Beggars & Thieves

Beggars & Thieves

Track Listings

1. No More Broken Dreams

2. Billy Knows Better

3. Waitin' For the Man

4. Your Love Is In Vain

5. Isn't It Easy

6. Let's Get Lost

7. Heaven & Hell

8. Love Junkie

9. Kill Me

10. Love's A Bitch

11. Beggars & Thieves

Tracks:

Fake Empire
Mistaken For Strangers
Brainy
Squalor Victoria
Green Gloves
Slow Show
Apartment Story
Start a War
Guest Room
Racing Like a Pro
ADA
Gospel

Amazon.com

With Boxer, the National have reached four albums into their increasingly lauded career, never hurrying the tempo, never over-reaching in volume or instrumental density. Instead, the quintet's balanced on a pin, emotionally austere, if not utterly downhearted, finding brilliantly dusky ways for Matt Berninger's lovelorn voice to mesh with a pair of unobtrusive guitars and, here, an occasional phalanx of piano, horns, and strings. The tunes roll off slowly, Berninger's lyrics hugging the instruments with a sad brawn, rough-hewn as the drums and bass toy with angularity (try "Mistaken for Strangers," for one) but end up woven by that voice. Drummer Bryan Devendorf presses the songs forward repeatedly, as on "Start a War," where he gently thumps the time as the acoustic guitars frame and dot the melody, coalescing as the drums starkly chisel the melody. Nary a distortion pedal is harmed on Boxer, giving the National a magnetism so forlorn that you can't stop listening. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The follow-up to 2005's "Alligator" is filled with lush arrangements and sees the band incorporating new instrumentation and expanded musical elements such as piano, trumpet, and more prominent background vocals.

Customer Reviews:

Best of 2007, their best album too.......2007-07-30

Along with Canada's The Besnard Lakes and Stars, The National are by far above the rest of the musical spectrum this year. But not only have they outdone other bands: compared to their previous works, "Boxer" scores easily as their best album too.

While their sound will remind you of numerous other groups (Joy Division, Radiohead, The Cure, Interpol), Matt Berninger's voice gives them a uniqueness that you will long for while the album is out of your reach.

best album from a great band.......2007-07-25

I don't listen to much mainstream music (preferring orchestral) but I gave The National a listen because the members are friends of my brother. I loved their music, which amazingly seems to get better with each album. Boxer continues this trend.

There are plent of comments above about the music, so I would like to comment on the lyrics, which I think demonstrate a far greater maturity than what one typically hears on the radio. There's a focus on the mundane of everyday life and frequent poetic abstract imagery that makes it very fun to sing along.

Hypnotic and lush.......2007-07-22

I'm a new fan of The National but the strength of this album has convinced me to get their back catalog. Having just heard snippets of different songs I was unprepared for how much stronger their songs are in the context of the whole album. The first time I popped the album in I was taken back by the deep baritone of Matt Berninger's voice coming through my speakers. Ten seconds later the deep hypnotic drawl of his voice had grabbed me and dragged me deep into the National's sonic landscape. "Fake Empire" starts out catchy and strong and while the drums initially sound as if the drummer is pounding away to the wrong song, it quickly coalesces into one of the best tracks on the album. Another early favorite is the quiet, beautiful "Start a War" with one of my favorite chord progressions of all time. Overall the whole album is a somewhat subdued affair although the phenomenal drumming of Bryan Devendorf drives the music forward with intensity and urgency. Easily a pick for one of the top 10 best of 2007.

slow show.......2007-07-22

"29 years" ago (Slow Show)... actually, 3 years ago I came upon this majestic piece of music craftmanship titled "Wasp Nest" while surfing the Net. Wow! Ithought to myself what a great song that was, champagne glasses and all. Come this year, I stumbled upon this beatiful CD titled Boxer by the same band who wrote "Wasp Nest". Honestly, it is just absolutely perfect. I rarely buy CDs lately, but The National has done such a magnificent piece of art which made me reconcile with all the lost feelings I had about the music industry these days.... hands down, this is the CD to buy this year thus far. My prediction is that it will occupy the number #1 spot in many critics' lists at the end of the year (alongside LCD and Feist.) Well done guys! Keep up the good work!

Speechless..........2007-07-20

I had heard Alligator and thought it was great, but....
From start to finish this is the most excellent, most wholly beautiful album I have heard in a long long time.
THE BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR. bar none.
The first time and everytime after I listen to this I feel as though I have been hit by a bus.
I just didn't think music could make feel like I did when I was young(er) but I was wrong.

Average customer rating:

Stunning Debut!
Instantly Memorable
Amazing live, and an amazing album
Absolutely Unforgettable! A Perfect Solo Debut!
yes, i will marry you

Marry Me
St. Vincent
Manufacturer: Beggars Banquet Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Reminder
Person Pitch
Armchair Apocrypha
Our Love to Admire
Volta

ASIN: B000RGSOR8
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

Now, Now
Jesus Saves, I Spend
Your Lips Are Red
Marry Me
Paris Is Burning
All My Stars Aligned
The Apocalypse Song
We Put A Pearl Into The Ground
Land Mines
Human Racing
What Me Worry?

Album Description

St. Vincent is the moniker of singer/multi-instrumentalist/composer Annie Clark and this is her debut full-length. She's opened for such diverse acts as Television, Jose Gonzalez, and Sufjan Stevens, and she's an inventive and versatile guitarist who has also performed with avant-garde composer Glenn Branca. On this record, she writes cinematic pop epics that feel at times like Paris in the 20s before all the fun ended. Or, conversely, an orchestra of pure modernity - a new American music, informed by jazz, gospel blues, Southern folk music, and classical composition but, in the end, an animal original unto itself. She's been compared to everyone from Bjork to Kate Bush to Jeff Buckley, and her beautiful voice melds perfectly with her intricate guitar work.

Customer Reviews:

Stunning Debut!.......2007-07-30

What a breath of fresh air that St. Vincent is! This album is just flawless, there's not a bad song on this record. As for the comparisons made about her, I think it's a misconception; she's not as original and innovative as bjork or kate bush. She's her own artist, one that should be respected. I hope this album will eventually be recognized for the wonderful gem that it is!

Instantly Memorable.......2007-07-18

This wonderful debut starts off with three songs ("Now Now," "Jesus Saves, I Spend," and "Your Lips Are Red") that one might describe as alternative pop: quirky, sometimes edgy, with lots of instruments (various guitars, some quite distorted, keys, violin, bass, drums) that add texture yet manage to maintain lots of space. These qualities are only accentuated by the songs' live performances, in which St. Vincent, a/k/a Annie Clark, utilizes robotic movements (I saw her in NYC last night). But while this may all sound cold, it is far from that; rather, there is something that is intense and uplifting. As if to make the latter point, the CD moves on to its fourth song, "Marry Me," a jazz/pop, upbeat ballad. The rest of the CD is a mixture of what might be described as Fiona Appleesque, alternative jazz ("Paris Is Burning"), a country-like ballad ("All My Stars Aligned"), more alternative pop ("Apocalypse Song"), a moving instrumental ("We Put A Pearl In The Ground"), jazzy ballads ("Landmines," and "What We Worry"), and upbeat jazz ("Human Racing").

The music is complex and varied, the lyrics intelligent. The songs are instantly memorable -- a pretty rare quality!

Oh, and did I mention Annie's voice -- Saint-like!

Amazing live, and an amazing album.......2007-07-18

I saw her live in new york city last night, I had never listened to her, so I didn't know what to expect, but I was blown away. Afterwards I picked up her album and as I suspected, it is brilliant. Not only is it a great debut, but its a great all around album. Buy it.

Absolutely Unforgettable! A Perfect Solo Debut!.......2007-07-17

Before you sit down and listen to Annie Clark's (here known as St. Vincent) first solo album, "Marry Me," take a moment to look at the cover. Think to yourself, "What kind of music could this woman actually make?" Chances are, every answer that comes into your head is going to be somewhat accurate. "Marry Me" is filled with the kind of quirky pop music that helped Regina Spektor and My Brightest Diamond get noticed. As it turns out, Clark also has the distinction of being a member of The Polyphonic Spree on their most recent album as well as a member of Sufjan Stephens' touring band (much like My Brightest Diamond's Shara Worden). While all these credentials are well and good, it is the music that matters most. Fortunately, "Marry Me" is probably the strongest female solo album to debut in 2007!

The album starts off with the brilliantly composed "Now Now" in which a choir of childish vocals declare "You don't mean that, say you're sorry" just before Annie inserts "I'll make you sorry." Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the song is the mere fact that Clark took care of most of the instrumentation herself, as she does through most of the album. While multi-instrumentalists are a dime a dozen these days, few are able to blend the individual parts together in a way that seems so cohesive.

The humorously titled, "Jesus Saves, I Spend" features Christmas carol-esque "Bum bum bums" in the background, and even a few jingle bells for good measure. Here, Annie sings "While Jesus is saving, I'm spending all my grace on the rosy red power of lights on center stage" nonchalantly, adding to the carefree feel of the song almost as much as the floaty chipmunk vocals do (seriously). "Your Lips Are Red" takes a much more serious turn with a grinding guitar riff, haunting harp plucks and an incredibly eeire, yet undeniably cool string part. Clark's lyricism is once again displayed in full force as she near-growls "Your lips are red. My face is red from needing your red lips." Eventually, the song builds into a much brighter affair where Clark sounds almost identical to Shara Worden.

The title track "Marry Me" is another light pop song, this time sounding curiously like Feist. However, even amongst beat-keeping hand claps, the instrumentation is just as impressive as it has been. "Paris Is Burning" is absolutely amazing track, that finds Annie singing "I'm on your side where nobody is" over an almost waltz-like composition. The guitars here are absolutely brilliant, and the song is arguably one of the album's best. My personal favorite, however is the following track, "All My Stars Aligned." Listening to it, I imagine being completely weightless, blowing about in the clouds. The song is so dreamlike, so perfect, that it's hard to imagine Clark ever topping it. She asks, "What was your question?" before affirming "Love is the answer." Genius.

The second half of the album is just as beautiful as the first. "The Apocalypse Song" is an absolutely gorgeous pop song whose heavy orchestration is only overshadowed by it's WTF-inducing breakdown. But Clark doesn't disappoint, bringing the chorus back for another go before ending the song. Amidst the rest of "Marry Me," "We Put A Pearl In the Ground" seems entirely out of place. At just over a minute long, this simple, yet stunning piano solo doesn't really go with the string orchestration or guitars it follows. At the same time, however, it is undeniably charming, sounding like a heartbreaking lullaby. The song essentially serves as a prelude to "Land Mines," but it completely outshines that song, in my opinion.

The album wraps up with the quirky, yet catchy "Human Racing" and the completely charming "What Me Worry?" In it, Annie asks the question "Do I amuse you dear? Would you think me queer if while standing beside you, I opted instead to disappear?" It seems like no time at all before she does, and the album closes.

Annie Clark has completely blown me away with "Marry Me." This is not only the best female solo album of 2007, but one of the best I've heard in the last decade. At times she can sound like so many different artists (Norah Jones, Feist, My Brightest Diamond, Regina Spektor, etc.), but at the same time she maintains a uniqueness about her that is not only endearing, but entirely brilliant. St. Vincent is a name you'll want to remember, whether it's just a stage name or not. Listening to "Marry Me" is like opening your eyes to a brand new day and realizing that the world is full of possibilities. It is refreshing. It is amazing. It is completely and utterly unforgettable!

Recommended for fans of My Brightest Diamond, Sufjan Stevens, and anyone who is ready to be blown away!

Key Tracks:
1. "Your Lips Are Red"
2. "Paris Is Burning"
3. "All My Stars Aligned"
4. "The Apocalypse Song"
5. "We Put A Pearl In The Ground"

9 out of 10 Stars

yes, i will marry you.......2007-07-12

st. vincent is a breath of fresh air.
i saw her open for john vanderslice in chicago and she almost stole the show (almost, i love you john).
anyway, buy her album and help support a great musician.

Average customer rating:

A CLASSIC! THE STONES IN TOP FORM AGAIN!
WOW, this remastering!!
proof that british rock has guts
Beggar's Banquet is a Feast!
CLASSIC

Beggars Banquet
The Rolling Stones , and Rolling Stones
Manufacturer: Abkco
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Let It Bleed [DSD]
Sticky Fingers
Exile on Main St.
Some Girls
Goats Head Soup

ASIN: B00006AW2J
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

Sympathy for the Devil
No Expectations
Dear Doctor
Parachute Woman
Jigsaw Puzzle
Street Fighting Man
Prodigal Son
Stray Cat Blues
Factory Girl
Salt of the Earth

Amazon.com essential recording

Opening with "Sympathy for the Devil," the Stones' infamous we-are-evil poem, this all-original 1968 album began a quality streak almost unmatched in rock & roll. Mick Jagger begins writing from the working-class hero's perspective--especially on the anthem "Street Fighting Man" and "Salt of the Earth"--and Keith Richards buttresses his partner with rock-solid slide licks recently graduated from the School of Old Blues Records. "Jig-Saw Puzzle," which inexplicably never became a hit, is the only known instance of Jagger's describing the Stones' individual personalities in verse. --Steve Knopper

Amazon.com Music Reviews

Beggars Banquet is among the Stones two or three greatest albums, so it's also among the very best rock & roll albums ever made. Though known for its twin anthems of social decay, "Sympathy For The Devil" and "Street Fighting Man," it's actually the album's gritty yet beautiful acoustic country and country-blues numbers--"Dear Doctor," "Prodigal Son," "No Expectations," "Factory Girl"--that has helped Beggars stand up so effectively through the years--that and the fact that Keith Richard's lyrics here often come as close to sincerity as he's capable. When he sings "Let's drink to the hard working people," for once you almost believe him. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

A CLASSIC! THE STONES IN TOP FORM AGAIN!.......2007-07-11

The Stones started to really shine with this album. It was the peak of their creative genius! "Beggar's Banquet","Let It Bleed","Sticky Fingers" and "Exile On Main Street" should be in everyone's top 100 albums of all time! Though this album is more acoustic than most efforts by the Stones,there are some classic jammers including Sympathy for the Devil, Street Fighting Man and the forgotten Stray Cat Blues!

WOW, this remastering!!.......2007-06-07

OK, so it doesn't say so, but this is the "DSD" remaster just like the Let It Bleed remaster is. I won't comment on the album; a million reviews and words-of-mouth have cemented its reputation already. But I had to post on here about the remastering: it is THE best remastering I have EVER heard on a classic rock album. If you want to be blown away by the difference that sound quality can make, just listen to "Sympathy for The Devil" twice back-to-back: first on Forty Licks, then on the DSD remastered version of Beggar's Banquet. I've probably heard "Symapathy for The Devil" over one hundred times in my days, and there are tons of small details that I absolutely never heard before I listened to this version. I'm just glad I didn't get suckered into buying an SACD player, because this Beggar's Banquet re-release shows me that the same kind of phenomenal sound quality is possible from conventional CDs. Jody H. Klein, you deserve a Nobel Prize for this project!

proof that british rock has guts.......2007-06-06

the stones sixties output was the perfect balance for the beatles more friendly sound.. The stones had a very earthy, bluesy , rocking sound.. one of their best albums where there sound comes across in an almost perfect fashion is 'beggars banquet'... It contains some of their most socially confrontational material including the hard hitting anthem of an opener 'sympathy for the devil'.. this somehow beautifully merges with the much slower contemplative 'no expectations'.. indeed this serves as a formula for many upcoming stones releases (sticky fingers is the perfect example).. 'dear doctor' shows the stones flirting with country western... another big track on this album is 'street fighting man' another hard hitting rocker.. again the rockers are balanced out as it is followed by more acoustic bluesy music.. you can clearly hear the influence of the blues legends that the group loved so much particularly the ones that worked for chess studio like howlin wolf.. beggars banquet is indeed a banquet of classic stones material.. the main delight for me is in discovering some of their acoustic tracks which have gotten little or no radio play.. and also it is nice to see their work as it was intended in the context of an album...something their best of collections have greatly destroyed.. This is a band at its peak..

Beggar's Banquet is a Feast!.......2007-06-05

This is a "must have" release mainly because it includes, "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man." It also marks the Stones' first serious venture into Southern R&B and blues written by them.

CLASSIC.......2007-05-24

I like the singles from the stones yet I never bought any stones music until I hear Beggers Banquet. I was 18 years old and blown away by the album. I became a big fan after that.

Average customer rating:

I Would Say The National Are The Most Underrated Band In America
Fabulously Seductive, Wonderfully Different
Now you can add another band to your top five list.
A Nice Suprise
excellent guitar work

Alligator
The National
Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Reminder
Sky Blue Sky
Mirrored
Yellow House
Our Love to Admire

ASIN: B0007LCNKM
Release Date: 2006-04-03

Tracks:

Secret Meeting
Karen
Lit Up
Looking For Astronauts
Daughters Of The Soho Riots
Baby, We'll Be Fine
Friend Of Mine
Val Jester
All The Wine
Abel
Geese Of Beverly Road, The
City Middle
Mr. November

Amazon.com

On their third recording, the National strikes a delicate balance between light and dark, fast and slow, American and British. While their sound is undeniably tinged with darkness, it isn't gloomy or depressing. This impression is mostly due to Matt Berninger's deep baritone, which brings to mind such sensitive, but manly Brit vocalists as Scott Walker and Stuart Staples of the Tindersticks. The National, however, are American. Formed in Brooklyn in 1999, the quintet hails from Cincinatti and doesn't sound much like a New York Band (Interpol, the Strokes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc.). Instead, they could be Midwestern or even Canadian in the way they combine alt-country, chamber-pop, and post-punk angst, like Toronto's Royal City or Montreal's Arcade Fire. Often compared to Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and Tom Waits, the National's music is actually faster-paced and has a lighter, almost jaunty touch. In other words: they rock. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

These five Cincinnati friends recorded two albums for Brassland before signing to Beggars Banquet. Their last effort, "Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers", was touted as one of the year's best by Rolling Stone and other magazines. On "Alligator", Matt Berninger's potent baritone still intones about matters fraught, funny, and sad; about record collections, missing persons, and medium-sized American hearts. "Startling and subtly affecting, The National creeps in like the killer in a bleak gothic novel. Strings tremble, hearts break, and each smoldering song brings a harrowing tale of new pities"--Magnet.

Customer Reviews:

I Would Say The National Are The Most Underrated Band In America.......2007-06-17

I discovered this album in 07 after hearing their 07' release Boxer ( which is another excellent album) and wish I would have listened to long before, because track for track not much albums are this strong. The Geese of Beverly Road is probably my favorite followed by Abel and then closely by every other track on the album.

Fabulously Seductive, Wonderfully Different.......2007-05-30

Love the velvety baritone of the lead vocalist backed by highly talented musicians. Initially loved the track "Abel" alot, but the rest have grown on me as well. Different and unique indie sound.

Now you can add another band to your top five list........2007-01-17

Yes, it's true, this band will change your music tastes. I think I can difinitivy tell everyone I know, and some that I don't, " are you ready to listen to some amazing music?". I know that this music hits me in some ways that not everyone will relate to, but, even the lyrics' subject matter is familiar ground, and always, I begin to reminisce, as if I have been listening to their music for decades; An old stand-bye. Yes, it's true, they are on my top five... You can mellow out, or rock out with your...-; With all the varying degrees of tones, from gently flowing and well- layered tracks. National newbies can start out with Secret Meeting or Daughters of the Soho Riots. Then, you will advance towards amazing emtional pieces like Val Jester or Geese of Beverly Hills. Okay, so you buy it, you love and are like what's next. Here's the good part;
Their earlier album Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, is at least three to four times better. Now you're glad I told you to buy it.ah-huh

A Nice Suprise.......2006-12-06

The last few years, I have been purchasing a TON of new albums. Most of them coming from word-of-mouth or wading through endless Amazon reviews. Out of every 10 or so purchased, 1 is normally good, warranting repeat listens. Alligator is most definetly the latter. I purchased it on a whim, not really expecting too much - but, I was pleasantly suprised upon my first few listens. I had been avoiding the album (you know how it is - for whatever reason). For me, it was the cover art, and the name of the band. Superficial, I know. But again, after popping this disc in the car CD player, it didn't move - for TWO months. It is one those albums, which many of the best are, where your favorite song can change from day-to-day. Where you might find yourself listening to one particular song on repeat, two or three times in a row. If you require melody, it's there a plenty. Just slightly disguisged under the brooding, baratone voice of the lead singer. He can however sing some infectious hooks that will truly get imbedded into your head and subconscious. Also, not the type of music you must mute or turn off when your *main-stream* friends hop in the car. I have gotten "who is this?" from those whose musical tastes have not evolved past local FM radio commercialized, over-marketed rock/rap/pop music. My apologies for not delving into exact descriptions of the songs and style, but this review is for those who are "on the fence" like I was, and just need a little shove. You know all those albums you buy and want to huck out the window after a listen or two? This is NOT one of those. It's a keeper. I'm stealing this motto from another Amazon reviewer, but I give a 5-star rating to an album, which, if I was to lose tomorrow, I would re-purchase asap. This, for me, is a independent classic, easily in the top 10 of modern rock albums I have been exposed to.

excellent guitar work.......2006-09-17

I've heard a lot of strange comparisons between this band and others (Nick Cave, Joy Division). I don't hear it. Maybe Mark Lanegan and American Music Club. I do hear a great band with with two excellent guitarists and a pretty good singer who hits a few flat notes here and there. The songs are good and memorable, especially "Friend of Mine" and "Karen". The lyrics are very interesting and unpredictable, but the work of the two guitarists who pluck interesting intertwined high notes more than they strum power chords is what really makes this band and this album great.

Average customer rating:

Join The Cult!!!!
CD Rocked HARD
The best of The Cult on one disc
Pure Cult The Singles 1984-1995 - Good...
Pure Cult: The Singles 1984-1995

Pure Cult: The Singles 1984-1995
The Cult
Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

The Cure - Greatest Hits
A Slight Case Of Overbombing (Greatest Hits Vol. 1)
Beyond Good and Evil
The Psychedelic Furs - Greatest Hits
The Best of Simple Minds

ASIN: B00004STYJ
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

She Sells Sanctuary
Fire Woman
Lil' Devil
Spiritwalker
The Witch
Revolution
Love Removal Machine
Rain
In The Clouds
Coming Down
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Heart of Soul
Wild Flower
Star
Resurrection Joe
Go West
Sun King
Wild Hearted Son
Sweet Soul Sister

Amazon.com

The hard-rocking Cult have come along way from the early Native American stylings of Dreamtime and the dodgy goth tendencies evident on their classic album, Love. Blame Rick Rubin, who helmed Electric and steered them down the rocky road to metal heaven. This best-of collection brings together tracks from the span of their career, and is a worthy testament to their rites of passage. "She Sells Sanctuary" sounds as refreshing as it did in 1985. There are some dubious inclusions from the twilight years of their career, such as "Star" and "Coming Down (Drug Tongue)," but when they have to hold their own alongside "Fire Woman" and "Lil' Devil" it's hardly surprising that they are found wanting. --Helen Marquis

Album Description

Totally remastered, featuring 19 of your favorite Cult tracks including 'She Sells Sanctuary', 'Edie (Ciao Baby) ' & 'Sweet Soul Sister', with new artwork. Beggars Banquet.

Customer Reviews:

Join The Cult!!!!.......2007-05-19

This CD is simply excellent! You get exactly what you pay for, so you can't possibly complain. Indeed, the title says it all: you get all the singles that you know and love from their albums between 1984 and 1995 AND you also get the singles that were NOT included in their albums, namely "Resurrection Joe" (the 80's version of Bowie's "Aladdin Sane", even going as far as including the same type of dissonant piano in the background), "The Witch" and "In the Clouds", all excellent additions.

If you're a long time fan of The Cult, I think you'll appreciate this compilation because it does include pretty much all songs you'd expect it to have, and the compilation is well made too: with a great song selection, it's hard to go wrong, and this compilation also benefits from a great track sequence, beginning with "She Sells Sanctuary" and ending with "Sweet Soul Sister". It just flows like a breeze!!! And the sound is great as well.

But I think that those looking for an introduction to The Cult are probably the ones that will enjoy this compilation the most: most people who listen to rock are familiar with at least a few songs from the band, such as "She Sells Sanctuary", "Love Removal Machine", "Sweet Soul Sister", "Edie (Ciao Baby)" and/or "Fire Woman". These songs are all here, but in addition to those favorites, you also get a wealth of extra material that is just as strong: "Sun King", "Rain", "Revolution", "Wild Flower", "Heart of Soul" and all the others included here are sure to appeal to those occasional fans that know the band only by its most popular material. My only possible observation/warning (not really a complaint...) is about the "versions" used, meaning the "single edit" thing: if you know The Cult solely by the their singles in rotation in classic rock radio, this point is not gonna be relevant to you at all (since these are the versions that normally receive airplay), but if you're a long time, die hard and finnicky fan...well, I'll leave it up to you to decide...in fairness, it was a compromise: using the radio edits meant that they were able to include ALL the singles, as the title of the compilation accurately states...

The Cult enjoyed a golden age of sorts between the release of "Electric" and the end of the "Sonic Temple" tour, simply because this was their most straight forward period, where their music, their songs, their sound and their albums (and even their image) were reduced to the most basic and this sound hit a home in the US. Before and after, The Cult managed to keep a healthy following in their native UK and other parts of the world, but struggled to keep a strong fan base in the US. This was due to a simple fact: The Cult kept evolving, reshaping their sound and their image (just have a look at their pictures in the booklet!) as their mood took them, and that was extremely difficult for fans to accept. I remember that the first song I ever heard from them was "Love Removal Machine", which I loved, and then the next thing was "Revolution"...I was a bit confused by the abrupt changes, but ultimately the quality of their music was enough to put my doubts to rest.

Many people liken their sound to a "heavy U2", and while I agree that that generalization is as accurate as any generalization can be, it applies to the band's first 2 records, "Dreamtime" and "Love", but definitely NOT to their latter output, such as the Rick Rubin produced "Electric" which harkens back to classic AC/DC, or "Sonic Temple" and some its "Zeppelin meets The Doors" overtones. Some of that early sound came back with "Ceremony" and "The Cult", but for the most part, this band simply shifted its sound every so often, which was good from an artistic point of view, but it probably backfired from a commercial perspective. For instance, right now in 2007, the band is back and in "heavy metal" mode: two guitars, bass, vocals and their heaviest drummer yet (John Tempesta, of Testament/White Zombie fame).

Bottom Line: If you're a Cult diehard, you'll enjoy this because it is very well made. If you are more of an occasional fan familiar with their "hits" and in search for a little more, this is the perfect place to start: having enjoyed their most recognizable tunes, you're sure to like the material included here. You can't go wrong with this purchase, so go ahead, dig in and join The Cult!

CD Rocked HARD.......2007-05-16

A great compilation CD...it ROCKED, if you want to experience classic Goth Rock, this is a must have.

The best of The Cult on one disc.......2007-03-27

THE BAND: Ian Astbury (vocals) and Billy Duffy (guitars) are/were the main members of The Cult. They've had a host of others helping in the way of other guitarists, keyboardists, bassists, and drummers.... mainly Jaime Stewart (guitar, bass), James Stevenson (guitar), Bob Rock (guitar, keyboards), John Sinclair (keyboards), Ritchie Zito (keyboards), John Webster (keyboards), Kinley Wolfe (bass), Craig Adams (bass), Charley Drayton (bass), Nigel Preston (drums), Matt Sorum (drums), Scott Garrett (drums), Michael Lee (drums), and Mickey Curry (drums).

THE DISC: (2000) 19 tracks clocking in at approximately 77 minutes. Included with the disc is a 14-page booklet containing a 6-page intro to the band and their albums, song titles/credits (no lyrics), band photos, what songs came from which albums and the year released. The songs here follow the band from 1984-1995 (as the title states). Remastered sound. Label - Beggars Banquet.

ALBUM REPRESENTATION: Dreamtime (2 songs), Love (3), Electric (3), Sonic Temple (4), Ceremony (2), The Cult (2), Unreleased (3).

COMMENTS: Still trying to figure out why The Cult has 2 differently named compilations with only 1 song being the difference between the two (this disc, and 1996's "High Octane Cult")... the two songs "Go West" (from "The Singles" album) and "Beauty's On The Street" (from "High Octane") are both simply unimportant songs. The music on "The Singles" is digitally remastered so if I'm standing in the music store with both in hand, I'll choose this one. I read decades ago that Astbury and Duffy were difficult to get along with... perhaps this is why they couldn't get 2-3 additional members to stay on a more permanent basis... seems like every album there was different personnel on supporting instruments (bass/keyboards/drums). With that being said, Astbury and Duffy wrote some great music. Covering several spectrums - rock, hard rock (some classified as metal, but I'll call it borderline metal), punk, psychedelic, and alternative. The studio albums were up and down... often times mixing some wonderful melodies, hard rocking songs, and a few oddballs that were just plain weird (and some annoying). Astbury's distinctive vocals was the first thing that hooked me in. Duffy's guitar licks were simple, but catchy (he's no Satriani, Malsteen, or Vai). As far as this compilation goes, the songs chosen are dead on accurate... I couldn't have picked them better myself. The staples are all here - including "She Sells Sanctuary", "Fire Woman", "Love Removal Machine", "Sweet Soul Sister", "Lil' Devil", "Edie (Ciao Baby)", etc. The tracks from "Dreamtime" (1984) and "Love" (1985) are very 80's in style (they could easily be inserted to any number of John Huges' movies..."16 Candles", "Breakfast Club", "Pretty In Pink"... almost Duran Duran or Haircut 100 in flavor. The later 80's and into the 90's saw The Cult in hard rock form. Even though "Sonic Temple" was the band's most commercially successful release (featuring 4 decent hits), "Electric" was always my favorite of theirs due to the break-through songs "Love Removal machine", "Lil' Devil" and "Wild Flower". The Cult always had their own sound, but if I had to put them into a category... they'd be in with the likes of Billy Idol, The Pretenders, and the Clash. With so many band member changes, each album had a slightly different feel to it... to me, this was intriguing aspect of The Cult's sound and their albums. Some great tunes here from an underrated British band. "The Singles 1984-95" is a great intro to Astbury and Duffy's "Cult" (5 stars).

Pure Cult The Singles 1984-1995 - Good..........2007-01-10

Pure Cult The Singles 1984-1995 is a good addition for anyone that is forming a "Music that I will be listening to 20 years from now" library. I'll be keeping it for life. I finally have Wild Flower & Lil Devil on CD and I am not letting go of this CD for those two reasons for starters!

Pure Cult: The Singles 1984-1995.......2006-11-10

Memories of "big hair" 80's and the mullet. Great album, a band ahead of its time that didn't fit the 80's pop metal scene.

Average customer rating:

well, it looks like the NME got something right
For once, the hype is deserved.
The last great album I discovered in 2006
Have to buy it all over again.

Someone to Drive You Home
The Long Blondes
Manufacturer: Beggars Banquet Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Reminder
Icky Thump
Favourite Worst Nightmare
Sound of Silver
Our Love to Admire

ASIN: B000PSJCSI
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Lust In the Movies
Once And Never Again
Only Lovers Left Alive
Giddy Stratospheres
In the Company Of Women
Heaven Help the New Girl
Separated By Motorways
You Could Have Both
Swallow Tattoo
Weekend Without Makeup
Madame Ray
A Knife For the Girls

Tracks:

Fulwood Babylon
Five Ways To End It
Never To Be Repeated
All Bar One Girls

Customer Reviews:

well, it looks like the NME got something right.......2007-06-29

I think this album, and this band, are fantastic. They are the perfect mix of dancy, girly, and British-ness. Having heard a bunch of the singles, I was not disappointed in this at all. This band mixes all sorts of genres together, from post-punk to disco to britpop to 60s girl groups, etc. They mix all these together to make something that works QUITE well in both studio and live setting.

The singles on this LP are all great: once and never again, giddy stratospheres, and separated by motorways. However, I think the songs "Lust in the Movies" and "You Could have Both" are better than any of those songs. I think that is a rarity these days in our Ipod / Youtube music business.

By the way, this band was GREAT at the Subterranean in Chicago. Their singer is a total fox. I eagerly await something else from this band and hope they are not a Northern English amalgamation of some fads. It's really a shame that Jarvis Cocker does not like the singer's voice. I love it...she is one of the few singer currently that sounds better live than on vinyl (or CD).

For once, the hype is deserved........2007-06-09

The Long Blondes' Someone To Drive You Home is consistently catchy and enjoyable all the way through. "Lust In The Movies" starts it off with a kick and things don't let up until the CD ends. The four singles are:

1. Once And Never Again
2. Giddy Stratospheres
3. Separated By Motorways
4. Weekend Without Makeup

These four songs were all previously available on UK singles. The versions on Someone To Drive You Home are all rerecorded. This may come as a frustration to people who fell for the original single versions (as I did). It doesn't take long to appreciate these new versions, though. Either way, the songs are catchy and fun to sing along with. The music is poppy, but there's a lyrical dark streak lurking just beneath the surface.

This CD would be worth it for those four songs alone. My personal favorite song isn't one of the singles, though; it's "You Could Have Both", which features male and female voices singing simultaneously. It's got a very Pulp-y sound to it. (It's also nice to hear a reference to The Apartment in a pop song.) The remaining songs are all highly enjoyable, so what we're left with is a rarity in modern music...a CD that is solid all the way through without any of the duds and throw-away tracks that plague so many releases these days.

For once, the hype is deserved.

The last great album I discovered in 2006.......2007-06-07

This was not only the last great album I discovered in 2006 but it turned out also to be one of the best. This album is not widely known in the US due to it still not being available as anything other than an import. It is not even available on iTunes and other music download services. Hopefully 2007 will see a correction. I have to confess to not knowing a whole lot about the band. Most of the songs are credited to guitarist Dorian Cox and The Long Blondes, which probably means he writes the songs, presents them to the band, and they all hash out the final form. What is surprising about this is that the band has a distinctly feminist slant on things. They seem in many ways to be the English answer to the Riot Girl bands in the U.S. You could easily do a triple bill of Le Tigre, Sleater-Kinney (alas, if only they were still together), and The Long Blondes and have no clash of values or viewpoint. The band has much of the same brassiness of Third Wave inspired feminist rock, yet the songs are written by a guy. Well, perhaps not so bizarre. The turning point in strongly empowered female characters on TV occurred with BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, created by a male feminist, Joss Whedon. So why can't a guy write songs that represent a female take on things?

If Dorian Cox writes the songs, Kate Jackson sells them. And man, does she ever sell them. With this album she instantly joins the ranks of the most compelling female frontwomen in rock. She has a great voice, with plenty of power when she needs it, but capable of subtlety as well. They have her voice far forward in the mix, where it belongs. I love the way she manages to do so many things vocally in "Heaven Help the New Girl," and does them all well. If you compare her with, say, Karen O. of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kate doesn't have all the tricks that Karen can pull off, but she has a much more powerful voice and a wider effective range.

But what really puts this band over the top for me is not just that they come with a great set of well-written songs and a phenomenal singer to sing them, but that the Long Blondes are a great band. Screech Louder on drums, Emma Chaplain on guitar (and back up vocals), Reenie Delaney on bass (how refreshing to have a chick on guitar and a guy on bass for a change), and Cox on lead guitar are a tremendously tight, inventive, and skilled. Sometimes when you have someone as good as Kate Jackson, there is a talent gap between singer and band, but that certainly is not the case here. This truly is a band, with everyone contributing enormously to the final project.

The highpoint of the album for me is "Weekend without Makeup," in which a woman chronicles how stale her relationship has grown. It is a subject that has been dealt with in countless songs, but it seems so fresh here and the notion of defining a weekend by the fact that she doesn't need to put on any make up really speaks volumes. All in all, though, the album has a number of really strong cuts. "Lust in the Movies," "Once and Never Again" (in which the singer tells a 19-year-old that she really doesn't need a boyfriend but should instead focus on life without the need of one), "Giddy Stratospheres," "In the Company of Women," "Separated by Motorways," and "Heaven Help the New Girl." The album may fade ever so slightly by the end, but these days most bands put their strongest material in the first two-thirds of the disc.

I do want to quibble with a criticism that the previous reviewer made of the album. He or she indicated that this album is "derivative." This is a criticism that is frequently made by people of one album or artist or another. But I have to confess that it is a criticism I've never been able to make any sense of. There are two sides to my perplexity, one general and one specific. Take the specific first, I listened to this album multiple times and not once thought "Wow, this is derivative." Of course there are a host of moments where the album recalls other performers. At various points the band reminds me of outfits as diverse as the Smiths, Pulp, Joy Division, and Blondie, but sometimes even some sixties girl groups. But I absolutely promise any prospective listener: you will not listen to this and think that they are ripping off any other bands' riffs. They certainly are not more "derivative" than any other band at work today. Which leads to the more general side of my perplexity: given the fact that we now have over fifty years of rock and roll informing any rock album today, how is it possible for any band to be anything other than derivative? Even the Beatles were derivative, aping a host of American R&B bands and artists. Later they came under the spell of Bob Dylan, who was himself inspired by a score of American folk, blues, and rock performers. Everyone borrows from everyone else. The question is not whether something is "derivative" but whether their particular derivation is any good. And this stuff here is dynamite. If it were boring, that would be another matter. I really don't intend to jump all over the previous reviewer. Honest, I don't. But this is an instance of aiming a largely irrelevant criticism at an absolutely first rate band. At least he and I can fully agree on one thing: this is one of the best albums of 2006.

Have to buy it all over again........2007-06-07

First Jarvis Cocker's solo CD and now Kate Jackson's band? What is with these Sheffield groups and bonus stuff on domestic releases? Well, I bought this in January thereabouts on the strength of their reviews in the British rags. If you like Alex Turner's ilk, you'll like this. The music is very similar except with Nico/Justine Frischmann (hence a lot of Elastica comparisons, mostly bad, sad to say as I like both groups) vocals. The lyrical content is the same. All in all, if the journos aren't grouping the two in with Jarvis for "The Sheffield Sound," give it time.

Will it be big here? Doubtful. It, like so many previous bands (the Kinks, the Jam, Blur) is way too English and unless you're an Anglophile, it won't be very interesting. If you are though, have a butcher's.

Signed,
epsteinsmutha

Average customer rating:

MId 80's Classic!!!
A release that defies musical classification with its brilliance
the one i can't quit....
A great album!
There was more to the 80's than U2...

Love
The Cult
Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Beyond Good and Evil
Echo & the Bunnymen
The Cult - Live Cult (Music Without Fear)
First and Last and Always
Floodland

ASIN: B000007VCM
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

Nirvana
Big Neon Glitter
Love
Brother Wolf Sister Moon
Rain
Phoenix
Hollow Man
Revolution
She Sells Sanctuary
Black Angel

Album Description

Domestic reissue of alternative rock band's 1985 album. Digitally remastered from the original masters with expanded artwork which includes new photos & liner notes. Beggars Banquet.

Customer Reviews:

MId 80's Classic!!!.......2007-08-03

This album was an instant classic! As other reviwers have mentioned...GOOD LICK picking a favorite...seriously it has all of what makes an album a classic. From my first experience listening to the Cult I was hooked on the Angelic vocals and dreamy guitar. They were something more than just another alternative rock group...they had a touch of blues and a unique sound altogether...i have NO CLUE how they never got bigger. One thing is painfully obvious with them is that they were WELL before their time! Had they not released their music until at least 10-15 years later they would be all over Mtv as well as all the Radio stations. This album is a must for those of u out there seeking an original, ROCKING but musical sound...they really have it all! Favorite tracks on this cd of mine include; Brother Moon... Sister Wolf, Fire Woman( their hit off of this cd), Nirvana, & last but not least Black Angel...as you can see i listed half the album...enough said...this band is destined to be re-discovered as i have faith in the world of music...thank you, your humble narrator, Alex D.

A release that defies musical classification with its brilliance.......2007-07-26

This album was without question one of the finest releases of the 80s. I'm not sure what genre it belongs in but The Cult Love is perfection. Its almost laughable that every track is just unrealistically awesome. When you close a perfectly executed album with Black Angel you have entered the musical heavens. This album stands the test of time as a absolute classic and deserves its ranking completely. Electric and Sonic Temple are classics of their own, but they never topped this release (AND WHO COULD!) Unreal.

Honestly... picking a favorite song on this CD would be ridiculious and stupid. Close your eyes and drop a finger on the track list. You'll be right.

the one i can't quit...........2007-07-16

I quickly collected all the cult (Southern Death and the Holy Barbarians, also); LOVE is the one I keep going back to. There are few singers who have a voice and inflection that can become a musical instrument. All these albums need to be played loud and on nice equipment to be appreciated. Billy Duffy and James Stewart are phenominal. The drummer for this venture is, in my opinion, one of thier best. I'm not getting up to see who, just trust me, he is all over the place. If you want to get the the merging of the Goth Cult towards the Electric, get this. Then go and get them ALL!

A great album!.......2007-06-27

Described by some as having a more "psychedelic sound," I think this is one of The Cult's best albums. The songs have a somewhat esoteric and ethereal thing about them. My favourite? "The Phoenix." It has such a driven feeling to it. "Brother Wolf, Sister Moon" is haunting and austere. Ian Astbury's performances are always excellent, and the musicianship is right on par.

There was more to the 80's than U2..........2006-07-03

As a longtime U2 fan, I believed that there was precious little else in the mid-80's. But this CD proved me wrong. While this is clearly an 80's production with all the sheen of the era, these songs are far stronger and diverse in scope. Not a bad song on the disc either. "She Sells Sanctuary" was the biggest hit (and still gets airplay!), but in reality most of the songs are even better.

Buy this CD, and forget about all the weak, contrived crap the 80's usually gave us. And give your U2 CD's a rest...

Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER
Time well spent.
Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs
Buy the full version, please
Argh Matey!

Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , and Colm Wilkinson
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music

Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast)
Selections From Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast - Highlights)
The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast)
Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

ASIN: B000084TRM
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Overture/Work Song
I Dreamed a Dream
Who Am I?
Castle on a Cloud
Master of the House
Stars
Do You Hear the People Sing?
A Heart Full of Love
One Day More
On My Own
A Little Fall of Rain
Drink with Me
Bring Him Home
Javert's Suicide
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
Finale

Amazon.com

While not overly generous at 55 minutes, the highlights album of the 1987 original Broadway cast recording of Les Miserables is intelligently selected and likely to prove satisfying to most fans. It includes the best-loved numbers of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score, beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?") alike, but eliminates some choral numbers ("Lovely Ladies"), redundancies ("Red and Black"), and connective tissue that propels the plot along ("Valjean Arrested," "Come to Me (Fantine's Death)"). Sure, a more perfect selection could have lasted longer than half of the two-disc set's 104 minutes by adding "At the End of the Day" and "In My Life," among others, but it's still a good representation on a convenient single disc. Of course, those who always want to re-create the theatrical experience will never be satisfied with a highlights album.

Re-creating their roles from the London production, Colm Wilkinson plays the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine. Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers) fill out the cast. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER.......2006-11-03

This is the BEST!! I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes this kind of music!

Time well spent........2005-09-14

Each member of the Les Miserables cast stands to deliver this musical to its audience. Within moments we are transported to France during their Restoration. We experience sadness, laughter and, indeed, want to join in their crusade. The music and deliverance, in my opinion, is excellent.

Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs.......2005-08-05

Composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score for "Les Miserables" is simply brilliant and the spectacular Broadway cast, led by Colm Wilkinson, Randy Graff, Terrence Mann, and Frances Ruffelle, help bring this incredible music to life!

While I normally enjoy "highlight" cds, this one clocks in at a mere 55 minutes and could have easily included a couple of additional tunes (thus losing one star). Most notably missing: "At The End Of The Day", "Come To Me", "Red And Black", and "In My Life". The show's most memorable songs, however, are included.

Best tracks:

I Dreamed A Dream
Master Of The House
Stars
Do You Hear The People Sing
On My Own
A Little Fall Of Rain
Bring Him Home
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

Great cast, great score ... even a good buy. But I would suggest the full double-disc score instead.

Buy the full version, please.......2005-01-20

Highlights are never worth it. You will never get the little in-between songs which make a show complete, montages will be cut together badly instead of being full songs as they should be...so much is left out. This is a fantastic show and deserves to be heard in full.

Argh Matey!.......2004-11-22

"Highlights" albums are not the full show, blah blah blah... THIS TAKES UP ONLY ONE SPACE IN YOUR CD RACK INSTEAD OF TWO LIKE THE FULL RECORDING. I rest my case.

Average customer rating:

Incredible Album
Deep
Murph Rules
Don't know what brought me back to Deep, but here I am...
Deeply dramatic!

Deep
Peter Murphy
Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Unshattered
Floodland
The Sky's Gone Out
Vision Thing
Burning from the Inside

ASIN: B0000018AQ
Release Date: 1995-06-20

Tracks:

Deep Ocean Vast Sea
Shy
Crystal Wrists
Marlene Dietrich's Favourite Poem
Seven Veils
The Line Between The Devils Teeth (And That Which Cannot Be Repeat)
Cuts You Up
A Strange Kind Of Love (Version One)
Roll Call
Roll Call (Reprise)

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Album.......2007-03-16

So moody. Peter Murphy is amazing. The musicians on this album are solid and Peter Murphy's lyrics are mesmerizing. Dark, yet mature. This album does not get old.

Deep.......2007-02-16

I think this is the best of Murphy's solo albums and has the most depth. It is harder than the others and reminds me more of the Bauhaus sound that I yearn for.

Murph Rules.......2007-01-04

What can I say except that the Murph is incredible. I bought this as a replacement of my old disk that was totally worn out. A truly original artist.

Don't know what brought me back to Deep, but here I am..........2006-08-09

"While young girls fangs and crystal wrists / wait patiently for me to twist / I look away to distant rains / to waterfalls and honey days / and boys in black and blue-rinse eyes / gaze whistly at my slender thighs" ... Wow. Clearly, this song, as well as the entire record, has aged rather well.

Deeply dramatic!.......2006-06-08

"Deep" finds Peter Murphy coming into his won as a solo artist, having shaken off the short-lived Dali's Car and working out the kinks on this two previous solo recordings. The previous "Love Hysteria" (1988) gave a little taste of what he would unleash on "Deep" which was warmly received by an appreciative and receptive audience. Murphy learned from the shortcomings of his two prior releases and wisely multi-tracks his vocals to add greater depth and impact to them. His backing band, the One Hundred Men, is arguably his best since his Bauhaus days, giving "Deep" a fuller, livelier pulse. The tracks are some of Murphy's best, especially coming on the heels of the acclaimed "Love Hysteria."

The songs are profound musings on love, life, and loss with a considerable sonic punch as witnessed by "Cuts You Up," "Deep Ocean Vast Sea," and "Crystal Wrists," all demonstrating Murphy's vocal prowess. Two of the most dramatic and emotional songs are the gentler and delicate tracks "Strange Kind of Love," and "Marlene Dietrich's Favorite Poem," both of which offer showcases for his considerable vocal range. "Marlene..." is a paean to aging but refusing to give in with the exquisite lyric, "A tear falls as she describes, approaching death with a yearning heart, with pride and no despise." "Strange Kind of Love" is equally spectacular with the stunning crescendo at the end where Murphy bellows the final line, "...to love, or, to hate?!"

"Deep" swims with a wide array of emotions and is certainly Peter Murphy's most dramatic and memorable recording. If I could only chose one of his recordings to have and cherish, "Deep" would be it!

Average customer rating:

Among the best Rock albums ever made
great album
Big hits, great riffs and some stunted stiffs
They don't make 'em like this anymore
Sonic Temple

Sonic Temple
The Cult
Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Beyond Good and Evil
The Ultimate Sin
Long Cold Winter
The Great Radio Controversy
Love at First Sting

ASIN: B0000085N4
Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

Sun King
Fire Woman
American Horse
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Sweet Soul Sister
Soul Asylum
New York City
Automatic Blues
Soldier Blue
Wake up Time for Freedom
Medicine Train

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue from the original masters with expanded artwork which includes new photos & liner notes. Beggars Banquet.

Customer Reviews:

Among the best Rock albums ever made.......2007-07-09

I love this album. It takes me back to a time when Rock gods still walked the earth.

Though all the songs are worth listening to, "Edie" is my favorite. I can almost see the woman the song is being sung too. Melancholy, you bet. Though I've officially played it enough times now to drive my wife batty and had to remove the CD from the player, the song is still capable of producing tears.

If you like bands that effectively produced that "wall of sound" experience, you'll like this album.

great album.......2007-05-22

The Cult are an awesome band and im glad their back. This album shows why they are such an amazing band.

Big hits, great riffs and some stunted stiffs.......2007-04-04

Sun King.

Fire Woman.

Nuff said really, the aforementioned tunes being towering masterpieces of rock. It just doesn't get any better than these two great tunes, both of which climbed the charts in various territories.

The Cult came to prominence with this, their masterpiece (sort of) album. Cranking out riff driven hard rock numbers that are contemporary with the hair metal daze but quite apart from them they created a far more restrained beast. Ian Astbury has soulful lyrics and a soulful smooth voice to match. His vocal register certainly isn't deep but it's rich and is full bodied - he's no high end strainer.

As for the music it's riff driven but the riffs aren't overpowering, Bill Duffy seeming not to suffer from an ego problem - his riffs here are pretty darn good but they are part of the music, not THE music. The production is handled by Bob Rock with Mike Fraser doing the recording - so you know that aspect will be great and we also get a guest appearance from Iggy Pop of all people.

Apart from the aforementioned awesome tracks this album is blessed with the hook laden American Horse and the beautiful Edie (ciao baby). Sweet Soul Sister is also pretty nice though the following track, Soul Asylum is a touch too similar. New York City has plenty of life and the Iggy Pop guest slot as well as fast and mellow sections that spark thing up quite a lot.

The only real downside for this reliably good album are some of the later tracks don't quite match the excellence of the first few. There are a few good sections of songs but overall they don't quite wash. As funky as Automatic Blues is I just can't warm to it overmuch and the last couple of tracks are just below par, no other way of putting it. Which is a pity as they drag down an otherwise stellar hard rock 'n' roll release from a band that always seemed somehow distinct from the ditzy bright neon light rawk bands.

All up I'd recommend picking this up as it's their best album and not at all tainted by the era it was born in. In fact when they played Australia Big Day Out festival in '96 they blew the alterna rock bands off the stage with clear and concise riffing and quality rock. Respekt...

They don't make 'em like this anymore.......2007-01-31

Damn, this is good rock & roll. In my mind there are four classic balls-out guitar-rock (is there any other kind?) albums: Van Halen's first, Back in Black, Appetite for Destruction, and Sonic Temple. And of them all, Sonic Temple probably rocks the hardest. It's a solid wall of buzz-saw, multi-tracked guitars. And it's not just a jam-fest: the songwriting is top-notch (except for the weak "New York City"). I used to put this CD on to get stoked before I went into the gym. Almost twenty years later, it hasn't aged one bit.

Sonic Temple.......2007-01-17

This is the album that divided the fans back in the day. My goth friends thought they had sold out with this album and the people who love metal thought it was too weird. I on the other hand, like all kinds of music and thought this was the best hard rock album of the late 80's. It was loud and bombastic, it put all of the other bad metal bands like poison, skid row and other to shame. This album is why Metallica picked Bob Rock to produced their black album.

Music Track:

Recommended Music:

Music: Les Organistes du Roy Soleil

Disco Heat (Reis) [Box set]

Dungeonmaster's Guide

Forever [Import]

H.N.I.C. [Clean]

Divine Bliss

Henry Purcell: Ten Sonata's In Four Parts

Essential George Duke [Import]

El Color de Tu Corazon

Fire Redrum [Explicit Lyrics]

Denon 24/7, Vol. 5

Dis Is Da Drum