Papa

Amazon.com
Mali's Salif Keita might possess one of Africa's great voices, but in the past there have been times when his material hasn't done him real justice. That's not the case here--Papa is as close to brilliance as he's likely to get, with enough of a real roots feel to bring out his emotive qualities. For once, the Western studio overlays (done in New York and Paris) don't overwhelm everything else. In fact, the only time they really intrude is when coproducer Vernon Reid (ex-Living Colour) takes a wild guitar solo at the end of the record, and that's an ideal fit. The title track is Keita at his very best, as his voice cracks and soars. This time he's hit it perfectly. --Chris Nickson

Product Description
New 1999 Release from Legendary African Vocalist, his First in Four Years. Guests Include John Medeski, Grace Jones and Vernon Reid.

Papa

Papa,Salif Keita,Blue Note Records,Africa,African,Afro-Pop,Int'l & World Music,Mali,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: Good release, but not on par with earlier stuff Modern Rock Still Lives GO BUY INFEST, IF YOU LIKE MTV PUNK THEN BUY THIS. Great Rock CD best album yet!

The Paramour Sessions Papa Roach Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Phobia One X Getting Away With Murder Minutes to Midnight Them VS. You VS. Me ASIN: B000H5U62U Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. ...To Be Loved
2. Alive (N' Out Of Control)
3. Crash
4. The World Around You
5. Forever
6. I Devise My Own Demise
7. Time Is Running Out
8. What Do You Do?
9. My Heart Is A Fist
10. No More Secrets
11. Reckless
12. The Fire
13. Roses On My Grave

Customer Reviews:

Good release, but not on par with earlier stuff.......2007-08-02

I would say this is their third best cd. Getting Away With Murder, Infest, Paramour Sessions, and Lovehatetragedy: in that order. I've never been a huge fan of them, but they are an above average hard rock band that writes some catchy tunes. For me, it has always been hit or miss with their songs. On this one, it is about 50/50 on hits and misses. Still, if half the songs are good, that is reason enough for me to buy a cd. And maybe the others will grow on me. For those of you who liked Infest and maybe haven't checked these guys out for awhile, they aren't exactly the same band. They have lost that rap-rock vibe they had, and adopted a cleaner hard rock approach, as have many other bands of the nu-metal era. Hit songs: "to be loved" and "Forever" are included on this cd.
3.5 stars.

Modern Rock Still Lives.......2007-07-20

Let me preface this by saying I've never been a big Papa Roach fan. I didn't dislike them, I was just never really into them. But after hearing "Forever" on XM's Squizz a few times, I decided to buy the album - based on that song alone, I figured the band has to have potential.

Damn, am I glad I picked it up. Fantastic album. One of the best new rock albums I've bought in the last few years. There's not a bunch of emo screaming or nu-metal rapping - just rock. I definitely recommend picking this up, even if you weren't much of a Papa Roach fan in the past.

Five of five stars. So many great songs. The intensity and passion is top notch. As far as modern rock goes, this is about as good as it gets.

GO BUY INFEST, IF YOU LIKE MTV PUNK THEN BUY THIS........2007-07-12

What the hell has Papa Roach done? That is all I have to say. If you like the 10,000 "punk" bands on MTV, then you will love this.

Great Rock CD.......2007-07-07

I have all of the Papa Roach CDs and this one is by far my favorite. Several popular songs along with many songs that will get stuck in your head over and over.

best album yet!.......2007-06-09

their sound has changed so much into something really amazing. my favorite songs from this album are roses on my grave and forever.

Average customer rating: One of the Best Albums I Own Worst of Papa Roach deserves 0 stars a great change the best Papa Roach CD ever!!

Getting Away With Murder Papa Roach Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Funk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Infest The Paramour Sessions Lovehatetragedy Crossfade Three Days Grace ASIN: B0002TLJEK Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

1. Blood
2. Not Listening
3. Stop Looking Start Seeing
4. Take Me
5. Getting Away With Murder
6. Be Free
7. Done With You
8. Scars
9. Sometimes
10. Blanket Of Fear
11. Tyranny Of Normality
12. Do Or Die

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Albums I Own.......2007-03-22

I have been with Papa Roach since Infest, watching them grow, losing touch with LOVEHATETRADGETY, and coming back into their grace with GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER. My god...I just can't begin to explain this album, it is for lack of better words...perfect. Each song is a work of art in both lyrical and musical sense.

Worst of Papa Roach.......2006-08-01

I was probably more excited than anyone when waiting for this album to come out. And I have to admit a couple tracks like getting away with murder were really good. But i could only name about 5 tracks that i really enjoyed, though they were really good. What i also noticed was that the few tracks that i did like were the songs that were true to papa roach's unique style which were present all of papa roach's previous songs. The rest of the songs on this album seem inspired by emo and you could tell they finally conformed to modern rock. There are many other bands that sound like that and there is really nothing special about it, it just makes the album seem boring because they sound like everyone else. It is easy to see why Papa Roach conformed to modern rock because of the failure of their last album "love hate tragedy" (which i thought was a fantastic album). By doing so they opened up to an larger audience (like teenage - 13 year old girls) with hit songs like "scars". This album went platinum so i guess they accomplished their goal. I'm just sad they had to sacrifice what made them unique and brought great music. Jacoby says the next album will go back to more straightforward rock and will be less emo influenced. Hopefully we'll see the return of the true papa roach. I still listen to this album, though i skip through only to listen to "blood", "not listening", "getting away with murder", and "tyrrany normality" - which are the only ones i like, and some remind me of old papa roach.

deserves 0 stars.......2006-07-04

this lp is...these guys are clowns with tatoos and cool haircuts.that's all.dolls with guitars.lovehatetragedy....naaah,I think its just HATE and TRAGEDY.by far "Getting Away.." is worsest thing i've ever heard till now(18 visions upcomin lp "18 vis" will take a lead,I'm sure).dont buy it!all filler,no killer:))

a great change .......2006-05-16

in the case of sellout i think papa roach defends themselves pretty well with this album. in the death of rap metal, i believe they started losing their fan base and they were starting to become a band that was remembered by "cut my life into pieces." Love Hate Tragedy was horrible and nowhere close to Infest so... they give us this and it is a very well put together cd. more catchy, more melodic plus they have shown us how well rounded they really are. if you are a papa roach fan and are scared to buy this because of the change.. i say go for it. it might suprise you.

the best Papa Roach CD ever!!.......2006-05-08

Before getting this CD , I liked just a couple of songs of their previous records but when I got this one , I instantly felt in love with it and I NEVER get tired of it. This is the first CD in my life that I've liked all the songs in it. I'm just hopping their next CD coming soon will be as good as this one.

Average customer rating: what's it? All you narrow minded musical elitists just shut up already! It's too bad the world is based on greed Best of Papa Roach Sleeper!

Infest Papa Roach Manufacturer: Dreamworks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Funk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Getting Away With Murder Lovehatetragedy The Paramour Sessions Significant Other Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water ASIN: B00004STPK Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Infest
2. Last Resort
3. Broken Home
4. Dead Cell
5. Between Angels And Insects
6. Blood Brothers
7. Revenge
8. Snakes
9. Never Enough
10. Binge
11. Thrown Away

Amazon.com

Papa Roach is a breed apart in the nearly overfull rap-rock arena. The Northern California-bred quartet lacks the bluster of Limp Bizkit and the political agenda of Rage Against the Machine, instead serving up an ultra-intense, highly personal brand of funk-punk-rock-rap on their stunning major-label debut. Closer in spirit to Faith No More than Korn, Papa Roach's signature sound is defined by Coby Dick's raspy, forceful vocals. Dick's pointed lyrics astutely address everything from divorce ("Broken Home") and attention deficit disorder ("Thrown Away") to alcoholism ("Binge"). Jerry Horton's memorable, melodic, and insinuating guitar lines and the band's aggro, moshable rhythms provide added weight. Papa Roach's intensity is never forced; the songs here are varied, discrete, tuneful, and cohesive. Indeed, the mellow, reggae- like "Tightrope" is as compelling as the commanding "Last Resort," making Infest one of the most arresting heavy-music debuts of 2000. -- Katherine Turman

Album Description

UK reissue of the alternative metal act's hit sophomore album now includes three bonus tracks, 'Legacy', 'Dead Cell' (Live) and the enhanced video to their first single 'Last Resort'. 14 tracks in all. 2000 release. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

UK version with three bonus tracks: 'Legacy', 'Dead Cell (Live)' & 'Last Resort (CD-rom video)

Customer Reviews:

what's it?.......2007-03-03

the cd is ok but it's not the same as the one pictured on the seller's pic! and on the back there was a sticker that says: 'promo only-not for sale'...what does it mean?? i've bought that..

All you narrow minded musical elitists just shut up already!.......2007-02-19

I am sick and tired of all this bashing of Nu-Metal! What is so bad about it? And who are you to say that its dead? I listened to this band since I was 12 years old (I am 19 now) and I never got sick of it (this alblum anyways that new stuff is junk)! If you were assumeing I am some teenager who doesnt know real music you are wrong! I like all kinds of metal! If you are going to call me a poser metal head you are wrong! I have respefct for all kinds of metal! I like stuff like Soilwork, Trivium, Dio, Nevermore, Dragonforce, and etc. etc. I like everything from classic metal, power, death, black, nu metal and beyond!

I am just sick of all this bashing of nu-metal. You have no right to judge all nu-metal fans as idiot narrow-minded teenagers! Seriously Its just like me judgeing all you narrow minded classic rockers as 35 year losers who live in their mother's basement! Because that is probably what most of you are! If you were a "true metalhead" as you call yourself surely you would have respect for all kinds of metal! If you are saying nu-metal is talentless you must be a retard! Every genre of music is talented in its own right (except for teen pop and rap.)

Seriously why bash papa roach if the Backstreet Boys just came out with a new CD? I am sure even you would rather listen to Papa Roach than listen to them. I know I would. Like I said I am tired of hearing "Nu-Metal is dead!" So Hair Metal or Glam Metal is not dead? Yeah right!. You are saying nu-metal is dead but I dont reckon the genres I just listed stayed for long now did they? Dont get me wrong I like that kind of stuff too.

As time goes by things change! Get used to it! People who were raised around different things like different stuff! I was raised around nu-metal so what do you expect? Although I do like everything else. Seriously I hear alot of people saying extremely cruel and uncalled for things about nu-metal fans and saying things like "I hope all you nu-metal fans get AIDS" or "I wont 2 kill mislef wen I heer dis!!" I think it is wrong to hate people just because they like a different genre of music than you do! So wish such a terrible thing just because I like a different kind of music than you do? You are sick! And if you are going to kill yourself just over music then you must be a retard.

So what if Papa Roach sound like every other rap metal band. Hey most hair metal bands sound exactly the same as eachother so there. Sorry about my rambleing. Now about Papa Roach. Yeah I know they sound like every other nu-metal band but hey who cares! I dont even know what I just said...

It's too bad the world is based on greed.......2006-08-02

When Infest first came out, and even up to about 2 months ago, I held this CD in high regards. I thought Coby's voice was really good and I thought the band could definitely hold their own. However, around 2 months ago I had an itch to go back and listen to Infest again, and, needless to say, I was less than flattered. Either just the recording hasn't aged well, or my once young mind has grown up and out of the whole 'nu metal' genre. Whatever the case, Infest is nothing more than a few good songs now.

If you're in a hurry, you could get away with listening to the first five songs and end up hearing the best this CD has to offer. Infest is an energetic opener with a great chorus and pounding riffs. The downfall comes in the lame rapping though. Last Resort, well, I need not cover that because anyone who didn't live under a rock in 2000 surely knows that song. Broken Home is a halfway decent song, but in no way is anything about it remarkable. Dead Cell, next to Between Angels And Insects is probably the best song featured. While on the topic, Between Angels And Insects still ranks among my favorite of Papa Roach's material. The anger and passion is just up front unlike the other songs included. Aside from the first five tracks, the only other mentionable track is Thrown Away, which is probably the best way to close out this CD, complete with great yelling and driving riffs.

Basically the thing that bothers me about Infest is the overdone rapping. Coby has a nice singing/yelling voice, not a good rapping voice. Not to mention the horrendous lyrics. Probably 9 of the 11 tracks featured have completely forgetable lyrics, which is inexcusable. I've come to the conclusion that Papa Roach is one of the few bands that grows better with each new release. If you are a Papa Roach fan and already like this CD, then I'm not trying to sway your opinion, just in my experience, this CD wasn't what I remembered it being.

My favorite songs are Infest, Dead Cell, Between Angels And Insects, and Thrown Away. For when Infest came out, yes, it was a great CD. However, nowadays, with Papa Roach coming off the incredibly popular Getting Away With Murder, and my personal favorite release, lovehatetragedy, Infest is easily forgotten. That's not to say it doesn't have it's moments, they're just few and far between.

Best of Papa Roach.......2006-08-01

When i just listened to this album again just a while ago it brought back old memories of what papa roach was like back in 2000. This is an album that is almost perfect. This is also the best of all the Papa Roach albums. They have a unique sound that was lost in their newer album "getting away with murder". After the failure of "love hate tragedy" (which by the way was a GREAT album), papa roach conformed to the sounds of the modern rock bands, so if you want to hear papa roach at their very best, buy this. This still remains one of my favorite albums of all time. It's like one of those albums where if you try to name the best song you keep changing your mind because every song is great.

Sleeper!.......2006-07-08

This is what best desrcibes this album. I wouldn't recommend you buy any of their others, but now that no one remembers they were on the TONY HAWK PRO SKATER game, it is safe to purchase and enjoy... Best song... "Between angels and insects"

Average customer rating: Was this release REALLY necessary?

The Paramour Sessions Papa Roach Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: One X Minutes to Midnight Getting Away With Murder Famous Papa Roach - Live & Murderous In Chicago ASIN: B000QRI162 Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. ...to Be Loved
2. Alive (N' out of Control)
3. Crash
4. World Around You
5. Forever
6. I Devise My Own Demise
7. Time Is Running Out
8. What Do You Do?
9. My Heart Is a Fist
10. No More Secrets
11. Reckless
12. Fire
13. Roses on My Grave

Album Description

PARAMOUR SESSIONS: DELUXE EDITION Includes a ringtone of "FOREVER", cell phone wallpaper and a foldout poster!

The Paramour mansion has no shortage of history. In 1933, oil heiress Daisy Canfield was on her way home from a party when her car veered off a Mulholland Drive cliff, plummeting 300 feet and instantly killing the wife of silent movie star Antonio Moreno. In the decades that followed, the couple's 14-bedroom Hollywood Hills estate would see time as a school for girls, then a convent before falling into disrepair, later being devastated by a 1987 earthquake. Born again more than a decade later, the renovated mansion has served as a recording studio for the likes of H.I.M. and Gwen Stefani, and recently hosted television's "Rock Star" reality series.

It was between seasons of "Rock Star" that Papa Roach were tenants of the historic property, writing and recording the songs that comprise The Paramour Sessions. "We chose to move into the Paramour so we could focus on music and not have to deal with and be affected by the outside world," says Papa Roach drummer Dave Buckner. Little did the band realize the impact that the house would actually have. "We went in to the house with the intention of writing the most savage, bad-ass record we could write," adds frontman Jacoby Shaddix, "but when we got there, the house had a spirit about it that was bigger than us. We knew we were onto something the second we went into our jam sessions, because we'd never stepped into a room and played for six or seven hours straight, just being creative."

The results of that creative energy - whether channeled by the band, or the product of a mysterious, more elusive energy - are The Paramour Sessions, the fifth full-length Papa Roach release of the past decade, and second for Geffen Records. "Living in the house together was the best thing we could have done for ourselves," says guitarist Jerry Horton. "It brought new life to our writing process and helped us reconnect musically and spiritually. The Paramour brought another level to our creative flow and that had a major influence on the songs, as well as how we'll write music in the future." Details Shaddix: "There was something about the ballroom we recorded in that made us want to write bigger, with more open chords. Something happened there that we wanted everyone to experience with us, and we wanted the songs to feel as grand and over-the-top as our experience there was."

"Every album we've made is a reflection of our states, both personally and musically, and this album is no different," explains Buckner. "The whole property was completely f***ing haunted, and I saw it as a sanctioned opportunity for me to lose my mind--And I did exactly that. I was visited by inter-dimensional beings, had out-of-body sex with spirits from old Hollywood, learned how to see specters, and now know what it feels like to have a ghost walk through me. It's a very enlightening and inspiring experience, and something to check off the list."

"There were times that I was just lyrically stuck, and I would go down to Daisy's grave - she was buried on the property - and just write whatever came to me," recalls Shaddix. "I wrote `Forever' down there, and also `My Heart Is A Fist.' I'd just walk around the property and find the lyrics - I'd look under rocks, I'd trip out, I'd meditate. "Ultimately, we all needed to face whatever our fears were on this record," the singer continues. "We also need to be able to face the fans, face the world, and be able to be proud of who we are and what we do. After making this record, we couldn't ask for anything more than what we accomplished." "It was a pretty crazy, intense time, and you can hear it throughout the record," sums Esperance. "It's a very honest and direct record, which is the same thing that Papa Roach strive to be as a band." "In the early days, I would obsess and worry about making our mark on rock music, but not anymore," concludes Buckner. "In fact, I'm not sure that's even a worthy concern... We rock today, and that's what's cool."

Customer Reviews:

Was this release REALLY necessary?.......2007-06-24

Okay, now I am a huge fan of Papa Roach. Have been ever since Infest came out seven years ago, and I have enjoyed each of their releases since then, with 2002's LoveHateTragedy being my least favorite of the bunch. Getting Away With Murder, released in 2004, was a strong comeback for the boys in my opinion, but the way I see it none of their albums tops The Paramour Sessions, released in 2006. Every song on that album has the words "hit single" written all over it, and so far two ("...To Be Loved" and "Forever") have achieved that status. Other strong songs here, in my opinion, are "Alive (N' Out of Control)," "I Devise My Own Demise," "What Do You Do?," "My Heart Is A Fist," and "The Fire." These guys' musicianship and craft for writing heavy-yet-melodic rock songs has only gotten considerably better since they ditched their rap-metal days.

However, I have to say that I am extremely disappointed with this re-release of The Paramour Sessions. Why, you ask? Simply put it is, minus a few worthless bonus items, the exact same album as was released in 2006. In addition to the thirteen songs on the album's original release, all you are getting is A) a different album cover, B) a ringtone of "Forever" (which isn't even the best song on the album, IMO, but still a good one), C) some cell phone wallpaper, and D) a pull-out poster. Maybe it's just me, but I can't justify paying full price for this album if that's all that is included. And suppose there are some P. Roach fans out there without cell phones...what good exactly are bonus items B and C above to them?

Bottom line, this release strikes me as nothing more than a quick cash-in on the part of either the band or Geffen Records. The album hasn't even been out for a full year yet, which would have been excusable if this re-release was at all interesting. Perhaps including 3 or 4 bonus live/rare/never before heard tracks on the disc would've been a good idea? Or maybe a bonus DVD featuring all of the band's videos, from "Last Resort" up until the present? Or perhaps both of these? Just my suggestions.

Only buy this if you are a hardcore P. Roach fan who has to own EVERYTHING they put out...and if you want a new ringtone/wallpaper for your cell phone. Otherwise, it's highly skippable.

Average customer rating: DON'T BUY a true clasic change is good? He's sick of his skin Evolution

Lovehatetragedy Papa Roach Manufacturer: Dreamworks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Funk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Infest Getting Away With Murder The Paramour Sessions Saturate Three Days Grace ASIN: B000066S03 Release Date: 2002-06-18

Tracks:

1. M-80 (Explosive Energy Movement)
2. Life Is A Bullet
3. Time And Time Again
4. Walking Thru Barbed Wire
5. Decompression Period
6. Born With Nothing, Die With Everything
7. She Loves Me Not
8. Singular Indestructible Droid
9. Black Clouds
10. Code Of Energy
11. Lovehatetragedy

Amazon.com

For their second major-label release, Northern California's Papa Roach follow the same recipe of other rap-metal crossovers: aggressive, thick-chugging riffs, angst-driven lyrics, and touches of good ol' classic rock. Tracks "Time and Time Again," "Born with Nothing, Die with Everything," and "She Loves Me Not" have big, fat, clever choruses, which would fit with ease on harder mainstream radio. Elsewhere, they are far more engaging: "M-80 (Explosive Energy Movement)" bashes away with punk stylings, and the sweeping "lovehatetragedy" includes interesting chord and tempo changes. Jacoby Shaddix (the vocalist formerly known as Coby Dick) gives an impressive performance, and while he might not have the power of most of his contemporaries, he makes up for it with his more melodic approach, even within his raps. The only thing that's lacking is a distinction factor that sets them apart from everyone else, but at least they didn't steal any Iron Maiden riffs this time. --Gail Flug

Customer Reviews:

DON'T BUY.......2007-02-12

Bought it rite after infest, and my god this is their worse. Buy gettting away with murder or the paramour sessions...this cd is awful except she loves me not. a few others are OK but thats it. don't bother-download them
bye

a true clasic.......2006-07-28

This album is great. I love the last album, and hate the new album. I like this album alot. Don't take it from me im only 23 with 2000 or more CD's . Buy this album.

change is good?.......2006-07-07

You know, I really liked the rap/rock.

It had vigor, strong emotion, hard beat, you could feel the strength of it. How is not doing that anymore supposed to be an improvement? Since when is not making it onto the top 40 with anything "better". They are becoming a better band because now they put out songs that fewer people like? What kind of thinking is that?

Those 90s rap/rock songs so many of the other reviewers say they don't like are the songs this band will be remembered for. The songs that made the charts, got the airplay, are the ones people may still be aware of 20 years from now. Not the songs these reviewers like so much because they have "moved away" from that sound.

Were Elvis's greatest hits the songs a lot of people really liked or the songs a few reviewers liked? The songs that "dropped" that chart making style?

He's sick of his skin.......2006-06-21

Everything about Papa Roach is cliche. The lyrics most of the times are tired and tried, the riffs sound used, the melodies are only halfway respectable, and very rarely does this band surprise. Despite all that, Lovehatetragedy is a good CD. Papa Roach don't really build from where we saw them with Infest, nor do they decline. Basically, Lovehatetragedy is a continuation of Infest, an Infest Pt. 2 if you will.

Infest was a great rap/rock record, this I will acknowledge, and it would've been immature to think they would top that with this release. They didn't, and I don't mind one bit because I've enjoyed this CD on many ocassions. What is different with this CD is that there are more melodic moments scattered throughout. Decompression Period features great singing from Jacoby, as does Black Clouds. On the other side though, the heaviness is still there. M-80 (Explosive Energy Movement) is probably among one of the band's heaviest songs. Life Is A Bullet and Time And Time Again follow somewhat in the same vein, with Life Is A Bullet no doubt coming out the winner.

Of the two 'bonus' tracks, Never Said It is much better than Gauge Away. Gauge Away seems even below Papa Roach's standards quite frankly. Never Said It features a great opening riff accompanied by great vocal execution, a nice closer really.

My favorite songs are Life Is A Bullet, Decompression Period, She Loves Me Not, Singular Indestructible Droid, and Never Said It. With as cheap as this CD is now there's no doubt that it's worth the money. And besides, the baby on the cover alone is worth the price. If you liked Papa Roach before this CD, this won't change your mind, good or bad. Sounds like Infest, flows like Infest, it's just a good CD.

Evolution.......2006-06-09

Now, Papa Roaches third major release 'Getting Away With Murder' is by far their best effort, but it was here that they made the transition between rap/metal act and genuine rock act. Pretty much leaving the rap behind (not entirly, but it's not a central key to their music here) they embraced the rock genre and grew up in a sense. Tackling deeper subjects, even the deterioration for a time of the band (Decompression Period). Some of Roaches best tracks come from the subdued melodramatic offerings like the aformentioned and 'Black Clouds' (one of the best on the album) where they really shine as musicions and Coby shines as a singer and a song writer. Songs like 'Life is a Bullet' and 'Time and Time Again' show us where this band is at, with great rock riffs and catchy chorus lines that sound perfect for the radio. This isn't to say that Papa Roach has sold out, but more that they've evolved with the time. When they released 'Infest' the radio waves were flooded with the likes of 'Limp Bizket' and 'The Deftones' (the latter still being one kick @$$ band) and so rap/rock, being the in thing, was the way to go. As the years have gapped their albums, the times have changed and what was in is not, and so acting on intelligence they crafted an album that still screamed Papa Roach but they adapted enough to fit in with what the public wanted. The first single off the album 'She Loves Me Not' was an instant ear-opener and drew many to buy this album, but really that song is the weakest and most shallow of the tracks, but it's still a good song, don't get me wrong it's just that the rest of the album shows much higher intelligence. Pick it up and listen to a good band that has matured into a great one.

Average customer rating: Awesome to hear the old masters almost live. The Greatest Ragtime of the Century A great introduction and sampling.

The Greatest Ragtime of the Century Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Stride Piano | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Boogie-Woogie | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music 1920-1929 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1930-1939 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Complete Piano Music of Scott Joplin Scott Joplin: Piano Rags King of the Ragtime Writers The Sting: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Red Hot Ragtime Volume 1 ASIN: B00009PJST Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

1. Shreveport Stomp - Jelly Roll Morton
2. Sweet Man - Jelly Roll Morton
3. Tom Cat Blues - Jelly Roll Morton
4. A New Kind Of Man With A New Kind Of Love For Me - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
5. Nobody But My Baby - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
6. Got To Cool My Doggies Now - Thomas 'Fats' Waller
7. Maple Leaf Rag - Scott Joplin
8. Weeping Willow Rag - Scott Joplin
9. Something Doing - Scott Joplin
10. Steeplechase Rag - James P Johnson
11. Twilight Rag - James P Johnson
12. Charleston Rag - Eubie Blake
13. It's Right Here For You - Eubie Blake
14. Fare Thee Honey Blues - Eubie Blake
15. Mr. Freddie Blues - Jimmy Blythe
16. Regal Stomp - Jimmy Blythe

Customer Reviews:

Awesome to hear the old masters almost live........2007-03-27

It was an awesome experience to hear Ragtime and early blues played by the masters themselves. When you hear the music from their own hands, if not their own pianos, it makes the music immediate, and makes even clearer the stylistic differences of the various American musical pioneers. The sound quality is excellent. I'd strongly recommend this recording to anyone who enjoys early-20th-century jazz.

The Greatest Ragtime of the Century.......2005-10-30

What a terrific CD. What a joy to add to your life. Everyone should begin their day with this Great Ragtime.We would all be much better.

As a former dancer, Flapper, wth the Charleston in my routine, I do appreciate Great Music. I'm not quite as good as I used to be, but neither are you, Gal. Will be 66 next birthday. Still have the rhythm and love life.

Put some spice in your life and don't let this CD get away. Please, just get it today.

A great introduction and sampling........2005-08-23

Prior to this album, the only ragtime I really knew was "The Entertainer" and "Maple Leaf Rag". I don't know how this album fares for enthusiasts, but I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It introduced me to several different composers. The way the album is organized by giving you a two or three song block by each composer is good. As you listen to this, you can easily hear the different styles from one composer to another. As for the recording quality, I don't have any complaints whatsoever. Each note is clear without much noticable fuzz or hissing. The versions of Scott Joplin's songs are played a bit brash and speedy when compared to Joshua Rifkin, but I think they sound livlier because of it. Overall a solid release.

Average customer rating: Bleck! Voice of an Angel!! fun cd Good? Yes. Great? No. Over-rated? HECK YES! Enchantment Indeed!

Enchantment Richard Rodgers , Michel Legrand , Leo Delibes , American Traditional , Erik Satie , British Isles Traditional , Jerome Kern , Johann II Strauss , Lucy Simon , David Foster , Sian Edwards , John Clark , Eric Rigler , Frank Ricotti , John Parricelli , Mark Hammond , Paul Keogh , and Michael Thompson Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Church, Charlotte | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Prelude: The Best of Charlotte Church Voice of an Angel Charlotte Church Dream a Dream Tissues and Issues ASIN: B00005OWEJ Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

1. Tonight
2. Carrickfergus
3. Habanera
4. Bali Ha'i
5. Papa Can You Hear Me?
6. The Flower Duet
7. The Little Horses
8. From My First Moment
9. The Water Is Wide
10. Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
11. The Laughing Song
12. If I Loved You
13. A Bit Of Earth
14. Somewhere
15. The Prayer

Amazon.com

Of course, we couldn't expect time to freeze its relentless path and forever preserve the Welsh sensation Charlotte Church in a chrysalis of precocious youth. And yet, at 15 and now taking bolder steps into expanding her repertory on Enchantment, the soprano remains a marvel of a prodigy. Here, she scours a wider range of sources than on her previous albums. Church moves with breathtaking ease from classic Broadway (West Side Story, Show Boat, South Pacific) to traditional Celtic, film ballads, and even a couple of high-operatic numbers. Church's straightforward approach to the melody of "La Habanera" may not exactly be what Bizet had in mind for his Carmen, but fans will get double pleasure out of the singer's exquisite duet with herself on the haunting "Flower Duet" from Delibes's Lakmé. What's more, there's a greater freedom of expression and sense of how to shape a phrase in many of these tracks--notice how much there is to savor, for instance, in "The Water Is Wide" and "Carrickfergus." It all adds up to a widely varied course, demonstrating the continued growth of a singularly gifted young artist. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

Bleck!.......2007-05-30

Charlotte has a producing voice, not quite mature, but it's bearable. I don't really appreciate opera unless your name is Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra or Holly Stell. Carrickfergus and Somewhere are decent for her voice, but "The Prayer" and "The Water is Wide" is very damaging to my ears due to the fact, her Italian sucks, her range is not wide enough in "Water".

Voice of an Angel!!.......2007-02-05

I enjoy listening to this cd by Charlotte Church! She has such a lovely voice. I especially love listening to Habañera and The Flower Duet as both are sung beautifully by Ms. Church!!

fun cd.......2006-12-29

I love this cd and have had it quite a while. I was just enjoying it again today and thought I'd write a review because I do enjoy it so much. It's just a fun, enjoyable album. Pretty orchestration, a lovely voice, nice to sing along with. Especially at the top of my lungs in the car (alone when no one can hear me!)
I really don't know why one would NOT enjoy this cd.

Good? Yes. Great? No. Over-rated? HECK YES!.......2006-12-15

I bought this CD when I was still in high school, singing soprano I & II in choir. It's not bad but she does much better than even some older kids attempting soprano. I think due to the popularity she gained this poor girl has endured much harsh criticism. True, we can't cut her slack JUST because she is a little girl but on the other hand for someone to sing opera at that age her work IS superb. Whether she's a prodigy or victim of over-ambitious parents & media, she deserves credit where it's due. At least she DID break out as some-what of a mainstream artist & exposed this type of music to those who stereotyped it as fat ladies w/powder-white make-up belting out notes that would shatter glass. Some say the same for Josh Groban who broke into the scene as a mainstream tenor/baritone vocalist. As far as skills & talent, he not the greatest either but many people adore his music. The same credit should go to Charlotte Church.

As far as feedback on the quality...
It's VERY hard to believe the deliverance of her performance. A 15-year-old (even younger on her debut cd) singing songs about love & being able to see the world seems silly. Cracking voice? Yeah, you can really tell she had a difficult time hitting the high note in The Laughing Song because it got all air-y. Honestly, some trained sopranos over-shoot their high notes too & get extremely SHARP so I didn't mind her air-i-ness. I think she did a great job on The Flower Duet though. It still has the same relaxing quality as some other versions I've heard from various movie soundtracks. But compare this to the likes of professionals - real professionals - she's merely tolerable. Try Sarah Brightman if you want to listen to some nice musical sopranos. She even has some pretty remakes of modern songs.

Enchantment Indeed!.......2006-08-20

This CD is simply amazing! However, I am sick and tired of people pressuring her to be someone that she's not! Trying to fit into today's popular music scene, Charlotte has turned to pop, and her career isn't flying well because of it! Her voice is simply amazing for opera, and I will not hear another insulting word about her!

Anyways, the CD is genius! Tonight from "West Side Story" is beautifully sung. Carrickfergus, Habanera, and Bali Ha'i are sung with a hypnotizing beauty. Papa, Can you Hear Me and The Flower Duet are amazing as well!

However, on The Flower Duet, Church's vocals seem strained a bit. The Little Horses is a decent piece, a remake of the standard English folk song. I prefer it straight instead of a varied beat, so that Church's voice could soar on and on.

From my First Moment is a fairly nice song, but The Water is Wide is simply amazing! Her vocals are soaring and mezmerizing!

Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man is NOT the song for her, because she puts a weird accent on the song, like she's trying to sound like a hoodlum! The Laughing Song is something that SHOULD NOT be tried by children, because the vocals are so strained! If I Loved You is a simple yet wonderful piece!

A Bit of Earth and Somewhere are both beautiful pieces, with excellent work from the orchestra.

Overall, this CD is very beautiful! BUY IT!

Average customer rating: Great choral music CD a voice teacher and early music fan Lovely!!! Beautiful, but a little cold The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble

The Essential Tallis Scholars Manufacturer: Gimell UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Allegri | Allegri, Gregorio | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Cornysh | Cornysh, William | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lassus | Lassus, Orlando di(Lasso) | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sheppard | Sheppard, John | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Tallis Scholars | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chansons | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Partsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tallis Scholars sing Palestrina Tallis: Spem in Alium Christmas With the Tallis Scholars Allegri: Miserere The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis ASIN: B00009NJ20 Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

1. Miserere
2. Ave Maria For Double Choir
3. Sicut Lilium I
4. Praeter Rerum Seriem
5. Pater Peccavi
6. Ego Flos Campi
7. Tota Pulchra Es
8. Descendi In Hortum Meum
9. Alma Redemptoris Mater
10. Salve Regina
11. Ave Regina Caelorum
12. Gloria

Tracks:

1. Media Vita
2. In Manus Tuas
3. O Nata Lux
4. Audivi Vocem
5. Exaudiat Te Dominus
6. Ah, Robin
7. Salve Regina
8. Kyrie
9. Gloria
10. Credo
11. Sanctus
12. Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Great choral music CD.......2007-01-26

This CD is excellent - a "must have" for every collection. Beautiful voices, relaxing music.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

The pieces on these two discs are taken from over fifteen years of recording by the Tallis Scholars, startng with the now-famous recording of Allegri's 'Miserere' from 1980. Allegri lived well into the Baroque era, dying in 1562, Therefore, he did not write the 'Miserere' in renaissance polyphony; and his chordal structure leaned toward the Baroque.
Victoria's 8-part 'Ave Maria' and Palestrina's 'Sicut lilium' are both pieces iln a contemplative mood, the first making direct reference to the Virgin Mary, and the second indirect reference to her via the poetry of the 'Song of Songs'. The remaining selections on Disc l, maintain the consistent, intense sonority of Flemish polyphony.
Disc 2 falls into two parts. The pieces by Sheppard, Tallis,White and Cornysh come from the first half of the sixteenth century and are part of the 'English School' of writing. Here the music is made up of long lines, more notes than syllables, with the emphasis on the part-writing and not the harmonic background.
The second part of Disc 2 is Byrd's five-part Mass, which was written in the 1590's for a recusant Catholic community. Byrd's music has drawn closer to the Flemish style; that is imitative voice parts, largely syllabic in setting with the occasional examples of word-paintings, and the voice parts closer together. But the mood has a different intensity than the writing on Disc one; darker and more questioning. Never was polyphony more passionate than in Byrd's masses,of which the five-part is the crowning achievement.
The members of the Tallis Scholars vary from year to year, and the list of participating singers is included in the accompanying booklet; but it does not tell you which singers are singing each year. That bothered me somewhat because I like to know to whom I am listening specifically. It does mention, however, that the solo group in Allegi's 'Miserere' is Alison Stamp (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor) Jane Armstrong and Julian Walker.
The recording is outstanding in every way. Perfect balance between the voices, perfect emotional investment, flawless dicton and the most beautiful vocal sounds you will ever hear; just Two and One-half hours of pure pleasure!!!!!

Lovely!!!.......2006-06-02

This set of CDs is truly wonderful. I am fond of sacred choral music and purchased the CD mostly to obtain the recording of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere Mei." This song alone is worth buying the set. I heard it live by an excellent college choir in my hometown and immediately set out to find the best recording of it. Most buyers recommended this recording over the others. (By the way "Miserere Mei: by Gregorio is hard to find.) Additionally the other songs are also so relaxing, flowing, and meditative. I will be honest . . .the Tallis Scholars sing well but not as flawlessly as the Cambridge Singers. You will note that not every consanant is hit in unison, but this is not overly disturbing. (Still that is the only reason for giving four stars instead of five.) The sound is still lovely and the songs gorgeous. In Media Vita is another gorgeous song (first on second CD). If you haven't heard it, I'm sure you'll love the flowing melody!

Beautiful, but a little cold.......2006-02-06

The Tallis Scholars are the zenith of this type of singing, but sometimes they lack the vocal warmth that they probably could achieve if they were guided to do so. Still, this is a great CD, and even better for the 2 CDs of fine and uplifting singing.

The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble.......2005-09-27

For years, Tallis Scholars have been quietly revolutionizing our recovery of sacred music. This is their "greatest hits" collection and quite great indeed. The Miserere which begins the set is alone worth the price of the set. The only fault with it is that it is so startling, so obviously genuine, that you will still be hearing it as you play through the rest of the set. The Scholars' ongoing recovery project only proves how integral music is to the human psyche, how essential the sacred is to basic human sanity. And how the severence of the two in the public space and the popular imagination -- the sacred from music -- has severely damaged us all en masse.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Music

Cafe Noir Papa Noel Manufacturer: Tumi Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Isabela Bel Ami Congo Life M'Bem di Fora Vieux Farka Touré ASIN: B000N6UCRC Release Date: 2007-03-13

Tracks:

1. Africa Mokili Mobimba
2. Democratie
3. Lolita
4. Salsa Africaine
5. Cafe Noir
6. Sandokan
7. Soleil
8. Tomatito
9. Soukous Son
10. Latin Reverie

Amazon.com

Papa Noël (born Antoine Nedule Monswet on Christmas Day, 1940, hence the affectionate nickname) is one of the greatest African guitarists of all time. His bell-like, rounded, tone, shimmering quicksilver runs and ability to pull ecstatic melodies out of the air -- he never plays any tune the same way twice -- have made him a national treasure with an international fan base. Noël has sat in innumerable seminal bands, from Franco's legendary Kinshasa-based OK Jazz and to the very popular modern Afro-Cuban outfit, Kékélé; in fact, his biography reads like a history of rumba Congolaise from its inception to the present day. And he is equally celebrated as a composer. His gloriously upbeat anthem, "Africa Mokili Mobimba" is known and loved throughout the Continent and a festive, large-scale version of it, complete with a playfully extroverted call-and-response chorus and tasty sax riffs from Noël's contemporary, Cameroonian superstar Manu Dibango (of "Soul Makossa" fame), opens the album. Accompanied by a stellar team that includes Abby Surya and Pierre Belkos (vocals) plus Rey Crespo (arrangements) and host of journeyman Cuban instrumentalists, Noël has fashioned a valentine to the re-Africanization of Cuban rumba. In his hands, both traditions are ineffably enriched and strengthened, as the circle is resealed, source-to-source. --Christina Roden

Album Description

"A profoundly moving experience." -- The Times

"A stunner." -- fRoots

"Spell-binding performance ... wonderfully atmospheric." -- Songlines

"Magical ... obvious warmth and natural empathy." -- Straight No Chaser

"Elegant and sparkling." -- Plastiks

"A perfectly balanced Afro-Cuban combination ... a heady cross-cultural cocktail and, in the end, the mood and rhythms proved irresistible." -- Bath Chronicle

Papa Noel is one of the greats of African music, a guitarist of exceptional talent, with a career that stretches back forty years. Café Noir brings together Africa and Cuba in a cross-border collaboration of spicy Latin rhythms and Congolese rumbas. Papa Noel is joined by a host of Cuban and African greats on this unique album.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music.......2007-06-08

Papa Noel was featured on NPR Radio. What little I had heard it sounded beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to this CD. It's so relaxing to listen to. It's upbeat and lively. Super music to listen to pool side! I am now sampling his other CD's and intend on buying them.

Average customer rating: Papa Mali is still great, but misses the Instagators Freaking killer! Fell short, doesn't develop Swamp-funk at it's finest

Do Your Thing Papa Mali Manufacturer: Fog City Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music New Orleans Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Slide Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Country Ghetto Thunder Chicken 10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads)/ (CD/DVD) The Wheel Man Blackwater ASIN: B000IFRR1C Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

1. Do Your Thing
2. Honeybee
3. Early in the Morning
4. I Had The Dream
5. Little Moses
6. Coffee
7. I'm Gettin' Over It
8. Girls In Bossier City
9. Sugarland
10. True Religion
11. Hallelujah I'm A Dreamer
12. bonus video: 20 minutes of live and in-studio footage

Customer Reviews:

Papa Mali is still great, but misses the Instagators.......2007-07-19

Papa Mali and The Instagators last album, Thunder Chicken, is one of the funkiest in recent memory, blending hard grooving N'Awlins funk with nasty delta blues and soulful southern rock. While Papa Mali himself is brilliant - as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist - the album is clearly a band effort, with each member adding a peace to the intoxicating brew. What surprised me about Do Your Thing is that the Instagators are gone, leaving instead an album that, despite a few collaborations, is most definitely a solo project for Papa Mali.

Drummer Frosty Smith, who added his lose, effortlessly funky second-line style drumming to Thunder Chicken has been replaced by Rob Kidd. Kidd's drumming is oftten distractingly heavy handed, and his rock oriented "caveman" beats rob the album almost entirely of its funk. With the exception of Henry Butler's brilliant piano on "Honeybee," possibly the album's best track, keyboards have been removed from the mix. Its a major loss since the howling Fender Rhodes and sweet organ were so much a part of what made Thunder Chicken great. Lastly, the thumping bass guitar from the last album has largely been replaced by the sousaphone work of ledgendary Dirty Dozen founder, Kirk Joseph. Joseph's playing is brilliant as always, so this is not necessarily a criticism, but the change is dramatic.

Despite these changes, Do Your Thing is not a bad album, and its biggest redeeming feature is most definitely Papa Mali's songwriting, which has grown more singularly distinctive in the years since Thunder Chicken. "Honeybee" sounds as if it could be a New Orleans standard, full of the same timeless grace as many of the city's ancient tunes. "Little Moses" lopes along with surreal, biting imagery. The albums final four songs are all excellent, amply making up for clunkers like "I Had The Dream." From "Girls in Bossier City," a dark hallucinatory meditation that burns with energy throughout, to "Hallelujah, I'm a Dreamer," the albums touching folky closer, the mood and vibe of the album are enough to lull anyone into a trance.

Those looking for a funky, dancable swamp funk album should look elsewhere. But for anyone who loves Papa Mali's simple, but evocative lyricism and haunting spirituality, Do Your Thing is fascinating.

Freaking killer!.......2007-07-12

This is a stone cold sure shot! I'm new to Papa Mali but this is a GREAT record that's not afraid to fly its freak flag. Dark, mysterious, some great songs, and (as anyone who knows what's up in New Orleans can tell you) an amazing roster of musicians... what's not to love?

Fell short, doesn't develop.......2007-03-30

I agree the flavor is there. I agree the cast brought together on this effort are genu-wine! However, each song seems to be burdened by a redundancy and menotony that disappoints. Admittedly, after "Thunder Chicken," which I enjoy greatly, my expectations were perhaps too high. "Do Your Thing" does not get there for me, nor for my crew. Will continue to listen and hopefully that which has taken purchase with others will also be drawn upon me and mine. Keep trying, Papa Mail. Dig your style and art, but this offering has yet to compel.

Swamp-funk at it's finest.......2007-02-06

Papa Mali and crew return from the bayou like a big sweaty "swamp-thing" to instagate a riot for your senses. Oh not just your ears, but your nose will smell the gumbo, barbecued chicken and cornbread. Your eyes will see new, wonderful colors as the big Papa's stoned-soul mardi-gras comes marchin' through your stereo with Isaac Hayes out front as the Grand Marshall, then Henry Butler and his grand piano will come floatin' in to tickle your fancy, and ya' betta get up offa ya' feet as Robb Kidd gets the party rockin' like a one man drum section, opening it all up for the heavies in the middle of the parade; you'll see Wild Magnolia Indians, Dozens of Dirty sousaphone players, you'll see a Prophet claiming he knows the true religion, you might even see a Mofro they call JJ Grey in there grinnin' from ear to ear, and you will be too as your senses take it all in. And just like the Mardi-Gras, I wish this trip didn't have to end, but I think I see New Orleans' finest comin' down the line.....oh.....wait....it's on repeat, aaaahhhh the party never ends.

Rock Music:

1. Passage
2. Per Un Amico [Original recording remastered] [Import]
3. Prima Di Essere Un Uomo [Import]
4. Pulsación [Original recording remastered]
5. Raoui [Import]
6. Reality Show [Import]
7. Samba E Mais Samba [Limited Edition] [Import]
8. Samba Raro [Import]
9. Soul
10. Sound System Dub

Rock Music

rock music

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The Four Hundred E.P.

Sanctus: Musica Instrumental Para Reflexao E Celebracoes [Import]

The Day After Hell Broke Loose [Explicit Lyrics]

Stick Game Songs of Paiute World

Strauss: Sonate for cello and piano, Op. 6 / Grieg: Sonata for cello and piano, Op. 36

Siamese Dream [Explicit Lyrics]

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Straight from Da Sewer [CD-single]

The Concerto in Europe

Waves