The Illusion

The Illusion

The Illusion

Track Listings
 
1. The Illusion
2. Dreams To Sorrow
3. Eyes Of A Child
4. Head Free
5. Longtime Forgotten
6. Flames
7. Castles In The Sky
8. World Gone Mad
9. Jigowatt
10. From Here
11. Shadow Of Silence

Editorial Reviews
Sentinel Steel, Fall 1996
PSYCO DRAMA display U.S. power metal at its finest!

Product Description
PSYCO DRAMA's debut album, THE ILLUSION, is a unique blend of hooks and melodies combined with epic and progressive passages, resulting in compositions such as "Eyes Of A Child," "Flames," and "From Here" which places them in the same league as progresive metal stalwarts QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING.

The Illusion

The Illusion,Ps˙co Drama,Dca/Zoza,Heavy Metal
Christ Illusion
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Christ Illusion
    Slayer
    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000ROALE4
    Release Date: 2007-07-24

    Tracks:

    1. Flesh Storm
    2. Catalyst
    3. Skeleton Christ
    4. Eyes Of The Insane
    5. Jihad
    6. Consfearacy
    7. Catatonic
    8. Black Serenade
    9. Cult
    10. Supremist
    11. Final Six

    Tracks:

    1. Slayer On Tour '07; Jihad\ Consfearacy (video content)
    2. Eyes Of The Insane (video content)
    3. South Of Heaven (from the Upcoming Unholy Alliance DVD)

    Album Description

    Widely considered to be the most important metal band ever, Slayer has re-affirmed that the opinion with its latest album, Christ Illusion. First released last summer, the album sold over 62,000 copies its fist week. Now a very special package of Christ illusion will be re-released that includes the new song "final six", an alternative version of "Black Serenade" PLUS a DVD with nearly 15 minutes of special Live & Tour footage as well as the "Eyes of the insane" video.
    Use Your Illusion I
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The guns n roses show
    • nearly perfect
    • turn around point!
    • turn around point!
    • Yeah, whatever
    		 Use Your Illusion I
    Guns N' Roses
    Manufacturer: Geffen Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Use Your Illusion II
    2. Appetite for Destruction
    3. G N' R Lies
    4. The Spaghetti Incident?
    5. Live Era: '87-'93

    ASIN: B000000OSE
    Release Date: 1991-09-17

    Tracks:

    1. Right Next Door To Hell
    2. Dust N' Bones
    3. Live And Let Die
    4. Don't Cry (Original)
    5. Perfect Crime
    6. You Ain't The First
    7. Bad Obsession
    8. Back Off Bitch
    9. Double Talkin' Jive
    10. November Rain
    11. The Garden
    12. Garden Of Eden
    13. Don't Damn Me
    14. Bad Apples
    15. Dead Horse
    16. Coma

    Amazon.com

    Part one of Guns N' Roses' ambitious second album is arguably the better of the two. It certainly rocks harder, though this seems to be more coincidence than anything else; which songs went on which CD looks to have been a random selection. Use Your Illusion I stays closer to the band's bluesy hard-rock roots, with guitarist Izzy Stradlin contributing some of the best songs, including "Dust N' Bones" and "You Ain't the First." "November Rain" (clocking in at over nine minutes) became an instant classic, and there are a fair number of straight-ahead rockers, such as "Perfect Crime," "Don't Damn Me," and "Garden of Eden." Taking the best from this album and Use Your Illusion II would have made a killer single CD, but there's enough good stuff here to make it worthwhile. --Genevieve Williams

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The guns n roses show.......2007-04-18

    This was the 5th guns album i bought my first being : Greatest Hits, 2nd Appetite: third Use your illusion 2 and then lies and finally Uyi 1.
    Each time i bought a new guns album i heard a new sound completly different to the album before it. My fav. songs on this album are Don't damn me, Dead horse, Back off Bitch and definetly COMA. The riffs are unbelivable, Matt on the drums is great and axl well he is legendary, his voice, ever changing and his lyrics especially on Coma are mind blowing. Buy this album. You have to appriciate the lyrics of Axl and the others to really get this album. But there are still some hard rockin classics 5*

    5 out of 5 stars nearly perfect .......2006-12-30

    use your illusion 1 is a real bluesy, complex, rock n roll album, instead of a stupid hair metal album like appetite. i'll only review songs i like,ok.

    dust n bones, bad obsession and bad apples: intelligent, aerosmith, stonesy blues rock songs.

    live and let die: cool cover song, unique riffs.

    don't cry: beautiful, but not comparable to november rain.

    november rain: if u know anything about gnr, you've heard it. sounds classical, complex, and great instruments.

    you ain't the 1st: twangy bluegrass country song w/ no solos, short, but one of a kind.

    double talkin jive: kinda stupid lyrics, but almost metallica-sounding guitar solo, which fades into a spanish guitar sounding solo at the 1 minute left mark, rebellious.

    the garden: seems to tell of drug use, multi-styled, it's soft yet heavy, like led zeppelin songs. BEST HARD SONG ON ALBUM

    don't damn me: rebellious, and quality lyrics, just a simple gnr rocker.

    dead horse: starts out acoustic, then suddenly gets crazy heavy, and an awesome solo from slash, then goes back to the same acoustic part then ends.

    coma: describes a coma, has very heavy riff in it; coma>the garden.

    This is not a hair metal album; uyi1 is like aerosmith/stones, while appetite is like poison/motley crue/kiss. do not buy but a few songs off appetite.

    5 out of 5 stars turn around point!.......2006-12-28

    appetite makes gnr sound like motley crue: high-pitched singing, repetitive songs, empty lyrics. This makes em seem even more manly; they sound like aerosmith, perhaps lynyrd skynyrd, having old, bluesy licks, deep lyrics, southern rockish keyboard, and the great ballad november rain, of course. Also, kinda weird pink floydish/zep sounds in some parts.
    anti- hair metal! buy now!!!

    5 out of 5 stars turn around point!.......2006-12-28

    appetite makes gnr sound like motley crue: high-pitched singing, repetitive songs, empty lyrics. This makes em seem even more manly; they sound like aerosmith, perhaps lynyrd skynyrd, having old, bluesy licks, deep lyrics, southern rockish keyboard, and the great ballad november rain, of course. buy it now!

    3 out of 5 stars Yeah, whatever.......2006-12-13

    Okay, I'm still wondering something: Do we really need two CD's worth of this album? I mean, come on! Yeah, there's some coolness spread across this album: "November Rain" and "Don't Cry" are two more awesome lovestruck power ballads, "Live and Let Die" is arguably even better than Macca's because of Slash's heavy guitar, "Right Next Door to Hell", "Dust n' Bones", and "Perfect Crime" fill out the obligatory "kickass rock n' roll" quotient. And "Coma" is nicely epic and such. The biggest misstep is the acoustic country-twanger thing "You Ain't the First", which at least is mercifully brief, unlike the proceeding stupidity. Tell me, what was their justification for dragging slag like the Stones rip "Bad Obsession", misogynistic "Back off B*tch", psychedelic trash "In the Garden" (with Alice Cooper making a total fool of himself), and "Don't Damn Me", with Axl justifying his writing "One in a Million" by saying, "Sometimes I wanna kill" and "Sometimes I wanna destroy" (niiiiiiice. Now those two people in the world who previously didn't think you were an a** have changed their minds). And not only is he an a** (but you knew that), he's a friggin' hypocrite. "Why let one bad apple spoil the whole damn bunch", proclaims Mr. Axl "Immigrants and f*ggots/they make no sense to me" Rose. Hey buddy, by now everybody knows you hate anyone who isn't a straight American white guy, so why pretend otherwise? Who's gonna believe you? And guess what else? If you take what's good here, you get an economical single CD! Maybe it's a couple songs too few, but that's what we have those precious few good songs from Use Your Illusion II for!
    Use Your Illusion II
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The final album by Guns and Roses...
    • Pure early 90s metal
    • gnr 2
    • Wildly uneven, but could've been amazing
    • pretty good
    		 Use Your Illusion II
    Guns N' Roses
    Manufacturer: Geffen Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000000OSG
    Release Date: 1991-09-17

    Tracks:

    1. Civil War
    2. 14 Years
    3. Yesterdays
    4. Knockin' On Heaven's Door
    5. Get In The Ring
    6. Shotgun Blues
    7. Breakdown
    8. Pretty Tied Up
    9. Locomotive (Complicity)
    10. So Fine
    11. Estranged
    12. You Could Be Mine
    13. Don't Cry (Alt. Lyrics)
    14. My World

    Amazon.com

    Had Use Your Illusion II been combined with Use Your Illusion I, keeping only the best material while dropping the filler, it would have been one of the best rock albums ever recorded. Instead, great songs like "Civil War," "14 Years," "Estranged," and "So Fine" compete with the inexcusable "Get in the Ring" and the well-intentioned but off-target cover of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." There's no point to the second version of "Don't Cry," either. On the other hand, when Guns N' Roses were good, they were very, very good, and some of the material on this album is unsurpassable. --Genevieve Williams

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The final album by Guns and Roses..........2007-06-26

    Both Use Your Illusion albums had enough material for a 4LP set, and most of it is superb. This is the better of the two records, with G n R classics like Locomotive (an intense, nearly 9 minute rave up), Pretty Beat Up (courtesy of Izzy Stradlin with a cool sitar intro), an excellent cover of Knockin' on Heaven's Door, and Estranged is a good ballad. Gettin' in the Ring is a funny song where Axl goes off on critics. The song is a bit obvious, but it's still fun to listen to. This is more than likely Guns n Roses's final album. There's no way Axl is ever going to release anything else. How come Axl and company can release the equivalent of four albums in 1991, and haven't made an album of new material in 16 years (well, at least Axl, the others have moved on)? Axl needs to get his head out of his a**, and stop being full of himself.

    5 out of 5 stars Pure early 90s metal.......2007-05-19

    Use Your Illusion II, the second half of Guns 'n' Roses' dual release, is second only to Appetite for Destruction in their list of best albums. With charging guitar funk ("Breakdown"), speeding hard rock ("You Could Be Mine"), and amazing ballads ("Estranged"), UYI II is a must-own for everyone and all die-hard G'N'R fans. It starts off with a creative blend of hard rock and balladry ("Civil War"), and after you've heard that song, you're immeadiately hooked. The blues rock sample of "14 Years" is also amongst the best in G'N'R's arsenal, and it shows that sometimes, bassists CAN be good at singing. "Estranged," which is probably the album's highest point, is one of the top 100 greatest songs of all time, and could even give "Stairway to Heaven" a run for its money. Other songs on the album, such as the two-part "Breakdown" and the awesome "So Fine," also deserve credit for giving the album the unique sound it has. "You Could Be Mine," which is my favorite from the album, is a hard-rocking G'N'R hit that will have you headbanging from the start. It features brilliant vocals by Axl Rose, awesome drumming from Matt Sorum, and masterful guitar playing from the almighty Slash. Use Your Illusion II probably would've won Best Album of the Year Award in 1992, but unfortunatly it didn't get the recogniton it needed thanks to Nevermind by Nirvana, one of the most overrated albums of all time. Standing as the last good album by Guns 'n' Roses, Use Your Illusion II will help you become a big fan of the band, even if you're against them in every way. A must-own album for everyone.

    5 out of 5 stars gnr 2.......2007-02-15

    one of the best gnr albums, the other is part 1. most of the songs on the use your illusion cd's are really well written.

    3 out of 5 stars Wildly uneven, but could've been amazing.......2006-12-21

    Hey, remember my old review of this album? Remember how much it SUCKED? Well, I'm editing it, because I've changed my mind about a couple songs. Now, I still feel Knockin' on Heaven's Door is a mockery of the Dylan classic, that Get in the Ring is stupidly self-centered, that My World is more wanking to end the extended game of pocket-hockey we call Use Your Illusion (at least it's short...), that Locomotive and Breakdown are amazing examples of WHY I feel this was an extended game of pocket hockey (how come nobody but me says that anymore?), and there's too much idiocy like Shotgun Blues, Pretty Tied Up (someone should make a law about anyone but Lou Reed writing a song about S&M) and So Fine. Oh, and why remake Don't Cry? It was a good song, you know, before you threw in the unneeded remake.
    But we've got five REALLY AWESOME songs here. Ever see that video for Yesterdays? Great stuff, man. (and this from a guy who normally despises music videos!) Say what you will about Axl, but that little slither-dance thing he's got going is pretty cool. Now, I'm not saying you can judge a song by its video, because the song itself is amazing, too. Slash and Izzy riff away and Axl howls "ooh... yesterday's... got nothin' for me!" Schweet. Estranged is, well... Estranged. I didn't like it at first, but I didn't like ANY Guns n' Roses at first - their work seems to grow on me more than any other group's. Anyway, air-guitaring to that thing should be some sort of Olympic event, it's a great song to blast out the windows while you do said air guitaring (it'll drive the neighbors crazy, especially if they hate GN'R as I'm sure mine do and if you're as bad at air-guitar as me), it's got the best lyrics on any GN'R song anywhere ('cept maybe Patience), it's awesomely epic, AND I like Dizzy Reed's piano. It's true. I think he was an unnecessary addition to the band, but Estranged makes me change my mind. Possibly the best of either Illusion, though November Rain's some pretty stiff competition. Anyway, Izzy Stradin's my second-favorite Gunner (behind Guy with Cool Hat, Cool Stage Name and Even Cooler Guitar Tone), and he gets a chance to sing on his Stonesy Axl bash-a-thon 14 Years, which rocks tremendously. And I haven't gotten to the two big hits: Civil War (which mixes Appetite's hard rock, GN'R Lies' acoustic material, and surprising social relevance) which rules, and You Could Be Mine, a flat-out burning rocker which rules even more.

    4 out of 5 stars pretty good.......2006-10-06

    This was a pretty good piece of work by GNR, but they have definately done better. Use your Illusion I was clearly the better of the two, but that doesnt mean this cd was total trash. This was by-far 10 times better than the Spaghetti Incedent, but not as good as Appetite for Destruction or the Greatest Hits album. "Knockin' on Heavens Door" was probably the best song on the album, whearas "My World" was complete garbage. I don't know what they were thinking with this song, but it sucks big time.
    The Grand Illusion
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • An American Rock Classic
    • Stellar
    • Top Five desserted Island CD's
    • Styx bashers, cross the river Styx...there's a place in hell reserved for you...
    • Old Favorite
    		 The Grand Illusion
    Styx
    Manufacturer: A&M
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Pieces of Eight
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    ASIN: B000002GB9
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. The Grand Illusion
    2. Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
    3. Superstars
    4. Come Sail Away
    5. Miss America
    6. Man In The Wilderness
    7. Castle Walls
    8. The Grand Finale

    Amazon.com essential recording

    More than two decades before it became Eric Cartman's favorite song on South Park, "Come Sail Away" was the choice of music fans with one foot in the art-rock camp and the other in Top 40 pop. The Grand Illusion straddled the seemingly divergent directions as only Styx could, laying on the pomp with layers of keyboards and high-flown lyrical conceits, yet keeping the proceedings light with hook-filled choruses and breezy melodies. Tommy Shaw's engaging "Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)" is the set's highlight, offering a bit of armchair psychology even as it acted as a subtle dig at the snarling punk rockers to whom Styx was anathema. James Young's "Miss America" rocks out, while Dennis DeYoung's title track reminds us that life is fleeting and illusory. Not exactly Nietzsche, but you can dance to it, sort of. --Daniel Durchholz

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars An American Rock Classic.......2007-08-01

    At their worst, Styx are Spinal Tap with bigger hair (see "I'm Okay" off of "Pieces of Eight" for a hilarious example) and sometimes Dennis DeYoung can be a little lazy in his writing ("on board I'm the captain/so climb aboard") but this is a fine album from an interesting band. The melodies are catchy and the songs have some (albeit simplistic) insights into Western culture. Sure, it lacks the rapier-like deconstructionism of "Big Bottoms" and "Stonehenge" off of Spinal Tap's debut but who could hope to meet that standard? It's eight bucks. Buy it!

    5 out of 5 stars Stellar.......2007-06-28

    This is the release that launched Styx into commercial stardom that would give them years of top 40 hits and would lead to tensions in the band between founding member Dennis DeYoung and 6th album newcomer Tommy Shaw. With very minor hits on their previous album 'Equinox' the single 'Lady' from their second album comes into airtime and then this album bursts onto the scene and the rest is history. There isn't a bad song on this album and the trademark Shaw / Young songs that really started here is perfect. If you're looking for a classic rock album with progressive, rock, and a little theater thrown in then get this today. It might be commercial, but Styx was still able to keep their originality alive without succumbing to the corporate label. That would come later.

    5 out of 5 stars Top Five desserted Island CD's.......2007-06-27

    This one is by far the best of the CD's that Styx has created. The classic Come Sail Away, the erie and haunting Castle Walls, to the fun and uplifting Superstars this CD has it all. Styx hit it's stride with this effort and left a permanent mark on my life, most certaintly one of my five favorite albums of all time. Anyone who is a Styx fan Must have this one in their collection. Crystal Ball, Equinox, and Paradise theater are close behind, but this one is still the class of the field.

    5 out of 5 stars Styx bashers, cross the river Styx...there's a place in hell reserved for you..........2007-05-09

    As Samhot's review said, Styx gets trashed quite a bit these days. I still like their music (especially this album), and it isn't a nostalgia thing with me. I have never been one to listen to something to take me back to my youth. To me, great music/film/novels/TV last for all time, and it doesn't matter what era they were made. I don't listen to Styx because I like to make fun of their music in the Gen X, "ironic" way, I just really dig it. Some of their lyrics (like Angry Young Man) come close to cheese at times, but the sincerity is there, and that makes up for the somewhat naive message of the song. Every single song here is perfect. The title track is so valid today (they'll show you photographs/of how your life should be/but there just someone else's fantasy). With the way the world (especially the USA) worships celebrities, it's nice to hear some music tell us that they're really nothing, and hollow to the core. Come Sail Away is deserving of every accolade that came its way. It's a beautiful, poetic, powerful song, with a great, intricate time signature by the underrated John Panozzo and it has that sincerity that is so lacking nowadays. Miss America is probably the most underrated song in the entire Styx cannon, an acerbic, hilarious, drenched in acid parody of the "beautiful people". I don't feel that Styx is ripping off prog rock here. There are prog rock traces in Styx's music (especially their earlier stuff), though I never really considered them prog rock (Kansas is really the only American band that can share the stage with the British prog rocks bands in my opinion). They are just a great band that Gen X types like picking on for some reason (Supertramp and REO Speedwagon are 2 others). So what if they were popular? So what if they are sincere? Being popular is not a horrible thing, if you achieve it honestly, and Styx did.

    3 out of 5 stars Old Favorite.......2007-04-11

    I'm old enough to remember when this album was first released in the 70's - It wasn't as good as I remember it back then, but is still a good example of the classic (?) Styx sound (high vocals and keyboards, and progressive rock drumming), and has some of Styx's most memorable songs (Grand Illusion and Fooling Yourself). I'm not a big Styx fan and purchasing this CD kind of reminded me why - it's OK to listen to, but at the end of the day, the songs sound too much alike and I can only take it in short bursts. It's a good addition (a must?) to a 70's rock collection, but beyond that, it won't leave you wishing you had more songs to listen to.
    Christ Illusion
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Not Reign in Blood, but the best in years.
    • Slayerism!
    • your repulsiveness reminds me of DEAD FLESH!
    • they should have quit in 1988
    • Great !
    		 Christ Illusion
    Slayer
    Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Sacrament
    2. A Matter Of Life And Death
    3. Reign in Blood
    4. Shot to Hell
    5. South of Heaven

    ASIN: B000G75AE8
    Release Date: 2006-08-08

    Tracks:

    1. Flesh Storm
    2. Catalyst
    3. Eyes Of The Insane
    4. Jihad
    5. Skeleton Christ
    6. Consfearacy
    7. Catatonic
    8. Black Serenade
    9. Cult
    10. Supremist

    Album Description

    The fastest, heaviest and darkest band on earth retakes its unholy throne with Slayer's first studio album in six years and its first studio effort with the original lineup, including drummer Dave Lombardo, since 1990's Seasons In The Abyss. Produced by Josh Abraham (Velvet Revolver, Staind), music from the album will be first available on June 6, 2006—that's right, 6/6/06.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Not Reign in Blood, but the best in years........2007-07-25

    OK, I am pleasantly surprised by this album. Slayer has been putting out junk ever since Seasons in the Abyss. With the original lineup back it sounds more like the Slayer I jammed to in jr. high. I remember the DAY a friend of mine in jr. high gave me his Reign in Blood tape, yes tape, not CD :) and said "you've got to hear this" I was instantly hooked.

    Christ Illusion is a definate pickup if you were a fan of Reign, South of Heaven, ect.

    5 out of 5 stars Slayerism!.......2007-07-05

    Slayer returns to the frontline of metal amyhem and brings their first political album. All of the past anti-religion and bible bashing is still present, but now there is also an added dose of anti-Bush angst that doesn't necessarily invite peace. As far as metal music is conscerned, there is no greater band in the world today. The true kings of thrash taht never sold out or went soft...never.

    5 out of 5 stars your repulsiveness reminds me of DEAD FLESH!.......2007-07-03

    Best Slayer album ever!! NOT a typo. Better than Reign, Seasons, AND South of Heaven combined. This CD grabs you by the balls during the first refrain and refuses to let go until ten minutes after the album is done playing.

    1 out of 5 stars they should have quit in 1988.......2007-06-17

    Slayer, one of the most over-rated bands in the history of metal besides metallica. Their solos have always been absolutely horrid in my opinion. Some of them are cool, don't get me wrong, but I can't really listen to anything by this band anymore. Christ Illusion isn't that good either. I agree with some of the reviewers that said that the lyrics sound like they written by a 15 year old kid. I hate how this band thinks they are they baddest band on the planet. Kerry King is a douche-bag. His mentality now seems to be, "we can release anything we want,and everyone will buy it b/c we're slayer".(kind of like metallica) Now their first couple of cd's are classick,but they really should have quit after south of heaven. They just seem to get worse and worse with each release. I think i can honestly say that I am thru with this band, I'm going to sell all of their cd's back and never buy anything by them again.

    4 out of 5 stars Great !.......2007-05-31

    Great Album ! Dave Lombardo behind the kit, nuff said ! Favroite tune is Skeleton Christ.
    Grieg: Lyric Pieces (Performed on Grieg's Piano)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Andsnes the piano man
    • Sensitive modern pianism
    • Suspicious Reviewer
    • A great pianist?
    • A voyage to the coast of Norway!
    		 Grieg: Lyric Pieces (Performed on Grieg's Piano)

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    WaltzesWaltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    Grieg, EdvardGrieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    CanonsCanons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Andsnes, Leif OveAndsnes, Leif Ove | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Grieg: Lyric Pieces / Emil Gilels
    2. Schumann & Grieg: Piano Concertos; Leif Ove Andsnes
    3. Grieg: Piano Concerto - Sonata Op. 7, Lyric Pieces Opp. 43, 54 & 65
    4. Horizons - Leif Ove Andsnes
    5. Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

    ASIN: B00005UUOC
    Release Date: 2002-03-12

    Tracks:

    1. No.1 Arietta
    2. No.2 Waltz
    3. No.6 Norwegian Melody
    4. No.5 Folk Melody
    5. No.8 Canon
    6. No.6 Elegy
    7. No.7 Waltz
    8. No.3 Melody
    9. No.3 March Of The Trolls
    10. No.4 Notturno
    11. No.2 Gade
    12. No.3 Illusion
    13. No.6 Homesickness
    14. No.6 Homeward
    15. No.4 The Brook
    16. No.5 Phantom
    17. No.1 Sylph
    18. No.5 Cradle Song
    19. No.6 Wedding Day At Troldhaugen
    20. No.4 Evening In The Mountains
    21. No.3 At Your Feet
    22. No.2 Summer Evening
    23. No.6 Gone
    24. No.7 Remembrances

    Amazon.com

    Grieg's 66 Lyric Pieces range from simple pretty tunes like the early "Arietta" that opens this disc to more extended pieces like the dashing "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" to impressionistic miniature tone poems like the late "Summer Evening." Here, Andsnes plays 24 of them, well-chosen to cover a representative selection from the complete sets. He plays them beautifully, with a lovely tone, virtuoso polish when such is called for, as in the express ride of "March of the Trolls," and poetic depth of feeling, as in "The Brook," where in his interpretation you can almost smell the grass and see the light ripples of the water. Gilels's selection on DG, with minimum overlap, is still unmatched, but Andsnes's well-recorded recital is a source of endless pleasures. Of added interest, the recording was made at Grieg's home, now a museum, on his 1892 Steinway. --Dan Davis

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Andsnes the piano man.......2007-01-08

    Just finished listening to the disc and very pleased - lots of light and airy works some towards the end are very *soft* with surprising CRESENDOS at the end to wake u up! Another super disc to add to the andsnes collection !

    5 out of 5 stars Sensitive modern pianism.......2006-01-19

    Borrowing a phrase from the contemporary political philosopher Fukuyama a case can be made that the world of classical piano music has reached "the end of history". This notion is based on the often heard idea that it only takes two clicks to get superior performances of any piece worth recording at home and that this part of the universe has reached a state of completion. Add to that the ongoing decline in the appreciation of "classical" music and its economic repercussions and you end up thinking twice before advising your children to pursue a career in this field of employment.

    Yet, while a catalog with Horowitz' Scarlatti, Gould's Bach, Kempff Schubert, Bolet's Liszt, Pollini's Chopin, Michelangeli's Schumann, Gieseking's Debussy, Schnabel's Beethoven, Casadesus' Ravel, Seeman's Mozart and Backhaus' Brahms has set historic standards that are hard to equal or surpass, a cd of standard regularly performed repertoire like this one refutes any fear that we have reached the day that the music died.

    For starters, piano technique has significantly improved over the last 25 years. Likely due to the standards that the aforementioned pianists set, the next generation is of superior dexterity. While I grew up in times that Horowitz' performances of Liszt, his own Carmen Fantasy and Stars and Stripes transcriptions, and Gould's highly articulate light speed Bach were considered supernatural phenomena, these times are long past. And although the former's sense of tone and the latter's feel for counterpoint may not yet have found their match, most participants in any of the endless number of competitions have basic skills that are just as high and in many cases repertoires that are much wider.

    Before coming to the review of this disc, one more personal side note. Since the piano is an instrument that anyone with two functional hands can master to such a degree that quite a number of masterpieces in the repertoire are within reach, I expect recordings to reflect technical mastery. As such, I do not belong to the group of those pianophiles who consider Fischer's Bach "acceptable", Cortot's Chopin "monumental" and Horowitz "live in Moscow" version of his standard Scriabin etude "earth shattering".

    Thus we come to the present disc, which I consider a prime example of contemporary pianism. Playing on Grieg's own euphonic, but decidedly mellow piano, in the composer's own "piano room" that imposes significant sonic limitations on the resulting recording quality, his fellow country man Leif Ove Andsnes revisits his juxtaposition of the modern and the authentic that we encountered earlier in his superior Haydn piano concerto disc. While the orchestral part in that recording had clear "authentic" traits, the piano and its performance were truly 21st century. Especially in the light of earlier performances of these Grieg pieces by the likes of Gilels and Gavrilov, Andsnes approach is more restrained and, based on credible historic documentation that comes to use by oral history, less authentically romantic.

    Is there something like "the importance of being authentic"? Based on the movement that initially tried to ban all professional musicians from performing baroque music, there certainly is. Nobody will argue that it is of importance to have a good understanding of the performance practices of a particular era. Yet, the mere fact that Bach is still performed worldwide more than 2.5 centuries after his death clearly refutes the notion that his music could only be appreciated within a certain set of parameters. Leaving aside the great dichotomy between the fervor with which the "authentics" have defended "the rules" and the clarity and precision with which they were committed to paper centuries ago, there is no convincing argument that a contemporary should not be able to enjoy Gould's Bach on the piano over Leonhardt's "authentic" performances on the harpsichord.

    Released of the shackles of authenticity, aware of the historical record, and fluent in Grieg's lingo from early childhood Andsnes has made a both highly sensitive and textually very accurate reading of the Norwegian's small scale character pieces. Helped by a technique, that is at least as good as all of the luminaries that I mentioned in the second paragraph, this recording shows the virtues of the "less is more" approach. Previous reviewers have harped on the Gilels comparison. While I admire the late Russian lion's performances, I greatly prefer Andsness. Although, Gilels could play fast and slow, soft and loud I considered his technique often of the lazy kind. Especially when it came to use of the sustain pedal he often chose to correct with his right foot, that what he preferred his hands/fingers to save energy on. While some consider this over-pedaling to be an essential part of the romantic mysticism, I am glad that the new generation of pianists does no longer need it to suggest fluency.

    Limiting the use of the right pedal often leads to a much better characterization of a composer's sonic signature and this recording is no exception. While it is clear that Grieg was aware of contemporaries like Schumann, Brahms, Chopin and Liszt, Andsnes like no other "nails" the Norwegian's own distinctive voice. What results is a restrained, yet highly sensitive and intimate reading. While the room limits the clarity in the louder passages, it does provide a historically correct context for these lyric pieces.

    Andsnes, without a doubt, is one of the stars of the next generation. While mediocre clowns like Lang Lang may entertain the circus crowds, it is comforting to know that musicians like the young Norwegian will keep the eternal flame alive and are likely to add chapters to an as of yet never ending history.

    3 out of 5 stars Suspicious Reviewer.......2005-10-19

    I am sure Emil Gilels' recording cannot be surpassed but why not get both? After all, there isn't much of overlap.

    By the way, I can't help questioning the intention of one of the reviewers named Dag Johansen. He is proactively reviewing most of Andsnes' CDs and giving them very poor rating. In fact, all he is reviewing are Andsnes', no other.
    I don't mind that if it is truly his honest opinion but there's something fishy here... why does he keep buying Andsnes' CDs if he hates his playing so much? It's as if he is trying to damage the artist's reputation... Shady....

    I have not actully heard this CD or any of Andsnes'. Just felt I needed to report on this.

    1 out of 5 stars A great pianist?.......2005-02-27

    To be called a great pianist doesn't necessarily mean you are a great pianist. What on earth is great with this pianist? I actually don't know. Neither do a lot of people with whom I've talked. Several Norwegian pianists play these lyric pieces of Grieg better than Andsnes. His playing is actually boring. He is not telling me anything. Well, he sure has tremendous technique, brilliant understanding of form, he dress correct, smile at you from behind the piano and so forth, but at the same time he totally lack the creative force that is so important in piano-playing. Yes, his playing is utterly smooth, correct and nice, but unfortunately lack the mysterious extra, this personal touch we always look for in classical music. Never the less he is called great! What kind of great is this! Some say he is a new Horowitz. Well, it must be a Horowitz without a heart and musical imagination - a perfect piano machine. Or perhaps I've missed the point. I really don't know. One thing I know for sure; Andsnes is not a great pianist. I'm sorry.

    5 out of 5 stars A voyage to the coast of Norway!.......2003-05-09

    I never truly understood Grieg until Leif ove Andsnes revealed him. The notturno was especially touching!
    A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • An aural treat for lovers of vocal music
    • Enchanting
    • If Angels Ever Recorded A CD
    • another exquisite performance
    • Anonymous, but in no way generic
    		 A Portrait Of Anonymous 4
    Anonymous , Hildegard of Bingen , and Anonymous 4
    Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Hildegard of BingenHildegard of Bingen | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. American Angels
    2. Gloryland
    3. 1000: A Mass for the End of Time / Anonymous 4
    4. The Origin of Fire: Music and Visions of Hildegard von Bingen
    5. Wolcum Yule: Celtic and British Songs and Carols - Anonymous 4 with Andrew Lawrence-King

    ASIN: B0000007HW
    Release Date: 1997-04-10

    Tracks:

    1. Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Venite omnes cristicole
    2. Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Ad superni regis decus
    3. Miracles Of Sant'Iago: Music From The Codex Calixtinus: Portum in ultimo
    4. The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: O Maria stella maris
    5. The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: Stabat iuxta Christi crucem
    6. The Lily & The Lamb: Chant & Polyphony From Medieval England: Stillat in stellam radium
    7. A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Primo tempore alleviata
    8. A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Speciosus forma
    9. A Star In The East: Medieval Hungarian Christmas Music: Mi Atyank Atya Isten
    10. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Puisque bele dame m'eime - Flos Filius
    11. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Ne sai, que je die - Iohanne
    12. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Amor potest conqueri - Ad amorem sequitur
    13. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: Quant yver la bise ameine - In Seculum
    14. Love's Illusion: Music From The Montpellier Codex: On doit fin(e) Amor - La Biaute - In Seculum
    15. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Edi beo thu hevene quene
    16. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Ave maris stella
    17. An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant & Polyphony: Salve virgo virginum
    18. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Ther Is No Rose Of swych vertu
    19. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Prolis eterne genitor - psallat mater gracie
    20. On Yoolis Night: Medieval Carols & Motets: Ecce quod natura
    21. Spiritui sancto

    Amazon.com

    This sampler album of excerpts from seven other Anonymous 4 releases is a good introduction for anyone who is unacquainted with the A4's startlingly pure singing and virtually celestial blend. But if you fall under the spell of this outstanding a capella quartet, the present disc will become extraneous because you'll want to own the complete recordings from which it's drawn. If you prefer complete works to samplers, try taking the plunge with "An English Ladymass" or "On Yoolis Night." --Sarah Bryan Miller

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars An aural treat for lovers of vocal music.......2007-04-14

    If you love vocal music these gals are fabulous! This is a best of album, which is always good as an introduction to a new artist. It gives you a taste of their various albums, so you can go ahead and pursue the ones you like. Enjoy!

    5 out of 5 stars Enchanting.......2007-01-10

    If you enjoy music that takes you to a different time and place, you will get lost in time with this beautiful work.

    5 out of 5 stars If Angels Ever Recorded A CD.......2006-03-16

    Four female voices have never blended together so perfectly and beautifully as do those of the 'Anonymous 4.' Their CD titled, 'Portrait' contains a selection of tracks from seven other previous CD's, kind of a "Best Of" you might say.

    If angels ever came down from heaven to record a CD this is what they would sound like.

    Harmonious, Celestial, Purifying and Eternal.

    5 out of 5 stars another exquisite performance.......2006-02-27

    This amazing quartette is so talented. The Christmas cd reminds me of Christmas 50 years ago in rural England where I grew up. It contains the only rendition of The Holly and the Ivy I have heard that actually does the carol justice.

    5 out of 5 stars Anonymous, but in no way generic.......2001-02-04

    I learned about this quartet though a review in Stereophile magazine. Although they don't publish a lot of reviews, I've had exceptionally good luck with their past picks and have been able to branch out successfully in new musical directions as a result.

    These four women are virtuoso female vocalists, hauntingly pure of voice. They perform music from centuries ago in the same type of setting that it was originally performed in, with stunning results. I'm generally not one for "religious" material (this is the first recording of this nature I've ever bought), but this music goes so far back in time that it sounds more primal than Christian overall.

    A refreshing change when you're in the right mood, and something that can relax even you type A personalities out there (and you *know* who you are :) , I can suggest this one without reserve. You'll be adding a nice, quiet corner to your collection, and you'll probably wind up visiting it more than you ever imagined.
    The Illusion of Safety
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • A great album by a great band (4.5)
    • So strange I...I'll always remember you
    • Still one of my all time favs.
    • Another good band falls victum of modern day emo crap.
    • Nice eerie, almost evil sounding guitar bits
    		 The Illusion of Safety
    Thrice
    Manufacturer: Sub City Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Punk RevivalPunk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. The Artist in the Ambulance
    2. If We Could Only See Us Now
    3. Vheissu
    4. Red Sky
    5. Full Collapse

    ASIN: B00005YTRR
    Release Date: 2002-02-05

    Tracks:

    1. Kill Me Quickly
    2. A Subtle Dagger
    3. See You In The Shallows
    4. Betrayal Is A Symptom
    5. Deadbolt
    6. In Years To Come
    7. The Red Death
    8. A Living Dance Upon Dead Minds
    9. Where Idols Once Stood
    10. Trust
    11. To Awake And Avenge The Dead
    12. So Strange I Remember You
    13. The Beltsville Crucible

    Album Description

    2002 album from melodic-hardcore/emo-core outfit. Sub City Records.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A great album by a great band (4.5).......2006-12-09

    Thrice have gotten more recognition more recently, but the word mainly started with the band's sophomore album, "The Illusion of Safety." The first album, "Identity Crisis," showed promise, but it's more than fulfilled here. Each song is great. Some who are more familiar with the more sophisticated later works may hope for that, but this album is just a great hardcore/punk album with 13 songs that use great riffs from Teppei, and there's actually some soloing in here! Not just that, the songs are just as well-written as later works, even if no album by any artist has/will do as much for me as "Vheissu." I'd put this in the same level as the follow-up, "The Artist in the Ambulance." It has gotten better each time, so I may end up liking this one even more. Also, don't worry newer fans, there's hints of what is to come later, like that really cool classical piano interlude at the ending of "Deadbolt."

    4 out of 5 stars So strange I...I'll always remember you.......2006-08-16

    This is a great album. Pure energy, gut busting mosh pit music right here. Later Thrice albums could probably be described as more mature than this one, especially Vheissu; but this is a great piece of work. Especially considering that this is only their 2nd album. This is my third favorite thrice album, behind "Artist" and "Vheissu." Taking into account those are 2 of my favorite albums ever, that is not a knock on the quality of this album. Thrice is band that just improves with every release.

    What I've always liked about this album is the guitar work. There are some awesome solo's in this album. Its freaking amazing. My favorite all-time thrice song is "To Awake and Avenge the Dead. When I want to get pumped up, I always listen to that song. Its unbelievable. The fast paced nature of the album is probably what sets it apart from later work, but I still think its some of the best stuff that they have written. My only complaint, is that some of the album gets repetitive. That can be said of a alot of albums, and does happen here somewhat. But it doesn't detract at all from the album.

    Standout tracks: "Kill me quickly," "deadbolt," and then the last 3 songs end the album on a high note. "To Awake and Avenge the Dead," So Strange I Remember You," and the epic "The Beltsville Cruicible."

    Even though this album only came out in 2002, it has a classic feeling to it when you compare it "The Artist and the Ambulance," and "Vheissu." And classic is usually a good thing in my book.

    5 out of 5 stars Still one of my all time favs........2006-05-10

    This is Thrice's best CD. They are four dudes from Cali all with amazing talent and Dustin is a very intelligent and emotional frontman. If you've heard their new singles from Vheissu on the radio or something and want to know what I (and a lot of other people) consider real, old school "Thrice" then this is the album to pick up.

    From start to finish it's just fantastic. I listen to just about everything except country and as far as punk/metal goes, this should be the freakin' standard.

    Thrice has grown and evolved emensely. Sometimes it's hard to think the same band made Illusion of Safety and Vheissu, but I still love them and think that they are one of the BEST bands in modern music.

    Check out their DVD that accompained If We Could Only See Us Now for a good telling of their backstory.

    Bottom line: Thrice is amazing and The Illusion of Safety just plain rocks.

    2 out of 5 stars Another good band falls victum of modern day emo crap........2006-01-19

    I'm going to be straight up, the title says it all. Thrice was a great band, Illusion of Safety is one of the most incredable albums ever. Now they sound like every other band out there today. Personally I Hate emo, I grew out of that crap along time ago. I'm sorry if I offend people in saying that. I just dont see any talent in it. Thrice used to be my favorite band. Being a guitarist myself, I enjoyed Identity Crisis' true hardcore sound, and Illusion of Safety's amazing creativity, but the Artist in the Ambulance and this new CD are crap. If your emo, then give it a shot, but if your sick of the new-age emo crap you can't avoid every time you turn on the radio, put this album back. It's time to move on Thrice fans. They came.. they rocked.. there done.

    5 out of 5 stars Nice eerie, almost evil sounding guitar bits.......2006-01-09

    A righteous effort by Thrice. The guitars blaring are pretty good, but the way the lead guitarist rips through the rythm with brief but sharp solos is even better. You can interpet the vocals as either being different in a good way, or different in a bad way. Personally I think the screaming goes perfect with the instruments. Whatever. 5 stars
    The Illusion of Motion
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • OH YEAH!!
    • A New Level Of Doom!
    • Brilliant follow up to a brilliant debut
    • DOOM METAL AT ITS FINEST
    • A Great Doom Metal Band
    		 The Illusion of Motion
    YOB
    Manufacturer: Metal Blade
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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    5. Goatsnake 1/Dog Days

    ASIN: B0006212J0
    Release Date: 2004-10-19

    Tracks:

    1. Ball Of Molten Lead
    2. Exorcism Of The Host
    3. Doom #2
    4. The Illusion Of Motion

    Album Description

    Stoner Rock

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars OH YEAH!!.......2005-11-03

    I heard the song "Illusion of Motion" on a local metal radio station and couldn't believe what I was hearing!! I picked up this album and the newest release THE UNREAL NEVER LIVED. I gotta tell you, this is THE SLOWEST doom metal I have ever heard, save for Electric Wizard. Picture Sabbath being slowed WAY DOWN to 16rpm and have Geddy Lee sing over it, and that's a basic over-view of what YOB is. Man, I totally recommend this album!!

    5 out of 5 stars A New Level Of Doom!.......2005-10-20

    This is Doom that will take you on a most awesome journey through your mind... and no i don't do drugs! I'm a huge Doom fan, the likes of Electric Wizard, SOundgarden, High On Fire, The Hidden Hand and of course YOB. These guys are pure Heavy SPACETRIP DOOM!!! BUY THIS ALBUM!

    5 out of 5 stars Brilliant follow up to a brilliant debut.......2005-04-26

    An amazing band to say the least. This gifted threesome has put out one of the most original sonic offerings in the expiri-metal world. Their sound is like nothing ever produced before: drunk on "phaser" pedals (circa 1973) and playing knee-bendingly heavy un-distorted riffs that slowly build to demolishing crecsendos, which --in the blink of an eye-- switch to nuclear-level distortion and sub-bass death roars. However, the use of death roars only once in a-long-while makes the music sound so powerful it retains the ability to make even scrawny unpopular white people like us flex a muscle (do you mean to say you're not scrawny? Why, I can see your arms right there... oh my, their big... and smooth). Described accurately by my local independant record store clerk as "Pink Floyd meets The Melvins at a Cannibal Corpse show". Incredible progressive heaviness that no self-respecting music listener should be without.

    Purchase; place in car cd player; turn to 120 decibels; drive around and watch windows break...

    5 out of 5 stars DOOM METAL AT ITS FINEST.......2005-03-03

    This band is amazing. If your into slow grinding epic music, this is for you. There are only 4 songs on this album but trust me it will be worth your 20 bucks.

    4 out of 5 stars A Great Doom Metal Band.......2005-02-26

    When I heard about Yob being signed to metal blade I thought great! a doom metal act that'll get exposure. Before Yob I don't think Metal Blade had a doom metal band since Trouble. But I did wonder, what kind of doom metal band would Metal Blade sign? Whoa! Musically I would say they have a stoner/doom feel to them, but they don't have a huge drug user image about them. The music is true doom, slow and heavy, with very long songs and very few songs. If you like doom metal, you will like it. If you are just a true metalhead, you should still give them a listen.
    Illusion
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Music Genius
    • 5/5
    • Woulda been a 5, but...
    • Straightforward, sexy trip-hop house
    • A Masterpiece !
    		 Illusion
    Soulstice
    Manufacturer: Om Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    Trip-HopTrip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    HouseHouse | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Techno-HouseTechno-House | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Mixed Illusions
    2. Sweet Shadows
    3. Empathy
    4. Baxter
    5. Breath from Another

    ASIN: B00005AU0Y
    Release Date: 2001-04-24

    Tracks:

    1. Illusion
    2. Fall Into You
    3. Colour
    4. Lovely
    5. Andromeda
    6. Wind
    7. Surrender
    8. The Reason
    9. Not Alone
    10. Tenderly
    11. Changes

    Album Details

    Electronic: Soulstice craft tapestries of melodies & grooves that range in influence from the rhythms of old delta blues to the vibrant tempos of house & hip hop.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Music Genius.......2006-03-28

    Dear Miss. Gina Rene, Please forgive the obviously tone deaf Mr. Pernell Williams.
    How on earth anyone could be so critical of her voice is utterly beyond me.
    This album transcends any known genre. It is just beautiful. I'm not a true fan of modern music...and i'm not heavily into 'trip-hop', 'dream-pop', or any of the above. I just appreciate good music...and this is good music. Far and above, it is filled with genius and talent that will amaze the senses.
    And to anyone else that cares to critisize Miss. Rene's vocal talents...you are either deaf or dead.

    5 out of 5 stars 5/5.......2006-03-19

    With a lot more marketing/advertisment, this cd easily could've sold alot more records. recommend this cd to everyone and anyone

    3 out of 5 stars Woulda been a 5, but..........2006-03-19

    ...for the extremely unimpressive vocals!

    This has a great, second-generation Sweetback kind of feel, with moving beats and well-timed techno inserts. The songwriting and production is well within normal limits for a good product.

    However, I am dismayed that Gina Rene is the frontpiece for this promising backround band. Her vocals are uninspiring, flat, and weak (yes, it IS that bad). Futhermore, the lyrics do not quite move me to listen and hear what she has to say.

    I hope she: a) runs out and gets some training; and, b) uses it. Otherwise, I am certain I will not buy Soulstice's next.
    (or, the band can ditch the singer....)

    4 out of 5 stars Straightforward, sexy trip-hop house.......2005-12-25

    I only just recently got around to purchasing this album, after years of being just on the cusp of purchasing it, along with the remix album "Mixed Illusions". While not quite as completely blown away as I thought I would be with this, I am still very impressed and am extremely happy that I have finally added this gem to my collection. Currently, I listen to this one as well as the "Mixed Illusions" remix album pretty frequently. This is a very solid trip-hop/West Coast house offering. In fact, this album is just further proof that you just can not possibly go wrong with any artist under the OM Records label out of San Francisco.

    The sound of the album is lush, sexy, and completely groove-centered. One listen to the most well known track on this album, "Fall Into You" should give you a solid idea of the overall feel of this album.

    I'm gonna let it all go
    and fall into you
    just want to let it all go
    falling into you
    falling for you
    falling into you

    Very nice, sexy and simple.

    Soulstice consists (though I think that the correct tense is past tense, so consisted) of four members, the most well known of which is probably Andy Caldwell, a now solo house artist with OM. The lead vocalist, Gina Rene, is heaven. Not incredibly unlike many other female trip-hop/house vocalists we have come to know and love, of which there are too many who are similarly praise-worthy to single out just a few here for comparison sake, but that is not a bad thing. Her voice is smooth, delicious, and deep.

    One house artist/group that comes to mind when I listen to this album is Blue Six. So, if you like Blue Six's incredible album "Beautiful Tomorrow", then Soulstice's "Illusion" and "Mixed Illusions" albums are definitely for you (and vice versa).

    So go ahead, kick off yours shoes, turn down the lights, and let yourself fall into Soulstice's warm embrace.

    5 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece !.......2005-06-22

    This is the kind of CD that I love to buy. You go home, you sit down and you start to realize what a lucky buy this one was. This is such an undiscovered gem ! Incredible !

    This is groovy, sexy, electronic/downtempo/trip-hop music that you NEED. Believe me, this is edgy stuff that will amaze you. This is Sade, Si*Sé, Bebel Gilberto, Blue Six, Hooverphonic, Morcheeba, and Portsihead all wrapped in a BETTER PACKAGE. Get it. Put it on. Pour a drink. Light up a phat one and let the sexiness of this beast take you places you've never been before.

    Music Track:

    1. The Philip Lynott Album
    2. They Came Over The High Pass
    3. To Spite the Gland That Breeds
    4. Traces of the Past [Extra tracks]
    5. Tracked Down: The Best of the Hunt
    6. War and Pain [Enhanced]
    7. We're Going to Hell for This [Import]
    8. Women & Children First [Import]
    9. Xtreme Machine
    10. You Don't

    Music Track

    music track

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