Smile [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings

1. 2b3 Bash Radio Edit

2. Nw2 Club Radio Edit

3. Battery Park Funky Mix

4. Battery Park Dub Mix

5. Medasyn Remix

6. Curtis Lynch Remix

Smile,Monroe,Zuma Recordings,R&B/Soul

Tracks:

Heroes And Villains
Vegetables
Fall Breaks And Back To Winter (Woody Woodpecker Symphony)
She's Goin' Bald
Little Pad
Good Vibrations
With Me Tonight
Wind Chimes
Gettin' Hungry
Wonderful
Whistle In
Wild Honey
Aren't You Glad
I Was Made To Love Her
Country Air
A Thing Or Two
Darlin'
I'd Love Just Once To See You
Here Comes The Night
Let The Wind Blow
How She Boogalooed It
Mama Says
Heroes And Villains (Alternate Take)
Good Vibrations (Various Sessions)
Good Vibrations (Early Take)
You're Welcome
Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring
Can't Wait Too Long

Amazon.com

These albums mark nothing less than a watershed in the Beach Boys' and Brian Wilson's careers. Fresh from the artistic triumph of Pet Sounds and the landmark single "Good Vibrations," Wilson began work on Smile, a project that would become a music fan's Rashomon: pop's most (in)famous unreleased album; artistic Waterloo for Wilson; near career-ruination for the band. Smile seemed an attempt to expand on the jigsaw session methodology Wilson had applied to "Vibrations." What went wrong has been debated for decades, but Smiley Smile was the album that followed in the summer of '67--a "bunt instead of a home run," as Carl Wilson admitted. Bookended by the glories of the "Vibrations" single and its truncated follow-up, "Heroes and Villains," Smiley can seem an exercise in creative schizophrenia. There's an earthy quality to remakes of Smile tracks "Wind Chimes," "Vegetables," and "Wonderful," while Wilson's "Fall Breaks," "Little Pad," and "Whistle In" underscore his playful, off-center instincts. But this album also anticipated the roots-conscious retrenchment that the Beatles and Bob Dylan would undertake at the end of the '60s.

Wild Honey has taken its place as a cult fave among fans, and rightly so. Its surprising R&B influences (epitomized by the buoyant title track, "Darlin'," and "Here Comes the Night") were not only a brave turn for a band just then at a low ebb, but a prescient pointer to the black music explosion of the early '70s. This great twofer edition includes some of the series' best tracks: a near seven-minute "in progress" suite of "Good Vibrations" outtakes as well as a complete early version; the odd, Smile-era B-side "You're Welcome"; a beautiful live rehearsal rendition of the a cappella showcase "Their Hearts Were Full of Spring"; and another suite of edited session takes for the unreleased standout "Can't Wait Too Long." -Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

An Elegantly Flawed Disc.......2007-05-22

I feel that this grouping of albums is a blessing in that you can get two important but slightly flawed albums of Tehe Beach Boys for a low price. The music is unbelievable especially Smiley Smile. It is exhilirating to hear Brian Wilson's genius in this stripped-down form. What is there just teases you as to what it would have been if all the problems of Smile hadn't occured. The second half, Wild Honey, is just fun Beach Boys, no psychedelia at all, just fun. It's a great summer album all together, the first half for when your blazing, the second for when your driving around in the hot summer air. I recommend this album.

Goodbye Surfing, Hello God !.......2006-07-16

Smiley Smile - The "released" version of Smile is here in a smaller scale. If you ever wanted to hear what the Beach Boys would sound like on Hashish and laying on their backs while singing harmony stoned, get this, it's really good.
Wild Honey - White soul before there was white soul and 10 years before Hall & Oates and the white Philly soul movement, The Beach Boys did it in 1967.

Smiley Smile 2 stars - Wld Honey 4 stars.......2005-11-16

Smiley Smile simply is the moment when the Beach Boys died. It maybe impossible to imagine now, but up to 1966 the Beach Boys were as respected as artists as the Beatles. Smiley Smile is a rushed album, with practically no instrumentation whatsoever and many under-rehearsed vocals, except for Good Vibrations and Heroes and Villians. If Capitol ever releases a Smile box set as they promised, Smiley Smile will be then send to oblivion, in the hall of shame where it belongs. The world never took the beach boys seriously after that. Wild Honey is actually a very good album, not better than Pet Sounds or Smile, but different than anything they ever did before. Some of the songs and arrangements are totally Brian Wilson at his best. Some of the 'soul' vocals I find difficult to digest and I miss the Beach boys blend on the songs. The extra tracks on the album are ESSENTIAL to any serious beach boys fan, so, if you are, you need this album.

Smiley Smile- 4 Stars Wild Honey- 5 Stars.......2005-08-23

Letting go of the "what could have beens" with Smile hasn't been easy for many Beach Boys fans- yet it tarnishes a lot of what they did afterwards. There have been many bands that have had aborted projects- some songs found life in other projects. In the progression of The Beach Boys circa 1966-67 there's Pet Sounds, the "Good Vibrations" single, Smiley Smile, and then Wild Honey. There was a time when I might I have thought that Smiley Smile and Wild Honey were steps back artistically; especially when I would put myself to wondering about the aborted Smile project; but in my maturity the steps back artistically have become steps forward humanly. The proceeding albums had less flair and "ambition"; the staple became more and more friendly and subtle- especially when you include the wonderful Friends album.

The enormous ambition that was so much the core of Brian Wilson's progress had turned into personal flights of fancy. The remnants of this, Smile, was rerecorded and turned into Smiley Smile. Parts spooky and haunting, parts comical and silly, the music is complex yet at times astonishingly simple- it was an exorcism and slow return to being the Beach Boys. One major change that started occurring during the recording of this album is that the Beach Boys started recording the music themselves without the assistance of the Wrecking Crew (a famous group of LA session musicians).

Although I have preferred the "Smile" versions of Wonderful, Vegetables, Wind Chimes they are not without plenty of charm. She's Going Bald and Little Pad are fun ditties that have some experimental elements. Although this is a personal estimation I think some of the songs could be very disregarded by the most serious fans such as Fall Breaks Back Into Winter and Getting' Hungry.

Within the same year they had switched tracks to a much more earthy less psychedelic sound. The result is the highly enjoyable Wild Honey. This is a truly great album by the Beach Boys- this was their back to basics album with a new found interest in R&B. It was a group effort on many levels- the song writing was very good and the performances had a passion and honesty that I have found on Pet Sounds without the self indulgence. Songs like Darlin', Wild Honey, Here Comes The Night and Aren't You Glad are on my list of top Beach Boys songs. The Stevie Wonder cover I Was Made To Love Her is actually a surprisingly good cover; Carl sounds quite soulful.

Finally I have to mention Let The Wind Blow- a touching reminder of the power of love- the deepest and most important thing in the world. The sentiment came during a time when many were writing protest songs about everything that was wrong with the world. The simplicity of the desire to give and feel love to one special person in his life resonates so strongly in contrast to the protests and criticisms of inhumanity. The song itself is so simple that it's easy to past right by it but with the feeling of the song hits you it is a sincere plea for more love.

The bonus tracks a cool- there is an amazing live recording from another aborted album; Their Hearts Were Full Of Spring is a cover of a Four Freshmen song that harkens back to Brian's youth. There's also a good version of Can't Wait Too Long once again from the Smile sessions.

I highly recommend these albums. They come as a twofer but both albums are remarkably short; many albums back then clocked in at 40 minutes long because of the time constraints of records-- Wild Honey is only 23 minutes long!)
Also check out Sunflower, Friends, Holland, and Dennis Wilson's Pacific Ocean Blues (if you can find it) all top notch albums.

An awesome CD!.......2005-08-22

Smiley Smile is a terrific album, and definitely should rank among the most underrated, overlooked masterpieces of the last 200 years.

Sure, it wasn't "SMiLE", but it stands alone as a great work of art with its own merits. The songs, "Heroes and Villains", "Good Vibrations", and the several rare bonus tracks make the CD well worth buying, yet the CD offers much more than that.

If you like offbeat, eclectic songs, you will love Smiley Smile. This stuff is far wackier and stranger than anything the Beatles, Pink Floyd, or anyone else was doing at the time, or really since. But the songs aren't just strange and mystifying; they're also quite beautiful and enchanting.

The vocal harmony work on Smiley Smile is among the best the group ever did. The instrumentation is sparse on some songs, and deliciously rich and intricate on others. The album is an amazing tapestry of wild sound effects, beautiful vocals, haunting instrumentation, gorgeous melodies, psychedelic clownery, and genius concepts.

I could go on and on about Smiley Smile. It's one of my personal favorite albums and I never get tired of listening to it. But Smiley Smile is only half (in volume) of what the CD offers. I don't have much to say about Wild Honey other than there are several good songs on it, and it's a solid album with a consistent sound. The production is minimal as is most of the instrumentation. Overall, it's a good album worth owning if you like the Beach Boys.

The bonus tracks on this disc are just amazing. You get to hear an alternate version of Heroes and Villains often referred to as the "Cantina" version, and some of the tracking sessions for Good Vibrations, which is really quite cool. There's also a wonderful a capella song, originally from the 4 Freshman, that the Boys do with incredible grace and remarkable beauty. "Can't Wait Too Long" is apparently a SMiLE-era outtake that was never used, but it's hard to see why; it's a great song.

Basically, if you are a Beach Boys enthusiast and really like Brian's experimental side, you must get this CD. These Capitol "two-fers" are a great value, and this one in particular is a real gem.

Average customer rating:

SMiLE
Utterly Unique and Worth The Price
What could have been is what isn't.
" Smile".........It never really was.
You should have this album

SMiLE
Brian Wilson
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Chamber Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Pet Sounds
Brian Wilson presents SMiLE
Smiley Smile/Wild Honey
Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson
Sunflower/Surf's Up

ASIN: B0002LI11M
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

Our Prayer/Gee
Heroes and Villians
Roll Plymouth Rock
Barnyard
Old Master Painter/You are My Sunshine
Cabin Essence
Wonderful
Song For Children
Child is Father of the Man
Surf's Up
I'm in Great Shape/I Wanna Be Around/Workshop
Vega-Tables
On a Holiday
Wind Chimes
Mrs. O'Leary's Cow
In Blue Hawaii
Good Vibrations

Album Description

Smile is inarguably the most long-awaited album in modern pop history. It's been more than 37 years since the title first appeared on a label release schedule, intended as the January 1967 follow-up to the groundbreaking art-rock of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. But Smile never made its initial release date. Today, this album is not a mere reconstruction of past performances, but something entirely new, a serious summation of a project that has been gestating for nearly four decades.

Customer Reviews:

SMiLE.......2007-07-30

SMiLE, a legend in its own lifetime. Probably the most famous unreleased album of all time. Here is the reworked and fully completed version by Brian Wilson. The original tapes by The Beach Boys, remain unreleased to this day.

A veritable treasure trove of music and lyrics, and an essential addition to any serious record/CD collection...

Utterly Unique and Worth The Price.......2007-07-28

This is an amazing combination of vocals and instruments that is perfect for your quiet time of day when you want to relax with random thoughts. Envision "Electric Light Orchestra instrumentals and atmosphere meets the imagery of late 60's Beatles lyrics, sung in Bee Gees harmony with a hint of Bohemian Rhapsody timing shifts", and you'll get the idea. The overall effect is quite surreal.

If you equate the Beach Boys with sing-along surf music, you might not find this to your liking. But if you are looking for something to which you can listen when you are all by yourself and need to reflect on your life or kick-start your creativity, then this is definitely the music for you.

Though I missed the hype over this release, I can see why people who heard the demos in the 60's called it revolutionary and lamented its delayed release. There certainly wasn't anything in the rock world that was remotely like it at that time, nor is there much now to touch it. The musical complexity is astounding. I can't imagine what the score of this looks like, but I'm pretty sure that Mozart came back as Brian Wilson. Yes, it really is THAT creative and original. Give it a shot.

What could have been is what isn't........2007-07-17

For those people trying to relive the glory that Pet Sounds represented, along with the musical genius of Brian Wilson--a genius that seemed not to have reached it's full potential--this is the album for you. Listen to it and wallow in the pits of your despair over what might have been and rejoice in the vague scraps of genius on Smile to fuel your nostalgia. But the truth of the matter is that this cd is lackluster. The liner notes describe the songs lyricist Van Dyke Parks as "visonary." Well what was the guy looking at? They're abstract for sure, but not brilliant. Some of the lyrics--such as the ones to Vega-tables--are outright stupid. Wilson's voice is also not what it was and the vocals on the album do not contain the clear, magnetic harmonies the Beach Boys were famous for. This album is drenched in what could have been. Looking at it beyond its historical context the album simply doesn't cut it.

" Smile".........It never really was........2007-07-07

To those of us that were around at the time,we heard all the rumors,all the hype,the anticipation that Smile was the genius follow-up to Pet Sounds. I seem to remember that Brian left the Smile project unfinished, because he had a serious mental meltdown, and has never been quite the same, since. Chopped up the master of what WAS done.We all thought that it was the masterpiece, that never quite was, and probably would never be. Well....nothing that Brian does today,never quite surprises me. After 30-odd years, he decides to complete Smile.I thought, " OK. Let's see". I wish that I could have joined all of those that think that this was worth the wait. I can't. Brian should have left this alone, and simply just let the legendary Smile project be, what it was---a memory that could have been, but wasn't.

You should have this album.......2007-07-06

I am a huge Brian Wilson fan. I love what he has done and respect him very much.
Putting aside all this folklore and history assocaited with the album, this record is just ok. I used to listen to it thinking it was so good. Having heard the old soundbites and seeing Brian in concert. I slowly stopped listening to it. Then I decided to pop it in recently and I was very surpised to find that I really didnt want to hear any of the songs. I find them very silly and goofy, they dont need a girl singing on the album, and the vocals arent great.

Average customer rating:

Relive you movie experiences

The Ultimate Movie Music Collection
Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Incredible Film Music Box
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
Paramount 90th Anniversary Collection: Scores
Simply the Best Movie Themes
Hollywood's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000BFH26Y
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

The Imperial March: The Empire Strikes Back
Main Theme: Jurassic Park
Main Title: Shakespeare In Love
Themes: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Main Title: The Last Of The Mohicans
Theme: The Godfather
Unchained Melody: Ghost
Theme: Goldfinger
We're Losing Him: Somewhere In Time
Space Camp
Opening And Closing Titles: Henry V
Theme: The Thorn Birds
Suite: Moonwalker
The Time Of Your Life: A Bugs Life

Tracks:

Batman Theme: Batman
Bicycle Chase: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Suite: Independance Day
Love Theme: Romeo & Juliet
Theme: Back To The Future
End Credits: Contact
Theme: Breakfast At Tiffany's
Main Theme: Star Trek
May It Be And Themes: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Ring
Love Theme: Cousins
Sean's Theme: Minority Report
I Will Wait From You: The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
Theme: Rocky
The Sand Volcano: The Mummy
The Raider's March: Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Tracks:

Theme: Mission Impossible
Casablanca Suite
Book Of Days: Far And Away
Love Theme: Superman
Tara's Theme: Gone With The Wind
Don't Mess With: Z
Main Title: The Mask Of Zorro
Finale: Victor / Victoria
Carol Ann's Theme: Poltergeist
Love Theme: Star Wars: Episode ll: Attack Of The Clones
Main Theme: Willow
Main Title: Star Trek ll: The Wrath Of Kahn
MAin Theme: On Golden Pond
Theme: A Summer Place
Theme: Chariots Of Fire

Tracks:

Iceberg!
Back To Titanic
Main Themes: Hook
Theme: Pink Panther
Lara's: Doctor Zhivago
Theme: Love Story
Right Stuff
Theme: Jaws
When You Believe: The Prince Of Egypt
Smile: Modern Times
The Apollo 13 Mission
Re-Entry And Splashdown: Apollo 13
Main Title: Beetlejuice
War: Pearl Harbor
Cavatina: The Deer Hunter
Throne Room And End Title: Star Wars: Episode lV: A New Hope

Customer Reviews:

Relive you movie experiences.......2006-01-24

This collection of movie themes, will allow you to relive the chilling experiences from practically all (4 CDs)of the great movies. Great movies would not be great without great music. The Cincinnati Pop with Eric Kunzel are unbeatable recordings. Every minute is more beautiful and inspiring to the next. If you love Pops music, this is the begin all, end all.

Average customer rating:

"Extremely catchy" by BJ
Not the End of the World for This Band...
It's OK
Not really a kid, i just dont wanna get an acount....well actaully im 15 but...
unbeliveable

Smile, It's the End of the World
Hawk Nelson
Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Letters to the President
The Face of Love
Hearts of the Innocent
We Can't Stand Sitting Down
Five Score and Seven Years Ago

ASIN: B000EOTF0S
Release Date: 2006-08-21

Tracks:

The One Thing I Have Left
The Show
Bring 'Em Out
Everything You Ever Wanted
Something On My Mind
Is Forever Enough
Zero
Nothing Left To Show
Head On Collision
Hello
It's Over
Fourteen

Customer Reviews:

"Extremely catchy" by BJ.......2007-03-29

As soon as I heard Hawk Nelson at the 2007 Winter Jam Tour in Mobile, AL, I knew I just HAD to get one of their CDs. A couple days later my dad picked up "Smile, It's The End of the World" for me, and since then my sister and I have been blasting this CD on her stereo almost daily! Every song is extremely catchy, especially "Everything You Ever Wanted", "Zero", and "Head On Collision". At times the band could start to "scream" instead of "sing", and some of the songs sound almost non-Christian, but the album is still better than average. When I say that some of the songs are almost "non-Christian", I mean that they turn into almost "love" songs. Also, this album ISN'T for adults or young children--I think only teens will enjoy this one.
However, all in all this CD is still one of my favorites--and Hawk Nelson seems like Stellar Kart's twin!!

Not the End of the World for This Band..........2007-02-26

From the first time I heard "Every Little Thing" from Hawk Nelson's first CD, I have loved this band. Fortunately and unfortunately, they have greatly matured from their first album to create Smile, It's the End of the World. While traces of their old style remain, this album sounds much different than their last one. While it is still as "unfocused" as their past work, this album is on a different side of the pop/rock spectrum. Fans of the old record might be appalled by the change of style, as was I, but will most likely be quickly converted. Every song has something to offer. Some are happy and poppy, others edgier, and some even throw in a little Gospel flare.

Overall, this is a CD that does what it does right. No matter the atmosphere of the song, it is communicated effectively, and ultimately catchy. No one who enjoys this genre should miss out on this one.

It's OK.......2007-02-02

This album has a light, fun sounding feel to it. It is intended to appeal to teenagers and seems to have a sound that they like.

It is rather meaningless lyrically. It is full of fluff and little meaningful content. Hawk Nelson is purported to be a Christian band, but I heard nothing in this album that would validate that. Some of the songs are boy-girl love songs. Some others are hard to tell what they are even about - mainly nonsense.

In spite of the fairly trivial nature of the lyrics, there is nothing offensive about them. This is not an album that parents would need to worry about being a bad influence on kids.

There is one song that sounds pretty good: 'Everything You Ever Wanted'. A couple of others are kind of catchy.

Overall, it is an ok album. It is not one that I particularly enjoy, but I'm sure it has some appeal for its intended audience.

Not really a kid, i just dont wanna get an acount....well actaully im 15 but..........2007-01-19

ok, whoever said that fall out boy is a poser band, you should do some research before you say something like that. Just so you know, they had THREE albums out before they got popular, and, ever think that maybe people listend to them when they "sucked"?? Just because the band got popular DOES NOT mean that they are posers, are people who were listening to them before From Under The Cork Tree, are gonna listen to Good Charlotte.. and why does it matter if someone likes Good Charlotte, or some other "poser"?? Oh, and i happen to know for an absolute fact that fall out boy is not in it for the money, although i know that they enjoy the money(Who wouldnt). Trust me, i KNOW that. Anyways, i really like this cd. There right up there with Panic! At The Disco and Cobra Starship in my favourites. I really like Bring Em Out. Oh, and one more thing: if you dont like a band, dont bash them in front of people you know love them. It's not a good idea =) BUY THIS CD!!!!!

unbeliveable.......2006-11-04

there are many songs and groupos that i like but this tops it!(aside from relient k) the songs are so amazing! great guitar playing and his voice fits the music...it's soooo cool! get it it is totally worth it!

Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

A Vocally Dazzling Esparza Rides High on an Exuberant Pre-"Rent" Larson Score
Great tunes - great lyrics - great harmonies
Love the Music
Larson Lives
Fantastic Music, but i wouldnt want to see it live

Tick, Tick... Boom! (2001 Original Off-Broadway Cast)
Jonathan Larson , Amy Spanger , and Raul Esparza
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Contemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Last 5 Years (2002 Off-Broadway Cast)
tick, tick ... BOOM!
Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
The Wild Party (Lippa) (2000 Off-Broadway Cast)
Songs for a New World (1996 Original New York Cast)

ASIN: B00005NQK5
Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

30/90
Green Green Dress
Johnny Can't Decide
Sunday
No More
Therapy
Real Life
Sugar
See Her Smile
Come To Your Senses
Why
Louder Than Words
Boho Days
30/90 Playout

Amazon.com

Rent is usually treated as Jonathan Larson's one and only show, but the truth is that he had a career--albeit a hitless one--before that blockbuster. There was a musical titled JP Morgan Saves the Nation with lyrics by Jeffrey M. Jones and music by Larson. And there was Tick, Tick... Boom!, an autobiographical piece that Larson workshopped for a while before setting it aside and finishing Rent.

In 2001, Tick, Tick is getting a full off-Broadway production, and it's a rather endearing one. Lyrics have never been Larson's strong point, but he was a hell of a melodic composer--and the score here is even poppier than that of Rent (think Top 40 rather than Sondheim). It's hard to pick favorite songs: "Green Green Dress" is built on a rollicking piano boogie, for instance, and "Real Life" and "See Her Smile" are the kind of elegiac ballad that Larson would later perfect with "Seasons of Love." Luckily, this show has a lot more to offer than mere youthful musings. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A Vocally Dazzling Esparza Rides High on an Exuberant Pre-"Rent" Larson Score.......2007-06-16

Perhaps it's a coincidence that the immensely talented Raúl Esparza plays a character dreading his 30th birthday in this 2001 recording of the hit off-Broadway show by the late Jonathan Larson, while five years later, he would play the elliptical Bobby dreading his 35th birthday in the enthralling 2006 Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. In both performances, Esparza shows a true affinity for capturing the angst of men undergoing transitional points in their lives which render them emotionally paralyzed. At first glance, Sondheim and Larson would not seem like kindred spirits, but both share a gift for sophisticated lyrics in an unmistakable musical style defined by their oeuvres. Larson even pays tribute to Sondheim in the story's climax and with the sardonic, work-is-hell "Sunday", a take-off of the song with the same name in Sunday in the Park with George.

However, it is the familiar Larson sound of Rent that is heard most in this score - driving, rock-out rhythms with unavoidable pop hooks and yearning, piano-driven ballads. Even the opener, "30/90", is a virtual sound-alike of the bigger show's title tune. If the songs are not quite as polished or even memorable as those in Rent, they feel more personal because the autobiographical story is far more intimate in scale. Set in 1990 in the same SoHo neighborhood as Rent, it's a simple three-character piece about Jon, an aspiring composer who considers giving up his dreams on the verge of his 30th birthday. With charismatic fire, Esparza is equally adept using his beautifully expressive voice in a rock milieu as in a Sondheim character study. He brings energetic brio to finger-snapping rockers like the Twinkie-induced "Sugar" and especially shines on the ballads, "See Her Smile" and the revelatory "Why".

With a slightly pinched voice that reminds me a bit of the Bangles' Susanna Hoffs, Amy Spanger as girlfriend Susan duets nicely with Esparza on the touching "Johnny Can't Decide", the rocking "Green Green Dress", and the comical self-help wordplay of "Therapy". Her shining solo moment comes with the knockout ballad, "Come to Your Senses". As Jon's embattled pal Michael, Jerry Dixon provides powerful vocals, bringing particular warmth to "Real Life" and grit to the fed-up rave "No More". The trio closes the show powerfully with the anthem-like "Louder Than Words". The overall score is a bit derivative and a tad too earnest, but the youthful zest of the cast and Larson's pop craftsmanship more than compensate. Two bonus tracks are offered at the end - an instrumental replay of the opener, "30/90 Playout" and a rare recording of Larson singing "Boho Days" a capella with propulsive hand claps.

Great tunes - great lyrics - great harmonies.......2006-11-04

If you are a fan of the late great Mr. Larson you will love this music. Okay, I have seen the play a couple of times so I know what happens between the songs but this, his autobiography, really moved me. Even my kids like the Green Dress Song.

I hope you like it... The theme is "Actions Speak Louder Than Words" rings true today as the day he wrote it.

John we miss you.

Love the Music.......2006-08-22

I saw this play a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the music, so I got the CD. The voices, and lyrics are amazing! However, as I often find with CDs of musicals, there wasn't always the right feeling in the voice, particularly in "Therapy" where couple ought to be angry at each other, and it seems more cute on the CD.

Larson Lives.......2006-05-06

I love Tick, Tick... Boom! The show is quite refreshing. The show works so well with three actors. I LOVE "30/90" and "Louder Than Words." Both speak really strongly to the audience because they both are really relatable to anyone's life. Admittedly the middle of the show drags a little, and Spangler's voice can be chipmunkish at times. However those are minor detractions when it comes to this show. It is especially moving if you know Jonathan's story. It is no Rent, but the short piece is really moving

Fantastic Music, but i wouldnt want to see it live.......2006-04-30

I was soo soo very pleased with the music from "Tick...Tick..BOOM!". Rock Operas are my favorite type of musical theatre, and i must say this is one of the best. The storyline, however, although dealing with bohemian problems like AIDS, rehersals, love, didnt meet the power of the music. It was taken from Johnathans original one-man show and made into a three-man show. This was the only way possible to make this conversion, but still it was a dull storyline only going over the time period of one day in the day in the life of Johnathan Larson. Yes, it was an important day, his thirtieth birthday and his friend annoucing that he is HIV positive, but none of this happens until the end. The show lacks obsession, and in order to make a good musical storyline there has to be an obsession. Luckily, the weak storyline is backed with fantastic music, perhaps even better than Rent. 30/90 is my all time favorite song EVER i have listened to it over and over and still am not sick of it. other favorite tracks include:
30/90
Green Green Dress
No More
Sugar
Come To Your Senses (originally from Superbia)
Louder Than Words
and i also enjoy the rest of the songs as well.

Average customer rating:

Parkway Drive, where have you been all my life?
BALL TEARER

Killing with a Smile
Parkway Drive
Manufacturer: Epitaph / Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Music for the Recently Deceased
When Goodbye Means Forever
What Demons Do To Saints
Goodbye To The Gallows
The Failure In Drowning

ASIN: B000GH3CO8
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

Gimme Ad
Anasasis (Xenophontis)
Pandora
Romance Is Dead
Guns For Show, Knices For A Pro
Blackout
Picture Perfect, Pathetic
Its So Hard To Speak Without A Tongue
Mutiny
Smoke Em If You Got Em
A Cold Day In Hell

Album Description

Australia's Parkway Drive follow in the footsteps of Unearth, Bleeding Through, and Evergreen Terrace, and they've amassed a huge amount of respect in a very short time in both the metal and hardcore communities. Here are eleven tracks of pure rage, a massive sound that encompasses death riffs, punishing breakdowns, thick rhythms, mayhem-inducing beats, and a technical precision that borders on frightening. "Killing With A Smile" will appeal to all extreme music fans.

Customer Reviews:

Parkway Drive, where have you been all my life?.......2007-08-02

I saw these guys on Warped Tour last week. There was a TON of buzz about em, but I had never heard their music. They lived up to all the hype and then some. I bought this CD at the show.

It's an amazing album! I only wish I knew of it sooner. Their lead guitarist is absolutely awesome! There are plenty of heavy parts & breakdowns. If you like bands like As I Lay Dying and Unearth, you'll love these guys. Plus, Adam D. from Killswitch Engage produced this album, and pretty much every CD he works on is great. My favorite tracks are "Romance is Dead," "Mutiny," "Picture Perfect, Pathetic," & "Smoke Em if You Got Em."

Parkway Drive also has a new CD coming out Oct. 9, 2007. Run, don't walk, to go get it.

BALL TEARER.......2006-10-02

Australias best hardcore band?This album has excellent production,done I believe by whoever does Killswitch engage,The music and lyrics are brutal.If you like one track,you should like them all.These guys have taken classic metal guitar sounds and breathed new life into them,made them fresh again,and are making up for the lack of decent metal around at the moment.Its not massively original to be sure,but it is fresh.And it is hard.Gimme AD and Its hard to speak without a tongue are more friendly,melodic tracks,while the last thirty seconds of Smoke em if ya got em just keeps getting harder and is worth the price of this album.Also check out some other wicked aussie metal core in Day of contempt,I killed the prom queen,Carpathian and Mourning tide.

Average customer rating:

item not yet received
For the boy
'80's Perfection That Still Holds Up
Great Album! Aged well.
DLR doing what he does best

Eat 'Em and Smile
David Lee Roth
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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

Glam | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Skyscraper
Crazy from the Heat
The Best
Diver Down
DLR Band

ASIN: B000002L9W
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Yankee Rose
Shyboy
I'm Easy
Ladies' Nite In Buffalo?
Goin' Crazy!
Tobacco Road
Elephant Gun
Big Trouble
Bump And Grind
That's Life

Amazon.com

Roth, who turned the flamboyant-frontman role into an art form, turned out this solo effort after leaving Van Halen. Hiring two of the top instrumentalists in the hard-rock genre, guitarist Steve Vai and bassist Billy Sheehan, Roth created meta-arena rock--big, exaggerated rock music with heavy guitars. Typical entries included "Goin' Crazy" and "I'm Easy"; "Yankee Rose" had one of the more entertaining videos on MTV at the time. The cover of "That's Life," which closes the album, is predictably overblown, but Roth can be forgiven as it's obvious that he's not taking anything too seriously. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

item not yet received.......2007-01-31

This item is not yet arrived!
Can you please let me know.
Thank you

For the boy.......2007-01-18

This was a gift for my sondd, he absolutely LOVES it. David Lee Roth never fails to deliver.

'80's Perfection That Still Holds Up.......2006-10-14

Just in case you don't know, this CD has some of the best work all around by everyone involved; But obviously it's Vai and Seehan that steal the show with some of the most amazing riffing ever heard, even today. As good, if not better, than any Van Halen album; Nice variety of song styles, great drums, and lots of insane stringed madness. A true classic...

Great Album! Aged well........2006-07-27

I had this album back in the day and loved it. It's been shelved for a long time and taken back out. I must say if you haven't heard this one in a while, CRANK it up!

The Album kicks off hard with "Yankee Rose". DLR's vocals are perfect and his screams put chills down your spine. "Yankee Rose" was to be DLR's opening song to throw at Van Halen to say "I can do it without you" and he does. "Rose" is follwed up by another rocker "Shyboy". When you hear the intro though you'll be thinking this is from a Van Halen album. Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan really bring it on this song. Great track. "Goin' Crazy" is a bit pop but played loud it still rocks to me. "Tobacco Road" is a great cover. The entire album is great. DLR sounds happy and content, he has great musicians backing him up and he just "ROCKS"! If you haven't heard it, get it, and if you have forgotten it, CRANK it!

DLR doing what he does best.......2006-04-08

This is a fun solo album that has a lot of what post 1984 Van Halen might have sounded like if Roth would not have been kicked out. Eddie's guitar is replaced with Steve Vai's guitar and it all works out well. Roth gets a little more creative freedom and we get a great bunch of songs.

So, do we miss Eddie and the gang? Of course. You can never replace the formula that was the original VH. But this cd is better than the first Van Halen cd with Sammy.

How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today

Average customer rating:

The single best album ever recorded
Rocks pretty hard
Best work ever
The reasons ST made their best effort HERE.....
A THRASH METAL ADVENTURE, MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ALBUM !

How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today
Suicidal Tendencies
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Lights...Camera...Revolution!
Join the Army
Feel Like Shit Deja Vu Controlled by Hatred
Suicidal Tendencies
The Art of Rebellion

ASIN: B0000026KD
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Trip At The Brain
Hearing Voices
Pledge Your Allegiance
How Will I Laugh Tomorrow
The Miracle
Suicyco Mania
Surf And Slam
If I Don't Wake Up
Sorry?!
One Too Many Times
The Feeling's Back

Customer Reviews:

The single best album ever recorded.......2006-11-14

It's all been said before, but I'll add my two cents worth. This album by Suicidal Tendencies is not only their greatest, but the greatest by any band at anytime anywhere. It makes your life better simply by listening to it and thrills you every single time you play it. Trip at the Brain is an electrifying opener with an absolutely unprecedented heavy trip in the middle over Rocky George's endlessly melodious lead guitar, it is simply stunning. Pledge Your Allegiance will have every ST fan jumping around with reckless abandon. The Miracle was the song every metal band in the world prayed to God to have delivered upon to them, ST lucked out I guess. Sorry?!, an intensely personal (so much so its lyrics aren't in the liner notes), utterly thrilling and endlessly sad song. The album's title track How Will I Laugh Tomorrow is simply ST's best ever. It encapsulates the virtuosity both musically and lyrically of this band and is as essential to life as the blood in my veins and the air in my lungs. Just buy this album.

Rocks pretty hard.......2006-11-11

This is the thrash album by Suicidal Tendencies. Overall it's about 50 times better than Join The Army, production-wise at least. The songs are still just as catchy. Pick it up if you have any passing interest in thrash.

Best work ever.......2006-09-04

Suicidal Tendencies has never been a "popular" band but they seem to manage to stick around. "How Will I Laugh" is probably their best work to date (and probably the best they will ever do judging from their more recent releases). Awesome riffs and strange vocals (but typically lame guitar solos). If you only get one ST album, this is the one to get.

The reasons ST made their best effort HERE..... .......2006-06-16

Having seen the band at a tension filled show 6 months earlier at an odd metal/punk dual bill in Oakland, I was not surprised to see new faces on the cover. Gone was co-founder Louichi Mayorga on bass, and they had added Mike Clark on rythym guitar. Mike Clark also wrote the music almost across the board on this album, and I don't know if he'd been storing up these gems for a rainy....er...band, but WOW!

Add to that the release from the tension of battling with his homey (they barely made it through their Oakland gig)with the sheer joy of finding a songwriter/solid-phat player like Clark, and Cyko Myko Muir was set free! He wrote focused thematic lyrics that finally achieved the urban balance between punk bark and in-the-pocket smooth rap (witness the outro/vamp on "Trip to ...")he had been looking for.

Rocky George(the most underrated lead player in rock) was finally completely comfortable, and had some meaty hooks to launch from and soar. Rythym section locked tight... man I had no idea when I picked it up that day in '87.

I got home, was busy with work on my own label, was about to go to bed... "Let me just check this out for a second" - my curiosity piqued. Holy Cats! Next thing you know I was WIDE awake, volume up, stomping around my room, wrecking s**t! As if I neede proof, caught them at the ensuing support show and it was MAYHEM. And that's just about what you want... truly great moments in Rock, better yet Punk Rock!

-ted.o

A THRASH METAL ADVENTURE, MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ALBUM !.......2006-06-05

"How will I Laugh Tommorow if I Can't Even Smile Today" is a unique album and in a class of its own. (kind of like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and the rock genre.) This awesome thrash metal album performed by Suicidal Tendencies is one of the most "feel good" albums created in the genre.

Filled with very complex songwriting and sometimes simple but blatantly catchy riffs. Also a very serious album dealing with topics such as : taking psychedelic drugs, suicide, severe depression, hearing auditory hallicinations and more. The band plays at a reasonably fast pace while throwing out bursts of energy and emotion, it really feels 3 dimensional. At a few points, this album slows down a bit but never gets dull. It demands your absolute attention and creates a mellow atmosphere in your conscious. This is one of those albums that sounds so great after every spin that youll be sure to pop it in again whenever you want to just relax.

I gotta admit, the first time I listened to this album I wasn't as impressed as everyone hyped it up to be. After time I began to feel the music proving its worth to me. I realized that is was never hyped at all, its very underrated if anything! I began to see the real message they were portraying and the feelings about it just deepen the more you pay attention. Its like falling in love with it....... kinda.

I think to really appreciate this album you should do some research on some of the lyrics and topics, that is, if you dont know what they are. for example: audio/visual hallucinations, lucid dreams, altered states of mind, depression, psychedelic drugs (mushrooms, salvia divinorum, lsd, etc.) Only to understand the music better.

Average customer rating:

Bad Politics but Great Music
Finding Soul In Todays Empty Music Industry
Soul indeed. Proof that there can be power in simplicity
Is this what constitutes "deep" lyrics?
Not all Bad

Smile Empty Soul
Smile Empty Soul
Manufacturer: Lava
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Three Days Grace
We Are Not Alone
Crossfade
Two
Trapt

ASIN: B0000996GM
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Tracks:

Bottom of a Bottle
Silhouettes
Nowhere Kids
This is War
Therapy
For You
Your Way
The Other Side
Every Sunday
With This Knife
Radio in a Hole
All My Problems
I Want My Life
Eraser

Album Description

Self-titled debut from Santa Clarita, California trio from Lava Records. 14 tracks in the alternative metal vein. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Bad Politics but Great Music.......2006-09-02

Smile Empty Soul will be annoying if you pay attention to the words in This Is War, but their music at its core is excellent. Its not just loud obnoxious noise, they have really good guitars and have some beautiful songs like The Other Side and With This Knife. Maybe its just me but the recording seems a little rough, if they had recorded it well and actually promoted the album more it would have been a great seller and a huge success.

The standouts:

Silhouettes
Nowhere Kids
This Is War
For You
Your Way
The Other Side
With This Knife
Radio In A Hole
All My Problems
I Want My Life

Also I saw them in concert once and they tried to make a political point which was kind of annoying, but again, their awesome music balances the stupid politics out

Finding Soul In Todays Empty Music Industry.......2006-05-19

Modern bands today lack emotion,that simple.It seems as though Smile Empty Soul have found a loop hole around this towering issue,providing some of the most emotional and powerful music of this decade(so far).

"Silhouettes" is a stunning song from the opening notes echoing to the disenchanting lyrics.Some people have found "This War" to either be a geat song or critique it on it's labeling of soldiers and how its making them seem so robotic.You can decide that on your own, on with the songs."For You" is my favorite the lyrics seem so inspired, and the melody though not complicated really puts you in the realm of the songs atmosphere."Your Way" and "Radio In A Hole" are big exceptions in this albums flow.These are the wake up calls for hard rock lovers, instantly booming with this derived energy.If you haven't guessed yes this album is relatively slow paced based upon a clean channeled guitar with alittle twang/crunch.Alot of the riffs base eachother off one another, don't let that be your reason not to buy this many great bands have succeded with this hold up.(Such as Ac/Dc and Nirvana!)

I really enjoyed this album, very refreshing for a change and moving.If you like Nirvana you'll no doubt love this!

Soul indeed. Proof that there can be power in simplicity.......2006-03-26

Smile Empty Soul is my favorite band and has been for a while. Most music purists don't like their simple sound, but I wouldn't expect the average listener to appreciate the true amount of soul and emotion in their songs.

The insturmentals are very simple, yes, but they do not sound awful by any means, so I fail to see what is so bad about them. The lyrics are simplistic, and many may be turned off by this.

However, what makes SES great is the sheer amount of soul and grim emotion from their songs. The simple lyrics that would seem like tripe coming from any other band have a strange power when they are sung in Sean Danielson's rugged, melancholy voice. The insturmentals are made so that they seem to only enhance the soul and mood of the song. When SES is really at their best, it's sometimes as if the vocals and the insturmentals share the same soul, thus enhancing the power of their songs. This kind of genuine feeling coming from a song is something I rarely hear from any other band, and it is what seperates this band from the other countless, forced-feeling radio bands. What is even more incredible about this is that the members have lived fairly happy lives and have gone through few of the problems they sing about, yet they still convey mood quite effectivly.

Song Rundown

Bottom of a Bottle (9/10): The single that made them famous. Not their best work, but it has a certain energy to it, making it decent.

Sillhoettes (10/10): The first taste of the melancholy SES can envoke. It is also the first example of when this band gives power to seemingly simple phrases: in the bridge, when Sean sings "when I have kids/I won't put any chains on their wrists, I won't. I'll tell them this/There's nothing in this world that you can't be if you want it enough", we truly believe what he says and are perhaps inspired to tell our kids this message as well.

Nowhere Kids (10/10): Another sad song about abusive parents. It really makes us feel for any child who has to face this problem.

This is War (10/10): Moody lyrics that perfectly convey how a soldier feels; he has little control over what he does while enlisted. He feels out of place and normally woundn't harm anyone, yet he feels he must do what he needs to do for his country. Great acoustic song.

Therapy (9/10): Decent insturmentals and vocals that make us believe Sean is weighed down with the countless problems of the world. Could still use more emotion, though.

For You (8.5/10): Like Therapy, it could use more emotion. As it stands, though, it is a nice acoustic song with a slighty sympathy-invoking bridge and a certain resigned hopelessness in the chorus.

Your Way (10/10): The melancholy is lifted in exchange for defiance. Sean sings the defiant lyrics in a tone that really sounds as though he is questioning those that claim they can make life better, finally declaring that life should be lived on one's own terms ("Promises of a better life, what's wrong with the one I'm leading/everyone has a different fight, different wound that keeps them bleeding.") Insturmentals are fast-paced and carry their own disobedient tone as well.

The Other Side (10/10): A song that stands out for its bridge, which displays a certain creativity I don't hear often (I won't tell why. Listen for yourself.) Another decent acoustic song with a chorus that makes us believe Sean longs for better times and greener pastures.

Every Sunday (6/10): Lacks emotion. Lyrics don't stay on topic very well, either. So-so insturmentals, though, and not really awful, per se.

With This Knife (9/10): If the lyrics were better, this song would be even more depressing than it is already. A very sad, anguished, and hopeless sounding song that shouldn't be listened to while one is in a good mood.

Radio in a Hole (5/10): Never really cared for this song. Vague lyrics, slightly annoying insturmentals, and no real emotion make this the weakest track on this album (not the worst song in the world, but still.)

All My Problems (10/10): The defiance comes back. This song is just as well done as its predecessor, Your Way.

I Want My Life (10/10): Acoustic songs are really SES's strong point, and this is probably their best one. Again, very hopeless sounding. The insturmentals also sound very tender yet sad on this one. A very touching song.

Eraser (9/10): A decent song about a love-hate relationship (Ha! Finally found the meaning.) What really makes this song work is the bridge: after the chilling lines "And I can see myself in heaven/If I can free myself from this hell", we are sent into a very nice solo. The rest of the song is decent all-around as well. Not a bad closer.

If you believe music can't be good without being complicated (no matter how much emotion is in it), fine. If you don't, however, and want music that will hit you emotionally, look no further.

Highly Recommended

Is this what constitutes "deep" lyrics?.......2006-02-23

Just begin by looking at the titles of the songs on the back and you already know what you're getting into. The lyrics are supposed to be deep but they come off as condescending, self-righteous and self-pitying. He's angry and depressed for the most shallow of reasons and tries to tell us what's wrong with society with the most simple of lyrics. Kurt Cobain was angry and depressed but his lyrics were 20 times more creative. I mean, what ever happened to imagery, symbolism and creativity?
The musicians themselves are average. Take somewhere between 2-6 basic chords, add a crunchy guitar sound and simple rhythmic patterns and you've got a top notch band today. Sad but true.
That said, I understand why people (like my roommate from whom I borrowed the CD) like this band. If you're angry or depressed yourself, you can relate. And the forced vocals and crunchy guitar sounds make good angry music. If that's your thing, go for it. If you like bands like Nickelback or Puddle of Mudd (though they're admittedly better) then you'll like S.E.S. If you want something more artistically creative - musically and lyrically - this is probably not the CD for you.

Not all Bad.......2006-02-09

This is not a band that deserves a 5 star rating. Now before you all start whining and complaining about my rating, listen and here my words. I do not think that they are a bad band, they are not bad at all... I just do not hand out high ratings like they are pieces of candy to a kid. You must earn it.

For instance, where do they get off singing about a war and men and women whom they know nothing about. These men and women chose to defend our country for a reason, they knew what they were getting into when they enlisted in the armed services, but this band would have you believe that they are a bunch of mindless robots who will do anything to please their master.

Its ok to sing about such things if you were somehow involved or knew of such people, did they talk to a Marine, or the president, my opinion is likely not. They simply took a hot issue in the news and ran with it.

I like the guitars, and some of the lyrics, but they need to be backed up.

Average customer rating:

awesome l'arc album
When you get this album..."Smile"!
Absolutely addicting L'arc~en~Ciel album
One of my favorite CDs
Band from Fullmetal Alchemist Rocks off the Screen

Smile
L'Arc-En-Ciel
Manufacturer: Tofu Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Awake
Faith
L'Arc-en-Ciel - Live in USA
Moon Child
Jpop CD

ASIN: B0002BO0U8
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

Kiss
Ready Steady Go
Lover Boy
Feeling Fine
Time Goes On
Coming Closer
Forever
Revelation
Living in Your Eyes
Spirit Dreams Inside
Ready Steady Go - Hydeless version

Customer Reviews:

awesome l'arc album.......2007-07-04

Do not read Crow Winters Review of l'arc en ciel. It is one of the most unaccurate words put together about L'arc En Ciel. They were never even close to breaking up, for the band members just went to do their solo projects. The Smile Album did really well, and was a new sound compared to their earlier albums. L'arc released an album called awake a year later, a single called link after that, a new single this year called seventh heaven, and are planning on releasing a new album soon.
The only L'arc en Ciel moment that looked bad was after the album "True", when the drummer got busted for heroine possessson. The drummer left the band, L'arc was in the shadowed for awhile and then they got a new drummer and released the album heart in 1998, which was followed by a double release with the album ray and ark being released at the same time. The album released in 2000 was Real which did really well.

This album smile as listed above was the start if a new sound L'arc En Ciel created for themselves after being on their Solo albums for a few years.

When you get this album..."Smile"!.......2007-06-10

This is one of the best L'arc en ciel cd's I've ever heard. Some of them are aggresive and some are soft and melodic. Let me give you my opinions on each track.

1. Kiss-Kuchizuke (4:24) (5 stars): Pretty awesome song. I like how the solo of the guitar goes. Kinda hard and in some ways touching at the same time. Great for a background or ending song of an anime show.

2. READY STEADY GO (3:45) (5 stars): This is one of the opening theme song of an anime show, Fullmetal Alchemist. It's fast and aggresive that it makes you wanna listen to it again!

3. Lover Boy (4:45) (5 stars): Ken sang on this track. He's pretty good actually. I like how the bass guitar sounds when all of the instruments went silent. Great background music for an anime show.

4. Feeling Fine (4:16) (5 stars): I love Hyde's voice. The electric guitars are rockin' in this track! It's kinda melodic and fast at the same time. Great ending theme song for an anime show.

5. Time Goes On (4:41) (5 stars): Pretty slow and melodic at the same time. I love Hyde's high pitch voice somewhere in the middle of the song. The solo is totally great. Great for background or ending theme song of an anime show.

6. Coming Closer (5:14) (10 stars!): Now this is what I call hard rock! Hyde is very fluent in his english here. The solo is totally great! I love how the electric guitar sounds at the beginning of the song. Great for an intensive battle in an anime show!

7. Forever-Eien (4:39) (5 stars): Somehow, this is kinda aggresive and slow at the same time. The solo is not really that bad though it kinda sounds out of tune a bit. Hyde's voice sounds so emotional here. Maybe good for an ending song in an anime show.

8. REVELATION (3:18) (5 stars): This is pretty hard rock. The electric guitar tunes kinda sound the same in track 6. I like how the guitar goes at the end of the song. Maybe great for an intensive battle in an anime show.

9. Living In Your Eyes-Hitomi No Jyunin (5:55) (10 stars!): This is very melodic and emotional at the same time. You'll love the piano sounds in this track. The solo is so great. I love Hyde's voice and I feel I want to listen to this track all over again. You'll never get tired of it. Great background music for an anime show.

10. Spirit Dreams Inside (3:43) (5 stars): Nothing much to say, but I'm very proud of Hyde. This track is sung in english. If I can remember, this is an ending song for a Final Fantasy movie. I forgot what is called, but I'm sure you'll like it.

11. BONUS TRACK: READY STEADY GO (Hydeless version) (3:46) (5 stars): In this track, you'll be able to hear the guitars, basses, and the drums more. Including some other instruments. I always wonder who's that person who sang the line, "Ready steady can't hold me back. "Ready steady give me good luck. "Ready steady never look back. Let's get started Ready steady go!", in the beginning of the song? Great for a background music in anime show!

Absolutely addicting L'arc~en~Ciel album.......2007-06-03

This CD is one most will probably get because of the second track--"READY STEADY GO," which was featured as Fullmetal Alchemist's theme song. However, the CD has even more (and even better) tracks that are highly listenable to even my anti-Jrock sister. "Feeling Fine" is lively and upbeat, starting off with an awesome drum riff; "Coming Closer" is desperate and epic; and "Hitomi no Junin" is by far one of the most beautiful L'arc~en~Ciel songs ever. I have most every album of theirs, and this is *probably* my favorite (albeit their most formulaic...). Even if you aren't into Jrock, give this a chance. It's a good piece to listen to on a day that calls for ENERGY!!

One of my favorite CDs.......2007-01-29

Some people may call this CD overrated simply because the second track is the opening to the anime series Fullmetal Alchemist, but there are many other songs on here that surpass "Ready Steady Go" and make this CD worth its money.

"Kuchizuke", for example, starts off the CD with Hyde's lower, grittier voice (attributed to his smoking habit) and sets the bar in terms of variety - whether it be vocals, guitar, or subject matter. Another favorite of mine is track eight, "Revelation", which immediately attracted my attention when I first listened to this CD because of the introduction (strong guitar chords followed by an underlying techno-ish beat). About half of the songs are more rock, and there are also rock ballads, such as Hitomi no Jyunin (Living in Your Eyes). There are even a couple of songs that sound, for lack of a better word, peppy. "Ready Steady Go" is one, with bright guitar chords and a catchy beat, and "Feeling Fine" is another.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this CD and it's already become one of my favorites. Even the inside cover made me smile - pictures of the band wearing boxes on their heads with the trademark "smile" on the front cover. Smile is a must-have for any Laruku fan.

Band from Fullmetal Alchemist Rocks off the Screen.......2006-11-25

L'arc en Ciel (Rainbow) did several songs for the Fullmetal Alchemist series and movie, including: "Link", "Lost Heaven", "Ready, Steady, Go!" and "Promised Land". Which are excellent songs and are what made me go and buy this album. I wasn't entirely sure if the band would be as good as they were when they made the music for Fullmetal Alchemist, so, I listened to the album with a anxiety, but my doubts were null and void, so, far, I like the outside music. It has a nice soothing undertone, and some electric guitar solos too. The song "Lover Boy" has some harsh sounds to it, but it softens later in the song. And "Feeling Fine" has a great smooth guitar throughout the piece. All the songs vary from hard rock to being gentle, it's well balanced. It's also a good CD to listen to while riding in the car, it has some fast paced songs if you want to tap your feet to it as you drive. For my first album of L'arc en Ciel, I loved it!

The CD includes the words to the songs on the inside packet, with the lyrics in Japanese and English. And some pretty funny pictures of the band wearing boxes like the one on the front of the album on their heads. (If you don't like the music, that part will at least make you laugh).

The Songs Are:

1.Kiss- Kuchizuke

2. Ready, Steady, Go!

3. Lover Boy

4. Feeling Fine

5. Time Goes On: A Soft and relaxing song to listen to, it's good a good rock song, but not loud.

6. Coming Closer

7. Forever-Eien- Also a soft song, even a little more so than some of the others.

8. Revelation- A fast paced song with a catchy beat

9. Living in Your Eyes- Hitomi no Jyunin- Gentle and somewhat magical tune, like Spirit Dreams Inside.

10. Spirit Dreams Inside- My personal favorite, the entire song is in English, but the vocals and entire song is well crafted.

11. Ready, Steady, Go! (Mostly instrumental Version)

So, if you liked the music from Fullmetal Alchemist, and the song "Ready Steady Go!" or the opening and closing themes from the movie, stop sitting on the fence and buy this CD! You will not regret it!

Excellent Album!

R&B Music:

R&B Music

r&b music

Recommended Music:

Asian, Vol. 2 [Import]

Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune; Nocturnes; La Mer

Homegrown: A Salute to 20th Century American Composers!

Take Me Back to Tulsa [Import]

If I Fall

From the Inside [Import]

Gospel's Greatest Moments: Gospel Groups, Vol. 2

Electric Folklore [Import] [Original recording remastered]

Johnny E a Bossa Ao Vivo [Import] [Live]

German Techno Classics [Import]

Finelines

Get's Bossa Nova [Import]

Guns Don't Kill, Rappers Do [CD-single] [Import]

Love's the Key

Dierks Bentley