Records [Import]

1. Overture

2. [Japanese Title]

3. [Japanese Title]

4. Pain

5. [Japanese Title]

6. Beauty

7. She Said

8. Home Town

9. [Japanese Title]

10. Melody

11. [Japanese Title]

12. [Japanese Title]

13. Brand New Day

14. [Japanese Title] Reprise

Records,Indigo,Pione,World Music

Average customer rating: The legacy continues Hairspray Soundtrack A real "FEEL GOOD" movie/soundtrack Really fun Wonderfully fun

Hairspray (Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) Manufacturer: New Line Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: High School Musical 2 Legally Blonde (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Hairspray Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus ASIN: B000PUAID4 Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. "GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE" - Nikki Blonsky
2. "THE NICEST KIDS IN TOWN" - James Marsden
3. "IT TAKES TWO" - Zac Efron
4. "(THE LEGEND OF) MISS BALTIMORE CRABS" - Michelle Pfeiffer
5. "I CAN HEAR THE BELLS" - Nikki Blonsky
6. "LADIES' CHOICE" - Zac Efron
7. "THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN" - Brittany Snow
8. "WELCOME TO THE 60's" - Nikki Blonsky & John Travolta
9. "RUN AND TELL THAT" - Elijah Kelley
10. "BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL" - Queen Latifah
11. "BIG, BLONDE & BEAUTIFUL reprise" - John Travolta & Michelle Pfeiffer
12. "(YOU'RE) TIMELESS TO ME" - John Travolta & Christopher Walken
13. "I KNOW WHERE I'VE BEEN" - Queen Latifah
14. "WITHOUT LOVE" - Zac Efron, Nikki Blonsky, Elijah Kelley & Amanda Bynes
15. "(IT'S) HAIRSPRAY" - James Marsden
16. "YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT" - Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes,
17. "COME SO FAR (GOT SO FAR TO GO)" - Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Zac
18. "COOTIES" - Aimee Allen
19. "MAMA, I'M A BIG GIRL NOW" - Nikki Blonsky, Marissa Jaret Winokur & Rikki Lake

Amazon.com

What fun! This soundtrack of the film adaptation of the Broadway musical overflows with glossy, ol' fashioned '60s-style pep. It won't win any awards for innovation, but it may well be one of the most feel-good releases of the year. While not quite as super-energetic as the original Broadway cast, the new crew ain't too shabby: Nikki Blonsky delivers as Tracy Turnblad and Zac Efron (High School Musical) makes for a devoted boyfriend, and the supporting cast gleefully embraces the show's silly-but-generous spirit. John Travolta (who gets to utter the particularly ironic line "it's been years since someone asked me to dance") goes drag as Tracy's mom, Edna, while Michelle Pfeiffer's slight stiffness is appropriate for her uptight character, especially on the cha-cha "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs." After Mama Morton in Chicago, Queen Latifah puts in another brassy turn as Motormouth Maybelle ("Big, Blonde and Beautiful," which is then reprised by Travolta and Pfeiffer). The show's authors, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, have written three new numbers for the movie: the rollicking (and first single) "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl in Town" and "Come So Far." In addition, the CD also includes two tracks that aren't in the film but were in the show: "Cooties," sung by Aimee Allen, and "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now," sung by all three Tracy Turnblads: Blonsky, Ricki Lake (from the source movie) and Marissa Jaret Winokur (from the original Broadway cast). --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

The Hairspray soundtrack will feature 17 songs from the film, including three original numbers that were created specifically for the film version of the hit Broadway musical - "Ladies' Choice," "New Girl In Town," and "Come So Far." Also featured on the soundtrack are the songs "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the `60s," "Nicest Kids In Town," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." The songs are performed by cast members John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Elijah Kelley among others.

The Hairspray soundtrack is produced by Marc Shaiman and features music by Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. It features tracks mixed by Ed Cherney (Rolling Stones, Bette Midler) and Peter Mokran (Pussycat Dolls, Christina Aguilera).

Sixteen years after the release of the original film, New Line Cinema is bringing a feature film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of Hairspray to life. Featuring new and original material based on John Waters' 1988 cult classic about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, the comedy features a remarkable collection of talent including John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, Allison Janney, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Chicago), and director Adam Shankman (Bringing Down The House). The new screenplay for Hairspray was written by Leslie Dixon (Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune).

Customer Reviews:

The legacy continues.......2007-08-07

Whatever slight problems I have with this cinematic adaptation of the show, they are not reflected in the excellent soundtrack. I don't think there's been any musical soundtrack as much fun and catchy since "Grease" nearly thirty years ago. (Sorry, "Grease 2" fans, if there are any.) The orchestrations, pitch, vocals - everything is right on target. (Though there were a few times I was afraid John Travolta would lose his voice...) Nikki Blonsky does a wonderful job as Tracy Turnblad, and there can't be enough said about Queen Latifah's vocals. Zac Efron and Elijah Kelley also do great work. I thought I was starting to get over the "get off your butt and dance" feeling, but I must say this proved me wrong.

As for the "Grease" and "Grease 2" connection, how fun is it that we now have Travolta and Pfeiffer facing off in the same movie musical? Pfeiffer can finally put to rest the demons of "Cool Rider" as she more than acquits herself with her great version of "Miss Baltimore Crabs."

The new songs for the movie, including "New Girl in Town" and "Come So Far" are great, and while "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" was cut, the version here with the Three Tracy's: Blonsky, Winokur and the inimitable Ricki Lake, more than makes up for its absence from the main action of the film. This soundtrack is one of the best antidotes for the long, hot summer.

Hairspray Soundtrack.......2007-08-06

Bought it for my daughters birthday, loves it, loves the film and hopes next year to produce it at our Local Drama Company. Brillant music.

A real "FEEL GOOD" movie/soundtrack.......2007-08-04

I love movies....for a variety of reasons, sometimes for their throught-provoking abilities, innovation, story...and while "Hairspray" isn't one of those, I must say I haven't seen a movie that made me FEEL GOOD and energetic and just HAPPY in a very long time!! It's one I could watch over and over... and the soundtrack.. it's number one on my playlist right now! It will have you dancing in your seat!

Really fun.......2007-08-01

This is good music with good singing. Not necessarily great singing. These songs are catchy and if you liked the movie you will enjoy having the music to sing all too!

Wonderfully fun.......2007-08-01

After seeing the movie my sister and I ran out to buy the soundtrack. It's excellent. the vocal talent they've managed to put together is amazing. Nikki Blonsky is fantastic and her enthusiasm can't be contained. Zac Efron finally gets to redeem himself after not having his vocals used in High School Musical. "Ladies' Choice" is really fun and upbeat. I can't say enough good things about Queen Latifah.

In my opinion Elijah Kelly is the best though. What a great find. "Run and Tell That" showcases his enormous talent.

The cd is great for singing along to and for making you feel good.

Average customer rating: the sad side of maroon five Great sophomore cd This album grows on you Awesome and energetic Sophmore Album

It Won't Be Soon Before Long Maroon 5 Manufacturer: A&M / Octone Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Songs About Jane Call Me Irresponsible Daughtry Lost Highway Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000P2A256 Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

1. If I Never See Your Face Again
2. Makes Me Wonder
3. Little of Your Time
4. Wake Up Call
5. Won't Go Home Without You
6. Nothing Lasts Forever
7. Can't Stop
8. Goodnight Goodnight
9. Not Falling Apart
10. Kiwi
11. Better That We Break
12. Back At Your Door

Amazon.com

Sometimes it's O.K.--even important--to put aside your reluctance to embrace artists who make teenage girls scream. It happened in 2006, when Justin Timberlake scraped the sludge off pop and left something shiny behind, and it's happening again in 2007 with Maroon 5. It Won't Be Soon Before Long, the L.A. band's sophomore studio disc, rode in on a crest of hype and crumpled expectations--fan reports had it that Adam Levine & Co. scrapped their signature pop-soul sound for something harder and darker. Not so. Shades of Prince, Hall & Oates, and Sting still color the Maroon sound (check out the spectacularly fizzy "Little of Your Time," as well as the first single, "Makes Me Wonder," a song catchier than fire), but they're made ever fainter here by the clamping down of five guys on what is essentially the most distinctive pop sound to emerge from a single band since the Bee Gees squealed into the mid-'70s. It Won't Be Soon squares hip-hop sensibilities ("Wake Up Call") with rock ones ("If I Never See Your Face Again") and stormy moods ("Can't Stop") with bittersweet ballads ("Better That We Break"). It's a disc destined to defy detractors and go on to greatness, elevating the credibility of teenage girls for years to come. --Tammy La Gorce

Amazon.com

Global neo-soul rock superstars Maroon 5 are back with their much-anticipated sophomore album, It Won't Be Soon Before Long. The follow-up to the 10x platinum, Grammy-winning Songs About Jane will be "sexier and stronger," according to frontman Adam Levine, who looked to '80s icons such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Talking Heads for inspiration. Recorded at home in Los Angeles with producers Mike Elizondo (Fiona Apple, Eminem), Mark "Spike" Stent (Bjork, Keane, Gwen Stefani), Mark Endert (Madonna, Fiona Apple), and Eric Valentine (Queens of the Stone Age, Nickel Creek), the album promises to be a louder take on the pop sounds of their first effort. "It's definitely aggressive, upbeat and pounding," says Levine.

More Maroon 5

Songs About Jane

Live Friday the 13th

1.22.03.Acoustic

Maroon 5 Photos

Customer Reviews:

the sad side of maroon five.......2007-08-06

This is so classic Maroon 5, yet more mature, heartfelt and in some cases tragic ... in love. I recommend this to anyone who loved their first album. This is an excellent collection of songs. Every single one is a favorite.

Great sophomore cd.......2007-08-06

I am a huge fan of Maroon 5. I was hesistant to buy their sophomore cd. When the first one came out, it was great and I enjoyed hearing every song and when a artist releases a second cd, it usually is not that good.
I am glad I purchased it. I can tell that their music is growing and every song on this cd is really good especially Won't go home without you. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants something different.

This album grows on you.......2007-08-05

The best advice I can give for "It Won't Be Soon Before Long" is that to get your money's worth, you have to be willing to listen to it a lot. For example, the first time I listened, I was sad because I didn't like it - at all. The second time, I figured - hey, I really like these guys, I'll give them another chance, and with that attitude it wasn't so bad. The third, fourth, and fifth listenings went on, and it has been the only cd I've listened to for two weeks. This is an excellent cd!!

Awesome and energetic.......2007-08-01

I love this CD. I've been listening to it everyday in the car for two weeks straight.

Sophmore Album.......2007-08-01

I am VERY pleased with this CD, I can't wait for the 3rd in the series from Maroon 5.

Average customer rating: Re: Kelly Clarkson's new album Her Transition Better and better the more you listen Kelly's in a different "light" Kelly does it again!

My December Kelly Clarkson Manufacturer: RCA Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lost Highway It Won't Be Soon Before Long Wild Hope Daughtry Good Girl Gone Bad ASIN: B000QFAJ7S Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Never Again
2. One Minute
3. Hole
4. Sober
5. Don't Waste Your Time
6. Judas
7. Haunted
8. Be Still
9. Maybe
10. How I Feel
11. Yeah
12. Can I Have A Kiss
13. Irvine

Amazon.com

Judging by the themes of anger and betrayal that dominate Kelly Clarkson's third disc, My December, perhaps 'Jagged Little Idol' would have been a more telling title. According to interviews, the massively successful artist wanted more creative control with her music going forward; as a result, unlike her previous CDs, Clarkson contributes as a songwriter on every track. The final product is not nearly as catchy as Breakaway, but is far more introspective and honest. My December's overall sound brings a harder musical style than fans might expect, with acerbic lyrics to match; the disc's first single "Never Again"--a dark rock song slamming her ex-boyfriend--is certainly a tip-off. The compelling chorus of "Hole" finds Clarkson singing "There's a hole/inside of me/it's so damn cold/slowly killing me" over a melody that is far more Tool than top-40. "Haunted" and "Judas" are wrought-over tracks that veer into Evanescence territory, while the wonderfully sparse "Maybe" is a highlight within which Clarkson's pleading voice is perfectly showcased. My December's final listed track, "Irvine" (prior to the hidden bluesy acoustic ballad "Chivas") sounds far more Cat Power-meets-Corinne Bailey Rae than Clarkson, but it is certainly one of the most captivating songs on the disc, and serves as yet another reminder of just how versatile her voice is. Fans of her previous radio-friendly releases may well be divided on her new direction, but it appears to be the path Clarkson is likely to continue to travel. --Denise Sheppard

More from Kelly Clarkson

Breakaway

Thankful

Since U Been Gone

Customer Reviews:

Re: Kelly Clarkson's new album.......2007-08-07

I absolutely love this CD and think this is her best so far. My favorite songs on this album is "Never Again," "Sober," "Be Still." Don't get me wrong I love all of the songs but these are my favorites though. If you want to hear great music, get her CD and you won't regret.

Her Transition.......2007-08-07

Kelly Clarkson doesn't need any further introduction. She was the first American Idol winner and undoubtly the most popular and successful contestant of them all. After winning she recorded the obligatory Idol album in her own name that mostly included mainstream Pop, some R&B and the usual Diane Warren ballad. The album was great but Kelly made it clearn on her sophmore albu that she was more of a Rock chick then anything and when "Breakaway" came out it was mostly a collection of Pop-Rock, but it was hook driven music for the radio and few people could complain over the sudden but expected change in style. On her third album called "My December" she goes even further into the Rock genre with heavier but perhaps more ambitious and personal takes resembling Evanescence and Metallica more then then the radio friendly Pop-Rock from breakway. In the center of the spotlight there was a huge fight with record Boss Clive Davis that didn't like the result of the album and wanted the material to be discarded and re-issued with new songs that were poppier and better for radio. Clarkson insisted that this was what she wanted to do and the album would work fine nonetheless. Eventually, Clarkson's mind turned out to be stonger and the album came out in the way she wanted. But the question is, who was right?. Read on to find out.

You could say that both had their point. Clarkson for not wanting to be another cute popstar that sings the usual manufacted pop music without much personal impact and Davis for thinking in a economical point of view and realizing that this album doesn't have enough hit material to be compared with "Breakaway". To tell the truth, "My December" is rougher then her other albums and even if it got alot of ballads towards the end it's more sound and emotion then hooks and melody and this is why it will lack hitsingles. But it isn't said that it's a bad album. It just needs more time to grow on you. First single "Never Again" is perhaps the song with biggest hit potential and it reached #8. Another strong rock song with great production is "One Minute" while the ballad "Sober" is good aswell but flopped on the single charts. Emotional Evanescense inspired "Judas" and "Haunted" and also great growers but exactly that. There are few songs that attracts you at first listen and plenty of songs never ever do. An accostic closer titled "Irvine" may not be a single but it's an rewarding listen and one of the better songs around.

Overall, as good and talented singer as Kelly Clarkson is it feels like a wasted opportunity to not make more hit singles and not more song fitting her voice. You got to give her credit for going her own way and not to end up like another product but a singer on her own, but that doesn't mean she should forget about the hooks to gain radio airplay or those fans that crowned her and wanted her to be the pop princess she once was. "My December" got it's moments but it's a lukewarm third album that could have been much better, and feels more like a transition between two worlds. Question is, how her next album willl sound like?.

Better and better the more you listen.......2007-08-07

I love this album. The first time I heard Never Again, I thought well that is a decent song, but then I found it stuck in my head. The album is alot like that. The songs may not hit you the first time you listen, but some stick with you and upon repeated listening, you grow to love them. I really like Sober, How I feel right now, haunted, and several others.

Kelly's in a different "light".......2007-08-06

Despite the negative feedback from her producer, I enjoy listening to her voice on this CD. Some of the songs are more "rocky" than her usual style BUT... this is great music!

Kelly does it again!.......2007-08-05

An angry CD, telling a story of breakup, love lost, confusion and self doubt in finding love, hard rock, more than pop. Different than Breakaway, more angry than blues, harder. But lots of energy, good variety in the songs. I love the last song Irvine, softer song. I look forward to Kelly's creative growth. I do recommend the CD; I am listening to it almost every day at work. But it is not the rollerblading, workout CD that Breakaway was.

Average customer rating: A disservice to Interpol fans Truly disappointing Another great album... What can I say Spare Me The Suspense.

Our Love to Admire Interpol Manufacturer: Capitol Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Icky Thump Zeitgeist An End Has a Start Favourite Worst Nightmare We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank ASIN: B000PY32CO Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Pioneer To the Falls
2. No I In Threesome
3. The Scale
4. The Heinrich Maneuver
5. Mammoth
6. Pace Is the Trick
7. All Fired Up
8. Rest My Chemistry
9. Who Do You Think
10. Wrecking Ball
11. The Lighthouse

Amazon.com

Moving up to a major label has hardly lifted Interpol's spirits. This is a good thing. Even with the twisted Wild Kingdom album cover and bassist Carlos Dengler's unexpected Wild West makeover, on its third studio album the black-clad New York quartet still sounds inflexibly menacing, grasping tighter than ever to its doomy post-punk influences and delving further into frontman Paul Banks's emotional unrest. Everything sounds a little bigger and brighter, sure, but at their core songs like "Rest My Chemistry" and "Wrecking Ball" are heroically sinister, goaded on by prickly riffs and slow-bleeding rhythms. The group briefly jumps to life on the buzzing "Heinrich Manouver" and exhibits an unexpected dash of humor on "No I in Threesome," but it's the closing "Lighthouse" that best defines the set--a late-night lament that simply steals away into the dark. --Aidin Vaziri

Amazon.com

Our Love To Admire is at once unmistakably Interpol and undeniably new. The witty and perverse "No I In Threesome" is an upbeat ode to shaking up a staid relationship propelled by Carlos D's peerless bass melody while the tenderly observant "Pace Is the Trick" proves that the band are still the masters of the dramatic - check the painful pause right before the sinfully satisfying return of Sam's thundering drums and Daniel's ringing lead guitar. The band's impressively seductive evolution is obvious all over the record, but never more so than on tracks like "Mammoth," "Who Do You Think" and on the album's lyrical centerpiece, the ghostly "Rest My Chemistry." While Daniel is understandably proud of the song he cautions against reading too much autobiography into its lyrics. "We always leave the interpretation to the listener," he says. "I mean, you shouldn't watch a movie for the first time listening to the director's commentary!"

Our Love to Admire closes with "The Lighthouse," a funereal dirge that is among the most unexpected and memorable songs ever recorded by the band. Almost entirely percussion-free, the song is constructed around Daniel's mournful guitar and Paul's sparten lyrics. Not only is it one of their finest moments to date, it provides the album's most goose-bump inducing moment, the very same reflex shivers that make Interpol live shows such an exhilarating experience. As the very last song the band recorded for the album it was, they say, the hardest to play. The hypnotic guitar part was played on a 50-year-old guitar that had toxins on the strings, providing Daniel with a blistering and painful sensation in his fingers. The band weren't even sure the track would make it out of the studio, but once they heard Paul's remarkable vocals they were floored. The song - and the album - doesn't so much end as it bleeds to a close with a long, echoey coda filled with feedback and strings. A fittingly dramatic end to a stunning and emotional journey. Interpol is back, every bit as good as before but charged with a new spirit, a new direction, a new label and, most of all, a new confidence.

Interpol Photos

More from Interpol

Antics

Turn on the Bright Lights

The Black EP

Customer Reviews:

A disservice to Interpol fans.......2007-08-07

I have long loved Interpol because of the deep, if enigmatic and shapeless, lyrics that they convey over dark, reverberating bass. For olta, they have taken the lyrics that so enraptured me with their stunning imagery (such as "I'm going to hold your face and toast the snow that fell," a favorite of mine) and replaced them with trashy, obnoxious songs about how having sex with too many groupies is wearing the singer out, and toned down the bass that was so important to their sound. What the hell, man? I wanted Interpol, the band that used to ask questions that intoned deep introspection on the human condition and used to make music that I could get lost in and didn't care about finding my way out, not Interpol--the band that has way too much sex. Ditch this trash and get their first two albums instead.

Truly disappointing.......2007-08-05

"Turn on the Bright Lights" and "Antics" are two of my very favorite albums, so I was understandably excited about this one. Early listens to "Pioneer to the Falls" and "The Heinrich Maneuver" got my hopes up that this record would be an epic to match Interpol's debut. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesn't live up to the promise of those two songs -- and even those two, upon repeated listens, reveal themselves to be lesser efforts from a band that made two near-perfect albums on their first two tries.

The band seems to lack the punch, much of it supplied by killer drums and bass, from their first two works. Songs like "No I in Threesome," "All Fired Up" and "Wrecking Ball" simply fall flat; they lack the drive, relentless energy and delicious atmosphere that I've come to expect from Interpol. Even the better songs, like "Heinrich" and "Pioneer," seem strangely muted. The best songs on here, including "Mammoth" and "Rest My Chemistry," have at least some of the impact of early Interpol, and they come close to rescuing this spotty album.

However, the biggest drawback here is that in the absence of this instrumental kick and power, the band's lyrical shortcomings -- even worse here than on their earlier efforts -- are exposed for just how serious they are. I was willing to go along with the silly lines found in some of the early songs, because they seemed to work well with the music and at least left some sense of mystery; it was possible to let them slide as metaphor or as Pixies-esque ornamentation. But here, the lyrics just seem laughable; "No I In Threesome," "Pace is the Trick," "All Fired Up" and even "Heinrich" have this problem in spades.

I truly like this band, and I hope they can regain their old form in the future. But this album, sadly, is no better than the rest of the alt-rock boilerplate being cranked out by any number of bands, from the Killers to She Wants Revenge. That's company I thought Interpol was too good for, but they proved me wrong with this one.

Another great album..........2007-08-04

Interpol managed to deliver a third great album!
Although it makes you think of a lot of other bands it's still the specific Interpol sound.
Their music creates a very special, unique atmosphere.
You either love it or hate it.

I love it!

Peace,

Rolf

What can I say.......2007-08-04

This album lives up to the exceedingly high standards set by Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics.

For a band with such few full length studio albums released, I'm always slightly afraid that there will be a falling off. That is decidedly not the case here.

I thought Interpol's first effort was their best, with Antics an admirable but slightly underachieving album. With Our Love to Admire they've lived up to whatever hype they've managed to cultivate and offered more of what made me a fan while proceeding ahead into the moody alternative rock of their genre.

Easily as good as Turn on the Bright Lights, while maintaining the slightly more complex structure of Antics, Our Love to Admire starts and ends strong, with quite a few eminently classic songs in between. "Pioneer to the Falls" hits me the same way as "You Know You're Right" did on Nirvana's Nirvana album. It's a step in a new direction with the hallmarks of the band intact, and a reminder of why you listen to new albums in the first place.

One of the best albums of the year and a beacon in an otherwise fairly bleak 2007 (some notable exceptions from Wilco, Modest Mouse, The Good the Bad & the Queen, and Portugal. The Man notwithstanding).

Spare Me The Suspense........2007-08-04

With their third album, Interpol deliver the same brand of punk rock that made them popular with their debut, "Turn On The Bright Lights". Now you can argue whether they've improved or whether they've recycled themselves, but for me, I admit my bias up front, I like the band. I can't currently think of any other band that recreates The Psychedelic Furs and The Cure so well. There are flourishes of Lou Reed, early Human League, Sex Pistols, Joy Division, etc., but mostly I think of The Psychedelic Furs. So, I enjoyed "Our Love To Admire". Is it as good as "Turn On The Bright Lights" or "Antics"? I think so.

There's no one particular song that I didn't like, but "The Scale" seemed rather weak to me. The strongest song seems to be the first single, "The Heinrich Maneuver" which comes close to "Evil" from "Antics". Other songs I liked after repeatedly listening to the disc are "Pioneer To The Falls", "Mammoth", "All Fired Up", "Rest My Chemistry" and "Who Do You Think". The rest of the tracks are also decent, but not necessarily as strong.

Overall, "Our Love To Admire" is four stars, not five, because the band still needs to grow and incorporate a greater range into their style. This third album is solid, but they're starting to stand in one spot. It's a good spot, but something more adventurous and experimental would be more interesting next time.

Average customer rating: The winter gets cold in ways you always forget. a rhythm and soul workshop Well executed enjoyable album The ghost of you lingers SPOON RETURN WITH SOME NON FICTION FUN (3.7 stars)

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (Limited Edition Bonus Disc) Spoon Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Our Love to Admire Icky Thump Sky Blue Sky Easy Tiger The Reminder ASIN: B000RGSOQO Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Don't Make Me A Target
2. Ghost Of You Lingers, The
3. You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb
4. Don't You Evah
5. Rhythm And Soul
6. Eddie's Ragga
7. Underdog, The
8. My Little Japanese Cigarette Case
9. Finer Feelings
10. Black Like Me

Amazon.com

Something happened to Spoon between records five and six--they got big. It's not as if these unprepossessing Texans were unpopular before, but after Gimme Fiction, their music was everywhere. There was Britt Daniel, who has since moved to Oregon, singing karaoke on cult favorite Veronica Mars, there was his soundtrack for deadpan Will Ferrell vehicle Stranger Than Fiction, and then there were the countless times their tunes, especially 2002's "The Way We Get By," appeared in other movies and TV shows. The irony is that they hadn't signed to a major label (they tried that in the 1990s; it didn't take). Nor had they given their sound a major overhaul. Maybe it was a change of publicist, or maybe the times had simply caught up with these "faux punks/gentlemen dudes." In any case, Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is the mark of men confident enough to give their album one of the world's goofiest titles (at least it's an improvement over Queen's "Radio Ga Ga"). If Gimme Fiction was a transitional work, record number six moves even further away from the angularity of Wire and other early influences. "The Ghost of You Lingers," for instance, is downright dreamy, while "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" is brass-bedecked power-pop (with chimes!). Open-minded listeners will surely find this Beatlesque song cycle irresistible. Fans of the Spoon's darker, more dramatic material might want to check their expectations at the door. They'll be glad they did. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

This record starts with "Don't Make Me A Target", a song that builds on Spoon's familiar minimal rhythmic piano/guitar vamp popularized on earlier hits like "Small Stakes" or "The Way We Get By". The album quickly moves into uncharted territory with the atmospheric "The Ghost Of You Lingers" and moves through several different stylistic changes from the explosive "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb" to the wall-of-sound horns of radio single "The Underdog". Their most heartfelt batch of songs since 2001's "Girls Can Tell".

Customer Reviews:

The winter gets cold in ways you always forget........2007-08-07

While Spoon's sound has never made large evolutionary leaps, they have consistently tweaked their sound enough from album to album to keep their audience interested. If you listen to neighboring albums you might not notice much of a difference but put Telephono up against Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and you'll quickly realize that in over ten years they've danced across the indie rock spectrum from The Pixies to The Beach Boys. It's kind of like the sonic equivalent of six-degrees-of-Kevin-Bacon. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, their latest and arguably best album, continues this trend and is a fine example of craftsmanship and attention to detail without sacrificing what really matters: the songs.

Oftentimes when I hear an album filled with multiple tracks and noise tucked behind the instruments it causes me to roll my eyes and sarcastically exclaim that, whatever band I happen to be listening to, has "just discovered they were recording in a studio." Here the songs are upfront but Britt Daniel and company have also become interested in painting in the corners. What is amazing is that all of their choices seem like natural extensions of the songwriting. On another album the "studio talk" that appears at the beginning of "Don't You Evah" would be placed before the music begins, but here it's mixed within the drums and bass and seems like a perfect beginning before Daniel breaks into the first verse. Throughout the albums little additions like this enhance the songs in places (especially during the bridges) where most bands would clumsily throw in the kitchen sink just because they could.

The biggest break from past albums is probably "The Ghost of You Lingers." Here simple piano chords ride out the song while stereophonic Britt Daniels coos from all directions accompanied by a series from-a-can noises. "The Ghost of You Lingers" is the closest that Spoon has gotten to avant garde sound and yet feels perfectly natural and it's a reminder that the band has been experimenting from album to album. Although it's a track that mp3 lovers might call filler, in the context of the whole album it evokes tension that's begging to be released.

And that tension is released with "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," a wonderful pop song we've come to expect from Spoon. This series of tension-release occurs several times throughout the album. The middle songs never quite break into the full voiced choruses they easily could, and it isn't until track seven that "Underdog" delivers us a release with an uninhibited horn section. The platitude "You've got no fear of the underdog/ That's why you will not survive" may not have meaning at face value but when you're screaming it at the top of your lungs driving ninety down the highway you'll believe, oh, you'll believe. "Japanese Cigarette Case" is another fine example of tension/release within the same song, a vein popping chorus manages to break out the tense verses.

Too often Spoon has been called minimalists, and while not wholly inaccurate, it's also not a terribly consistent description. While the band may at times see what simple bass and drums can do, they're not afraid of a full sound, and a full sound is exactly what they revel in on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. Spoon have proven time and again that minimalism is merely a starting point but what the ending point is I, thankfully, cannot tell.

a rhythm and soul workshop.......2007-08-04

Gimme Fiction is such a damn fine album. I knew it was going to be hard to put that one aside and give this the full attention it deserves. It won't take long, though, to appreciate this alongside GF, as opposed to it. They're hard to compare. There was much more of an ominous presence on Gimme Fiction; it's as if Spoon really had to prove a point. Not so much on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. This may be an oversimplification, but a look at the album covers may shed some light between these albums. On GF, I get the sense that there's a method the band is following. The images of Red Riding Hood are prevalent and induce the feeling of a definite storyline, fiction, fantasy or what have you, the band is conjuring, from first song to last. That is, there's a journey to Gimme Fiction, a definite start and end.

On Ga however, an opposite approach is taken. The cover is taken of a workshop, where one may guess there's going to be a lot of stripping down, stuff wrenched apart, dumped out back, and the remaining material crafted to fit the band's needs. This workshop theme fits well to me because the album comes off as a highly polished, seamless assemblage of high quality songs. Complementing this is the subtle addition of out-takes of the album's production brilliantly inserted within the songs themselves, which gives the listener a feeling of being let in on the crafting of material instead of listening to an official release, or story. It's quite brilliant, really. Spoon have a great knack for involving the listener in their music, no matter what the theme of their release may be.

On to the songs then. All are standouts, it's just that simple. Well, I'll make an exception...I'm not too crazy about `Don't You Evah', it's a song that really doesn't contain valleys or peaks but rather flatlines for me. The rest, though, are really, really strong. Typically, lead guitar takes a backseat to the bass on this album, or at least an equally prominent place, which works well. The addition of the horns is also welcome, though not overused with the keyboards. Overall, there is an ethereal, stripped-down feeling in most of the songs, particularly in `Ghost of You Lingers' and `Japanese Cigarette Case'. `Rhythm and Soul' is my favorite song, along with `Finer Feelings'; everything just clicks perfectly on these. Cherry Bomb, Japanese Cigarette Case, Target, and Ghost of You Lingers are the best of the rest, nearly as good. Spoon really are merchants of soul, this album drips the stuff.

Well executed enjoyable album .......2007-07-31

Spoon has changed their approach gradually from album to album. They started off sounding Pixies influenced rock band making catchy, straightforward rock songs, to... a rock band making pop songs. They have always excelled at executing songs fantastically on their albums - Driving rhythms and perfectly executed vocals with an abundance of hooks. Throughout their career, the quality of albums has been very consistent - the weakest albums IMO, being Telephono and Gimme Fiction. And both of these albums are pretty decent. Since Gimme Fiction was a bit of a disappointment for me, I thought maybe Spoon was on the decline. Fortunately this album is an improvement.

In many ways this album is even more minimalist than their previous albums, but it is not lacking in hooks (unlike the last album). This album is lean, with no filler tracks- although there are songs that may not appeal to everyone. Many of the songs are pretty much Vocals, Drums, and Bass, with guitar often taking a back seat. If you miss 'Series of Sneaks' you may be disappointed in this.

"Don't make me a Target" starts the album out with a guitar based song with what appears to be statements to/about our executive branch. Politics are not typical of Spoon, but it works here, and although the song is very repetitive, it seems intentional and fitting.

"The Ghost of you lingers" is an oddball track that tries to create a mood and does so successfully. Not everyone will like the track, but its a grower and is good for certain moods.

"You got Yr Cherry Bomb" is a very good track that could fit on almost any Spoon album. Very upbeat sounding rock song about an ending relationship.

"Rhthm & Soul" is decent, but is a weaker track missing a strong hook.

"Eddie's Raga" is a pretty good and catchy song with lyrics that don't seem to be about anything profound. But it has a funny line 'And it'd been so long since I'd been suitably high... So we did an Airborne, settled in for the night.'

"The Underdog" is one of the 'singles' on the album. The music could be from a Belle and Sebastian song - with the simple acoustic guitar and horns, but is executed with signature Britt Daniels vocals. The song is very good, and is another political statement. It seems directed at the Executive Branch as well- stating that if the people in power don't listen to the people (and points out that they don't and arent interested) - they will ultimately fail. I wasn't impressed at first, but it is a very good track.

"My Little Japanese Cigarette Case" stands out from the rest of this album... for its melody and repetitiveness. Pretty good track about cocaine use.

"Finer Feelings" might be the catchiest song on the album - with a great hook and hand claps (I'm a sucker for hand claps). I'm not sure exactly what its about, but appears to be an anology between creating/performing/marketing music and finding love? In dunno.

"Black like me" is the ballad - very good song - the most emotional and sentimental. But is the only track that I think might be better if it didn't sound so sparce. Maybe I'm wrong there, but a very good choice of closing track.

If you liked the last 2 spoon albums you should like this as well. I still prefer "Series of Sneaks" or "Love ways," but this album is pretty good overall. I'm certainly looking forward to their next album.

The ghost of you lingers.......2007-07-29

Warning: Spoon have changed their sound, and made it poppier. If that fills you with dread, flee to the fire exits.

And their latest album "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" (a little dada homage) is Spoon trying out some new styles for their music. It's crammed crammed with more uptempo, energetic melodies, played on the bones of the band's tightly-wound, grimy rock'n'roll and darkly elusive lyrics. It's not a masterpiece, but it's not merely a rock band "going pop."

It kicks off with the tight, grimy riffs and thumping piano, with Britt Daniel murmuring, "Here come the man from the stars/we don't know why he go so far/and keep on marching along/beating his drum." It has a political vibe, without being too blatant about it ("When you reach back in his mind/feels like he's breaking the law...").

Okay. Now the experimentation begins, with percussive piano and Daniels' murmuring, echoing voice, like a ghost stuck inside a piano. And it's followed by the lush horn-and-piano rocker "You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb," which seems to be straddling the line between "fun and catchy" and "raw."

From there, they do some distinctly different spins on their usual raw rock'n'roll, which usually turn out pretty catchy -- tightly-wound guitar pop splashed with horns, rough-edged ballads, blazing dancey rock tunes, the grimy funky "Eddie's Ragga," a rattling acoustic rocker, and some raw powerpop flavoured with Hammond.

To be honest, the news that Spoon was trying out a "new" sound was enough to make me hop around in a panic. Well, I shouldn't have done that. While "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" is not a rock masterpiece on the level of "Gimme Fiction," the Austin band does an excellent job of dressing up their trademark sound with some new flourishes.

At heart, not much has actually changed -- Daniel provides the music with tight, grimy, sinewy guitar riffs, which form the core of almost every song, and some subtle, solid bass and wonderfully sharp drums. They form intense, complex melodies that grow stronger and more complex as each song proceeds.

But the music is bouncier and more colourful. The spare rock tunes are flavoured with Spanish guitar, shimmering Hammond organ, distorted voices, harp, haunting synth and horns -- some used sparingly, some in every other song. And Eric Harvey drapes a few of the songs in haunting, strong piano melodies -- particularly when he plays it like percussion.

Daniel's voice is rough and a bit scratchy most of the time; it's surprising that he's able to sound so peppy, considering that the songs hint at political strife, drug use, loneliness and heartache, and a girlfriend compared to a cherry bomb. Always hinted, never obvious ("The ghost of you lingers/Put on a clinic till we hit the wall... I had a nightmare nothing could be put back together").

Spoon take their sinewy rock'n'roll, and dress it up in colourful, rich clothing -- very different from their past sound, but "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" will grow on you.

SPOON RETURN WITH SOME NON FICTION FUN (3.7 stars).......2007-07-27

Silly album title aside, Spoon have made a good record, and in some ways, it's as good and likeable as 2005's Gimme Fiction. The big difference here is it sounds like they were really trying to be unique and different from some of the things they've done on albums past. After a few listens it becomes clear that it's a more segmented and disjointed record (which is ok). Old school fans might even say this record is zapped of some of the energy that made their last few records so enjoyable, but that doesn't make it dismissible in the least.

Over the years, Spoon have grown both in writing ability and commercial success (Jaguar commercial anyone), yet with Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (I'm not typing that again Mr. Daniel), they may have successfully shed any of those pesky "indie" labels, they had. This is partly is due to the band's ability to put out thier own brand of music in their own way, and partly due to their overall talent. The new record highlights this talent and makes the most band's incredible, and eclectic skill set. This is especially true when it comes to the anti-pop songwriting dynamic, something they do very well.

Songs start and stop through Ga effortlessly, yet, again, there isn't much flow from one track to the next. Each song definitely stands alone on their individual merit and direction. The album's production and mix are clean, yet not overdone, leading to a sound that sometimes feels like a night with Britt Daniel in his studio. There is a weird intimate jamming aspect to some of the songs (Don't Make Me A Target, Finer Feelings), but its all delivered in a quick manner. Nothing to get hung about.

There are a few potential big singles on Ga, but I don't think anything is showing up in a car commercial this time out. Even though the label of "grower" could be applied here, you can quickly find something on Ga to get excited about. Spoon doesn't shy away from a radio friendly, or sing-a-long friendly tune on Ga. You Got Your Cherry Bomb is about as straight-up hooky as a Spoon song can get, and between that and the bouncy nature of Underdog, the label heads were very pleased I'm sure. But it's the less obvious songs that are the real winners here. The Ghost of You Lingers is what I'm calling the indie version of chopsticks, and somehow, the insistent piano key pounding and droning pace, work like a charm. Don't Make Me a Target would have sounded right at home on Moonlight or Fiction, and it keeps things basic without losing any groovy-ness. Other highlights for me include: Cigarette Case, Ragga, and Don't You Evah, all of which are just stellar tracks that could stand out on any Spoon album, cohesive or not. This rings true for the band on much of this record, they keep things no-frills and take it one track at a time, without alienating their audience or a good album in the process.

Average customer rating: Great Music................... Another Excellent Album Great Album Welcome back to the House Simply Excellent

Time on Earth Crowded House Manufacturer: Ato Records / Red ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Farewell to the World Easy Tiger Our Love to Admire Beauty & Crime Crowded House: Farewell to the World Live ASIN: B000Q9OD7G Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

1. Nobody Wants To
2. Don't Stop Now
3. She Called Up
4. Say That Again
5. Pour Le Monde
6. Even A Child
7. Heaven That I'm Making
8. A Sigh
9. Silent House
10. English Trees
11. Walked Her Way Down
12. Transit Lounge
13. You Are The One To Make Me Cry
14. People Are Like Suns

Amazon.com

Fourteen years, a live CD/DVD, some solo albums, and one tragic suicide after Crowded House's last release comes this highly anticipated reunion. Singer/songwriter Neil Finn and bassist Nick Seymour reunited after the 2005 death of drummer Paul Hester, brought in a new member and two producers (Ethan Johns and Steve Lillywhite) to replace longtime cohort Mitchell Froom, and the impressive result is a logical and overdue addition to the band's previous four albums. Finn's knack for a melodic ballad remains firmly in place as Time on Earth coasts on his dreamy voice and introspective, hook-laden pop choruses. However, this is a more reflective collection that requires a few spins to fully reveal its charms. Finn co-writes "Even a Child" with Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, and that and the frisky "She Called Up" are the most buoyant tracks on this predominantly pensive disc. Finn has generally shaded towards a darker edge and this hour-long set might have benefited from more of the lighter touch he applies to "Transit Lounge," a song enhanced by Beth Rowley's lovely and startling wordless vocals along with jazzy electric piano and even airport sound effects. Strings, sitar, and intricate production add subtle elements that bolster the timeless musical qualities Finn has always reveled in. The ominous, even brooding "Silent House," a co-write with all three Dixie Chicks, is another highlight that sounds like nothing either has done before as it floats along on fuzz guitar and hurdy-gurdy, both courtesy of Johns. Trimming some weaker cuts would have made this a more focused listen, but Time on Earth is a worthy successor to Crowded House's existing catalog--a high compliment indeed. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Music..........................2007-08-07

Refreshing to hear interesting, well-crafted songs from these guys once again. I listen to alot of recordings, this one is definantly holding my attention.

Another Excellent Album.......2007-08-07

I admit I was a little nervous about hearing this album. Would it measure up to past releases? Simply put, yes, it does. Obviously, "Don't Stop Now" is a standout track but there are other gems as well like "She Called Up" and "Silent House". It's definitely a darker offering and I I like that they went there given what happened with Paul. It took me a few listens to appreciate some of the other songs but I think that's a sign of the collection's lasting impact. I still get chills from "Don't Stop Now".

Great Album.......2007-08-06

It took me a listen or two to get into this CD, but once I did, it didn't leave my CD player! This is a beautiful, glimmering, haunting record. Crowded House's usual antics are greatly tempered and informed by Paul Hester's death, and for this reason, I know I'll be listening to this one for a long long time.

Welcome back to the House.......2007-08-05

We missed you guys. This album is great. A bit sad perhaps and yes, we miss Paul too. Crowded House and Finn fans won't want to miss this great collection of songs.

Simply Excellent.......2007-08-03

No need for a lot of analysis; a great CD in every way and on every track.

Average customer rating: One of Vega's finest albums with a diverse sound with elements of jazz, folk, etc. mixed in the music It just keeps getting worse! The best so far? She's Like A Fine Wine, She Gets Better With Age Arrest this Woman! - More Pointless Music from Vega

Beauty & Crime Suzanne Vega Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Similar Items: Time on Earth Courage Breakfast in Bed Are You Listening Theology ASIN: B000H6SU9A Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

1. Zephyr & I
2. Ludlow Street
3. New York Is a Woman
4. Pornoghrapher's Dream
5. Frank & Ava
6. Edith Wharton's Figurine
7. Bound
8. Unbound
9. As You Are Now
10. Angel's Doorway
11. Anniversary

Amazon.com

With a career spanning more than two decades, Suzanne Vega has long stressed quality over quantity. It's no surprise, therefore, that her first release in six years is more than worth the wait. Her eye for detail, laconic vocal cool, and thematic focus on New York City continue to distinguish her artistry, but the sonic sheen applied by British producer/multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Hogarth sparks a musical renewal. Crisp guitar riffing recalls the streetwise work of fellow New York chronicler Lou Reed, while chamber strings, electronic atmospherics, and multitracked background vocals lift the results well beyond the folk realm. Vega writes from a perspective of memory and maturity, recalling the New York of old on "Zephyr & I" and "Ludlow Street," showing the musical sophistication of bittersweet seduction on "New York Is a Woman," applying a musical Brazilian wax to "Pornographer's Dream," and contemplating her life as a wife on "Bound" and as a mother on the lullaby "As You Are Now." The results are richly satisfying throughout. --Don McLeese

Amazon.com

On Beauty & Crime, Suzanne Vega's Blue Note Records debut, the Manhattan native uses New York City as the backdrop for a collection of eleven new songs that juxtapose acoustic guitar-driven melodies with coolly synthesized beats; intensely personal lyrics with compelling, short story-like narratives; images of today's scarred cityscape with memories of Vega's old Upper West Side 'hood and Lower East Side haunts. The past commingles with the present, the public with the private, familiar sounds with the utterly new, just like the city itself. Making her first new studio album in six years, Vega says, "I feel like I really stretched my limits. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone--to sing in keys I wouldn't have sung in before, to work with different textures, to be unafraid of doing what ever sounded good to me. I wanted to make a modern classic."

Suzanne Vega Photos

Album Description

2007 album produced by Jimmy Hogarth. She is accompanied by an eclectic group including Will Malone, Gerry Leonard, Lee Renaldo, Mike Visceglia and Doub Yowell. EMI.

Customer Reviews:

One of Vega's finest albums with a diverse sound with elements of jazz, folk, etc. mixed in the music.......2007-08-03

Suzanne Vega may be an acquired taste but after you've taken a drink of her latest album, you'll find it both intoxicating and difficult to give up. Admittedly there are those who dislike her hushed vocal delivery (which sounds at times like a female Lou Reed with echoes of Bob Dylan/Leonard Cohen where she isn't trying to "sing" the material so much as "discuss" her observations). I love Vega's delivery so sue me. She's a literate songwriter whose lyrics provide a nice constrast to the music which veers from folk, jazz, elements of techno sometimes within the same song.

"Beauty and Crime" is one of her best albums musically. This concept album about her adopted home New York is a loving and sometimes blunt assessment of the city that surrounds her and has been her muse off and on over the past twenty years. Vega has often taken stylistic detours sometimes off the beaten path like her flirtation with the techno elements that decorated "99.9f" and the smooth samba beat that showed up on "Nine Objects of Desire". Unlike those two albums the production of Jimmy Hogarth is less distracting and self-conscious than those two albums allowing the quality of the songs to shine through. For those that are interested the Japanese release has one extra song that comes in at just under two minutes. It's a good song but you won't miss it (unlike "Golden" from "Songs of Red and Gray) if you purchase the U.S. release of the album.

"Zephyr & I" and "Ludlow Street" have some of the most inviting melodies/arrangements since Vega's breakthrough album. "New York is a Woman" uses a pretty plain metaphor to describe a visitors first visit to the Big Apple. Vega's presentation is pretty straight forward folk outside of the occasional use of horns to decorate the song. "Poronographer's Dream" has an inviting beat and arrangement that echoes nightclub jazz. "Frank & Ava" and the lilting "Bound" are two other highlights. "Unbound" features the type of arrangements that were characteristic of "99.9F" but they are less obtrusive here,

As much as I have enjoyed all of her albums, "Beauty and Crime" is probably one of her most consistent, inviting and musically rich since her first two albums. "Days of Open Hand" was good but didn't extend much beyond "Solitude Standing". "99.9F" played with her sound providing her songs a great diving board to leap off into varied and different musical terrain. That continued on the stylistically diverse and often beautiful "Nine Objects of Desire" and "Songs in Red and Gray". "Beauty & Crime" brings all of this together but, more importantly, does so with the strongest batch of material she has written to date.

For those fans that are interested Vega's website also has a live album recorded for the "Songs in Red and Gray" tour available. It's also available for download from Itunes.

Retrospective: The Best of Suzanne VegaSolitude Standing
Nine Objects of Desire

It just keeps getting worse!.......2007-07-28

Ugh...I loved Suzanned Vega and then she married some fat old guy. Her music sucks to put mildly but fortunately it is a free country so you don't have to buy it...'nuf said

The best so far?.......2007-07-22

Trying to objectively assess any record a matter of weeks after its release is difficult, particularly when it's from such a complex artist as Suzanne Vega - as her previous albums show, her inherently "catchy" songs need time register for their underlying strength and hidden depths to be revealed... but, with time, it's quite possible that this could well prove to be the best release from this supremely gifted artist. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy another 5 star outing.

She's Like A Fine Wine, She Gets Better With Age.......2007-07-20

When I picked up Suzanne Vega's seventh studio release "Beauty & Crime", I did what a lot of people do these days - I ripped MP3 files for my computer. When I saw that the total time of the songs was only 34 minutes, I was a little disappointed because I have waited 6 years for her follow-up to the terrific "Songs in Red and Gray". But then I played the songs. Wow! The lady still has the magic. Although the songs are pretty short (only one exceeds 4 minutes and I actually think that song - "Bound" - drags on a little too long), they pack a punch. Personal favorites are "Edith Wharton's Figurines", "Unbound" and the one everyone seems to like, "New York is a Woman", which is about a suburban man's first trip to New York City. As a suburban man who will soon take his first trip to New York, I feel like Suzanne just gave me a tour!

I thought the CD was great and I hope she sees enough success with it that we'll hear from her again, hopefully sooner than 6 years from now. I'm looking forward to seeing her for the first time live later this year.

Arrest this Woman! - More Pointless Music from Vega.......2007-07-20

You know, I love acoustic female singer-songwriters as much as the next person (which isn't saying a whole lot), but I also know trash when I listen to it. This, unfortunately, falls into the latter category. I had highly anticipated this release, alongwith the new Sinead O'Connor record, but Sinead eventually let me down with her tepid double album of a release. Vega somehow manages to outdo her with this certifiable doozy of an album, which is a pity, since her last studio album was rather pretty.

"Beauty & Crime" (Suzanne evidently has very little of the former, and she has committed the latter here), is Suzanne's "Ode to New York" (did we really need another one?). I think Tori Amos did it best when she limited her political consciousness to one song about New York on her "I Can't See New York" from the "Scarlet's Walk" album. Well, this album is no "Scarlet's Walk". In fact, its not even "99.9F", which is amongst the weakest of the Vega albums. On its own, its an oddity with no definable purpose - which is OK if the music was great. But when the recently mangled Bjork record has more replay value than this monstrosity, I don't know what to say.

Lets consider the track "Ludlow Street". Even if you're a Vega fan put aside your love for this woman for an instant. On this track, her songwriting abilities are on par with lets say, Lindsay Lohan or Jojo. I kid you not. Here is a sample:

L"ove is the only thing that matters.
Love is the only thing that's real.
I know we hear this every day.
It's still the hardest thing to feel."

And thats just the FIRST VERSE!

Things only get worse on "Pornographers' Dream", which as a tune is acceptable enough (but then again, so were "The Garbage Pail Kids"). Here, Suzanne is apparently talking about a mans' pornographic muse or something - it isn't especially clear (or interesting):

"Bettie Page is still the rage
with her legs and leather;
she turns to tease the camera, and please us at home,
and we let her."

The problem then, if we turn from the lyrics, is the abject disrespect that Vega has for the listening audience. Granted, her tinny voice isn't exactly a selling point, but she is known for making harmlessly average folk-pop songs. What she's done here however, is bewildering. Even if you're a past fan, or a lover of music by Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann etc, theres nothing here of any worth, really.

Whats even worse is the cover photo that does nothing to elevate this beyond a vanity project of the most ill conception. I hate getting personal about artists, but in this case, one has to wonder how the record company could greenlight something so abjectly pedestrian. Its Vega after all, so its not like we expected anything groundbreaking (how could we?), but still - this is beyond whatever low expectations you had coming in.

"Frank and Ava" is a song that is again a mis-step. I have to wonder, is THIS the New York that Vega is observing? Its not terribly inviting. At best, this is like someone took the concept of sitting in a cozy Starbucks drinking a cup of coffee, and reverse engineered it on the premise of "how bad could we do this". I kid you not.

People, there have been only three great albums this year. "American Doll Posse" by Tori Amos, "Release the Stars" by Rufus Wainwright, and "Paige Aufhammer" by Paige Aufhammer. This record is nowhere near the top (read the critical reviews), and I would advise Vega from avoiding the recording room like the plague, in the future. This woman is not a musician, has no right recording music, and her place can be taken by someone more deserving. Sorry, but thats the truth.

Worst female album of the Year. Avoid.

Average customer rating: Like a "greatest hits" A Sure Fire Hit!! Fergies Troubles good What a surprise...

The Dutchess Fergie Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: FutureSex / LoveSounds The Sweet Escape Loose Back to Basics B'day ASIN: B000H4VV52 Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

1. Fergalicious (Featuring Will.I.Am)
2. Clumsy
3. All That I Got (The Make Up Song) Featuring Will.I.Am
4. London Bridge
5. Pedestal
6. Voodoo Doll
7. Glamorous (Featuring Ludacris)
8. Here I Come
9. Velvet
10. Big Girls Don’t Cry
11. Mary Jane Shoes (Featuring Rita Marley & The I-Three’S)
12. Losing My Ground
13. Finally

Amazon.com

If you thought Black Eyed Pea-sized bites of Fergie might be all you could handle--that a full plate of Fergie is possibly too much for any discerning musical palate--The Dutchess might change your mind. For here the lumpen lady throws caution to the wind and threads her pop needle with an ambitious ribbon of yet-to-be-conquered genres: reggae and ska on "Mary Jane Shoes," with Rita Marley; vintage soul on "Here I Come"; '80s hip-hop on "Fergalicious"; and sophisticated R&B on the John Legend-assisted "Finally." It's a tremendous and unpredictable expenditure of effort that mostly pays off--echoes of more talented vocalists like Pink, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera poke through in places. But while unbridled messing about can pay handsome artistic dividends (here, the guitar-propelled rock-like track "Big Girls Don't Cry" coughs them up), ultimately it's when Fergie's at her Peas-iest that she's most lovable; cases in point are the raunchily irresistible "London Bridge," which earned every week of its chart-topping success, and the will.i.am-assisted "Clumsy," a girl-group-styled bump-a-thon that showcases Fergie's coolest and most distinctive asset--her personality--to winning effect. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Like a "greatest hits".......2007-08-02

This is a must have CD. All the songs are enjoyable, infectious. What is interesting is that when listening to the whole CD, you hear a whole range of musical styles, keeping Fergie's own style intact. There are enough great songs on this to feel like it is a greatest hits CD.

A Sure Fire Hit!!.......2007-07-26

This is one of the best "chick" CD's ever!!!! I bought it six weeks ago from Amazon and I haven't listened to anything else since it came in the mail!!! It's terrific and fresh sounding and Fergie is a real artist!

Fergies Troubles .......2007-07-25

While this CD has a lotta hip/hop R/B and pop music on it there is also some songs that seem to dig into her insecure/darker years.The ever famous "Fergalicious" "London Bridge" are fun songs to dance to as is the anonymous "Here I come". "Glamourous" Is a laid-back luxurious kind-of song. It makes me want to lay out in a raft in my pool with a chocolate martini in hand. "Pedestal" Talks about the papparazzi invading her privacy and online gossip sites pertaining to celebs."Vooodoo doll" Seems to talk about dealing with dark magic. Probably, about a bad decision she made(what i was getting at in the title)"Clumsy" about the downfalls of falling in love."All that I got" Confidently talks about her lover seeing through her MAC n Maybelline and into her heart and soul. "Velvet" One of the best songs on the CD in my opinion, is about her being in love basically. It's really romantic to put it bluntly."Big girls dont cry" I was really starting to get annoyed by this song cuz they played it on Kiss 108 like every week-day morning. But anyways it's about leaving a love that made her feel safe n' sound, which I'm sure we can all realate to."Mary jane shoes" Actually talks about the shoes and how she has like "childhood adventures" when she puts them on. "Losing my ground" Is about problems in her life that she cant run away from. "Finally" Talks about how she FINALLY achieved her dream of being a star and how she never thought she would. I find that it inspires me since I dream of being a singer someday.Well, that's about it I think. But if you are a parent skeptical of buying this for your child I would highly recommend doing so!Fergie is soo talented!And I think a great role-model. Just make sure to get the edited version. ;)
-K.F.

good.......2007-07-24

It is okay but i was hoping for more dance tunes and less slow jams

What a surprise..........2007-07-23

Okay, so I admit to being a bit naive when it comes to buying music. I saw the explicit lyrics warning but couldn't figure out why it was there, I'd heard the CD and it seemed okay to me. I looked through all the reviews, no one said there was a "clean" version. Well, now I have a CD that I can't really listen to with kids around and will probably have to list it on eBay to get rid of it.

When there are 2 versions of a CD (explicit vs. clean) it should be listed somewhere that there are 2. I like the CD. The music is upbeat and Fergie has a terrific voice but unless I'm by myself there is no way I can play this with a carfull of kids.

Average customer rating: I love this CD Worst album of the four, but still worth buying. Excellent too safe Awesome

Who We Are Lifehouse Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: It Won't Be Soon Before Long My December Lost Highway No Name Face Lifehouse ASIN: B000Q9OD5I Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

1. Disarray
2. First Time
3. Whatever It Takes
4. Who We Are
5. Broken
6. The Joke
7. Easier To Be
8. Make Me Over
9. Mesmerized
10. Bridges
11. Learn You Inside Out
12. Storm

Amazon.com

Who We Are is another set of rousing anthems from this reflective trio. On their fourth full-length, the Los Angeles three-piece sets the template for a harder-rocking effort with dynamic opener "Disarray," in which singer/guitarist Jason Wade admits he doesn't know where he's going, but "wouldn't have it any other way." The band rocks even harder on album highlight "The Joke," a song inspired by a real-life suicide. It's a risk that pays off, although the lyrics almost make the subject seem more defiant than regretful. Throughout the record, Rick Woolstenhulme's drums sound like they're cranked up to 11--not that there's anything wrong with that (Bryce Soderberg holds his own on bass). In other words, the music isn't shy (or subtle), but Wade's words read more like questions than answers. Granted, closing number "Storm," with Rocco DeLuca on organ, brings things to a gentle close, but most tracks follow in the over-sized footsteps of post-grunge precursors, like Live and Stone Temple Pilots. Then again, as Abigail Van Buren used to say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." If Lifehouse ever find what they're looking for, to paraphrase yet another sage, they may as well pack it in. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

Lifehouse is singer-guitarist Jason Wade, drummer Rick Woolstenhulme and bassist-singer Bryce Soderberg. These three guys are a hit making machine!

Jason Wade proved himself a gifted songwriter with Lifehouse's first record, 2000's multiplatinum No Name Face, which spawned the #1 hit "Hanging by a Moment." Calling that song a hit, however, is a bit of an understatement as "Hanging by a Moment" was the most-played song of 2001.

Stanley Climbfall, the band's Top 10 follow-up, was released in 2002.

2005 saw the release of their third album simply titled Lifehouse which included the undeniable hit #1 multi-format hit "You And Me" and kept the band out on the road touring for over a year.

With Who We Are, Lifehouse takes another evolutionary step making an upbeat album full of potential hits sure to please fans and make new ones.

Customer Reviews:

I love this CD.......2007-08-07

I bought this at the same time as the new Wilco CD. They have a similar feel to them but I enjoy the Lifehouse CD more. I can listen to it over and over. I recommend it to everyone. I especially like "Whatever It Takes" and "Easier To Be Me". All the songs on this CD can resonate with a wide group of people.

Worst album of the four, but still worth buying........2007-08-03

Well Lifehouse is one of my favorite bands, and I own all there Cd's. I am a musician too, and have a fairly critical ear. Personally, the creativity, melodies, and lyrics on No Name Face can't be touched. this is still there best album to date. Second favorite would be Stanley Climbfall, followed by Lifehouse, there self titled album. I think this is there worst album so far, which is not to say its bad by any means. It still belongs in my collection with the others. Whatever it Takes, Broken, and The Joke are my favorites on this album, the other songs are still listenable. The Joke does sound a bit like it was left over from Stanley Climbfall sessions, and it does sound a bit similar to Just another Name, but i still really enjoy it, catchy.

Excellent.......2007-08-02

This CD is superior to the previous ones in so many ways. Not that they weren't good before, but Jason's songwriting has grown and matured and is just magnificent. You won't be disappointed if you liked the first 3. You may end up liking this one even better, too.

too safe.......2007-07-30

I have really enjoyed Lifehouse over the past couple of years and have never owned any of their stuff. I wanted a good summer listen, so I bought this cd. The songs were just okay, but only few were slighly catchy, the rest being very mellow and too safe. I really expected better of them. Overall, just 2 stars.

On the optomistic route, though, his voice was nice and the songs were sweet.

Awesome.......2007-07-28

These guys are awesome. I like this cd more every time I listen to it.

Average customer rating: Girlfriend Pleaser Incredible, refreshing, sexy cool! Great CD Evolution of Robin Thicke Get caught up in the thicke of things

Evolution of Robin Thicke Robin Thicke Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: A Beautiful World Collaborations Once Again Luvanmusiq Introducing Joss Stone ASIN: B000M8NMV4 Release Date: 2007-02-09

Tracks:

1. Got 2 Be Down
2. Complicated
3. Would That Make U Love Me
4. Lost Without U
5. Ask Myself
6. All Night Long
7. Everything I Can't Have
8. Teach U A Lesson
9. I Need Love
10. Wanna Love U Girl
11. Can U Believe
12. Shooter - Lil' Wayne
13. Cocaine
14. 2 The Sky
15. Lonely World
16. Angels

Amazon.com

R&B with tempo: Justin Timberlake resurrected it, and it's proving way more influential than that other lost commodity--sexy--he claimed to be bringing back in 2006 on FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake is to Robin Thicke what 'N Sync and Backstreet Boys were to a band like O-Town, in fact: he pretty much made it all possible. But even though it took one blue-eyed soulster with a hot look and an achy falsetto to bang down the door for another, Thicke presents a convincing case here that he had the goods to get us grooving all along: Evolution is a classy disc that tiptoes up to its listeners, first with an elegant duet with Faith Evans ("Got 2 Be Down"), next with a slick lament that wouldn't sound out of place on a Boyz II Men disc ("Complicated"), and then with a sweet plea that commands a finger-snap ("Would That Make U Love Me"). By the time we reach the long, sweeping lullaby that is the final track, "Angels," we've also had a taste of Thicke's swaggering side ("I Need Love," "Cocaine"), his hip-hop loving side ("All Night Long" and "Shooter," both with Lil Wayne), and the side that fantasizes about 1950s Latin ballrooms ("Everything I Can't Have," a hot tamale of a number that commands a visual if ever there was one: it's impossible to hear this song without imagining a raven-haired woman with a red rose between her teeth). Despite the range of moods on display, they're all in service to Thicke's inner R&B smoothie, and they all brush up against the ear with something like affection. Hard as it will be for listeners of a certain age to get past knowing that Thicke is the son of Alan Thicke, the actor who did his part to cheese up 1980s TV with the sitcom Growing Pains, they're going to have to: with his fan base swelling by the second, the evolution of Robin Thicke is going to be a deservedly loud one. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

NOTE: This deluxe edition features a ringtone of "Lost Without U," an autographed poster, and cell-phone wallpaper.

The Evolution of Robin Thicke is the second solo album from the critically acclaimed, Grammy award winning songwriter and producer of records for such artists as Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera. The album is a timeless work of art. With a voice of purity, passion and soulfulness, Robin brings to life the stories and emotions of the last two years of his life.

The album is filled with incandescent magic. It is an album that tells the tales of love, loss, temptation, redemption and finding hope when all the odds are against you. "My greatest desire with this album was to write songs that were completely honest and sing them with the emotion I was feeling when I wrote them, so that whoever listens to my music is brought as close to my experiences and life as possible."

Reflective, redemptive, passionate and etched with a soulfulness that is undeniable, The Evolution of Robin Thicke is an imaginative and heart-felt album that you cannot help but be moved by, bob your head to and smile throughout.

FEATURING GUEST APPEARANCES BY Faith Evans, Pharrell, and Lil' Wayne PRODUCTION BY The Neptunes

Customer Reviews:

Girlfriend Pleaser.......2007-08-06

It doesn't matter what I think about it, my girlfriend loved it. That's worth the five stars!

Incredible, refreshing, sexy cool!.......2007-08-03

Great lyrics, voice and music! Almost every track is memorable. I Need Love, Can U Believe, Angel, Would That Make U Love Me, Teach U A Lesson, Got 2 Be Down, Lost Without U...Thicke shines in this modern classic!

Great CD.......2007-08-01

Robin Thicke really impressed me with his latest CD. It's wonderfully fresh, hip and soulful. Can't wait until his next one.

Evolution of Robin Thicke.......2007-07-30

Arrived when promised and in excellent condition. Best music I have heard in a long time.

Get caught up in the thicke of things.......2007-07-27

Rarely do you find a cd that has every cut worth listening too, worth singing too, worth repeating over and over again.....it is excellent.

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2. Serie Retratos [Limited Edition] [Import]
3. Soundpath
4. South India: Periya Melam - Chidambaram Temple
5. Super Exitos Sabrosos
6. Talents du Siecle, Vol. 1 [Import]
7. Terra Nostra, Vol. 2 [Import]
8. The Cherry Electric
9. Tony Christie - Best of [Import]
10. Transcendental Compassion

World Music

world music

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Amphibia [Import]

Armenian Orchestral Music

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A Verdade [Import]

Absolutely Free [Original recording remastered]

4 Ever Blue [Import]

A Portrait of the Viola

2

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Old New Borrowed Blue