Rock Star [Soundtrack]

Rock Star [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
More than merely a headbanger's take on A Star Is Born, Rock Star is, like all great Hollywood middlebrow fare, actually "inspired by a true story": the saga of an Ohio salesman/Judas Priest tribute band vocalist who one day found himself taking Rob Halford's place in the spotlight. But whether its music is big-hair throwback or merely ahead-of-the-curve '80s retro-hip is hardly a matter that will cause quantum theorists sleepless nights. Not surprisingly, the film's soundtrack sounds both distinctly virtual and marketing-department honed: a mix of modern rockers (Everclear's hard-pop title track, the Verve Pipe's "Colorful") and '80s vets (Bon Jovi's genre-defining "Livin' on a Prayer"). Steel Dragon, the film's fictional headliners, feature era vets Jason Bonham on drums, Zakk Wylde on guitar, and vocalist Jeff Scott Soto giving star Mark Wahlberg something to lip-synch. They re-create a frighteningly credible faux-'80s pop-metal ethos that ranges from the big-ballad Bon Jovi-isms of "We All Die Young" to the pounding, metallic Priest-cloning of "Livin' the Life" and "Blood Pollution," and the anthemic "Long Live Rock and Roll," the latter in a ham-fisted performance that begs to be subtitled "(But Please Retire Soon)." It's all enough to make long-suffering heavy metal fans cry out, "Why hast thou forsaken us, Spinal Tap?" --Jerry McCulley

Rock Star,Various Artists,Priority Records,Arena Rock,Hair Metal,Heavy Metal,Pop,Pop-Metal,Soundtrack,Soundtracks,Soundtracks & Film Scores

So Tonight That I Might See
Average customer rating:

One of the very few non-metal/screamo groups I can stand.

...

WOW

Mazzy Star

sublime

So Tonight That I Might See
Mazzy Star
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Among My Swan

She Hangs Brightly

Blind

The Trinity Session

Dummy

ASIN: B000002V07
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Fade Into You
Bells Ring
Mary Of Silence
Five String Serenade
Blue Light
She's My Baby
Unreflected
Wasted
Into Dust
So Tonight That I Might See

Amazon.com Music Reviews

People tend to confuse the band Mazzy Star with it's singer Hope Sandoval. Truth be told, they've been right all along. Sandoval's languid, weeping willow voice is Mazzy Star; the name is a mere formality. With nods to Nico and the Velvet Underground, So Tonight that I Might See is vintage Mazzy. Remarkably, the recording produced a strikingly undanceable single, "Fade into You," that ascended to respectable rotation on college and AAA radio. The rest of the album sticks close to the single's plaintive, retro balladry. Though Sandoval rarely raises her voice above a sultry whisper, it's bright enough to hold your attention all night. --Nick Heil

Customer Reviews:

One of the very few non-metal/screamo groups I can stand........2007-06-23

Mazzy Star is one of the very few non-metal/screamo groups I can stand. If you don't have everything Mazzy put out, you're wrong. Their second best album.

..........2007-06-13

Easy listening for the college rock scene. You'd probably be better off buying Slow Jamz or something. Totally boring, but I wouldn't mind listening to it if someone put it on and the mood was right.

WOW.......2007-05-28

I am SO blown away with this album. It is truly amazing if I can say so myself. As an R&B and Hip Hop lover, male at that, I must admit that this album's music hits a whole other spot. I can't wait to go and purchase (listened to most tracks from free downloads) because I have to support such outstanding art. While everyone raves over the amazingly beautiful song, Fade Into You, i am so surprised that almost no one has mentioned my current second favorite, Into Dust. That song I can listen to over and over and over and...

This album is a must have.

Mazzy Star.......2007-03-08

CD is in horrible condition adn not advertised that way. Otherwise delivery was just fine.

sublime.......2006-12-29

If you have never treated yourself to a Mazzy Star album - start with this one. Of course it opens with the incredibly sublime 'Fade into you' which still remains to be my favorite song of all time after so many years. Having said that, every song on the album is incredible and takes you to another place. Hope Sandoval is possibly the best female vocalist I've ever heard and it's a shame that she hasnt released more albums.
Absolute sublime classic disc that you will never tire of.

Average customer rating:

A Star is Born
"Ageless and evergreen"
A Star is Born
classic
your policy

A Star Is Born

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A Star Is Born
Yentl (1983 Film)
Streisand Superman
Barbra Streisand's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Duets

ASIN: B00005V3XL
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Watch Closely Now
Queen Bee
Everything
Lost Inside of You
Hellacious Acres
Love Theme From ' A Star Is Born' (Evergreen)
The Woman In The Moon
I Believe In Love
Crippled Crow
Finale: With One More Look At You/Watch Closely Now
Reprise: Love Theme From ''A Star Is Born' (Evergreen)

Amazon.com

Hollywood loved this story so much they remade it every 20 years or so for much of the 20th century; Barbra Streisand imbued it with so much forceful persona in 1976 that they haven't touched it since. The romantic/musical pairing of Streisand and Kris Kristofferson (chosen when no less than Elvis Presley turned the role down) may have been one of the era's strangest but, anchored by Streisand's elegant, Oscar-winning hit theme "Evergreen," it nonetheless yielded the biggest-selling album of the singer's career to date. That neither star is particularly convincing as rock icons--particularly Her Divaness--seems beyond the point of this fable. Instead, both stars take the opportunity to stretch outside their usual personas a bit, Streisand with the R&B teaser "Queen Bee" and confessional "Woman of the Moon," Kristofferson on rousing, theatrical fare like "Watch Closely Now" and "Hellacious Acres." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

A Star is Born.......2007-07-30

Hi, I just loved receiving my CD in the mail and listening to all the great songs whose words I learned long ago. This music is an old friend.
Thank you very much for your prompt mailing. Carol Clark

"Ageless and evergreen".......2007-06-25

Released in 1976, this album was not only the new Barbra Streisand album, but it was also a Kris Kristofferson release, as well as the soundtrack to the film of the same name. However, like many people who bought this wildly successful release, I bought it for Barbra Streisand. I have no opinion on the Kristofferson tracks since I always skip over them, but Barbra's recordings make this one of her greatest albums

"Queen Bee" is a funky, brilliantly sung song with some great metaphors comparing a woman to certain insects. Very catchy and one of my favorite tracks. It gets a grade of: A

"Everything" is a pretty song that is brought down by some horrible lyrics ("I'd cure the cold and the traffic jam/If there were floods, I'd give a dam"). Otherwise, this music and the singing make it pretty moving. B

"Lost Inside of You," a duet with Kristofferson, is a track that should work, oozing with chemistry, but doesn't. Barbra's solo version, available elsewhere, is far superior to this forgettable track, which needless to say is my least favorite. C-

"Evergreen," the most successful song on here, as well as one of Barbra's signature tunes, is rather simple but very beautiful. With the melody composed by Streisand herself, they complement the poetic lyrics like a glove, and are certain to give the "Streisand chills." A

"The Woman in the Moon," which comes at a crucial point in the movie, is actually a very moving song, mostly because of Barbra's flawless interpretation. B+

"I Believe in Love" is a decent song, but it just doesn't seem like Barbra seems comfortable with it. She oversings at certain points where restraint is necessary, and the fast singing is just distracting at points. B-

"With One More Look at You/Watch Closely Now" also comes at a crucial point in the movie, and is an incredibly stunning and emotional recording. It almost sits up there is prestige as "Evergreen," but is perhaps a tad overlong. A-

As for the reprise of "Evergreen," it still sounds nice, with some other male vocals that are actually effective this time around, but most people won't need to hear it. C+

Despite the fact that "Evergreen" gets all the attention on this CD, most of the other tracks are worthy of mention as well. If you skip through all of the Kristofferson tracks, this album is a rich, satisfying way to pass the time. As for the related movie, well, the less said the better.

A Star is Born.......2007-06-13

I loved this when I bought it in 1976 LP version, and know I have it again! I listen to it every day, it brings back so many memories.

classic.......2007-05-18

This CD and movie seems to generate a lot of controversy...I don't really know why. It WAS a good movie..and I feel it's a great soundtrack...one I never tire of listening to. I remember being a teenager..a young one.. and always loving Babs... but seeing this album cover was mesmerizingly sexy to my young libido! I think Kris and Barbra had great screen chemistry..and there is a lovely simmering sensual quality to all of her acting and singing. And I agree..she does a great comic turn, as well! I almost always cry during the love songs on this CD. Lisa in CT

your policy.......2007-01-15

This item was mixed in, and others as well, with what, were MOSTLY DVDs, movies, I thought, I was buying, the movie. Instead, a got, a music CD. I kept it, because I felt, stupid, for making this mistake, but on 2nd thought, the fault is at LEAST half yours for that policy of mxing DVDs with CDs. No, Im not a happy camper, but understand, I will continue doing business, through Amazon. I, by and large, like buying though you, but you MIGHT consider not, mixing products, in the future...Thank you

Average customer rating:

Mellow melancholia
Other stuff to check out
Something To Remember
Among my favorite CD's!
A Good Album

Among My Swan
Mazzy Star
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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So Tonight That I Might See
She Hangs Brightly
Bavarian Fruit Bread
Blind
Static & Silence

ASIN: B000002TMY
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Disappear
Flowers In December
Rhymes Of An Hour
Cry, Cry
Take Everything
Still Cold
All Your Sisters
I've Been Let Down
Roseblood
Happy
Umbilical
Look On Down From The Bridge

Customer Reviews:

Mellow melancholia.......2006-07-24

Alright, you wanna get Mazzy Star's best album? Well, here you go. I'd be lying if I said all their material isn't great, but I think they finally captured an entirely consistent album with "Among My Swan".

You have the beautiful swirling guitar melody with "Disappear", the songs "Flowers In December" and "Rhymes of an Hour" that lean on the acoustic side, those country/folksy gems "Cry, Cry" and "I've Been Let Down", "Take Everything" full of intense emotion, the darkly mysterious "All Your Sisters" and "Umbilical", the insanely gorgeous and heartbreaking tale of a female dealing with internal struggles on "Roseblood", and beautiful organ music on "Look On Down From the Bridge" that would be perfect for a funeral.

I suppose this album does show they only got better in time. Though unfortunately, this is the last album they've put out in years. Maybe that'll change because I'm anticipating the future release another Mazzy album.

Other stuff to check out.......2006-06-21

I am a huge fan of catchy, quiet yet melodic folk/pop. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) What's Next To The Moon by Mark Kozelek
2) Paper Dolls And Paper Plates by Fear Of Commitment
3) So Tonight That I Might See by Mazz Star
4) Songs About Leaving by Carissa's Wierd

Something To Remember.......2006-01-11

Zanimljivo je to da se od 1996 nije pojavio ni jedan bend koji bi mogao da zameni Mazzy Star.
Album Among My Swan je remek-delo koje je vredno vase paznje.
Glas Hope Sandoval ostaje vecno u vama. Obratite paznju samo na recimo Flowers In December, Cry Cry ili Take Everything, to je samo mali deo.
Uzivajte.
Mazzy Star su jedna od najboljih bendova koji su se ikada desili svetu.

Among my favorite CD's!.......2005-10-09

To truly understand Mazzy Star, I think you need to listen to this cd with the lights off or at least with your eyes closed. This is a great cd to put in after a breakup, on a rainy day, to relax to when you're depressed, feeling mellow, or, if you're into bands like Radiohead, The Doors, or anything psychdelic, I think you'll really be able to appreciate this Mazzy Star.

1. Disappear -Starts out very chilled, mellow and relaxed the minute you press play. The beat of the guitar and the chimes I can't even describe. It just sounds like sparkling rain. A sad one, but great to listen to if your in that kind of mood.

2. Flowers In December -Really pretty. Hope play harmonica on here and the sound of it made me love this song right away. The baseline also sounds great, and I love the lyrics. "Send me your flowers of your december, send me your dreams of candy wine."

3. Rhymes Of An Hour -Featured in the movie "Stealing Beauty" this one is very mellow and slow but grows on you after awhile. I seem to like it more each time I listen to it. The music sounds like it almost have some marraccas in it I believe.

4. Cry, Cry -If you felt the disappearing vibe on track one, you're going to definetly hear the crying vibe on here. This is such a real song you can almost see happening to you with a tearjearker chorus and lyrics.

5. Take Everything -Awesome guitar in here. ..and just like I explained with "Cry" and "Disappear," I also felt like the lyrics brilliantly fit the mood of the whole beat of this song. My favorite Mazzy Star song on here probably.

6. Still Cold -I think this one of the fastest songs on here, but I loved it right away. Starts out kind of quiet then gets a bit louder and then the guitars just shatter as soon as the chorus comes in. You can really feel what Hope is singing here too. One of their best!

7. All Your Sisters -I agree with what one of the other viewers posted on this one. I can definetly see myself listening to this on at beach at night. The sound of her voice I just can't describe it sounds so warm and soothing, and the lyrics in here are very mysterious, now what I expected to hear at all.

8. I've Been Let Down -A folksy mazzy song, melencholy, sounds a bit blues too, but it contains some great lyrics, and some beautiful harmonica. "Catch a train on a silver afternoon...."

9. Roseblood -I love this one. It's a song I believe about a girl who seems to be falling apart. There is also an awesome guitar solo at the end. This is definetly a standout Mazzy Star track in my opinion.

10. Happy -Has that sparkling wind chime beat that Disappear seemed to have. It's very mellow, soft, sweet, and has pretty lyrics. "Oceans pass my eyes, it shimmers and glows...."

11. Umbilical -A stream of consciousness, this song is completely all over the place. The lyrics are very pecuilar, but interesting, I suggest you look them up. This song starts out with a very hush organ at first but continues to get more and more distored in sound as it keeps playing.

12. Look On Down From The Bridge -Starts out with beautiful organ on this one as well. This song is very sad and very soft. I also agree with what another reviewer mentioned about it, I can definetly see this being played at someones funeral. A long, beautiful song.

I really suggest adding this to your collection of you're even thinking about it, you don't know what you're missing. This is one of the first Cd's I think of putting in when I down, or tired or just need to relax. Hope Sandovals whispery voice is like a lullaby, and David Roback on guitar leaves an amazing guitar with memorable solos I guarentee you will putting on repeat and wanting to learn how to play. If this band would have came out in the 70's, I bet they would have been on tour with The Doors. This is truly an underrated band.

A Good Album.......2005-10-07

This is a very good album which, everyone should buy. If you like this album or Mazzy Star's other music you might like KMB's "For Now & Forever Remixed" or "Lo-Fi Audio"

Average customer rating:

All the info!
a must-have for any 80's child
Rock star review
Steelheart CD
Yes

Rock Star
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Priority Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rock Star
Steelheart
Firehouse
Almost Famous
Talisman

ASIN: B00005NQIM
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Tracks:

Rock Star - Everclear
Livin' The Life - Steel Dragon
Wild Side - Motley Crue
We all Die Young - Steel Dragon
Blood Pollution - Steel Dragon
Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi
Stand Up - Steel Dragon
Stranglehold - Ted Nugent
Wasted Generation - Steel Dragon
Lick It Up - KISS
Long Live Rock & Roll - Steel Dragon
Devil Inside - INXS
Colorful - Verve Pipe
Gotta Have It - Trevor Rabin

Amazon.com

More than merely a headbanger's take on A Star Is Born, Rock Star is, like all great Hollywood middlebrow fare, actually "inspired by a true story": the saga of an Ohio salesman/Judas Priest tribute band vocalist who one day found himself taking Rob Halford's place in the spotlight. But whether its music is big-hair throwback or merely ahead-of-the-curve '80s retro-hip is hardly a matter that will cause quantum theorists sleepless nights. Not surprisingly, the film's soundtrack sounds both distinctly virtual and marketing-department honed: a mix of modern rockers (Everclear's hard-pop title track, the Verve Pipe's "Colorful") and '80s vets (Bon Jovi's genre-defining "Livin' on a Prayer"). Steel Dragon, the film's fictional headliners, feature era vets Jason Bonham on drums, Zakk Wylde on guitar, and vocalist Jeff Scott Soto giving star Mark Wahlberg something to lip-synch. They re-create a frighteningly credible faux-'80s pop-metal ethos that ranges from the big-ballad Bon Jovi-isms of "We All Die Young" to the pounding, metallic Priest-cloning of "Livin' the Life" and "Blood Pollution," and the anthemic "Long Live Rock and Roll," the latter in a ham-fisted performance that begs to be subtitled "(But Please Retire Soon)." It's all enough to make long-suffering heavy metal fans cry out, "Why hast thou forsaken us, Spinal Tap?" --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

All the info!.......2007-06-07

There are some very fattering reviews and descriptions of this album on just about every site you visit that sells it. But, I have yet to find one that gives the complete information on the ficticious band STEEL DRAGON.

Yes the band inculdes some amazing musicians including (Zakk Wylde and Nick Cantonese on Guitars), Jeff Pilson (on bass), and (probably the best rock drummer still alive)Jason bonham. BUT, every reveiw and description I have read, leaves out the fact that Steel Dragon has two lead vocalists. Tracks 4, 5, and 11 are sung by hair metal veteran Mike Matijevic formerly of Steelheart. Songs 2, 7, and 9 are sung by rock vocalist Jeff Scott Soto.

This soundtrack is a must have for all die hard 80's hair metal fans. The original songs are a great throw back to the metal years. And the covers of some classics (written by Sammy Hagar, Ritchie Blackmore and Ronny James Dio) are done with class and power.

All in all worth every peeny paid for it, I also hope these guys get together to put out some more original tunes.

Joey
Grants Pass, Oregon

a must-have for any 80's child.......2007-05-24

This is a great movie and this cd is a must-have for any 80's child.

I bought the soundtrack, but was disappointed when I saw that Def Leppard's "Let's Get Rocked" wasn't on the soundtrack. Why didn't it make the cut?!?!

Vivian Campbell used to be in the crowd looking up at the band and wishing that he could be in the band and now he's up on stage and playing and singing with the band.

If Def Leppard would have made the cut, I'd have no reason not to give the cd 5 out of 5 stars. Oh well. Can't win them all I guess.

Rock star review.......2007-05-12

I can watch this movie over and over,and not get bored.The movie is great.The soundtrack is great I love it.Mark walburg Portrays a Rock Star and all the Sin that comes along with being a Rock Star and what you must sacrifice,he does a great job.And so does Jennifer Aniston.I think this is her best acting role.

Steelheart CD.......2007-05-12

I really liked this CD! I saw the movie and fell in love with Steeldragon/Steelheart music. The CD lived up to and exceeded my expectations.

Yes.......2007-04-05

After seeing the hit movie, I had to get my hands on the soundtrack. All those excellent songs you heard in the movie done by Steel Dragon, are included on this soundtrack.

Now I need to buy the movie so I can quit trying to find it on t.v. and just watch it when I want. This cd and movie rank high on my list of must haves.

Average customer rating:

Big Star is a big influence
Behind the Myth and the Legend, Two Fine Rock Albums
Important and overlooked classic rock release more enticing as a twofer.
Pleasing Power Pop
Great rock'n'roll record a few years late

#1 Record/Radio City
Big Star
Manufacturer: Fantasy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Third/Sister Lovers
I Am the Cosmos
In Space
Let It Be
Big Star Live

ASIN: B000000XHA
Release Date: 1992-06-10

Tracks:

Feel
The Ballad Of El Goodo
In The Street
Thirteen
Don't Lie To Me
The India Song
When My Baby's Beside Me
My Life Is Right
Give Me Another Chance
Try Again
Watch The Sunrise
St 100/6
O My Soul
Life Is White
Way Out West
What's Going Ahn
You Get What You Deserve
Mod Lang
Back Of A Car
Daisy Glaze
She's A Mover
September Gurls
Morpha Too
I'm In Love With A Girl

Amazon.com

A two-for-one combo of the first two Big Star albums (they only recorded three). Heard side by side, #1 Record and Radio City only add further testament to Big Star's seminal greatness. On the first album, Chris Bell and Alex Chilton share songwriting credit, though each brings a remarkably different sensibility to the band: Bell creates pure pop nuggets ("Feel") while Chilton swaggers with reckless melancholy ("Ballad of El Goodo," "Thirteen."). After Bell's departure, Chilton took control of the helm for Radio City, and what a ride it is. While not abandoning Bell's penchant for pop, Radio City careens wildly through some of the most exhilarating music ever created, from the rave-up opener, "O My Soul," to the pure pop masterpiece "September Girls" to the whimsical ditty "I'm in Love with a Girl." It's too bad that Big Star didn't create more albums, but thank God they made the ones they did. --Tod Nelson

Customer Reviews:

Big Star is a big influence.......2007-07-09

R.E.M. and Cheap Trick are but 2 artists that have been influenced by Big Star. This cd includes their 2 best albums. Highly recommended for fans of Badfinger, the Raspberries, and of power pop in general.

Behind the Myth and the Legend, Two Fine Rock Albums.......2007-06-01

Before irony was sooooo cool, the band headed by Alex Chilton and Chris Bell revelled in it. They took their name from a grocery store chain, not from some false impression that they were or would become Big Stars. (Though Chilton had sung lead on the #1 single "The Letter" five years earlier.) And while the name of their debut could be taken to mean just that - as in record number one - they came nowhere near having a hit record, let alone a #1 Record. Chilton and Bell shared songwriting credits on this album, but generally the songs were written by one or the other. The first four songs on #1 Record make the difference in their styles abundantly clear. Bell's pop supernova "Feel" is answered by Chilton's soul-searching but hopeful "The Ballad of El Goodo". Bell strikes back with the power pop of "In the Street", only to be countered with Chilton's ode to pubescence, "Thirteen". Although Alex Chilton is the better remembered one, as he remained in the band for all three albums, it is obvious on this record that the band belonged equally to both of them. Before the end of the disc's first half, however, comes "The India Song". This has always been one my favorite tracks on #1 Record, but I only recently learned that it was written by bassist Andy Hummell. (This, coupled with drummer Jody Stephens "For You" on Third/Sister Lovers, demonstrated the rhythm section members were just as capable of writing a Big Star-quality song.) There is plenty of excellent but modest electric guitar on #1 Record, especially the in-your-face riffing of "Don't Lie To Me" and the wah-wah solo on "When My Baby's Beside Me". The second half of the record, however, consists of mainly acoustic numbers, which are at least every bit as fine as the album's rockers. A highlight among these tracks is "Watch The Sunrise". With the trading acoustic guitars before the lyrics begin, this 3:41 song is a bit of a mini-suite. The titles are indicative of the pensive nature of these songs. For example, a track called "Give Me Another Chance" is followed by one called "Try Again".

Bell had left Big Star after #1 Record, but did put in a few appearances on the follow-up, Radio City. (Once again, that title conjures up images of stardom that was not to be.) Chilton did most of the writing himself, with Hummell co-writing several songs and contributing another of his own compositions, the excellent "Way Out West". This album contains Big Star's best-known song, "September Gurls". I will admit that I find Radio City to be less that totally brilliant, but surely I will concede that this is the greatest power pop song ever, right?. Well, no, actually. Yes, it features all of the essential elements of a great pop song: tender but rocking guitar, a strong bass line, nonsense lyrics, and cherub-like vocals. However, there is another song by a different band that mix these element in an even more perfect blend. I have said it before, I say it now, and I will say it again in the future: the greatest power pop song ever is "Shake Some Action" by The Flamin' Groovies. But of course, this doesn't make "September Gurls" any less of a song. It is the best song on the album and the reason why Big Star has the reputation as a pop band that it does. "You Get What You Deserve" and "Back of a Car" certainly don't hurt, and "What's Going Ahn" and "I'm In Love With a Girl" recall the pensive moments from #1 Record.

Big Star has been described as the quintessential American power pop group and the quintessential cult band. I am not sure that any artist can be considered quintessential in either of these categories, particularly power pop, whose quintessence is better defined by songs than by bands. Granted, Big Star's potency in this genre is obvious on these albums. However, that they were more than just a power pop band is evidenced by the fact that their influence was equally strong on both brooding alternative rock and radio-friendly indie pop. For this reason, I believe that it is Third/Sister Lovers that makes the single best case for Big Star as a great and influential band. Alas, Chris Bell can't get any credit for that. But I do consider #1 Record to be the better of their first two albums, and for that he deserves a lot of credit. Having #1 Record and Radio City on a single disc makes having both of them more worthwhile, and avoiding getting bogged down in the legend of these recordings allows two very fine individual albums to rise to the surface.

Important and overlooked classic rock release more enticing as a twofer. .......2007-04-20

When put together, the first two of Big Star's few noteworthy albums in a brief career seems essential to any classic rock purist, although casual listeners may find some material more stale then the legendary album's reputation may suggest. Make no mistake, right away the band proves what they are capable of with a great one-two punch..Sadly though, few songs on #1 Record rise to the emotional highs and thoughtfully composed flow of The Ballad Of El Goodo. Most play out more as well constructed, but evidently so, rock and pop which in ways pays worthy tribute to some of the better constructed British rock at the time but rarely transcends their construct like that second track does so well. Showing an utter confidence in the largely acoustic playing though, it seems clear why even half an idea from the Bell and Chilton pairing offered such memorable potential and puzzles as to why commercial success did not follow.

As satisfying as # 1 may be, Radio City takes the cake for me, only cementing Alex Chilton's status as a one man riff machine of brilliance. His leads are more focused here, and some of his power-pop musings are amongst histories shining examples. A worthy purchase for anyone wanting a fun, at times inspired musical history of electric guitar from an underrated mainstay.

Pleasing Power Pop.......2007-03-31

#1 Record/Radio City is a really fun two-fer album featuring Big Star's first two albums. Big Star first formed in 1971. Band members include the songwriting duo of Chris Bell and Alex Chilton, as well as Andy Hummel and drummer Jody Stevens. They released their debut - #1 Record in 1972.
This is a wonderful pristine power pop punch of an album! Filled with happy sunny bliss harmonies. Radio City is a bit slowed down and quieter, but both together go really well. Although these albums didn't sell well and the band fell into obscurity.
If there are any fans of Teenage Fan Club, Velvet Crush or even R.E.M.- (just about any band who sings sweet sad songs, may have been inspired)You may LOVE Big Star - This is one of the first who entered into the power-pop genre. Although Chris Bell and Alex Chilton did model themselves after John Lennon & Paul McCartney.
Such a fun two-fer to listen to, and a total of 24 songs at 73 minutes- I just love it! - 5 stars

Great rock'n'roll record a few years late.......2007-03-04

Radio City came out at the wrong time. Had it come out five year previous it would have been a big hit. It's almost a perfect record. Chilton sings wonderfully and plays even better guitar. But nobody was listening to that anymore in 1974. #1 Record tends a bit more toward radio soft rock 1972 style (interrupted by 3 or 4 rockers), but it's pretty beguiling soft stuff, very melodic and featuring curious lyrics. All the nonsense about influence you read on here is pretty funny. Nobody really enjoys music for its "influence". And this was an act that was very heavily influenced by myriad mid-sixties performers, Beatles and Byrds foremost among them.

Average customer rating:

excellent cd
Quite good :-)
Better then ever!
This is a good cd
They Are All Stars

All Star Smash Hits
Smash Mouth
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Disc One: All Their Greatest Hits 1991-2001

ASIN: B000A7DVPE
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

All Star
Walkin On The Sun
Flo
Beer Goggles
Why Cant We Be Friends
Diggin Your Scene
Waste
Then The Morning Comes
Come On, Come On
Cant Get Enough Of You Baby
Every Word Means No
Better Do It Right
Do It Again
Holiday In My Head
Pacific Coast Party
Im A Believer
Aint No Mystery
Hang On
Always Gets Her Way
Getting Better

Album Description

Smash Mouth's "Greatest Hits" compilation entitled All Star Smash Hits includes 20 Smash Mouth recordings (most of the singles, four cover tunes and four previously "soundtrack-only" songs).

Customer Reviews:

excellent cd.......2007-02-27

I got this cd primarily for two songs, All Star and Walking on the Sun. I tend to keep listening to my favorites, but the other songs are good too. Overall, a good CD that I will enjoy more with time.

Quite good :-).......2006-11-10

These guys have an old sounding but at the same time new twist on music that is quite refreshing after hearing all the hip hop, rap and grunge music out there.

Better then ever!.......2006-01-29

I've always loved Smash mouth, and this CD is the way to go for all fans. Or even if you're starting out, this is the one to get as it has several tracks on it you can't find on their other cds. such as Mystery Man and Pacific coast party. This is a good cd to get to sample all their works.

Beside's it has several of my favorite songs on it, such as Walking on the sun, When the morning comes, better do it right ( a song you can't find anywhere else except for the Grinch cd) and Waste. I'm just disappointed they didn't come out with this cd sooner before I spent money on buying soundtracks just for one single smash mouth song.

This is a good cd .......2005-11-27

I love this cd it's pretty good my fav song is allstar

They Are All Stars.......2005-10-01

The 1990's really brought out the waves of pure feel-good party bands. For acts like The Offspring with Pretty Fly For A White Guy, and of course Sugar Ray featuring Mark McGrath and their upbeat track Fly, they have really been the staples of the feel good pop side of music. Smash Mouth is also no acception. During their glory days, mid-90's, and the early 2000's, the group has been really the leaders with making great party songs for everybody. They started right at the top, and still haven't lost their way. Yet, while there are some who have forgotten them, the songs definitely live on.

Smash Mouth's 2005 All Star Smash Hits, is a packaged collection of their biggest tracks from their era in the top 40. The collection actually delivers very well with remastering and compiling some of their best tracks including songs for movies like Clockstoppers, Mystery Men and Shrek. While some of those films died in vein, the music for those ill-fated flicks actually outlasted as great guilty pleasures 2 to 1. The collection includes great party songs like their first big hit, Walkin' On The Sun, their biggest hit All Star, the Neil Diamond cover of I'm A Believer, the quirky Then The Morning Comes, and Pacific Coast Party. While the album delivers well, it does overlook only one song, the tropical-styled You Are My Number One which was used in ads for Chrysler a couple of years ago.

Although it is just a shame many people don't seem to remember Smash Mouth as much anymore. Nevertheless, All Star Smash Hits is absolutely a must have for anybody who loves great guilty pleasure songs. They are still walkin' on the sun.

Album Cover: C+

Songs: B+

Mastering: B 1/2-

Price: B

Overall: B 1/2+

Average customer rating:

Mostly excellent with one baffling decsion
Very Very Good
How Do You Redo That?!
Too hyped
Fitter, Dubbier

Radiodread
Easy Star All-Stars
Manufacturer: Easy Star
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dub | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Dub Side of the Moon
Easy Star All-Stars: Dub Side of the Moon Live
The Information
Easy Star, Vol. 1
Is it Rolling Bob?: A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan

ASIN: B000GUJZ5K
Release Date: 2006-09-04

Tracks:

Airbag featuring Horace Andy
Paranoid Android featuring Kirsty Rock
Subterranean Homesick Alien featuring Junior Jazz
Exit Music (For A Film) featuring Sugar Minnot
Let Down featuring Toots & The Maytals
Karma Police featuring Citizen Cope
Fitter Happier featuring Menny More
Electioneering featuring Morgan Heritage
Climbing Up The Walls featuring Tamar-kali
No Surprises featuring The Meditations
Lucky featuring Frankie Paul
The Tourist featuring Israel Vibration - Skelly Vibe
Exit Music (For A Dub)
An Airbag Saved My Dub

Customer Reviews:

Mostly excellent with one baffling decsion.......2007-04-17

The album is really really good and I recommend it highly. I don't think they knocked this one out of the park like they did with 'Dub Side' but easily a stand-up double.

My one gripe is why in the world they picked Citizen Cope to do Karma Police?? There are so many capable reggae singers that would have just made this song killer and I love what the musicians did with the arrangement but I just can't get over Clarence simultaneously feigning Thom Yorke's voice and a Jamaican accent. He murders the song for me. Don't get me wrong he's a fine artist in his own right but this was not his place. My opinion is that if you are going to do a reggae album get *reggae* artists or be prepared to upset some passionate (READ: cranky) reggae fans.

Imagine KP sung with a real heavy Jamaican singer's voice like Buju or Sizzla ("This is what you get...") or given the royal treatment with Barrington Levy ("Karma police...). This would have been not only the best song on the album but possibly of the year. Of course, those are huge names in reggae but so are Horace Andy and Toots Hibbert. Even talented less-famous artists (Where's Corey Harris & Ranking Joe this time around?) would have made this song stand out rather than stick in my side.

Everything else is great and they did an amazing job with arranging some very difficult material. Some highlights for me:

- Horace Andy! He does a bang up job on Airbag.
- The opening riff of Electioneering is brilliantly transformed into an organ. Possibly my single favorite part of the ablum.
- 'Paranoid Android' drags at first (not a huge fan of the Kirsty Rock performance but it's growing on me) but then come the horns for the middle part which really take the song into an unexpected epic reggae march.
- The Meditations sound sublime as always with their rendering of 'No Surprises'.
-And of course, Toots Hibbert throws 'Let Down' for a loop and makes you smile while listening.

Very Very Good.......2007-01-05

When I first heard Dub Side of the Moon, I thought it was amazing. This album I did not expect as much out of. However, it is also an amazing listen. Even if you aren't a Radiohead fan, you can love this music. If you are a Radiohead fan though, you are in for a special treat. This album is great!

How Do You Redo That?!.......2007-01-04

Beautiful record!! It grows on you the same way the original did. The same mood is present, but w/ a nice, soulful twist landing on the ones & threes. You gotta buy this ingenius record! I can only wait patiently for their next feat!

Too hyped.......2006-11-03

To say that this album is in the same degree, better, or even close to Dub Side. I say, hellllllll no, I don't know what these people here are talking about. To start, you simply can't compare the emotional and instrumentally multidimensional Dark Side of the Moon with Radiohead, come on. This album is much more one-dimensional, simplistic, and monotonous. There is nothing special here, and as far as reggae goes, I can name you 25 reggae albums with more soul and better than this, even those two dub solos at the end do not amount to anything; Scientist, Mad Professor, and Augustus Pablo 30+ yrs. ago did dub 50 times better than that.

If you are looking for good reggae albums, here are a few. Bob Marley - Babylon by Bus (his best most polished live album by far), Third World - Ultimate Collection (one of the most instrumentally achieved groups in roots reggae), Augustus Pablo - East of the River Nile (this one is very unique and just a great classic), Matisyahu - Live at Stubbs (great new reggae with lots of soul), Los Pericos - Mystic Love (this guys are from Argentina and very versatile, way better than this album, you'll be surprised), Mad Professor - The African Connection (an obscure dub gem) and of course Dub Side of the Moon (a must). I could name some more but you can't go wrong with these ones.

Fitter, Dubbier.......2006-10-31

What an enjoyable trip! Especially "Let Down", Toots makes it a work of praise to the heavens; "Fitter, Happier", the true genius moment where the Rastaman's paranoia comes out; and "Exit Music", Sugar Minott has a good thing going on that one. Only bummer: "Subterranean Homesick Alien", probably my fave track on the original - George Michael seems to be singing it here, not that I mind George but it's too white-sounding to be included here. Am I in trouble?

Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes of Madness

Average customer rating:

The 'musically stunted mans Dream Theater'!
If Lord of the Rings was put in a blender with Led Zeplin...
a modern experience I'll never forget
Alan Dean Foster Meets Rush!
Great Album

Good Apollo, I'm Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes of Madness
Coheed & Cambria
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3
Vheissu
The Second Stage Turbine Blade
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
Coheed and Cambria: Live At The Starland Ballroom

ASIN: B000AA302A
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Keeping The Blade
Always & Never
Welcome Home
Ten Speed (Of God's Blood & Burial)
Crossing The Frame
Apollo I : The Writing Writer
Once Upon Your Dead Body
Wake Up
The Suffering
The Lying Lies & Dirty Secrets of Miss Erica Court
Mother May I
The Willing Well I: Fuel for the Feeding End
The Willing Well II: From Fear Through the Eyes of Madness
The Willing Well III: Apollo II: The Telling Truth
The Willing Well IV: The Final Cut

Amazon.com

There's a lot to be said for continuity and high concept, and Coheed and Cambria have invented an elaborate geeky parallel sci-fi world that spread over four CDs. If you follow the story line, it unfolds like some punk Harry Potter series; equally ambitious and didactic and almost as tightly written as the Moody Blues' "Days of Future Passed." You can also listen to each of the albums without a thought about the story and marvel at the musicianship, the intricately layered guitars, Claudio Sanchez's overwrought and rather pinched vocals and the sheer imagination displayed by these four musicians whose idiosyncratic emo seamlessly flows into prog rock. Epic, surreal, bigger than life, and utterly unlike anything you've heard in decades--even Geddy Lee expounding on free will. -- Jaan Uhelszki

Customer Reviews:

The 'musically stunted mans Dream Theater'!.......2007-07-26

As a prog and metal rock fan for over 30 years, I tried real hard to like this enigmatic release, but in my opinion it falls short on many levels. The vocalist is horrendous. He has been compared to Geddy Lee by many, but Geddy's voice has a LOT more soul, timbre, and smoothness. Comparisons to Dream Theater have also been made as well, but C&C's chord progressions and guitar work sound purposeless and disjointed, and DO have elements of the lousy 'Emo rock' genre. The fact that many here bring this up must mean many of us hear it. I applaud bands that try to 'push or break the musical envelope', but unfortunately, C&C's sound comes across as confused with no real musical direction. You can play with fervor and conviction, as these guys do, BUT if the music sounds forced and boring, there's nothing you can do to 'connect' with some listeners. Not my cup of tea.

If Lord of the Rings was put in a blender with Led Zeplin..........2007-07-17

I wasn't excpepting much from this album before purchasing. I heard the Suffering which I thought was catchy, but I thought there was no way the album could be that good the whole way threw. I was wrong. The music ranges from rythmic harder rock (Welcome Home, and some of the later songs on the album) to really out there fast beats (Once upon your dead body, the Suffering).

Were this album really succeds is in it's great stroyline. The artwork of the album as well as the music relays a sense of epic-ness. You truly will not understand the depth of this Cd until you've heard it first-hand. Buy this CD I could not have been more pleased. In the great words of Apollo I and II, tonight the night on Burning Star IV...

You also may want to check out the Special Edition of the album. The Special Edition comes with a bonus DVD.

a modern experience I'll never forget.......2007-07-09

Luis Mejia (son) - I have to admit that I am one of those guys who love proffesional and complex music but I certainly lost my hope since mid 90's, specially in prog and good rock, and stayed in the era of the 70's, a magical era wich I didn't live. I never met the band 'till I heard the genre "new prog" and Coheed And Cambria was on the main charts, I also recognized the band because my cousin told me about it so I decided to give them a try, and this was the first album I bought seen the good critics and sales. Low in hopes, even when I heard the first track I was surprised they applied that kind of instruments in a classical way. Even more than a year that I've heard this album from the first track to the last one I'm still shocked of how excellent, delicate and professional it is!

I characterize this album more as heavy metal or progressive metal, even a litle bit of alt rock, but it stays a little apart from prog, even when it has certain characteristics of the genre.

The composition of each track is simple superb, delicate, heavy and well thought. Lisetn well, EVERY track is incredible and outstanding, one of the few album you don't have to skip any track; Welcome Home, Ten Speed (Of God Blood And Burial), the four fragments of The Willing Well (specially part 4), The Suffering and Wake Up are extremelly potent tracks that show every characteristic of the album, including soft ballads (until half of the album I never imagined a soft track), rythmical and confortable tracks like The Suffering, heavy, potential tracks with escapist sounds like Welcome Home and Ten Speed, the most likely prog songs like the fragments of The Willnig Well, and so on, each track is different from the other one. The moods of the CD are quite difficult to identify; I quite agree with those reviewers who characterize this album mainly EMO, and though it has many characteristics of EMO (wich I still do not think is a defined or even real genre) it also assimilates alt rock, prog, heavy metal, and so on; within the moods the songs are very different among each other but I can say their moods are agressive, hard, soft, constantly changing, experimental and a certain level of complexity.

Among the artists the guitar of Travis Stever is the best feature in the album, he's such a talented guitarrist, Claudio Sanchez vocals are very melodic and nice to hear but it isn't a voice such talented and trained but stunning as well, Josh Eppard drums are one of those instruments that in every song you listen to them carefully, and Michael Todd bass can be heard, you don't know how it bothers me not to be able to hear a bass in a song, but he makes it sound incredible.

Viewed as a concept album, its a little weird and even a little dumb as a concept album, I trully know that they are trying to make five albums about Teh Amory Wars but it's obvious that Coheed And Cambria would have a lot more credit and much better critics if it weren't for this detail.

In conclussion this band demonstrate among a world full of pitiful new music how still it can be excellent compositions written, if they only take their time, any musician can bring back the flame of music, good music, and the CD is a masterpiece, my sincere recommendations to everyone who appreciates good music.

Alan Dean Foster Meets Rush!.......2007-05-25

As my title states, Coheed & Cambria remind me of a really good sci/fi book set to music. Like a cross between Star Wars and Dream Theatre. I got IKSOSE first and still like that album better, I think simply because it is easier to follow the storyline. This album is much more musically complex though. It took me a long time to get used to the Claudio's voice because I a fan of Doom Metal not pop (not that they are a pop band), so it actually was the storyline that got me so interested. If you like concept albums, this is like trying to solve a really awesome riddle. I love the intro to Good Apollo with the violin!

Great Album.......2007-05-09

Yes C&C is an acquired taste, everything written in other reviews for all the albums pretty much spells out what people like about them. They are just what the current scene lacks, and bring back melodic, powerful, catchy metal in spades.....call it emo(the stupidest label ever coined bar none) or any other dumb term you want.....these guys simply rock.
The reviewer below is more interested in the album art, if thats your concern stick with cereal boxes or bazooka joe wrappers, this is rock n' roll. He also claims "sub par musicianship", which is an amazingly naive statement by someone who must know little about that which they speak. Grab a guitar and write tunes anywhere near this level. Sub par my a**. These guys are at the top of their game.

Average customer rating:

Contains an absolute rock masterpiece, Corgans Best Song
In this case, Corgan's dismissed negativity hinders his own creativity
Zwan sucks get the pumpkins back....
Billy Corgan Runs Out of Words?
Very good

Mary Star of the Sea
Zwan
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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TheFutureEmbrace
MACHINA/The Machines of God
Adore
Pisces Iscariot
Gish

ASIN: B00007M84Q
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Lyric
Settle Down
Declarations Of Faith
Honestly
El Sol
Of A Broken Heart
Ride A Black Swan
Heartsong
Endless Summer
Baby Let's Rock!
Yeah!
Desire
Jesus,I / Mary Star Of The Sea
Come With Me

Amazon.com

Having dramatically misjudged their audience's loyalty to skewed, art-damaged heavy metal, the Smashing Pumpkins called it a day shortly after the release of 2000's low-grossing Machina/The Machines of God. Three years later, frontman Billy Corgan returns with an all-star team of mostly Chicago indie rockers at his side, including Slint/Tortoise guitarist Dave Pajo, Skunk guitarist Matt Sweeney, A Perfect Circle bassist Paz Lenchantin, and fellow Pumpkin Jimmy Chamberlain on drums. But Zwan has not blunted the singer's flamboyant edge. His bonkers vocal gymnastics and whisper-to-a-scream choruses remain at the black heart of Mary Star of the Sea, as the group works its way through the rich melodies of new classics like "Honestly" and "Endless Summer," and pleasingly shifts into downtempo mood on the gorgeous "Of a Broken Heart" and gripping "Desire." And while Corgan's tendency toward self-indulgence results in the tedious 14-minute "Jesus, I/Mary Star of the Sea," it is just a minor lapse considering the rest of the big, glamorous rock on display here. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Billy Corgan is back - and he smashes all rock hype into understatement with Zwan. Arena-folk-metal-punk, a rampaging triple-guitar attack and pop melodies, glam grandeur and sophisticated twists, Zwan is the band he's wanted from the moment his Smashing Pumpkins hit the big time. Reprise. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Contains an absolute rock masterpiece, Corgans Best Song.......2007-06-23

I was a Smashing Pumpkins fan since Siamese Dream, and have heard alot of thier output (there are tons and tons of bsides, far to many for any one with a job to track down). When I first heard this cd, I was pleasently suprised with Jimmy Chamberlin interaction with three great guitar players, and even more so, the fact that these were mostly happy songs, which was a huge depature from the doom and gloom of Adore and Machina. But when I heard "Mary Star of The Sea" played live, I went back and closley listened to this track. It resembles the mood of Jimi Hendrix's 1983 (mermain I Shall Be). This song from every aspect is a rock masterpiece, the gutiar soloing, arranging, effects, chords, ect, are perfect, and really show Billy Corgan's famous perfectionist side. Lryically the song is beautiful. This song stands up with anything the Pumpkins did (even Geek U.S.A and Porcelina). The rest of the album is very good with many pleasent songs fully of happy melodies with to many guitars. Don't overlook this because of its title

In this case, Corgan's dismissed negativity hinders his own creativity.......2007-06-08

People should be happy that Corgan became more positive with his life, but that does not mean the music suffers in turn. Rarely stepping over the peppy positivity behind simple three chord ditties (heavy on the reverb but light on texture), Billy's whine has never been misused as much as these mediocre compositions suggest. There is still enough songwriting ability to ensure a worthwhile spin for more pop-leaning ex-Pumpkins fans, but the majority, great majority here just glares through with a vacant, yet overbearing "light"

Zwan sucks get the pumpkins back...........2007-05-18

Come on Billy is this what you broke up the pumpkins for.....shameful.

Billy Corgan Runs Out of Words?.......2006-10-21

I have been a Pumpkins fan since they first hit the scene. That said, this is no Pumpkins' album. This is something wholly other. And mostly, the changes are for the worse. While some of the songs are tuneful, and Corgan's voice still has that raw edge, I found this album to be painfully monotonous. Nearly every song repeats itself over and over and over and over and over, ad nauseum. If you like Billy so much that you simply must participate in his religious experience, get the album. If you get bored easily, and if poetic lyrics mean anything at all to you, steer clear. Some of the lines are clever, even deep and thoughtful, but hearing the same ones repeated continually for four minutes straight seems to suck the meaning out of them.

Very good.......2006-07-28

Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlain of course make this band what it is, with added help of Matt Sweeney and David Pajo. Its good, heavy, happy music. Its as heavy as some Industrial rock/metal but the lyrics are sweet and harmonious. Something I think Billy Corgan thought was essential for this time. I'm not the one to listen to Cd's all the way through and there's only 3 that I can do that with. Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits, Billy Joel's An Innocent Man and of course this one. It cheers me up. It's close to a disney-fied Rob Zombie sound. I've owned it since 2003 and I will never get rid of it.

Average customer rating:

my title
Love It!!!
Are you looking for an amazing band the charts (thankfully) looked past?
Blues with a bit of psychedelia
Mazzy has a captivating style sure not to disappoint

She Hangs Brightly
Mazzy Star
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Among My Swan
So Tonight That I Might See
Blind
Bavarian Fruit Bread
Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

ASIN: B000002UY3
Release Date: 1991-11-12

Tracks:

Halah
Blue Flower
Ride It On
She Hangs Brightly
I'm Sailin
Give Me Your Lovin
Be My Angel
Taste Of Blood
Ghost Highway
Free
Before I Sleep

Customer Reviews:

my title.......2007-03-09

Really uplifting album. Its fun, its bright, and it doesn't drag. Its an energetic album with a dated sound but nonetheless its has a feeling that is reminiscent of the 90s-seattle-grunge-indie era that I'm surprised it wasn't on the singles or reality bites soundtrack.

Love It!!!.......2006-11-10

I absolutely love this CD. I use to own it on cassette tape and was completly devastated when it broke. I have been looking to replace this for years and was thrilled when I did a search on Amazon and located it.A definite must for a music library.

Are you looking for an amazing band the charts (thankfully) looked past?.......2006-06-25

Without a doubt, this is some of the smartest music to come from the nineties. Reviewers seem to throw around the term 'psychadelia' with heavy hands. Just a reminder that the Doors cooked blues, rock and folk with a dash of acid successfully (to those that know), and here we have a uniquely haunting clarion call in that same vein. Besides, as a love song joint you could do much, much worse.

Blues with a bit of psychedelia.......2006-06-03

Mazzy Star is certainly my favorite band, so I'm pleased to give this five stars, yet I wouldn't consider "She Hangs Brightly" my favorite of their albums. I prefer the consistency of "Among My Swan", but maybe "She Hangs Brightly" has the most memorable moments. This being their first album release isn't bad at all.

The first song I have to mention here is "She Hangs Brightly." It's one of the most trippy, haunting, and mind-blowing songs I've heard. This is the standout track to me. It's over six minutes of psychedelic meandering music and vocals. Hope going on and on about "She hangs brightly from the tree" with the eerie, sometimes even circus sounding, organ music is quite creepy and mad but still very entrancing.

"Halah", "Give You My Lovin'", and "Be My Angel" are all quite pretty love songs about, well of course, love and heartbreak. There's a wistful, bluesy sound present in a lot of Mazzy Star music, and this album often presents that mood of longing and despair. These songs truly capture it.

It's not all sad and downtempo, though. "Ghost Highway" is pretty cool. They pick up the beat here a little more with the drums, guitar, and organ. It leans more on the psychedelic rock side of Mazzy Star.

I'd have to say the downfall with this album is that it isn't entirely consistent, but still it's an overall good listen. Even though there is no single bad track here, I still rarely find the ability to listen to this album straight through without skipping over a couple tracks.

I must point out that the album art for this one is great. The album cover perfectly captures a sense of darkness and mystery, and I even framed the cat illustration that's on the inside.

Mazzy has a captivating style sure not to disappoint.......2005-02-24

I have to agree with J.Chadwick.

This entire CD is very melodic and groovy with a psychedelic feel to the songs. I love how entrancing Hope Sandoval's voice is combined with the resonating chords on the guitar and keyboard. I think of the 3 Mazzy Star CDs, this is my least favorite, but it is still very excellent. I highly recommend "Among My Swan" and "So Tonight That I Might See," which I play to wind down to after a long day, or as someone else mentioned...it's great for making out to! Whenever I just want to chill out with a good drink, I usually put Mazzy Star, Pink Floyd, or The Doors in the CD player.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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