Exit

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
With the Benzino-tarnished hip-hop landscape taking a critical beat-down in early 2003, K-Os's debut offers a smattering of hip-hope. With a vocal drone resembling Q-Tip or Magoo, and a Lauryn Hill-esque penchant for crooning and rapping fiery anti-Babylon rhymes over acoustic guitars ("Follow Me," "Heaven Only Knows"), K-Os's Exit is as nontraditional sounding as a contemporary rap long-player gets. The genre bending begins with the pop ballad "Call Me" and forges ahead with dubby roots reggae ("Superstar, Pt. 1") and catchy Brit-pop tunes ("Superstar, Pt. 2"). Hip-hop purists might find self-produced tracks like "The Anthem," "Freeze"--which utilizes an old Slick Rick drum pattern--or "Fantastique" slightly underproduced or unpolished. However, one gets the sense that the beats were intended to take a backseat to K-Os's provocative anti-bling-bling protest rhymes. This one's for hip-hop fans who like their lyrics left-of-center. --Dalton Higgins

Exit,K-Os,Astralwerks / Emd,Alternative Rap,Hip-Hop,Pop,Rap,Rap & Hip-Hop,Underground Rap

Exit

Tracks:

The Spirit Of The Radio
Red Barchetta
YYZ
A Passage To Bangkok
Closer To The Heart
Beneath, Between & Behind
Jacob's Ladder
Broon's Bane
The Trees
Xanadu
Freewill
Tom Sawyer
La Villa Strangiato

Amazon.com

Throughout their existence, the Canadian power-prog trio has steadfastly released a lengthy live collection every fifth album. Released in 1981, Exit is Rush's second (and best) such release, and it captures the band at the very top of its artistic (and commercial) curve--before keyboard and synthesizer work became central to its sound as opposed to providing mere accents. When they embarked on this tour, Rush had just released Moving Pictures, which continued their move away from longer suites and featured more streamlined song craft. Exit, however, offers a perfect blend of winding, fusion-leaning, virtuoso instrumentals ("YYZ," "La Villa Strangiato"), extended sci-fi epics ("Jacob's Ladder," "Xanadu"), sentimental ballads ("Closer to the Heart" in unison with the whole crowd, "The Trees"), and tauter songs ("Free Will," "Tom Sawyer," "Spirit of Radio") that represent the best of all worlds. Musically, they generated a huge amount of sound for three men (especially Geddy Lee's mammoth bass lines and Neil Peart's octopus-like percussion); lyrically, Peart's fantasia may be pseudo-poetry, but it is poetic, and it may be adolescent wisdom, but it is wise. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Corny as it sounds, this one changed my life.......2007-06-17

Ok, let me set the scene. I was about eight and most of the music I heard was stuff involving muppets or whatever was on the radio, like Juice Newton, The Go-Go's, or Hall and Oates. (ouch that hurts to admit publicly). Then my brother goes to see Rush on the Signals tour and brings home a copy of this album. And it all changed. At the time I had no idea what I was hearing but over the years my ears adjusted and for a long time Rush was all I listened to. Since then I have become a music nut in general and explore far and wide through many different styles. But I always come back to this one, It was my first real musical love and Rush has become part of my D.N.A. It's a spectacular album, capturing the band at a high point in their career. Fresh off "Moving Pictures" which has become the bands calling-card, Exit Stage Left is a brilliant portrait of both the youthful,experimental band they were (Xanadu, Jacob's Ladder) and the more concise song writers they would become.(Closer to the Heart, Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio) Through out it all their musicianship is obvious, though never overwhelmed by their virtuosity. It's a lush,dense album, though some fans take issue with the production. I have recommended it many times to people new to Rush, and they are usually quite pleased. I know I certainly was.

Very good live album from the early days.......2007-04-13

I would say that I like about 80% of this cd. There is only two tracks out of thirteen that I don't like, but it is just a matter of taste.
This cd capture Rush in great shape performing some great classics.
This album has it all, powerful rock, ballads, great solos...
Good job Geddy, Alex and Neil !

Worth Every Penny just to hear this version of.......2007-02-06

Xanadu...............

For you who want the "full show" from this tour, go to some of the
traders web pages and get the Chicago or Anaheim shows......
Rush has so many bootlegs, you can get full shows from ANY tour (even the Archives tour, how many of you even know what I am talking about?) they they have ever done!

Love it!.......2006-12-12

One of my Favorite Albums, saw them on this tour, only problem is the muddy sounding mix and the fact that this isn't the whole show.

Not their best live album but still worth buying. .......2006-10-29

Good selection of songs along with some good performances. 2 out of 3 isn't bad. The production on this album always bothered me. It's too clean and flat for me. With the audience fading in and out at the beginng and end of each song it makes it less cohesive for me. Still, the interlocking "The Trees" and "Xanadu" make this album worth it. "A Passage to Bangkok" is a plus, too.

Average customer rating:

Not Bad, Not Great Either
Quite an experience
Chemical Brothers fans will probably hate this review
:)
Kool

Exit Planet Dust
The Chemical Brothers
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dig Your Own Hole
Surrender
Come with Us
Push the Button
The Fat of the Land

ASIN: B000003RXC
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Leave Home
In Dust We Trust
Song To The Siren
Three Little Birdies Down Beats
Fuck Up Beats
Chemical Beats
Chico's Groove
One Too Many Mornings
Life Is Sweet
Playground Of A Wedgeless Firm
Alive Alone

Amazon.com

For years before the release of Exit Planet Dust, the production duo of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons were cranking out slabs of the biggest sounds around on the U.K. label Junior Boys' Own. Before screeching guitars and massive breakdowns were par for the course in dance music, they were unleashing monsters like "Chemical Beats" and "Song to the Siren"; their distorted beats and rock mentality were years ahead of their time. And, not surprisingly, they still hold up today, collected and rereleased, along with several newer tracks, on Exit Planet Dust. All the singles that established the trademark Chemicals sound are present, as are explorations of pop-song forms with vocalists Beth Orton ("Alive Alone") and Tim Burgess ("Life Is Sweet"). While a more evolved sound can be heard on their follow-up, Dig Your Own Hole, the roots of big beat can be found here. --Matthew Corwine

Album Description

The electronica duo's acclaimed 1995 debut album. Contains 11 tracks, including the singles 'Leave Home' & 'Loops Of Fury'. An Astralwerks release.

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad, Not Great Either.......2007-05-26

Context: probably my favorite urban/dj/mix artists are Thievery Corporation, and I also like several others like K&D and some stuff from Crystal Method. Someone recommended this CD to me after a discussion where I mentioned I really liked the Fight Club Soundtrack from the Dust Brothers. I was told these guys are in a similar groove to the Dust Brothers (and in fact some of the reviews point this out I think), but to me it's almost apples and oranges. The Dust Brothers' sound is less urban-electronic sounding and in general less repetitive than many of the sounds mixed into this work. Even though it's electronic, it sounds more organic on a certain level more like something akin to human extreme human emotion put to sound

I don't regret having Exit Planet Dust in my collection, but if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't buy it.

Quite an experience.......2006-09-27

This is a good cd. I bought this cd shortly after i bought Dig Your Own Hole. Dig Your Own Hole had its own highlights but this isnt about DYOH. This is about the beginning. The death of dust and the reincarnation of pure elation. About Chemicals man! To get you to buy this CD i will run you through the first 6 tracks.
First track: Leave home: Its always difficult to start off new but its also chance for a fresh start. The Chemical brothers knew this. 'The brothers' gonna work it out' they chant over and over again working tirelessly puting time, effort, love and creativity into this track to build your soul up. Slow but reassuring. You know that something bigger is going to come.
Second track: In Dust We Trust: A roller coaster in the dark. A bit shakey and a little unsettling but the Chemical Brothers know what they are doing. They have a plan. The ride is a little rough and your skin calluses but its okay. Youll be fine in the long run. This is training.
Third track: Song to the Siren: a sweet voice serenades you but you realize that there is still danger ahead. The siren lulls you towards the unconscious yet you hear another siren from the oncoming police. You're caught between the two. you want to run, you want to dance, but you can't decide. Its too late though. It doesnt even matter anymore. Its okay. Its okay because the siren says so. You delve into your head and you are lost. Nothing is guiding you anymore. your soul swims in murky waters.
This is a sign that you are currently on the Fourth track. Three Little Birdies Down Beats. The world is not yours anymore. Nothing is tangeable. People, things, spirits pass you and you call out but nobody hears you. You cant do anything but then again, why would you want to? This is enlightenment. Don't try to stop it. Just go with it. And suddenly the ground starts to shake.
Fifth track. F*** up Beats. The earth is torn out from all around you. There's nothing left to stand on. What The F*** is going on!?? you ask. And god notices you. What The F*** are you doing here? He says. but you do not understand his speech. His language is foreign and you realize that you're not even dead yet. The large hand belonging to whom you recognize to be god engulfs you and there is nothing but darkness for a period of time.
Sixth track : Chemical Beats: Awake. Alive. You realize that before this moment you were dead. But now you live. Chemicals flow through your veins. Your heart pumps adrenaline throughout your body. Your chakras are unlocked. The pineal gland releases enlightnment fluids that touch every cell of your being. And you are complete. All of mankinds potential has come together and has been crammed into your fragile human body. The entirety of the suns energy has been pounded into you and you look like you might explode at any moment but you dont.
And just like that its over. Well not really. There are still 5 tracks to go. And they're good tracks let me assure you. But you will know them soon enough. Music really shouldn't be written with words anyways.

Chemical Brothers fans will probably hate this review.......2005-10-18

I recently went back to this one after losing my copy a couple of years ago. I have to say that this album blew my mind then and still does now.

This album was my personal progression from the "old" order of electronica to what we know and enjoy today. "Song to the Siren" in particular is one of the most amazing tracks in my collection, even all of these years later. (especially impressive because it is a LIVE track. Listen and you will be amazed) There really isn't a bad track on this album. It holds up surprisingly well , even in 2005 when only the greatest of electronic albums can age more than a year or two without sounding horribly dated.

I eagerly awaited all things Chemical from the moment I bought this one waaaay back in the day (95 or 96 , I forget, as anyone in their 20s during that time probably would have, heh-heh)
This is the part that the fans will probably hate- I never heard anything that they did that was half as good as this album. Seriously. If you are a big fan of "Dig your own Hole" or any of the newer albums I don't know if you will dig this one. It almost sounds like a fluke to me compared to everything else they did. I was so stoked on this album I was buying every single they put out , every other band on Astralwerks , everything possible in hopes of matching this milestone album. ( at a time when I didn't have two pennies to rub together , mind you. )

Bottom line, I don't think the Chemical Brothers ever lived up to their potential, based on this album. I think they sold out with their electronic/rock crossover thing (Noel Gallagher vocals on the following album? Huh?) and ran with it. Good for them.

Buy this album, which should be an exhibit in some sort of museum - "Progression of Modern Electronica- early to mid 90's" with The Orb's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld , Freaky Chakra's Low Down Motivator, Single Cell Orchestra's self titled debut and Children of the Bong

:).......2005-10-10

Chico's Groove and One Too Many Mornings make this cd. Without them it would be a good cd, but with them this cd is great.

Kool.......2005-10-04

I don't see any big weaknesses in this CD. This is a near-perfect album! I think I like it more than Dig Your Own Hole.

True Love Waits: O'Riley Plays Radiohead

Average customer rating:

Looking Forward, Looking Back
Music Lovers
a transcription worthy of Franz Liszt
Sleepytime music
Nice sound

True Love Waits: O'Riley Plays Radiohead

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00009MGQ4
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Everything In Its Right Place
Knives Out
Black Star
Karma Police
Let Down
Airbag
Subterranean Homesick Alien
Thinking About You
Exit Music (For A Film)
You
Bulletproof
Fake Plastic Trees
I Can't
True Love Waits
Motion Picture Soundtrack

Amazon.com

Rock bastardizations of classical music are as old as Kim Fowley's--and ELP's--Tchaikovsky tweaking "Nutrocker." But classical interpretations of rock music have generally been something of a high-wire act. While most pop fare has strong melodic foundations for the soloist to build from, Christopher O'Riley has challenged himself here with the catalog of Radiohead, one of modern rock's most acclaimed--and texturally complex--bands. O'Riley's insightful gifts for interpretation (which have previously enlightened everything from Stravinsky to P.D.Q. Bach) produce a hypnotic, emotionally compelling listening experience here; O'Riley is a huge Radiohead fan, and that love courses through everything from the dreamy, bittersweet title track through the brooding loveliness of "Let Down." Radiohead's stock in trade is dense, multi-layered music that leans heavily on electronic processing for its moody sonic atmospherics; O'Riley's evokes those complex textures with but a judicious use of the sustain peddles, a deft use of dissonance (as on "Knives Out"), and a rhythmically anxious left hand. Call them etudes for the post-modern age if you will, but O'Riley's performances here largely achieve what all great interpretations strive for: New insight and enlightenment. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Looking Forward, Looking Back.......2007-03-02

Ove the last decade or so, Radiohead has created some of the most complex and futuristic rock music out there, and I wondered if a solo pianist could really capture their essence on a single instrument. However, O'Riley does a marvelous job, and brilliantly conveys the melancholy, mysterious, and introspective qualities of Radiohead's music. His renditions of "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Let Down" are particularly powerful. What I really loved about this cd is while I could follow all of the songs he played, at times I felt like I was listening to an breathtaking piano sonata by Mozart or Beethoven, and even a Nocturne by Chopin. Overall, this is a faithful interpretation by an excellent musician who honors one of the greatest bands in recent times, while also paying hommage to his musical heritage. This cd is a must for even the casual Radiohead fan or anyone who enjoys the piano.

Music Lovers.......2007-02-17

i love almost all kinds of music. piano and radiohead really works for me, i liked the whole thing. if you can get into some piano, you can get into this cd. if you dig radiohead, get into it purely because someone took the time to put some awesome songs into yet another form for more audiences to get into. its beautiful. thats all there is to say.

a transcription worthy of Franz Liszt.......2006-12-08

This is a beautiful recording. Try playing it for music loving frends who would never listen to a band like Radiohead. They won't believe it when you tell them the source of this richly textured heartbreakingly melodic tour de force. I'm in my late 50's and love Mahler, Sibelius,and Beethoven. I also love Radiohead, Sufjan Stevens, John Fahey and Wilco. Good music can come along in any time and I'm glad that Christopher O'Riley loves Radiohead and transcribed it for solo piano; he's missed nothing in the process. If your not choked-up by the end of this CD, music must not be your thing.

Sleepytime music.......2006-03-27

Being the total Radiohead fanatic that I am, I decided to pick this up when it came out... perhaps a fresh take on their music would breath some life back into the songs I've been listening into the ground, I thought. So I took it up into the mountains with me and listened to it for a bit. My reaction to it now is similar to then: it's a dreamy if somewhat insubstantial collection of vaguely familiar tunes.

All of the playing on this disc is superb on the technical level... obviously O'riley is a top notch classical performer. The arrangements are a mixed bag, though. There are some amazing renditions on here - see the impressionistic 'Everything In Its Right Place' and the melancholy coffee house arrangement of 'Knives Out'. Some others are also quite listenable, including 'Subterranean Homesick Alien', 'Exit Music', 'Bulletproof', and 'Motion Picture Soundtrack'. However, the upbeat pop tunes have difficult translating to solo piano. the Pablo Honey tunes suffer the worst here, and feel slightly unnatural; perhaps like a classical pianist paying tribute to a favorite band, rather than the more personal adaptations that make the 'Knives Out' arrangement so effective.

Overall, a nice cd to put on in the background when you're reading or settling in to bed, but Radiohead fanatics beware - don't expect anything that lives up to the band's immense standards.

Nice sound.......2006-02-17

I didn't even know Radiohead songs...but now I've listened to the originals and can hear how O'Riley captures the songs on the piano. This is a great album.

Average customer rating:

Finally, something different
Mr. Versatility {5 Stars}
YES!!!
Creative, powerful, catchy, innovative.
PERFECTION!

Exit
k-os
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Atlantis: Hymns for Disco
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Publicity Stunt
Like Water For Chocolate

ASIN: B00007MB4F
Release Date: 2003-01-28

Tracks:

Intro
Fantastique
Call Me
Heaven Only Knows
Superstarr Pt. 1
Freeze
The Anthem
Patience
Higher
Masquerade
Follow Me
Superstarr Pt. 2
Neutroniks
Superstarr Pt. Zero

Amazon.com

With the Benzino-tarnished hip-hop landscape taking a critical beat-down in early 2003, K-Os's debut offers a smattering of hip-hope. With a vocal drone resembling Q-Tip or Magoo, and a Lauryn Hill-esque penchant for crooning and rapping fiery anti-Babylon rhymes over acoustic guitars ("Follow Me," "Heaven Only Knows"), K-Os's Exit is as nontraditional sounding as a contemporary rap long-player gets. The genre bending begins with the pop ballad "Call Me" and forges ahead with dubby roots reggae ("Superstar, Pt. 1") and catchy Brit-pop tunes ("Superstar, Pt. 2"). Hip-hop purists might find self-produced tracks like "The Anthem," "Freeze"--which utilizes an old Slick Rick drum pattern--or "Fantastique" slightly underproduced or unpolished. However, one gets the sense that the beats were intended to take a backseat to K-Os's provocative anti-bling-bling protest rhymes. This one's for hip-hop fans who like their lyrics left-of-center. --Dalton Higgins

Customer Reviews:

Finally, something different.......2007-03-30

K-Os brings something different to the rap music scene with his freshman album, Exit. If you enjoy rap but are tired of the monotony, commercialism, and violence that permeate commercial/popular rap, give K-Os's work a listen. He successfully blends rap, acoustic, piano, soul, dance, and other genres of music into a uniquely perfect mixture.

Mr. Versatility {5 Stars}.......2006-09-12

A lot of people sleep on K-Os here in the US because, well, he's Canadian. I'm not well learned when it comes to Canadian rappers (I have albums from Kardinal Offishal, Choclair, The Rascalz, Swollen Members, and K-Os...that's about it). They really should get more shine over here though. It's pretty sad because everything I've heard from Canada so far is pretty good. Simply put, K-Os is a one man wrecking machine when it comes to making music. He does just about everything and he does it well. Whether he's rockin' out (Superstarr Pt. 2), scolding wack emcees (Freeze), trying to save rap (The Anthem), jammin' reggae style (Superstarr Pt. 1), or showing off his singing talents (Patience, Call Me), K-Os shows the world that he's an artist that derserves the respect and attention that he gets.

Also, there's a hidden track on the end of the album -- "Heaven Only Knows" (Remix)

There aren't really any flaws on this album. Well, "Higher" is okay, but I could understand why someone would regard it as skip material (even though I love it). Every song is good. Some will tell you that he can get kind of heavy handed with his message and that he lays it on thick (yes, he does), but if it's a message you agree with (anti-babylon rhetoric, smashing wack emcees, saving rap from the tyrants that are killing it, etc...), then it's pretty much a welcome message. I loved every bit of it. I can't really grade it according to hip hop standards because, well, there's a lot of everything else to be found here.

Exit is one of those albums that comes at you from every angle. R&B, hip hop, rock, reggae -- K-Os can do it all. Though he can become rather preachy from time to time, the overall good vibes from the album will make you forget about all that. I highly recommend making this one a collection piece.

Standout Tracks: Superstarr Pt. Zero, Follow Me, Heaven Only Knows, Heaven Only Knows [Remix], Freeze (My Favorite), Neutroniks, Fantastique, Superstarr Pt. 1, The Anthem, Masquerade, Superstarr Pt. 2, and Call Me

YES!!!.......2005-07-15

FINALLY!! A REAL HIP-HOP ALBUM!!
IM SO TIRED OF HOW MUCH MONEY AND BLING YOU RAPPERS GOT!!
ISSUES MAN,ISSUES IS WHAT WE WANT DOES ANYONE GET IT YET!!
BRING BACK TRIBE,3RD BASS,BLACKSHEEP,BIG DADDY KANE,THE REAL DEAL
HIP-HOP NEED THE CLASS OF 86-88 BACK IN SESSION NOW!!!

Creative, powerful, catchy, innovative........2005-03-31

Those are the key words to describe this album. His talents are versatile; skilled to be an MC and a singer as well. Such skills are hard to find. Lyrics are powerful and a positive influence towards the hip hop generation. He speaks of truth. Beats are very catchy and dope. You gotta get this album!

PERFECTION!.......2005-01-26

I'm not a big fan of rap, but hip-hop is another thing. K-os brings every aspect of music. He's an eclectic that can rap to anything.

My Favorites:
With the acoustic "Heaven Only Knows", K-os raps to a beat-less track. Just problems and things about him that heaven only know about.

With the reggae beat and booming bass in "Superstarr Part 1", K-os sings how someone got so low when they're a superstar.

Yet another guitar with a simple beat, K-os sings about needing "Patience" and soon understanding.

Going into the country vibe, K-os sings "Superstarr, Pt. 2" in the same context as part 1. This is more of a softer side of Kheaven.

With a house beat and simple piano chords, K-os raps and sings this track the truth about so many things in "Superstarr, Part Zero".

Kheaven is the beginning of hip-hop and the start of reality without talking about bling or who's ho that is and how big that is and without profanity. I could care less if you cuss or not but if you can bring a message in your music without cussin' and you're a rapper, that's when everyone grows up.

Other ear openers:
Call Me
Freeze
Higher
Masquerade
Heaven Only Knows (Remix)

Please get this album, it's the start of real hip-hop and certainly not the end.

Average customer rating:

Steve Pushes Forward
must buy
classic Steve
Great 1987 Follow-Up to Guitar Town
Ladies and gentlemen, the astonishing Steve Earle

Exit 0
Steve Earle & the Dukes
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002O49
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Nowhere Road
Sweet Little '66
No.29
Angry Young Man
San Antonio Girl
The Rain Came Down
I Ain't Ever Satisfied
The Week Of Living Dangerously
I Love You Too Much
It's All Up To You

Customer Reviews:

Steve Pushes Forward.......2007-01-03

In a determined move to take control of the character of his sound, Steve Earle rides the faders into the red zone, mixing brittle country steel with a revved up guitar licks and forces his way past corporate country experts to begin the definition of a genre. Subtley blending his vocal twang and storytime lyrics with hot guitars and RnR attitude, he opens the bar room door and sucks you in. Just about the time you think that Music Row has a place for him, he sneaks in a harmonica ala Dylan and introduces you to an Angry Young Man, a TexMex San Antonio harlot complete with cheezy Sam the Sham Farfisa Organ, and the declaration of his intention to take life on his OWN terms.. I Aint Ever Satisfied. It proved to be quite prophetic. A clinic in writing and recording for the sake of the song. Townes would be proud.

must buy.......2004-11-24

Growing up listening to this album, and knowing every word on it, despite my lack of understanding, I, like my father, were heartbroken when we wore out this tape. Unable to find a copy in any music store, I thought it was lost forever. Listening to these songs again brings back nostalgia of when the music of steve earle was actually good.

classic Steve.......2002-12-05

I bought this tape at a flea market in Arizona the next day on the way to California I opened the tape and the soundtrack to Labamba was inside imagine the anger.I did get the tape and wore it out No.29 is haunting ,a man reflecting on what once was in his past talking about the pain of an old football injury but it reminds him when is was No.29.The song angry young man is a great is another great piece.Thank God Steve did not die young like Hank or Gram.Get this cd if you can

Great 1987 Follow-Up to Guitar Town.......2002-03-15

During a 1986 tour stop in New York City, Earle sat for an interview with Rolling Stone and promised his next album was "already 3/4 written" and would be "more political." Released in early 1987 with virtually no label support due to his increasing dependence on addictive drugs, Earle pushed "Exit 0" sales into the six-figure realm through relentless touring and word of mouth. Earle had been performing some of the escapist-themed tunes here - "The Week of Living Dangerously," "Sweet Little 66," and the haunting "Number 29" for more than a year, and the masterful farm anthem "The Rain Came Down" was added "strictly out of guilt 'cause no one at Farm Aid knew who I was." There is heightened restlessness ("I Ain't Ever Satisfied") alongside youthful exhuberance ("San Antonio Girl") sometimes placing the listener in a quandry, but only because Earle's tautly-drawn characters are so believable. Producer Richard Bennett's trademark 6-string bass is not as prominent, which was probably a signpost of Earle's desire to venture into rock territory on future projects. Regardless of which camp he intended to visit, Exit 0 makes for a most interesting stop.

Ladies and gentlemen, the astonishing Steve Earle.......2002-03-05

Not only the album title, "Exit 0" but also the opening cut, "Nowhere Road," testify to what many assumed to be Steve Earle's ultimate destination for so long. Now cleaned up and apparently doing well--both creatively and personally--Earle fought so many demons for so long that most folks assumed this prodigiously talented musician and composer would end up dead in a ditch by the side of the road. Perhaps mindful of this possibility, Earle works the road metaphor here and mines continual and astonishing riches out of it. "Nowhere Road" admits, "I push that road from here to someday/I'll push as long as I'm alive, but I don't know how long I'll last . . . I know I'm going way too fast." "Sweet Little '66" is Buddy Holly-inspired ode to a favorite Chevy and the rest of the songs mostly have to do with roads, traveling, hotels--anything to get away from the here and now. The rest of the songs are just as good. Earle shows flashes of sly humor here, too--it's not all serious "poor me, I have to get away" stuff. On "The Week of Living Dangerously," he talks about taking off from his wife and kids--eventually even throwing the baby's car seat in a Dumpster so he can go off and have an unimpeded, uninterrupted good time!

Average customer rating:

Unsurpassed!
If you missed the exit the first time around, here it is once again
It's good for you
Traffic Report
Thankfully, NOT Traffic's Last Exit

Last Exit
Traffic
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Welcome to the Canteen
Traffic
Shoot Out at the Fantasy Factory
When the Eagle Flies
Heaven Is in Your Mind

ASIN: B000059T1G
Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

Just For You
Shanghai Noodle Factory
Something's Got A Hold Of My Toe
Withering Tree
Medicated Goo
Feelin' Good (Live At The Fillmore West)
Blind Man (Live At The Fillmore West)

Customer Reviews:

Unsurpassed!.......2007-07-10

I am a devoted Traffic fan and my love for their incredible music seems to grow stronger as time goes on. I saw the original Traffic trio perform in 1968 and still count it as one of the greatest of my live concert experiences ever. I have devoured all of the fantastic Traffic Remasters previously and Last Exit sounds as good or better than the others. I cranked up Shanghai in my car and was completely blown away by the perfection of writing, playing, singing and sound of this masterpiece. I wish there was more "hidden treasure" Traffic in the vault for future release but the fact that there probably isnt only makes the available jewels even that more precious.

If you missed the exit the first time around, here it is once again.......2007-06-21

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

The record company's decision to release "Last Exit" a collection of previously unearthed Traffic studio and live tunes turned out to be an unexpected gift for all degrees of fans.

The collector that must have every note could never be disappointed with the assortment of sounds that seem all over the globe and cohesive at the same time. Those that are somewhat into the band or looking for songs they heard on the radio will be happy with the inclusion of Shanghai Noodle Factory and Medicated Goo.

The album opens with a wonderful bit of psychedelia called "Just For You." The vocals pay homage to the fantastic British Invasion sound circa 64-67.

Shanghai Noodle Factory is one of the finest tunes that the band would leave us. Complex and catchy at the same time. There is a certain intensity in the delivery by Steve Winwood.

Something's Got A Hold Of My Toe lets the music do the talking. A clever riff and perfect improvisation makes this worthy of a repeat listen.

Withering Tree has Winwood using the vocal style that would be synonymous with Blind Faith. The words come from the heart and the instrumentation provides the perfect backdrop.

Medicated Goo complete with a bit of funk and lyrics that remain with you was a Album Rock radio song for numerous years (Well deserved).

Taking a page from Cream's playbook the record company mixed live and studio tracks for our pleasure. Recording at the Fillmore West in San Francisco you can feel part of the festivities with Feelin' Good and Blind Man. An opportunity to understand Traffic's gift to shine in and out of the recording studio.

If you missed the exit the first time around the present is as good as any to make up for lost time.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

It's good for you.......2006-12-10

Dispite some of the negitive press it gets for being thrown together by the record company, this is actually pretty good. The opening song hasn't aged well but everything else is pretty great.Shanghai Noodle Factory, Withering Tree and Medicated Goo shows Traffic as about as good as they get. Now about the live performances, these get ragged on quite a bit, however the new remastered version they've never sounded cleaner. The quality stems for how they were recorded-basic 2 track with no being able to fix it in the mix. The performances are all top notch and of songs that are not currently available elsewhere. Sure I wish Chris Wood was louder in the mix and Stevie Winwood's organ wasn't turned up quite so loud. Feelin' Good is wonderful and full of emotion. Blind Man shows how great they were at taking a blues tune and turning it into something special. You'd never guess that they didn't write these two tunes.

Traffic Report.......2006-05-06

Let's begin at the beginning. Steve Winwood is a total talent and a prodigy. You can rate him as a composer, bandleader, musical innovator, guitarist, organist, and especially singer and he comes out on top in every category. In rock that's almost unknown. This blather about Traffic's second album being their best because of the dynamic tension between Dave Mason and Winwood is eyewash. Mason is a folky annoyance.

When Winwood, still a teen back then, stepped up with Spencer Davis it was clear there was a new sheriff in town. The first Traffic album is amazing. When Last Exit came out, the third, nobody knew it wasn't their last. What about the complaints that Last Exit is a dog's breakfast, odds and ends tossed together? So what? On the LP, one side was live, the other was studio. Big deal, not exactly uncommon.

Now, the songs. Just For You - throwaway fluff from Dave Mason, fortunately the only one of the disk. Shanghai Noodle Factory - excellent funk, great to sing along, love those lyrics. Something's Got A Hold Of My Toe - this is the one every reviewer gets wrong. Rather than being some random snippet of tape lying around the studio it is 2:14 of driving rock guitar and back beat that really doesn't let go of your toe. Withering Tree - classic Winwood doing pretty as only he can. Medicated Goo - man, if you can't feel this one in your funky sneakers somebody gave you a soul-ectomy.

Then the big finish, Feelin' Good and Blind Man, 18-minutes of Traffic live at the Fillmore West. Sound quality is admittedly low but this shortcoming is vastly overshadowed by the performance, absolutely the best live Traffic ever. What Winwood does to Feelin' Good is simply beyond belief, he turns it inside out and puts a brand on it. As to Blind Man, that's the blues, big, bad, and beautiful. Just a fantastic CD. That's it from the Traffic-copter, now back to the studio.

Thankfully, NOT Traffic's Last Exit.......2004-11-03

Traffic's third album, "Last Exit," was originally intended to be the group's final album (hence the title), as Traffic leaders Dave Mason & Steve Winwood were splitting up over creative differences at the time, and because of it, both men decided to put Traffic out to pasture. Thankfully, this did not happen, as Winwood, flautist/saxophonist Chris Wood and drummer Jim Capaldi unexpectedly revived Traffic with their 1970 classic, "John Barleycorn Must Die" (but that's another review). In the meantime, "Last Exit" is a great odds-and-sods Traffic album, containing several rare singles like the lighthearted "Shanghai Noodle Factory" and the groovy "Medicated Goo," and a pair of barnburning, jamming live tracks (recorded at the Fillmore West) in the form of "Feelin' Good" and "Blind Man." "Last Exit" is an excellent album that no Traffic fan should do without.

Average customer rating:

Well Worth The Money
A Remix Album Actually Worth Buying!!
Great CD

Exit Lights
Falling Up
Manufacturer: Bec Recordings / Emd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Dawn Escapes
Comatose
Crashings
Scars Remain
End of Grey

ASIN: B000HC2P5Y
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Islander
Exit Calypsan (Into The Ice Cave)
Escalates (Aceramic)
Broken Heart (Ghost Of Seaside)
Circlewinds
Moonlit (Neon Predator)
Bittersweet (A Jedi Force)
Third Lake
Searchlights (Indoor Soccer)
Fearless (250 And Dark Stars)
Contact (Complexus)
Exhibition (Eposion)
Cascades (From In The Forest Cascadia)

Customer Reviews:

Well Worth The Money.......2006-11-23

Unlike many people, I don't actually like Falling Up. My two best friends and my little brother on the other hand, practically worship them. When Exit Lights came out, I was completely certain that I'd hate it, so you can imagine my surprise when I listened to the first fifteen seconds of Islander and immediately asked Kristin if I could borrow it. Alas, I had to return it to her yesterday, but that only means that I have to go shopping in a few hours and buy the CD for myself.

Remixes suck, you say? Believe me, I couldn't agree with you MORE.

Is this one any good? HELL. YES.

Don't like remixes? Buy Exit Lights anyways.

Loathe Falling Up with a passion? Buy the dang CD anyway!!!!

I promise you, you'll be blown away. As another reviewer mentioned, Falling Up actually DID remix their songs. The tempo, music, and vocals are all exquisit and far better than the originals (in my opinion). If you enjoy listening to songs that have clean lyrics, addictive beats, and brilliant music, I encourage you to look up this CD.

A Remix Album Actually Worth Buying!!.......2006-10-04

Falling up does it again with a remix album that is truly creative! This is not just the same songs dubbed over with a funky dance beat, these songs have many times totally been remixed including the tempo, vocals, guitars and drums. The result is a fresh look at some of their hits from the past two albums as well as a new song and some new instrumental songs.

"The Islander" is the new song and it is an amazing mix of keyboards, guitars, and Falling Up's soaring vocals, it kicks off the album with a bang. Another great remix is "Exit Calypsan" which starts off with an electronic sound and kicks it up on the chorus. Most of the songs are unique enough to listen to and not sound old or overplayed. The only exception I found is "Moonlit" which starts out with a very funny voice over, but then gets sounding too hip-hop for me, but it's my opinion. The rest are fantastic.

The sound is truly unique and the layered mixing of keyboard, synth, piano and beats just really flows. If you like Falling Up then check this album out and even if you don't and want to go for a sort of industrial/electronic rock sounding album then don't hesistate to buy Exit Lights!

Great CD.......2006-09-26

Yeah, I know this isn't an in depth review, but this CD is great! Its better than their previous cd, and just barely better than Crashings - remixes of many of the old songs make them so much better.

My personal favorites are the remixes of Broken Heart and Fearless.

Average customer rating:

Exquisite
Another upbeat must get TD album
Even though I love their 1970s output, this album still holds interest for me
To Associate With the Friends...
TD enters the 80s with a pulsating BANG

Exit
Tangerine Dream
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tangram
Stratosfear
Hyperborea
Phaedra
Rubycon

ASIN: B000002GXA
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Kiew Mission
Pilots Of Purple Twilight
Choronzon
Exit
Network 23
Remote Viewing

Amazon.com

Released during a period of tense Cold War saber rattling, Tangerine Dream's Exit (1981) shows that even a machine-driven electronic band can claim a social conscience. Its first track, "Kiev Mission" (which the label misspelled on the album), opens with explosions, sirenlike wails, and then, against a stark sonic backdrop, a whispered plea (a female voice speaking Russian) to end the threat of a "limited" nuclear war, a genuine and much-discussed danger at the time. Some of the album's atmospheric pieces are a touch dated and static (though the X-Files-like "Remote Viewing" merits a thumbs-up). Still, Exit contains two of the most intriguing short-form compositions the group ever released: the driving "Choronzon" and the pulsing, ever-evolving "Network 23," a truly arresting piece in its day, and one that still sounds good a few decades later. --Terry Wood

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite.......2007-06-19

This was the first TD album I ever heard or bought. After this one, I was hooked on TD for life.

Exit is a departure from previous TD albums in that it has more than just 2 or 3 tracks and each track is considerably shorter than older, traditional TD compositions. This, in my opinion, brought TD one step closer to mainstream music but without the band losing any of their mystique and uniqueness.

Each song is a sleek, modern (for 1981) foray into electronic realms that evoke pictures of a thriving, pulsating, neon-ridden, rain-soaked metropolis. TD's sound had evolved with this album and it was only a sign of the great things yet to come from such a remarkable band.

Any TD fan SHOULD own this album.

Another upbeat must get TD album.......2007-05-05

this is another upbeat TD album that is worth getting if your a td fan i usually skip the first track cause there is some spoken word in russian i think. but then every track is pretty good after that. network 24 really gets you into the groove. good driving music too. worth getting for shure if your a td fan. especially if you like upbeat stuff.

Even though I love their 1970s output, this album still holds interest for me.......2006-05-21

I really do enjoy this 1981 release even though 80's tone colors and textures are starting to creep in around the edges - perhaps even moreso than on the excellent Tangram (1980). Fortunately, there is enough of a brooding and organic feel to Exit that it all balances out in the end. The six tracks on the album are pretty short by Tangerine Dream standards and range in length from 4'07" to 9'18". Although there are no weak compositions on the album, I do have my favorites and they include Kiev Mission, the title track Exit, and the closing track Remote Viewing.

Although the music on Exit is clearly different than the music from their peak during the mid-1970s, it is still pretty darn good and is certainly one of their better albums from the 1980s. If you enjoy this album, it is likely that the wonderful Tangram would also prove enjoyable. If you have not explored the 1970s material, start off with Rubycon (1975). Many fans (and critics) feel that it is the high point of their entire recorded output.

To Associate With the Friends..........2006-03-02

Hello, fans of Tangerine Dream!
I will reveal the mystery of Russian words in "Kiev Mission"! Of course, I like the album because of this track.
The humour of TD is the following: for English or German speaking listener these words sounds as spoken by Russian girl, while for Russian listeners (girl speaks-whispers-sings with the strong foriegn acsent) it sounds as Russian words spoken by friendly foreigner.
The words are the following:

Continents
Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, America
It`s - the Earth
Past tense
Present tense
Future tense

World is we are

To understand
To ask
To answer
To talk
To start thinking
Transmission...

To associate (to communicate) with the friends...
To exchange opinions...
Infinity
An intelligent being
Talking, dialog
Continents:
Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, America
It`s all - the Earth.

As you see there were nothing poltical in these words. Only idea of global unity which is close to people of different countries.
I think that Russian words were choosen because they sounded exotic for the Western ear and beacuase of their rhythm.

By the way, electronic music by TD and Jarre was popular in the USSR in time of cold war... And still is popular in Russia.
As to cold war itself -
We lived the same normal usual every-day life as you but with our own problems. For the people in the state which lost more than 20 million lives in the 2WW - nearly every family lost its relatives - every talk and wish of possibility of new world war was a kind of sacrilege. And Chrustchev didn`t told: "We will bury you". He spoke vulgar Russian-Ukrainian slang, so English translation was complete fake (the meaning was lost in translation). He meant that (in his humble opinion:) USSR will win competition with America and would show much better results of development. So don`t think of political stupidity of the cold war - simply enjoy the music!

Also I recommend you best albums by TD:
Le Parc (1985)
Underwater Sunlight (1986)
Goblin`s Club (1996)
Try also "Jeanne D`Arc" (2005) and interesting solo albums by former TD members (though music differs from TD sound still it`s dynamic and interesting):
Christopher Franke "The London Consert" (1992) and "Celestine Prophesy" (1996), Paul Haslinger "World Without Rules" (1996).

TD enters the 80s with a pulsating BANG.......2005-07-08

Exit(1981). Tangerine Dream's 14th(?) studio album.

All throughout the 70s, Tangerine Dream had been experimenting the limits of various keyboard, pedal synthesizer, and sequence effects in order to create very atmospheric musical soundscapes. They weren't meant for everyone, but each album proved to be an interesting listen for those who could get into them. Every release would have very few, yet lengthy tracks, and that aspect didn't really change much over the years. Phaedra(1974) and Rubycon(1975) were the peak output of those type of TD albums, and served as the first real means of gaining a cult fanbase. Then Force Majeure(1979) saw the group beginning to incorporate rhythms into the music, making it more accessible to new listeners. This culminated in 1980's Tangram, which was the last album to feature one giant album-length song. Shortly thereafter, the band created the soundtrack to the movie Thief(1981), shortening the lengths of each instrumental and making them more numerous, and this would carry over onto Exit.

This album is the first one of theirs to have more than four tracks, and most of them rarely go beyond 5-6 minutes. Unlike most of the TD output to be released throughout the 80s, Exit carries a dark, futuristic feel to it, and it can be felt all over the album. White Eagle(1982) continued to explore in the same vein, and Hyperborea(1983) went for a dark ambient sound with cultural references, but Exit probably pulled the theme off the best during this period. Much of the style is brought over from their Thief soundtrack score and given its own breathing space on Exit. High-reverb keyboards had begun to be incorporated heavily into the melodies, and although sounding VERY 80s and maybe coming off as cold to some people, it works for its warish 1984-type atmosphere.

And speaking of future wars, the first track 'Kiev Mission' delivers 10 minutes of melodic rhythm mayhem. The story here is that this track was written as a protest statement against the Cold War in Russia, and many copies of this album were sold throughout the country to get the message across. It starts out with a few bangs, then slowly the synthetic drum beat pulses in and carries a powerful theme around, shortly before an unnamed Russian girl vocalist whispers her plea against a world war. This is where the whole "protest" theme came from. It doesn't end as strong as it starts, but the final part of Kiev Mission shouldn't be skipped. 'Pilots Of The Purple Twighlight' is run without any drumming, but carries an awesome melody that repeats for several minutes. 'Chorozon' is a bit more upbeat and positive sounding, and could easily fit on White Eagle. I love the title track's slow, dark, and powerful bass synth that plods along, complete with a memorable keyboard line and rain sound effects. Then 'Network 23' has a surprisingly non-dated techno drum sequence which sort of serves as a prototype for some 80s and 90s techno. Finishing off Exit is the outstanding 'Remote Viewing' which goes through a few different transitions in its 8-minute span. The first 3 minutes or so has sort of a dark soundscape reminding the fans that TD still held onto their 70s era to an extent, and wouldn't abandon it completely over the next couple of albums. 80s TD may be somewhat less complex than TD's earlier material, but it still was very well produced. Then the song ends with a lighter section that repeats a number of times.

Replayability: medium. Enter the Exit often (pun intended).

Although the album's length is slightly less than 40 minutes, each of Exit's tracks is of high quality, and so I'll give it 5 stars. It ended up being my fifth purchase (of many!) for TD, but I would say that it makes a good starting point if you're first getting into 80s TD. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The sad thing is that EVERY ALBUM IS OUT OF PRINT! Even the remasters! So don't expect to find these in the stores. Unless you know of a used cd shop that happens to get TD albums from time to time, you're best off ordering them online. There are many, many albums, but thankfully most all of them can be found for very cheap. Either version of the album works. There are no bonus tracks, and the volume difference is only minimal, so buying any of them is ok.

See also:
-Tangram(1980)
-Force Majeure(1979)
-White Eagle(1982)
-Thief(1981)
-Hyperborea(1983)

Average customer rating:

One of my alltime favorites
The Rolling Stones of the '90s
Worth way more than $1.00!!!
4 1/2 stars for a lost classic of 90's alt rock
UO had "it" with this one

Exit the Dragon
Urge Overkill
Manufacturer: Geffen Gold Line Sp.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Saturation
Stull EP
Debutante
Altered Beast
Young Americans

ASIN: B000000P1O
Release Date: 1997-11-04

Tracks:

Jaywalkin'
The Break
Need Some Air
Somebody Else's Body
Honesty Files
This Is No Place
The Mistake
Take Me
View Of The Rain
Last Night/Tomorrow
Tin Foil
Monopoly
And You'll Say
Digital Black Epilogue

Amazon.com

Exit the Dragon is a somber, brooding effort fueled by more than a touch of "woe is me." There is no larger-than-life FM-rock anthem on this album; no Paul Shaffer favorite like Saturation's "Sister Havana." Produced once again by Philadelphia's Butcher Brothers, Joe and Phil Nicolo, the 15 songs are almost all mid-tempo groovers. In place of the last album's shimmering guitars and thunderous drums are groaning synthesizers, heavy Hammond organs, distant horns, and clattering congas. Over this late-night juke-joint backdrop, singers Nash Kato and Ed Roeser ruminate about how they hate walking in sunshine, can't get a break, never learned anything in school, made more than their share of mistakes, and don't pray anymore "because too many of God's children die." Such whining sentimentality would be unbearable coming from, say, sanctimonious folkies Soul Asylum or generic grungemeisters Bush. But the members of Urge Overkill are post-modern pranksters who are well versed in every aspect of rock history and '70s pop culture. They're having the time of their lives being this miserable, and the dark night of their souls is illuminated by sign posts pointing out the connections to legendary end-of-the-line classics such as Big Star III, the Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St., and Sly and the Family Stone's There's A Riot Goin' On. --Jim DeRogatis

Customer Reviews:

One of my alltime favorites.......2007-06-08

I love how "Exit the Dragon" is always referred to as a colossal F-up. It is one of my personal favorite albums EVER. The jacket and interior pictures are awesome [especially the LP]. The story behind it and the fact that it got no promotion is interesting. And most importantly, the music is beautiful. It is one of the few albums I enjoy listening to front-to-back, side a-side b all the way through. They hit every mood, which is something very few albums accomplish. In fact, I think I'll go listen to it right now . . .

The Rolling Stones of the '90s.......2007-04-03

Maybe it was because the members of Urge Overkill chose to sing about the perils of a hard-partying lifestyle instead of reveling in it that music publications like Rolling Stone ineptly panned this CD upon its arrival in stores in 1995. Whatever the reason this album wasn't properly celebrated as a growing of Urge Overkill, the fact remains that "Exit the Dragon" remains the band's best, most mature release in an impressive canon of albums. If you love rock and roll, it's simply pointless to complain about the juicy guitar crunch on such great songs as the opener, "Jaywalkin,'" and "Need Some Air." Along the same lines, just as UO did on the great Saturation album from 1993, the band flavored many of the songs on "Exit the Dragon" with an irresistable barroom swagger, topped off with a wide array of despondent lyrics. Though sonically and lyrically this album is great, it would be a disservice not to mention the bleakness of such darker-tinged songs as "The Break," "Honesty Files," "This is No Place" and "View of the Rain." Clearly, UO were a road-weary band during the making of this record.

Still, despite whatever problems they may have been going through during the mid '90s, there's a real chemistry and sense of soul on "Exit the Dragon," an album miles above the murk of UO's first two non-major-label efforts. As always, there's a great trade off between the vocals of Nash Kato and Eddie "King" Roesser, and some of the best UO songs seem to feature a subtle musical tension that makes for exciting music. One such song on "Exit the Dragon" is the severely radio-ready "Take Me," which, in a perfect world, would have been this band's biggest hit. Sadly enough, I don't recall any of these songs getting radio airplay, but if any song from this album deserved it, "Take Me" was the one.

Other cool tracks include the one-two-three punch of "Last Night" (mid-tempo swaggering song with hopeless lyrics)/"Tomorrow" (confident punk tune complete with hand claps) and "Tin Foil" (just a great, sorrowful love song). Like other albums from Urge Overkill, "Exit the Dragon" might slightly overstay its welcome by two or three songs, but considering the band has been on a (permanent?) hiatus for so long, at least in terms of putting out new material, this transgression actually turns out to be a welcome turn of events.

Bands like Urge Overkill don't come along every day. Pick this one up if you want some great music at a great price.

Worth way more than $1.00!!!.......2006-07-28

Hey folks--I've noticed that a lot of great music like "Exit the Dragon" is in ending up in the old dollar bin because the used merchants have too much and nobody cares anymore (uh, supply & demand I think). Well let me tell you--this is one great rock and roll album that, as I write this, can be had at a bargain.

These guys were a great band and they released their best when they were at the end of the rope they eventually hung themselves with. The tension and desperation are palpable, particularly on the Eddie Roeser tracks like "This Is No Place" and "Tin Foil." "The Mistake" is a regret-filled dirge about a drug suicide written by the drummer Blackie, who subsequently quit/was fired, allegedly for reasons including his own substance abuse problems. The Nash "Girl, You are a Woman Now" Kato tracks are generally more upbeat and help lift the gloom momentarily, but this one is a delightful downer(think Big Star's "Third/Sisters Lovers" or Sly's "Riot" but not as good).

I saw these guys in Athens, GA at the 40 Watt on the "Saturation" tour and I can attest that they were the real deal. They hit the stage barechested and wearing giant "UO" gold medallions around their necks. Too bad they had their chance when it was becoming uncool to act like rock stars.

So buy a copy now because I think its out of print and it will probably be worth BIG BUCKS someday...or maybe not, but you can still listen to it and think about how little you paid for so much listening pleasure.

4 1/2 stars for a lost classic of 90's alt rock.......2005-03-23

I got in to Urge Overkill thanks to "Sister Havanna" which had heavy rotation on MTV's "Alternative Nation" (back when MTV was OK to watch, now it's just horrifying). I bought Saturation and thought it was such a brilliant rock album. I remember buying "Exit The Dragon" when it first came out in '95. It was much darker then "Saturation" but I really thought it rocked harder then that album did. Little did I realize that the band were about to break up after that.

10 years later, listening to ETD, it's even better then it was when I first bought it. "The Break", "The Mistake", "Monopoly" are just as great as when I first heard them. Though they have been pretty much forgotten by todays music lovers I will always love this little piece of musical heaven. I have heard they are launching a comeback. If they are I would be extremely excited to pick up anything new from UO.

UO had "it" with this one.......2005-01-03

God. They had that special quality. Urge had soul. Exit the Dragon is Urge Overkill's best album, but even if Geffen had done their job and had given the record a fair amount of promotion (yeah, they didn't), it probably still wouldn't have sold very well, I'm very sorry to say. Most people don't "get" UO, but all they need to do is listen with the ability to recognize what makes great art and what makes art great! It's all about "the touch", as Dirk Diggler once sang(although I think he was talking about a different sort of "touch"). UO truly had "it" on this record, but Geffen had just about "had it" with UO. I was 14 when this came out (I was even more of a fan then), and I don't remember knowing anyone who was into them at the time besides myself and some friends I had personally influenced. Sad stuff. It's okay, though, UO will be "Big Star"'s someday...It's the same old story; an inventive, ridiculously good band is misunderstood and frustratingly commercially unsucessful during their existance until ten years later or so after their demise when a bunch of record collecting geeks "discover" them and turn them into cult-legends. They deserve so much more than that...Karma? Just buy this record and love it.

Average customer rating:

Not Bernstien and not for serious listeners
Pristinely Beautiful
WONDERFUL CD!
Magnificent Carmen

Carmen Without Words
Georges Bizet , Manuel de Falla , Mikhail Glinka , Maurice Ravel , and Andre Kostelanetz
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Opera Without Words

ASIN: B000002765
Release Date: 1990-11-10

Tracks:

Carmen Without Words: Prelude: Act I - No. 3 Chorus Of Street Boys, No. 4 Fragment: Entrance Of Carmen, No. 5 Habanera, No. 6 Fragment: Don Jose Picks Up Carmen's Flower, No. 10 Seguidilla, No. 11 Finale
Carmen Without Words: Act II: No. 12 Gypsy Song, No. 14 Toreador Song, Exit Of Escamillo, Entra'acte Between Act I And Act II (Theme Of Canzonetta), No. 17 Flower Song
Carmen Without Words: Entr'acte: Act III - No. 19 March Of The Smugglers, No. 20 Card Scene, No. 21 Fragment: Exit Of Smugglers And Card Players, No. 22 Micaela's Aria
Carmen Without Words: Entr'acte (Aragonnaise): Act IV - No. 26 March And Chorus, No. 27 Don Jose And Carmen's Duet, Final Chorus
Carmen Without Words: Bolero
From: El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance
Carmen Without Words: Capriccio brillante On The jota aragonesa
From: La vida Breave: Spanish Dance

Customer Reviews:

Not Bernstien and not for serious listeners.......2003-06-30

I ordered this cd (used) mainly to get the Glinka capriccio (assumedly) by Bernstein, thinking I might enjoy the orchestral versions from Carmen as well. Received the disk and was shocked to see the name Andre Kostelanetz on it...only couple tracks are by Bernstein. The pieces are mostly played at a breakneck tempo that tramples the music. The recording quality is poor. Sounds like a studio remix where the players were recorded at different times. This CD is a poor choice; even in the bargain bin; even for casual listeners. There are much better played and recorded orchestrations of these Spanish-themed works available.

Pristinely Beautiful.......2002-03-12

This is really a beautiful recording. I am not an opera expert, but during the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics I was transfixed by the Carmen music that Sasha Cohen skated her Long Program to. I simply had to hear it again as soon as possible, and saw this "Carmen Without Words" CD on Amazon. This CD does not have any "libretto", or words. It is just a Carmen 'suite' of the tunes from the opera. Opera connoisseurs will probably want to order a multi-disc set of the entire unabridged Carmen opera, but for opera hacks like myself this CD is perfect for enjoyable times in front of the computer or while reading magazines, to just enjoy Carmen's great tunes. The sound is clean, crisp, and the music is perfectly played by Andre Kostelanetz and his orchestra. It's amazing how well they play, actually, it borders on perfect. Anyway, you are sure to love this CD. It is lovely to listen to, and I don't see how anything about it could disappoint you. By the way, the CD also contains four bonus tracks from several other composers to really top it all off.

WONDERFUL CD!.......2002-01-19

THIS IS A GREAT CD FOR THOSE WHO, LIKE ME, JUST WANT TO HEAR THE MUSIC FROM OPERA WITHOUT THE SINGING. I PLAY IT OVER AND OVER ALONG WITH THE OTHER "OPERA WITHOUT WORDS" CDS.

Magnificent Carmen.......2000-08-07

I have not heard a Carmen performance which compares with this one.

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