add a goofy sense of humor to the mix and the nonsensical anti-jiggy flavor of "A Little Samba" starts to make absolute sense. After single-handedly attempting to resurrect the usage of the word "fresh" in hip-hop circles on their debut EP, Fresh Mode, this entertaining full-length picks up where they left off, staying true to the intangible essence of hip-hop while remembering to have fun. Now that's F-R-E-S-H. --Del F. Cowie

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A New Semester at the Ol' Skool.......2007-04-16

I feel entitled to throw around the phrase "back in the day," because I actually *existed* back in the day--living on the East Coast, in high school when the seminal "Rapper's Delight" came out. Oodles of street cred right there, huh?

No, but seriously, I've been a hiphop listener from the very beginning, which probably explains why I've become so depressed about a scene that's so formulaic and contrived, loaded with calculating poseurs whose first phone call from jail is probably to their agent.

But then Ugly Duckling stepped up to the plate and provided a huge breath of fresh air that resuscitated my hope! Just one listen to this CD was like musical antidepressants. Tracks range from trippy introspection ("Journey to Anywhere") to silly disses ("Eye on the Gold Chain") to outright hilarious lampoon ("A Little Samba"). Even better, all the tracks are tightly put together, musically engaging, and danceable--or at least toe-tappable.

The way I think this looks back to Old School--and hope it looks forward to a new Golden Age--is that (1)it is rap MUSIC, not rap WALL OF DISCORDANT NOISE; and (2)it's MCs and DJs just being who they are, making the music they feel. That was the great thing about Old School: there were no rules, so acts could be as quirky as they wanted without worrying about being profiled by the Style Cops. I've seen a sifting of other artists into this category, so I remain hopeful--and in the meantime I'm enjoying some great groove-hop!

4 out of 5 stars UNDERATED.......2005-09-07

This is truly truly a wonderful album and dizzy dust and andy bring some great lyrics while einstein drops some funky beats in the vein of a Tribe Called Quest. When I first heard this joint I wasnt feeling it that much the production is a little different from Taste The Secret but it started to grow on me after a while and im sure it will grow on you to. If you are tired of rappers always talking about rims, hoes, guns, and money and long for that golden age of Hip Hop when it was all about showin your skills on the mic and just havin fun with the music than this may be your new favorite group.

5 out of 5 stars Ol' Skool Guyz & Very Funny Album.......2005-02-12

1. Introduckling - 5
2. I Did It Like This - 4.5
3. Journey to Anywhere - 4.5
4. Friday Night - 5
5. Little Samba - 5 (JOINT!!!)
6. Pike - 4.5
7. If You Wanna Know - 4
8. Eye on the Gold Chain - 5
9. Pick Up Lines - 4.5
10. Rock on the Top - 5
11. Oasis - 4
12. Dizzy - 4.5
13. Down the Road - 5
14. Lay It on Ya - 4.5

5 out of 5 stars Old School In 2000.......2001-07-14

Remember when MC's could have fun on the mic without being considered "wack" and before hip-hop was labeled as violent and sexist? Ugly Duckling take you back to that time with Journey To Anywhere, their full-length follow-up to the excellent Fresh Mode EP. MC's Andy and Dustin don't get complex on the mic, but that's not what they're trying to do. Their humorous, clever rhymes fit the vibe of the album perfectly. Their unique production uses rare funk and jazz samples to give the album a modern flavor while keeping the sound true to hip-hop's roots. Give "I Did It Like This," "A Little Samba," and "Introduckling" a spin to see just how great these guys are. Hip-hop fans bored with the current slew of mediocre hip-hop being released should pick Journey To Anywhere up and have their faith in hip-hop restored.

5 out of 5 stars This one is classic.......2001-07-10

Ugly Duckling is like no other hip-hop group that I have ever heard. Their lyrical flow is completely original and entertaining. The DJ, Einstein, laces some great beats that are also very original. Fresh Mode was a very good EP, but the songs aren't quite up to par with the ones on Journey to Anywhere. This album is well done, original, entertaining, and belongs in your very short stack of the best hip-hop available on CD. Buy it, cherish it, and please appreciate it.
Best of Ugly Duckling
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Best of Ugly Duckling
    Ugly Duckling
    Manufacturer: Universal
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000GALDXM
    Release Date: 2006-08-14
    Journey To Anywhere (Bonus CD)
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Classic
    • a load of crap
    • Don't bother if you are looking for hip hop.
    • Light-hearted fun the old school hip-hop way
    • Better than their first--more styling, less profiling
    		 Journey To Anywhere (Bonus CD)
    Ugly Duckling
    Manufacturer: Emperor Norton
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Taste the Secret
    2. Fresh Mode
    3. Bang for the Buck
    4. O.S.T.
    5. The Next Step

    ASIN: B000066HHH
    Release Date: 2002-05-28

    Tracks:

    1. Introduckling
    2. I Did It Like This
    3. Journey To Anywhere
    4. Friday Night
    5. A Little Samba
    6. The Pike
    7. If You Wanna Know
    8. Eye On The Gold Chain
    9. Pick Up Lines
    10. Rock On Top
    11. Oasis
    12. Dizzy
    13. Down The Road
    14. Lay It On Ya

    Tracks:

    1. Good Time Greetings
    2. Cardiff
    3. Eye On The Gold Chain (Cut Chemist remix)
    4. Do Your Thing
    5. Another Samba
    6. Big Bank Take Little Bank (feat. MC Glockamolie)
    7. Visions Of Grandeur

    Album Description

    Old -school influenced hip-hop, Ugly Duckling have toured with Deltron 3030, the Pharcyde and the Basement Jaxx. This album which was delayed due to their previous labels demise is repackaged with a 7 song bonus CD featuring a Cut Chemist remix of 'Eye on the Gold Chain' and 'Big Bank Take Little Bank' featuring Double K of People Under the Stairs.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Classic.......2005-04-25

    Ugly Duckling's Journey to Anywhere is a classic, overflowing with energy, fun, and entertainment. Any fan of happy hip hop (Pharcyde, Del, UMCs) will enjoy this. They don't claim to be hardcore or gangsters, so don't expect any of that. Just expect a great album that's awesome to listen to over and over and over again.

    1 out of 5 stars a load of crap.......2004-04-19

    dont buy it its not worth it dont even bother downloading it 3/4 of it is about rambling on about meatshakes which makes you want to puke more than entertaining you

    1 out of 5 stars Don't bother if you are looking for hip hop........2003-12-30

    I heard "Meat Shake" (not on this album) on the radio and liked it enough to give them a try. Nothing on this one comes close to the catchy cleverness of Meat Shake. They sound like the Beastie Boys before they found their chops. Their sense of humor is fine but the music is dated and boring.

    5 out of 5 stars Light-hearted fun the old school hip-hop way.......2002-09-14

    As the cover of their EP implies, Ugly Duckling really is a cartoonish hip-hop group. In much the same way as the Pharcyde before them, these guys serve up funny, upbeat, not-so-heavy material in such a straightforward and unapologetic way that it quickly endears itself to you. As a forewarning, not everyone is going to like these guys - they're far from being "hard-core" and I don't even think there's a cuss word present on the whole LP. As annoyingly goodie-goodie as that sounds, it really works for Ugly Duckling, as they weave their own dorkiness into bouncy hip-hop tales as earnest as they are quirky.

    The first bit of excellence on this CD is the production. Brought to you courtesy of DJ and group member Einstein, the music is refreshingly simple and head-nodding in much the same way as Jurassic 5 and all the old-school groups they emulate. Most of the tracks possess an almost dream-like quality with bubbling synths and laid-back beats, highlights being "Journey to Anywhere", "If You Wanna Know", and "Down the Road", to name a few. The horn stabs and Latin beat of "Samba" provide a nice change of pace, though it's about as far as Ugly Duckling strays from its proven formula.

    Lyrically, these guys are really unique in an off-beat sort of way that will probably intrigue as many people as it will rub the wrong way because of its quirkiness (I know I've already used that word, but it really does fit the description here). You won't find any tales of drug-dealing or thug posturing here, as Andycat and Dizzy Dustin are more interesting in jokingly poking fun at that side of the rap image. For instance, in the aforementioned "Samba", the two MCs trade increasingly unbelievable stories about how nice they are, only to have the other respond, "Well if that's true then why ya livin with ya mama?" The song "Friday Night" also flips around the standard rap story of violent encounters by making the MCs out to be the scared victims rather than the aggressors. Here, they wonder how best to escape the grips of a bigger man by asking, "Should I give him a knuckle sandwich or play possum and stop breathing?" The title track takes their cartoonish image to the max as they name-check everything from Freckle Juice to the Mystery Machine to Sesame Street on a song about their own personal dream-lands. Don't let the childishness fool you, though - they may not be the best MCs in all the land, but they more than hold their own. More than a couple times I found myself going "wow" in much the same way as I do with more traditionally talented rappers. Still, the biggest asset of their lyrics is their ability to make you smile and think, "I never thought I'd hear THAT in a rap song."

    Overall this is an excellent album. I had never heard of Ugly Duckling until a friend gave me a copy of this LP and it was one of those gifts that makes you really value your friends, if you know what I mean. Please, give these guys a chance and hopefully, with an open mind, you can be as impressed with them as I was.

    4 out of 5 stars Better than their first--more styling, less profiling.......2002-07-10

    On their debut EP, Ugly Duckling tried to hard to "keep it real." They constantly declared their alegiance to old-school hip-hop but, frankly, they weren't so much traditional and just plain unoriginal. On this record they bust out and do their own thing. Their thing, it turns out, is just basically messing around in a juvenile but totally entertaining way. Think of this as Fisher-Price: My First Hip-Hop Album.

    "Samba" mocks players who front with money, expensive cars, dates with models, etc. Not the first song of its kind, but definitely one of the funniest. Other songs cover Biz Markie-level topics like pick-up lines. This is lightweight stuff that isn't trying too hard, and as a result it sounds dope in its own way. The production is solidly head-nodding and there are several excellent party jams, for those with a sense of humor and a tolerance for white guys who rap. At age 8 this album would have changed my life. At 29, it still manages to brighten my day. Plus there's an extra CD with a couple more gems to sweeten the deal. Definitely worth a listen.
    Leftovers
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • These Three Can Do No Wrong.
    		 Leftovers
    Ugly Duckling
    Manufacturer: Universal
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Bang for the Buck
    2. Fresh Mode
    3. Taste the Secret
    4. O.S.T.

    ASIN: B00023GT8W
    Release Date: 2004-06-28

    Tracks:

    1. Get Ready
    2. Something's Going Down Tonight Feat. Grand Puba
    3. Almond Rocha
    4. Celebrity
    5. Ring The Bell
    6. Einstein's Brazilian Travelogue
    7. Elevator Music
    8. Little Samba (The Forbidden Mix)
    9. Aligator Suflet
    10. Pick-Up Lines 2
    11. "Drivethru"

    Album Description

    Japan exclusive compilation for the quirky, jazz-influenced alternative rap trio features ten tracks including, 'Get Ready', 'Something's Going Down' feat. Grand Puba, & 'A Little Samba' (The Forbidden Version). 2004.

    Album Details

    Japanese Release featuring a Bonus Track: "a Little Salsa (People under the Stairs Remix)".

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars These Three Can Do No Wrong........2004-10-27

    Continuing their old school sound yet remaining fresh, Ugly Duckling release another must buy. Over the past 5 years I have been gradually exiting the hip hop/rap scene (rap completely) and entering the indie rock scene. But I find it hard to completely let go of hip hop all together. One remaining example that stays in my collection is Ugly Duckling. I've been a fan since they originally released their "Journey To Anywhere" LP, which was improved upon with an excellent bonus disc. Both of which proceeded their sophomore LP "Taste The Secret", which in my opinion did not exceed "JTA" but certainly augmented UD's brilliant repertoire.

    Now, rather than repeat what they did with "JTA" by re-releasing the album with an extra disc with bonus material, UD decided to release a compilation album of "Leftovers" from "JTA" and "TTS". And on its own, the album is amazing, continuing the brilliance they always exude.

    "Almond Rocha"--Ugly Duckling fans pay attention, because never has there been a better UD song. I'm sure anyone who listens to this album will notice this song immediately like I did, if not what the hell is wrong with you? Einstein is just pure genius when it comes to beats. This song will serve as an exclamatory example to that statement. The song also features a flute that's very Beastie Boys, which is replaced by a violin during the chorus. It evokes head bobbing like no other UD song. And you never really can complain about Andy and Dustin's rhymes, can you? Well, definitely not on this song. "Now you could be a housewife or a bachelorette/ or a little baby girl in a bassinette/ Maybe you're an underprivileged foster kid/ or a rich kid, eating with a lobster bib/ we'll get your body moving till your feet start throbbing/ and have your noggin bobbin' like your ridin' in a toboggan." That exert serves perfectly as an example to their style of rhyming: fun, fluid, and vivid rhyming (with the occasionally storytelling). "Alligator Suflet", a Dizzy Dustin song with Andy only in the chorus, has a Cut Chemist sounding beat. It also features the best chorus of the album: "I'm on my way (I'm on my way)/ So, alligator catch me on a later day (a later day)/ this way... to the sound of the UD/ guaranteed to cure your mood swings/ the price people pay for that old suflet." It's another new favorite UD song for me. I'm not sure how, but each new version of "A Little Samba" they release is better than the former. Although "Another Samba" was lyrically the opposite of what they are saying on "A Little Samba", the new version "A Little Samba (The Forbidden Mix)" is the newest version. A direct remix of the original, and essentially the best version yet. It samples music from some salsa dance number. I, being ignorant to salsa dance music, cannot identify exactly which one, but it is familiar music nonetheless. Sporting another brilliant Einstein beat, this is another great song. "Pick Up Lines 2" is really good, but I prefer the original mainly due to it having a bumpier beat than this version. It's got a few adjusted lyrics and the same chorus (which I feel should have been changed to better match the new production). "Elevator Music", like the song entails, features music you would likely hear playing in an elevator. But wait, it's actually a good song; somehow they seem to make it work. It sounds closer to "Fresh Mode" than anything else they've done since... well, "Fresh Mode". I was skeptical to feeling that I would like "Something's Going Down Tonight" due to it featuring Grand Puba. Nothing against Grand Puba (I'm not all too familiar with him), but I don't like UD featuring artists on their songs. I was wrong to question before listening, because it's a really good song, and Grand Puba is a pretty nice addition to the track. Einstein has some really nice cutting on this track. While the songs I mentioned I prefer, everything else on this release is good as well. Understand there is no bad song on here. This is now my second favorite UD release, after only "Journey To Anywhere (w/ Bonus Disc)".

    If you're a fan of Ugly Duckling, "Fresh Mode" to "Taste The Secret", you absolutely cannot go wrong here. This release beckons to be bought, so ****ing buy it now!!!
    Prokofiev's Music for Children
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Another Aspect of Prokofiev's Talent
    		 Prokofiev's Music for Children

    Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by ProkofievAll Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    Children's MusicChildren's Music | Imports | Stores | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    $9.99 and Under$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    Prokofiev, SergeiProkofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00030ERWE
    Release Date: 2004-11-09

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Another Aspect of Prokofiev's Talent.......2006-08-03

    Though most devotees of Sergei Prokofiev are committed to the acerbic, gritty, and wondrously dramatic symphonies and ballets, this fine recording - by title - reminds us that Prokofiev had a highly successful side of his composing that was intended for the child in each of us.

    This delightful recording includes not only the very popular 'Peter and the Wolf', Opus 67, for narrator and orchestra - here performed by narrator David Juritz with Ronald Corp conducting the New London Orchestra - but also rarely performed similar diversions such as 'Winter Bonfire', suite for narrator, boy's chorus & orchestra, Op. 122 with the same forces but adding the Finchley Children's Music Group, and 'The Ugly Duckling', a song for voice and orchestra, Op. 18 well performed by Penelope Walmsley-Clark. The latter pieces may be slight in stature in comparison with the major Prokofiev works, but they certainly are an appealing introduction for children to grow into classical music.

    For this listener the genuine surprise is 'Summer Day', suite for orchestra, Op. 65, a work based on children's pieces for the piano and later orchestrated. The series of tunes show hints of the lighter moments in his 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Cinderella' ballets and the sassier portions of his symphonic works, but in this setting they can be appreciated for the fine manner in which Prokofiev could treat the melodic line. Ronald Corp conducts the New London Orchestra in a polished reading of some very lovely music. This is one of those CDs that may be overlooked as something for children alone, but just listen to the recording and be enchanted with the sophisticated simplicity that was so readily apparent in Prokofiev's facile hands. Grady Harp, August 06
    Fresh Mode
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Tight. Very Tight.
    • Average
    • Awesome beats and a good flow
    • probably the greatest EP ever.
    • Give It A Chance
    		 Fresh Mode
    Ugly Duckling
    Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Rap & Hip-Hop General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    4-for-3 Jazz4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 R&B4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
    4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Bang for the Buck
    2. Taste the Secret
    3. Journey to Anywhere
    4. Or Stay Tuned
    5. O.S.T.

    ASIN: B00000INW2
    Release Date: 1999-04-20

    Tracks:

    1. Fresh Mode
    2. Now Who's Laughing
    3. Get On This
    4. Einstein's Takin' Off
    5. Everybody C'mon
    6. Do You Know What I'm Sayin'
    7. Everything's Allright
    8. We're Here

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Tight. Very Tight........2005-12-06

    Imagine People Under The Stairs-caliber production, accompanied by nostalgia, fun, and wit. These guys are as harmless as Will Smith, but have twice as much soul. Einstein's production is thick like butta. Avoid their other albums--"Journey" is mediocre,and "Taste" is disturbing. This is an album any head should get. (Favorite Track-"Do You Know What I'm Saying?")

    3 out of 5 stars Average.......2005-11-12

    As a huge fan of old school hip hop, I can honestly say that Ugly Duckling is nothing to write home about. Its definately refreshing to hear two emcees who rhyme in the old school fashion, but Andy C and Dizzy seem to lack that certain something lyrically that makes you say "wow." The production from Einstein is good, also overwhelmingly old school sounding, but as with the lyrics, its just not enough to put UD in the class with J5, De La, or Digable Planets. Fresh Mode is all that I have heard from UD, and hopefully it gets better because the talent seems to be there, it just seems like they're content sounding exactly like all other old school artists. Also, the album gets extremely repetitive by the 4th or 5th track. Its a good listen, and I definately appreciate their effort in trying to bring back some of that old tyme flavor, but its just a bit too redundant. Basically, if you're looking for something you havent heard, look elsewhere. But if you're looking for something you just haven't heard in a while, this might be your favorite new record.

    4 out of 5 stars Awesome beats and a good flow.......2005-07-18

    Load this CD up on your ipod and strutt your way down the streets, because you`ll have a jump in your step and yoù`ll be bobbing your head. Funny, smart, you have to love it.

    5 out of 5 stars probably the greatest EP ever........2005-01-18

    I'd just like to say that this probably is one of the greatest EP demo-ish cd's ever in the hip hop world. It's definitely up there with the jurassic 5 EP which is also amazing. It's actually different from journey and taste the secret. This album is much more jazz influenced. The first song is really focused on bass musically. It's a simple drum beat that's really smooth and relaxed, a really heavy yet calm and relaxed bass line. The lyrics just flow along perfectly in that ud way. The second track 'now who's laughing' is a really awesome song. the snare has that high lifted jazz sound and a piano looped that works really well. Of course the lyrics are really good, it's a more aggressive sounding sound, simply the way the lyrics are delivered, but it's still totally ud. Get on this is really cool. It has a jazz guitar sound to it that's looped and the drums have a cool 16th note high hat playing throughout, another smooth jazzy song. The bridge in this song is sooo f'in cool. It's just a musical bridge, not lyrically, but the guitar is really cool in that part. Einstein's takin off starts off sounding a bit ominous but then quickly gives way to the meat of the song. More energetic lyrics, not quite as laid back. An organ gets looped behind a jazzy xylophone and sounds a bit brazillian. This song showcases einstein's turntable abilities, although we all already know he's amazing on the tables. Everybody C'mon has a laid back breakbeat and a whirlitzer of all things looping. But it sounds really good and the lyrics are delivered extremely happily, not like the rest of their stuff isn't as well. But this is probably the most 'feel good' track here. Do You Know What I'm Sayin is probably the most jazzy track on here. The slightly late piano and stand up sounding bass sounds great. We're Here is my least favorite song on here. It's a little too slow for ud in my opinion, and a little dull. It's still a good song, and the lyrics are just as good, and some of the best. But musically it's not quite on the same level in my opinion.
    This EP has some of my favorite ud songs, and i have all their stuff. It really is great, the whole jazz thing works really well for them. It goes without saying that andy and dizzy flow perfectly between eachother. basically, if you want real, good hip hop, pick this up immediately.

    4 out of 5 stars Give It A Chance.......2004-04-08

    This album is one of the most refreshingly different albums I have heard in a long time. It shows that there is more to hip hop than talking about the clichéd themes that are in so much rap heard today. Don't get me wrong I listen to all sorts of music from Stevie Wonder and N.E.R.D to Ben Folds/Five and The Pixies, so I'm not saying that other rap artists aren't good, U.D are just a funny intelligent alternative. Finally, to 'a music fan from Harlem' a Tribe Called Qwest's "Low End Theory" is not the greatest album of all time but it is one of the best. If you were a true music fan you would respect U.D and A.T.C.Q for daring to do something different even if you didn't like it. Their music is not an imitation they are just influenced by other artists that they respect. You can appreciate good music with out loving it.
    Taste the Secret
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Taste the Secret
      Ugly Duckling
      Manufacturer: Emperor Norton
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      Experimental RapExperimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Fresh Mode
      2. Bang for the Buck
      3. Leftovers

      ASIN: B0002NY8MG
      Release Date: 2004-08-17

      Tracks:

      1. Opening Act
      2. Turn It Up
      3. MeatShake
      4. Dumb It Down
      5. igail Silk
      6. Energy Drink
      7. The Drive-Thru
      8. Mr. Tuff Guy
      9. Pass It On
      10. La Revolucion
      11. Potty Mouth
      12. Daisy
      13. The Confrontation
      14. Rio De Janeiro
      15. I Wanna Go Home
      16. Goodnight Now
      17. Something's Going Down Tonight (Featuring Grand Puba)
      18. Turn It Up (Refried)
      Love from Judy
      Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
      • vintage Hugh Martin score a complete delight
      		 Love from Judy
      Original London Cast
      Manufacturer: Sepia Recordings
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Wish You Were Here/Paint Your Wagon (Original London Cast) and Bonus Tracks
      2. Lingoland
      3. Inside U.S.A./The Band Wagon
      4. Face the Music (2007 Encores! Cast Recording)
      5. Life Upon the Wicked Stage

      ASIN: B0001BRQ96
      Release Date: 2005-08-09

      Tracks:

      1. Introduction/Mardi Gras/I Never Dream When I'm Asleep/A Touch Of Voodoo - Adelaide Hall
      2. Love From Judy/Daddy Longlegs/What Do I See In You/Here We Are - Johnny Brandon
      3. Go And Get Your Old Banjo/Kind To Animals/I Ain't Gonna Marry - Adelaide Hall
      4. My True Love/Dum-Dum-Dum/Love From Judy - Jean Carson
      5. Bonus Track: A Kiss To Build A Dream On - Bill Lowe
      6. Bonus Track: Hug Me A Hug - Bill Lowe
      7. Bonus Track: Barrels And Barrels Of Roses - Jean Carson
      8. Bonus Track: Slow Coach - Johnny Brandon & Orchestra
      9. Bonus Track: Oodles Of Noodles - Johnny Brandon & Orchestra
      10. Bonus Track: Painting The Clouds With Sunshine - Johnny Brandon & Orchestra
      11. Bonus Track: One For The Wonder - Johnny Brandon & Orchestra
      12. Bonus Track: The Glow Worm - Johnny Brandon & Orchestra
      13. Bonus Track: I'll Be Hangin' Around - Johnny Brandon
      14. Bonus Track: Vanity - Adelaide Hall
      15. Bonus Track: How Many Times - Adelaide Hall
      16. Bonus Track: 'Hans Christian Andersen' - Part 1 - David Hughes
      17. Bonus Track: 'Hans Christian Andersen' - Part 2 - Gary Miller
      18. Bonus Track: 'Peter Pan' - Part 1 - Gilbert Harding
      19. Bonus Track: 'Peter Pan' - Part 2 - Hermione Gingold
      20. Bonus Track: Dancing With Someone - June Whitfield
      21. Bonus Track: Seven Lonely Days - June Whitfield
      22. Bonus Track: Bye Bye Baby - June Whitfield
      23. Bonus Track: Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend - June Whitfield
      24. Bonus Track: I Ain't Gonna Marry - Eve Boswell & Orchestra

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars vintage Hugh Martin score a complete delight.......2004-12-23

      LOVE FROM JUDY, based on Jean Webster's novel 'Daddy Long Legs', is pure vintage Hugh Martin. The show never made it to Broadway, instead enjoying a sold-out London season and an extensive provincial tour.

      Jean Carson played Jerusha Abbott, an orphan at the John Grier Home who is mysteriously supported by a never-named benefactor. June Whitfield, Johnny Brandon, Adelaide Hall and Bill O'Connor round out the strong leading cast. Barbara Windsor played one of the orphans (for some interesting backstage reminisces about LOVE FROM JUDY check out Barbara Windsor's autobiography 'All of Me').

      The Hugh Martin-Jack Gray score is quite lovely from what is featured on this disc (the recordings were originally designed to fit 4 sides of a set of 78's). LOVE FROM JUDY runs a scant 20 minutes, so the disc has been filled out with extensive bonus material.

      We get Jean Carson singing "A Kiss to Build a Dream On", "Hug Me a Hug" and "Barrels and Barrels of Roses" (on the 2 former tracks she's joined by her then-husband Bill Lowe); Johnny Brandon singing 5 numbers including his mega-hit "Glow Worm"; and Adelaide Hall singing 2 great numbers. June Whitfield sings 5 numbers including two songs from GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES!

      There are also selections from the Frank Loesser score of HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN; and a full-cast presentation of numbers from Disney's PETER PAN (both feature Jean Carson and Johnny Brandon).

      Music Review:

      1. Under Shattered Skies
      2. Volven
      3. Walk in Beauty
      4. What a World
      5. White Water Depot
      6. WINGS OF A STRANGER
      7. Winter's Light
      8. Wires from the Bunker [Import]
      9. Witness
      10. Yep!

      Music Review

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