Ponk!! [Import]

1. Japanese

2. Guns'n' Butter

3. Japanese

4. Japanese

5. Teenage Dream

6. A Stick And Honey

7. The Requiem

8. King Of The Streak

9. Japanese

10. Japanese

11. Japanese (White Nites)

12. Just Let Me Go

13. Chinese Magic Herb

Ponk!!,Seikima-II,Sony,World Music

Average customer rating: International Ride Pink Martini is an undescribable band! Time for a change Sublime Classic Pink Martini

Hey Eugene! Pink Martini Manufacturer: Heinz Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Lounge | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sympathique Hang on Little Tomato Betcha Bottom Dollar Latenight Betty Call Me Irresponsible ASIN: B000NVIGI4 Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

1. Everywhere
2. Tempo Perdido
3. Mar Desconocido (Uncharted Sea)
4. Taya Tan
5. City Of Night
6. Ojala
7. Bukra Wba'Do (Tomorrow And the Day After)
8. Cante E Dance
9. Hey Eugene
10. Syracuse
11. Dosvedanya Mio Bombino (Farewell To My Bumblebee)
12. Tea For Two

Amazon.com

After a seven-year gap between their first and second albums, Pink Martini have brought forth their third long-player just over two and a half years later. Based in Portland, Oregon, this dazzling 12-piece ensemble are led by pianist Thomas Lauderdale and fronted by vocalist China Forbes. Their rich musical journeys carry listeners everywhere from a ballroom in Havana to a cabaret in Paris. This set even includes a number in Japanese and another in Arabic. With their strings, horns, and sultry rhythms, Pink Martini find the common denominators in these musics from around the globe. Hey Eugene! is perfectly bookended with a pair of decidedly American numbers: their original "Everywhere" evokes musicals from Hollywood's golden era, while "Tea for Two" finds guest duet partner Jimmy Scott adding his emotionally riveting singing. While Lauderdale and his cohorts draw from past times and styles, they never come off as museum curators; rather, they celebrate the vibrancy that makes music timeless. --David Greenberger

Album Description

"This ensemble from Portland, Oregon, wowed the fabulous on the Cannes party circuit ... but that accomplishment hardly addresses the beautiful and sophisticated music of Pink Martini ... breathtaking." -- THE NEW YORKER

"No matter how Pink Martini gets described, there's always an element being overlooked, a reliance on phrases such as lounge, cosmopolitan rumba, or neo-classical that only tells part of this rich story. Impressive at every musician's station, this ensemble produces music that's charming and elegant." -- VARIETY

Pink Martini--the genre-bending, best-selling, supremely talented, and raucously fun twelve-piece ensemble that the New Yorker calls simply "beautiful," sophisticated," and "breathtaking"--returns with Hey Eugene! a twelve-track sonic journey anchored by deft songwriting and a no-holds-barred dose of cabaret showmanship. "We're kind of like musical archaeologists, bringing melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something that is modern," explains bandleader, artistic director, and founder Thomas Lauderdale.

Delivered with sultry grace by lead singer China Forbes, Hey Eugene! shines throughout--from the golden-era Hollywood melody of "Everywhere" to the French cabaret of "Ojala." Other collaborations anchor the set as well: the pan-world "Dosvedanya, Mio Bombino" with its Latin-meets-Russian beat and globetrotting subject matter, plus the Forbes-Lauderdale-penned sexy sway of "City of Night." Peruvian percussionist Martin Zarzar debuts the romantically complex "Mar Desconocido" and bassist Phil Baker adds the quiet beauty of "Cante e Dance." The group also mines the past for hidden gems, including the Japanese-language track "Taya Tan" and their first-ever recording in Arabic, "Bukra wba'do." Meanwhile, clever lyricism leads to an empowering dose of pop perfection on the title track by Forbes (about a boy she met at a party who asked for her number and never called). Finally, jazz legend Jimmy Scott makes a stunning vocal guest appearance in a duet with Forbes on the closing song "Tea for Two."

With Hey Eugene! Pink Martini has returned with an exhilarating album full of uncompromising musicianship, hope, beauty, and joy!

Customer Reviews:

International Ride.......2007-07-15

This was my introduction to Pink Martini, and I loved it. Now I wish I could give more than a 5 to Hang on Little Tomato. The international mix is much of what draws me in with them--and it does make for a fun ride.

Pink Martini is an undescribable band!.......2007-07-10

This is a unique and undescribable group...the music (lyrics, composition and arrangement) is superb with a Latin and European flair...check out the New York Times music review of the group on June 15th, 2007...you will love this band!

Time for a change.......2007-07-09

Loved the previous 2 albums, feel a bit ripped of by this one. I guess too much of a good thing becomes... too much!

Still enjoyable, just not thoroughly enjoyable. More like background music.

Ok Pink Martini, now is the time to get some inspiration and produce a 4th album with some kick, new colors and tunes, and show you are here to last.

All this being said because I found you all "sympathique" last time you came to Luxembourg. So I am yearning for more!

Sublime.......2007-07-08

As expected Pink Martini's third album fulfils every musical expectation. if ever a band was created to inspire joy it's Pink Martini. Their music transports you to the four corners of the globe and spins you in the process, spilling whatever martini you currently have in hand. China's voice and all that masculine percussional and horn support blows me every time. All three albums are every collections must haves.

Classic Pink Martini.......2007-07-03

I've now seen this wonderful, energetic band twice live, and heartily recommend the experience to anyone! Their newest album is great, although I do think that overall, the first two albums are a little better. But as always, there are some wonderful tracks -- and mixed into a live performance, it all just makes sense, in an eclectic Pink Martini kinda way. LOVE this group!!

Average customer rating: Stunning All the World's a Lounge Boring & Inoffensive Incredible Precocious

Sympathique Pink Martini Manufacturer: Heinz Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Swing Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hang on Little Tomato Hey Eugene! Latenight Betty Dreamland Careless Love ASIN: B000005IQ6 Release Date: 1997-11-18

Tracks:

1. Amado Mio
2. No Hay Problema
3. Sympathique
4. Que Sera Sera
5. La Soledad
6. Donde Estas, Yolanda?
7. Andalucia
8. Song Of The Black Lizard
9. Never On Sunday
10. Brazil
11. Lullaby

Amazon.com

While the cocktail lounge fad has seen more than a few musicians climb aboard as a career move, the members of Pink Martini are no bandwagon-riding aficionados. Fronted by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini is the real article--a band that approaches the music with unwavering seriousness yet never forgets the fun at the heart of it. Sympathique, the band's debut album reveals an incredibly diverse musical vocabulary on the part of frontman Lauderdale. And what singer China Forbes lacks in range and dynamics, she more than compensates for in attack, approach, and a clear understanding of the material. While most of the songs are upbeat, in the hands of Lauderdale and Forbes, "Qué será será," with its dark atmospherics should be rechristened "Qué será noir." --Wayne Pernu

Customer Reviews:

Stunning.......2007-07-11

One Word AMAZING!!! If you ever get a chance, SEE THEM LIVE...YOU WILL BE BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER!!!

All the World's a Lounge.......2007-07-10

Pink Martini,an eclectic lounge orchestra, can credit both Boston,Massachusetts (a.k.a Beantown) and Portland,Oregon (a.k.a. the City of Roses),as well as Pacific Northwest politics,for its existence. Originally, bandleader Thomas Lauderdale formed it to perform at benefits to combat the ultra-conservative Oregon Citizens Alliance' quixotic anti-gay rights measures on the ballots. Despite its political origins, Pink Martini has grown into being "Portland's House Band", encompassing a wide range of styles and fans.

Pink Martini's debut album,"Sympathique",is now a decade old,and still vibrant. The opening,"Amado Mio",sounds like a perfect song for an Italian restaurant with a Chianti bottle on the table. "No Hay Problema" and "Andalucia" are both tapas-like instrumentals;while the latter is definitely Spanish,the former is Latin sounding. The selections "Song of the Black Lizard" and "Never on Sunday" add the savory musical flavors of Japan and Greece to the mix. "Que Sera Sera" is an amazing piece of black comedy;it would've been perfect for Vincenzo Natali's vampire sequence in "Paris Je T'Aime" (in which a beautiful Gallic vampire lady ends up with a geek) because China Forbes sings with delicious irony. "Brazil" is a glorious sun-baked ode to that country (and the choir isn't intrusive) "Sympathique" is all-American nouvelle chanson,and "Lullabye" is the lilting wordless version of it.

"Sympathique" is full of fun,toe-tapping music. It's perfect for a cocktail party!

Boring & Inoffensive.......2007-07-02

Obviously a lot of people like this CD, but I am not one of them. It has a couple of songs that are nice, but for me it is mostly a wide variety of reasonably boring and inoffensive music... not bad (except for "Que Sera, Sera" which I don't like with the exception of Sly Stone's version), but nothing to very captivating either.

Incredible.......2007-06-24

Pink Martini put on an excellent show here recently in Cleveland, Ohio.
It was such a delight. I recommend all fans to enjoy their latest release Eugene.

Precocious.......2007-06-18

The famous first album of this exceptionally talented Harvard-by-way-of-Portland band shows all the hallmarks of precociousness. The orchestrations are exceptionally musically accomplished and witty, and the cosmopolitan tone is amusing and intelligently achieved. When they get it right, as they do for about 80% of their songs (most notably a sensational Chopin-inspired fantasy called "La Soledad"), they knock it out of the ball park. There are a few numbers that do seem to be trying too hard, such as a dark and purposefully off-key rendition of "Que Sera Sera" that tries to do for Doris Day what "La Valse" did for Johann Strauss; but this is a maiden effort, and allowances should be made for the artists trying to feel their way into their singular style. The band's lead singer China Forbes does not here have the kind of control over her voice she would later develop, although she still sounds powerful and arresting; impresario and arranger Thomas Lauderdale's efforts, on the other hand, had already reached their dazzling level of confidence and sophistication.

Average customer rating: love it, I've played it a lot! Fantastic discovery! Fantastic AH! SHE OUT DID HERSELF! Wow! I know I'm late but this album is excellent!

I'm Not Dead Pink Manufacturer: La Face ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Missundaztood Taking The Long Way The Dutchess The Sweet Escape Loose ASIN: B000EGCITG Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

1. Stupid Girls
2. Who Knew
3. Long Way To Happy
4. Nobody Knows
5. Dear Mr. President (Featuring Indigo Girls)
6. I'm Not Dead
7. 'Cuz I Can
8. Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)
9. U + Ur Hand
10. Runaway
11. The One That Got Away
12. I Got Money Now
13. Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self
14. I Have Seen The Rain (Featuring James T. Moore)

Amazon.com

Some music is celebrated for its elegant subtlety; Pink's slams you over the head. Four albums in, she's not changing her formula. I'm Not Dead touches on bulimia ("Stupid Girls"), war-mongering politicians ("Dear Mr. President"), teen angst ("Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self," "Runaway"), overheated pickup artists ("U + Ur Hand"), and gross materialism ("I Got Money Now"). None of it, in other words, is for featherweight listeners. Then again, none of it suits eggheaded college tastemakers either. Where this translates, then, is with those willing to man up and embrace what makes Pink Pink: her spellbinding ability to render rebelliousness in all the many colors of the rainbow. Neil Young-inspired acoustic guitar is sketched into "The One That Got Away," but it's just as quickly scribbled over by Joan Jett-style ranting (on "Long Way to Happy") and Janis Joplin/Joss Stone-fueled howling (on "Who Knew"). Even R&B gets its turn ("I Got Money Now"). The album also includes appearances from the Indigo Girls, who duet on "Dear Mr. President," and Pink's father, who joins for the hidden track "I Have Seen The Rain." Pink pulls all of this off, and probably without even breathing hard. She's not dead. --Tammy La Gorce

More from Pink

Missundaztood

Can't Take Me Home

Try This

Customer Reviews:

love it, I've played it a lot!.......2007-07-14

LOVE HER! Tracks 7 8 and 9 are continually played in my car. I love the whole album including the song with her dad (no credit though, why not?). She's real, shares a lot in her lyrics, and real artists are hard to come by these days.

Fantastic discovery!.......2007-06-28

I never was a fan of hip hop/dance/rap music, so I never really paid attention to Pink. I'll be the first to admit that was a big mistake. I heard "Who Knew" on the radio and was absolutely bowled over! I immediately went out and bought the album based on that one song. Turns out the album is full of fantastic musical gems. I didn't realize she changed her style to more of a rock/pop style. "Stupid Girls" is a great social statement (and totally made me think of Paris Hilton). "Who Knew" is one of my favorite songs of all times. "Long Way to Happy" is so catchy and awesome, it's my 2nd fave on the album. "Nobody Knows", "Dear Mr. President" and "I Got Money Now" are all great slowed down songs. I almost cried the first time I heard "Dear Mr. President". Extremely political and so very true, beautifully sung and deserves a lot of attention. "U + Ur Hand" and "Leave me Alone" are fun and full of attitude.

I'd like to add that not only is this album awesome, but I finally found out that Pink is an incredible vocalist and performer. Based on that, I ended up buying Misunduztood and there are several songs on that album I loved as well. I just wish I had noticed Pink long before this! Buy the album, you won't be disappointed!

Fantastic.......2007-06-10

Great album! Pink has really shown some great range! This cd is way beyond some "Stupid Girls".

AH! SHE OUT DID HERSELF!.......2007-06-06

EXCELLENT. EXCELLENT. EXCELLENT. A PINK MUST HAVE.

Intelligent, thoughtful, inspiring!

Wow! I know I'm late but this album is excellent!.......2007-06-05

"Stupid Girls" and "U + Ur Hand" got the attention but "Who Knew" and "Nobody Knows" really are great standouts as well. Pink has great vocals and she's versatile (her acoustic songs sound great as her pop/rock songs). Pink is really talented and I'm really late in finding this out. But I will be checking out her "artistic" debut "M!ssundaztood" (her proper debut was "Can't Take Me Home"). The best thing about this album is that it has personality. I know that sounds silly but what I mean it's fleshed out. It's probably the most entertaining album I've heard all year.

Average customer rating: The Wall ,,,,,,Nuf Said Waters dominated effort hurtling toward a dark and dreary place Great Album The Wall Essential recording

The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered) Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Disco | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wish You Were Here Dark Side Of The Moon Animals Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition Meddle ASIN: B000006TRV Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. In The Flesh?
2. The Thin Ice
3. Another Brick In The Wall, Part 1
4. The Happiest Days Of Our Lives
5. Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2
6. Mother
7. Goodbye Blue Sky
8. Empty Spaces
9. Young Lust
10. One Of My Turns
11. Don't Leave Me Now
12. Another Brick In The Wall (Part III)
13. Goodbye Cruel World

Tracks:

1. Hey You
2. Is There Anybody Out There?
3. Nobody Home
4. Vera
5. Bring the Boys Back Home
6. Comfortably Numb
7. The Show Must Go On
8. In The Flesh
9. Run Like Hell
10. Waiting For The Worms
11. Stop
12. The Trial
13. Outside The Wall

Amazon.com Essential Recording

The Wall is less a collection of songs than a single work, which is sometimes frustrating; the plot lacks enough coherence to hold the snippets of music together. However, there are occasional flashes of brilliance on what ranks as Pink Floyd's most ambitious project. Most of these come from the fully developed songs, which have become classics in their own right. "Hey You," "Mother," and especially "Comfortably Numb" are subtle, incredible pieces of music. Though complex, they move at a relaxed pace, allowing the listener to absorb them slowly; this kind of pacing was something Pink Floyd excelled at. Also worth noting is the "Another Brick in the Wall/The Happiest Days of Our Lives" medley, which has become a staple of rock radio. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

The Wall ,,,,,,Nuf Said.......2007-07-15

What is there that I could possibly write that hasn't been written before about perhaps one of the greatest concept albums ever? (Genesis' "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" being the other....yes, Genesis actually existed before Phil Collins took over vocals when the genius behind the band, Peter Gabriel, departed...but I digress) The only bon mot I could add is the fact that after all these years, "The Wall" still succeeds in captivating listeners. I introduced my 6 year old daughter to the cd first, then the movie...she is now a huge fan of not only "The Wall" but earlier Floyd stuff as well.

Waters dominated effort hurtling toward a dark and dreary place.......2007-07-12

My first exposure to the Floyd was in '73 (DSOTM)- Problem is, DSOTM set the bar so high that every subsequent Waters effort work became narrower in scope...so with The Wall we are no longer conteplating the life's looming questions but rather seeing the world from the inside out of an individual, isolated, bitter, musician. It doesn't leave much room for personal interpretation.

That being said, there are enjoyable musical moments on this work. As others have noted, The Wall, is colored to a much greater extent by the personality of Roger as his works became lyrically denser at the expense of the fine instrumental passages of the earlier works. There are also songs that you simply want to skip (thank goodness for CDs). Some songs, such as "Comfortably Numb", have personally become more meaningful due to circumstances occuring in my life (my dad was in a coma). So, I wouldn't dismiss the entire work as rubbish...just be prepared for a Pink Floyd on steriods/cocaine (seems the Lysergic had declined in popularity).

Great Album.......2007-07-11

That first review pretty much sums up the whole "The Wall" album. there's not much I can add except just this is a slow paced but enjoyable musical experince. This is well worth getting and is actually my first Pink Floyd CD, and is a good introduction to them. I highly recommend it to people who like classic rock as the music is very soft played, so no head thrashing.

The Wall.......2007-07-09

This is a great listening experience. Many of the songs on this classic two CD set are amongst the best Pink Floyd has released. Some of them are just okay; however, the majority make for a five star experience. I suggest making yourself comfortably numb and enjoying one of the more popular rock experiences of all time.

Essential recording.......2007-07-02

All has been said after more than a thousand review. This is a must have double cd, a great conceptual double album. All kind of musical style, rock (In the Flesh, Young Lust, Run like hell), melodic ballads (Mother, Goodbye blue sky), radio hit (Another brick part II), prog classic (Confortably Numb), classic (The Trial)
As Amazon, I agree, this is an essential cd. A must have.

Average customer rating: Hang on Little Tomato Quirky but Nice The World is Flat... and Pink Now here's a reason to watch PBS Better than ever

Hang on Little Tomato Pink Martini Manufacturer: Heinz Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Sympathique Hey Eugene! Latenight Betty Dreamland Careless Love ASIN: B0002S94WK Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

1. Let's Never Stop Falling In Love
2. Anna (El Negro Zumbon)
3. Hang On Little Tomato
4. The Gardens Of Sampson & Beasley
5. Veronique
6. Dansez-vous
7. Lilly
8. Autrefois
9. U Plavu Zoru
10. Clementine
11. Una Notte A Napoli
12. Kikuchiyo To Mohshimasu
13. Aspettami
14. Song Of The Black Swan

Amazon.com

Pink Martini should be known as the little orchestra that walks a fine line in its music. The Portland, Oregon, outfit is deeply influenced by Latin music, jazz, cabaret, cinema scores, and a smattering of other styles. But rather than simply aping legendary artists in their prime--and fooling only a few dim bulbs in the process--band shakes things up by writing its own material, or at least creating tasteful new arrangements that fit within the band's unique post-lounge framework. The band keeps the playful musical vibe on Hang On Little Tomato, but jettisons what kitsch factor it had, choosing to focus wholly on original material or stuff that isn't recognizable to the average music fan. It's been a seven-year wait for fans since the band's fun debut, Sympathique, and while the blush is now off the rose, the band's creative ambitions and talent are never better displayed than here on their second effort. - Tad Hendrickson

Album Description

Somewhere between a 1930s Cuban dance orchestra, a classical chamber music ensemble, a Brazilian marching street band and Japanese film noir is the 12-piece Pink Martini.

Part language lesson, part Hollywood musical, the Portland, Oregon-based "little orchestra" was originally created in 1994 by Harvard-graduate Thomas M. Lauderdale to play at political fundraisers for progressive causes such as public broadcasting, clean water, libraries, civil rights and affordable housing. In the years following, Pink Martini has gone on to perform its multilingual repertoire on concert stages, in smoky clubs and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Greece, Turkey, Taiwan, Lebanon and the U.S.

Hang On Little Tomato, Pink Martini's much-anticipated second album, features a collection of original songs written by the band and its extended family as well as a few undiscovered gems reinterpreted in high style. Drawing on themes articulated on Sympathique, Hang On Little Tomato is the result of the group's diverse collaborations and inspirations. From an advertisement for Hunt's Ketchup in a 1964 issue of Life magazine to a dance sequence in the 1950 Italian film Anna, Hang On Little Tomato includes songs in French, Italian, Japanese, Croatian, Spanish and English. "Una Notte a Napoli," for example, was written with Alba Clemente - an Italian stage and television star in the 1970s - and DJ Johnny Dynell of the legendary New York-based nightclub Jackie 60. In a reworking of the Japanese song "Kikuchiyo To Mohshimasu," Pink Martini collaborated with Hiroshi Wada, the slide guitarist whose group originally recorded and released the song in 40 years ago.

Originally released in 1997, Sympathique met with rave reviews worldwide, finding a place within the hearts of many and selling well over a half million copies. Building its legacy through unstoppable word of mouth, select high profile symphony dates, prominent placement in film and television and fashionable private appearances, Pink Martini has returned with their highly-anticipated follow up. Hang On Little Tomato is every bit the new album Pink Martini fans have been longing for. Lush string arrangements, soaring vocals and cosmopolitan rhythms unfurl from the brilliant international hemisphere that is Pink Martini.

Customer Reviews:

Hang on Little Tomato.......2007-07-02

I love this group and this CD does not disappoint. A unique mix of selections enhanced, as always, by the outstanding musical talent of the group.

Quirky but Nice.......2007-06-27

So...I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Hang on Little Tomato, as I had heard an excerpt from another album on Public Radio, the one where China sings Que Sera with carnival music in the background. That piqued my interest. I did listen to the samples before I ordered it, but couldn't really tell much. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. I am a classical music fan and have spent many years singing choral music in a number of languages so the songs sung in French and Italian to a Latin rhythm were intriguing. I also liked their "big band" styling. There was only one song on the album that I didn't like, and considering that they wrote most of the music, that's a pretty significant average for me.

The World is Flat... and Pink.......2007-04-29

Seamlessly crossing genres and generations and geographies, Pink Martini's second album is stellar, erudite, and delightful. It is perhaps a wee bit less dazzling than their first (Sympathique), but far above and beyond most of today's music. I've waited a few years to write my review on this one, but since the third album is being released in May 2007, I thought I'd better get moving.

Pink Martini is a group of 15 musicians, occasionally augmented by additional strings. There is one musician from the first album missing: Pepe Raphael, who was a vocalist as well as songwriter. His departure may explain why "Hang On Little Tomato" is a bit less "edgy" than the first album. (You can hear Pepe on the album "Latenight Betty" by Pepe and the Bottle Blondes, which is quite good but at times a bit too camp/kitschy.)

Every song on "Hang On Little Tomato" is a work of art. In the opening of the first cut, a sea of strings sweeps you into a Cuban nightclub, and China Forbes, Pink Martini's leading lady, draws you in with her sultry vocal delivery. She caresses the lyrics "I know a falling star can't fall forever, but let's never stop falling in love." As the song builds, each talented musician in the group adds to the charm; the keyboard, the trumpets, the percussion: perfection. In addition to providing luscious vocals, China Forbes shares songwriting credit for this along with Thomas M. Lauderdale, the group's pianist.

The second cut, "Anna (el negro zumbon)," continues the Latin flavor, featuring a duet with China and Timothy Nishimo (the group's replacement for Pepe, I suppose, as Timothy was not on the first album). This is one of those songs that forces you to move to the beat; quite fun. Superb percussion, including Heinz the barking dog!

The title cut, "Hang On Little Tomato," features a marvelously mellow clarinet prelude, and a boop-boop-be-doop vocal by China Forbes. Sheer delight. Next comes "The Gardens of Sampson and Beasley," another original work that uses strings and harp to mold a mellow charm, and features a bit of "My Darling Clementine" woven in. The garden referenced is Bella Madrona in Sherwood, Oregon, owned by Jim Sampson and Geoff Beasley.

Continuing the mellow mood, Pink Martini next returns to film noir land, offering a sparse, nostalgic "Veronique," with chilling vocals and trumpet performed by Robert Taylor. French is next, with "Dansez-Vous." I originally thought this was the weakest cut on the album, but after seeing them perform this number live, I have a different opinion. In concert, an extended version of this song is a showcase for the multitude of musical talent that resides in the people of Pink Martini.

With "Lilly," the Latin groove returns, and two trumpets dance with staccato piano and piquant percussion. We quickly jump back to French, with a spare, haunting, wistful, "Autrefois." I love this song! It starts out with a funky drumbeat, which quickly is joined by nostalgic piano chords and a soul-searing violin. What a delightful juxtaposition--the modern percussion and the classic violin, piano, and mandolin. And the longing lyrics tell a tale of fond memories "a good long time ago." The soul capture continues on the next cut, U Plavu Zoru. Patsy Chang's opening cello is unbelievable (see this number in concert for a true soul-shaking experience!). The lyrics of this original song are in Croatian. Why? Why not? Music is the communication form that still delights even if one can't understand the words. "U Plavu Zoru" highlights the outstanding musicianship of each individual member, and the talent of the team, as they take us on a symphonic, operatic journey featuring strings, brass, keyboard, and China's gorgeous voice.

The next cut, "Clementine," brings back memories of the sixties. This song channels Burt Bacharach, or perhaps Herb Alpert, and trombone aficionados will be very pleased. The mid-twentieth century tribute continues with "Una Notte a Napoli." This song could have been used instead of "Tu Vuo' Fa L'Americano" in that Italian nightclub scene in "The Talented Mr. Ripley."

In a very Pink Martini move, the next song jumps to Japan, and a Japanese pop song from the sixties. For its cover of this song, Pink Martini enlisted Hiroshi Wada to recreate his slide guitar from the original. This music embodies all the mystery and distinction of Japanese culture, and through simplicity creates great beauty. To continue the "beauty through simplicity" theme, the next number, "Aspettami (Wait for Me)," features only the voice of China Forbes and the guitar of Dan Faehnle, blending to create soothing charm.

And finally, a bit of bit of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos: Song of the Black Swan. This lush instrumental track carries us, blissfully, to the conclusion of Pink Martini's magical musical world tour. I wish politicians could bring harmony across cultures as well as these musicians.

All but three of the album cuts were written by members of the group, which is the inverse of the case on their first album. I believe you will enjoy and never tire of this CD. If you have the chance to see Pink Martini in concert, run, don't walk. I'll see them again in two months. And remember the new one arriving in May 2007!

Now here's a reason to watch PBS.......2007-04-26

This CD is glorious! Listening to it almost makes PBS worth watching. LOL! I love that this CD is multi-lingual and jazzy. This is one of my favorite CDs.

Better than ever.......2007-03-28

Phenomenal! Love the varying languages. Love the vocals. The songs keep running through my head long after I listen. I hope it's not so long before the next album!

Average customer rating: Relevant Over 30 Years Later wwords can barley describe Dark Side Of The Moon Is Rock N' Roll's Definitive Masterwork EXCELLENT: BUT THE BEST ALBUM EVER RECORDED ? Very intellectual album 5/5 stars

Dark Side Of The Moon Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wish You Were Here The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered) Animals Meddle Led Zeppelin IV (aka ZOSO) ASIN: B000002U82 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Speak To Me/Breathe
2. On The Run
3. Time
4. The Great Gig In The Sky
5. Money
6. Us And Them
7. Any Colour You Like
8. Brain Damage
9. Eclipse

Amazon.com essential recording

Dark Side of the Moon, originally released in 1973, is one of those albums that is discovered anew by each generation of rock listeners. This complex, often psychedelic music works very well because Pink Floyd doesn't rush anything; the songs are mainly slow to mid-tempo, with attention paid throughout to musical texture and mood. The sound effects on songs like "On the Run," "Time" and especially "Money" (with sampled sounds of clinking coins and cash registers turned into rhythmic accompaniment) are impressive, especially when we remember that 1973 was before the advent of digital recording techniques. This is probably Pink Floyd's best-known work, and it's an excellent place to start if you're new to the band. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

Relevant Over 30 Years Later.......2007-07-09

Incredibly, Dark Side Of The Moon, by Pink Floyd, was released almost 35 years ago. The amazing thing is that this excellent CD is still important and relevant today. I can listen to Us and Them over and over again. The hypnotic perfection of this CD is amazing. Most bands would love to have a collection of greatest hits that would rival this one album by this incredible band. If you have not heard this, you are in for a treat. A Five star masterpiece.

wwords can barley describe.......2007-06-28

.........what they made in dark side of the moon. the best phycodelic experience ive heard

Dark Side Of The Moon Is Rock N' Roll's Definitive Masterwork.......2007-05-22

If you are looking for a happy album, this isn't the one. The title of the album should give you a clue as to the mood of the songs. The title could just as easily be "The Dark Side Of The Earth". The recording paints a sad picture of the human condition. It shows the physical and mental consequences when a person is constantly being pressured by the competitive, workaholic society. The person as depicted in the album realizes that the inevitability of old age and mortality are rapidly approaching him as he recognizes that such a lifestyle is futile in the long run. In "Breathe", he is immediately told by society, most likely his parents, while he is very young that he must work hard and never take a break or a vacation in order that he may achieve great success in the world and get rich. The lure of the dollar is a powerful thing and many people, like the person depicted in Pink Floyd's masterpiece, worship it. The stress really builds up in "On The Run". He is constantly being bombarded by all the demands that society places upon him. "I got to perform. I got to catch that plane. I got to get to that meeting on time." He is constantly on the move, never resting or taking time to enjoy all of life's pleasures. He says," I will work until I die. I'll sleep when I'm dead. Retirement is for sissies." In "Time", he reviews his life so far and realizes it was all for nothing. He is left to confront old age and his own mortality and realizes lost opportunities. He could've spent more time with his family or friends. He could've gone to church and learned about God and spirituality. He "runs and runs to catch up with the sun" and has a physical and mental breakdown. Death eventually comes to him in "The Great Gig In The Sky". On his deathbed, he says, "And I am not afraid of dying. Any time will do, I don't mind. Why should I be afraid of dying? There's no reason for it. You got to go sometime." "Money" confronts the evils of capitalism in all its ugliness. The song says that the rich and famous are human too and they must also confront the harsh realities of life sooner or later, whether it is the death of a loved one or their own deaths. "Us And Them" looks at the futility of war and competition and says that we are all ordinary men and women and we must all get along and work together for peace because human life is short and fragile. "Brain Damage" shows how normal men and women can sometimes lose their peace of mind and even their sanity when confronted by all the demands of society. "Eclipse" summarizes the futility of working so hard to amass the most wealth because sooner or later everything "under the sun" will disappear and all that will be left is complete darkness. "And everything under the sun is in tune but the sun is eclipsed by the moon." The "eclipse" is one's own death. This album should be listened to by all the so-called "Type A" people or workaholics who are constantly chasing after success and material gain. A great rock masterpiece that should be listened to again and again.

EXCELLENT: BUT THE BEST ALBUM EVER RECORDED ?.......2007-05-19

I know most all of you Pink Floyd fans are going to disagree with me, and nothing I say will ever change your mind about it, but it is now 2007 and this album just does not have any content that would qualify it as the best album ever recorded. Yes, back in early 1973 when this album was released it was groundbreaking and fantastic, which is exactly why it was number one for so long. It was definitely as they say, 'in the right place at the right time'. But it is now almost 35 years later, and while the album does stand the test of time, it is certainly not the best album ever recorded. Sure the album is ambient and brilliant, but you still must truthfully ask yourself two questions:
1) Lyrically is this the best album ever written?
I think not; and can you really disagree with me? You can't honestly believe that there's not been a single artist in 35 years that's penned a better album. Think about it, lyrically there is nothing that is absolutely extraordinary about this album. You must know that since 1973 there are many artists that have presented far better lyrical content in their recordings.
2) Musically is this the best album ever written?
Again the music is excellent, but it is in fact the mood and the sonic soundscape this album creates that has given it its timeless appeal. Well, I know that technicality was not the point of this album, but from the standpoint of technicality, and even musicianship, in 2007 this album contains nothing that has not been greatly surpassed. This is not arguable. Furthermore, since many contend that this is the best album ever recorded, this begs the logical question: are any of the members of Pink Floyd considered to be the best or one of the best in the world on their given instrument? The answer to that question is quite simply: no. I don't like to sound so critical because I too like Pink Floyd and this album, but all of this gushing praise and superlative language use does warrant that someone with conviction submit a differing perspective.
Now, I can certainly understand why many people say this is the best album ever recorded, in most cases this will be because you were there in the era when the album was released, it took you on a musical journey to a place you've never been before, and it holds a special place in your heart. But just ask anyone of a generation prior to yours what the best album ever recorded is and they will almost certainly give you answers you don't agree with, and nothing you say will ever change their minds about it, even though you know their answer is entirely generation related. However, with all of that being said, being born in the 60's I too was there in the era when this album was released, but I just cannot yield to popular opinion or agree with the unquestioning masses that this is the best album ever recorded, when it quite simply is not. This is my honest opinion, and whether you agree or do in fact disagree with me don't be a sheep let popular opinion tell you what you should and shouldn't listen to, or what the best album ever is.

Very intellectual album 5/5 stars.......2007-05-15

These songs and david's vocals were amazingly good mostly this is the kind of material music I use for a nice buzz after drinking some jack daniels when i'm in that mood to get wasted after a frustrating day at work. The only thing I have a problem with is the long intros before the songs start like the clocks and the baby crying they take too long and I don't mind the intros they were pretty good too but not that long but still this is a very good album and pinkfloyd rocks forever.

Average customer rating: One of the many reasons I love Pink Floyd Worthwhile An Absolute Must Wish it was a little less drab Wish I Had Discovered Sooner

Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dark Side Of The Moon The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered) Animals Meddle Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition ASIN: B000024D4S Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part One)
2. Welcome To The Machine
3. Have A Cigar
4. Wish You Were Here
5. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Part Two)

Amazon.com Essential Recording

Wish You Were Here is a song cycle dedicated to Pink Floyd's original frontman, Syd Barrett, who'd flamed out years before: two grimly funny songs about the evils of the music business ("By the way, which one's Pink?"), and two long, touching ones about the band's vanished friend. The real star of the show, though, is the production: sparkling, convoluted, designed to sound deeply oh-wow under the influence--and pretty great sober too--with David Gilmour getting lots of space for his most lyrical guitar playing ever. And, though the album is big and ambitious, even bombastic, it somehow dodges being pretentious--the Barrett tributes are honest and heartfelt, beneath all the grand gestures and stereophonic trickery. --Douglas Wolk

Customer Reviews:

One of the many reasons I love Pink Floyd.......2007-06-13

For Pink Floyd, making a follow up album to 'Dark Side of the Moon' must have seemed an extremely daunting task. However with 'Wish You Were Here' they succeeded admirably. In his biography of the band, Nick Mason stated that they wanted to avoid simply making a sequel to the hugely successful predecessor and that they wanted to start afresh in a new musical direction. This decision resulted in a creation of true musical beauty.

The long, ambling and elegant opening track 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' was a new step even for Floyd. Both parts of this track have a relaxed yet compelling beauty that puts it right up there with the best the band has produced.

After the ethereal beauty of the opening track, the following two bring a far more sombre mood to proceedings. 'Welcome to the Machine' is a disgruntled sideswipe at the human condition which is somewhat reminiscent in lyrical content, of the track 'Time' on 'Dark Side of the Moon'. Hot on the heels of this is 'Have A Cigar', a pessimistic jibe at the music industry creeps that came out of the woodwork after their sudden shot to international success. Although these two tracks are far more downbeat, they are executed with a Floydian bite that makes them quality tracks.

Along with 'The Wall' and 'Dark Side of the Moon', this was one of the albums that defined Floyd and simply demands to be listened to.

Worthwhile.......2007-06-10

This is a good, but not a great album. Welcome to the Machine, Wish You Were Here, and Have a Cigar are all classic cuts and never get old. The Syd Barrett tribute songs Shine on You Crazy Diamond are a little weaker. Over all it's worth a tumble, but it's no Dark Side Of The Moon.

An Absolute Must.......2007-05-29

Probably the best Floyd CD. I had an earlier (non-digitally remastered) version of this album and found that this version is really a treat in comparison. As far as the music itself, every track is a classic and a must for any classic rock fan. If you don't own a good version this album, you need look no further.

Wish it was a little less drab.......2007-05-27

So Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" is probably considered their third greatest album in the normal consensus behind Dark Side and The Wall. It's not "Animals" and "Obscured by Clouds" are better than this album but this one is still a fine one despite being only five songs long.

This one starts out with a classic of a song in Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Beautiful, epic, pick your favorite cliche and use it here because this song has it all, even a saxophone solo at the end. It is later reprised at the end of the album this the first one is far superior. This song along with Wish You Were Here were written for former frontman Syd Barrett who even visited them in the studio during the recording, small world isn't it. Speaking of the title track it is an amazing song. But one thing it does that I love is that it is simple. Accoustic guitar with some great lyrics provides a nice sendoff to Mr. Barrett.

The one problem this album has is the two music industry rants from Roger Waters. "Welcome to the Machine" is atrocious and overlong. "Have A Cigar" is better but it's not even sung by a member of Pink Floyd.

Other than the rants this is a fine album. And for once a Pink Floyd album that seems to express hope, nostalgia and something more than just being depressed which is always a nice change of pace.

Wish I Had Discovered Sooner.......2007-05-27

Wish You Were Here is equally as superb as Dark Side of the Moon and serves as a sequel with an emotional feel and blues-based, melodic background centered by outstanding guitars. The use of sound effects that the band incorporated two years prior are as involved again and help to enhance the mood and vibrational feel of the music. With having to fulfill mammoth expectations in 1975 after an phenomenal album like Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd only broadened their musical horizons but played with the same passion to create another album that offers proof as to why they were, and still are, so highly regarded as innovators in rock music.

Average customer rating: this is about the music, not the politics Gilmour's Finest Hour and Pigs do Fly A biting social commentary which is still relevent to this day Animals Exposes Humanity In All Its Ugliness And Carnality

Animals Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wish You Were Here Meddle The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered) Dark Side Of The Moon A Momentary Lapse of Reason ASIN: B000024D4R Release Date: 2000-04-25

Tracks:

1. Pigs On The Wing 1
2. Dogs
3. Pigs (Three Different Ones)
4. Sheep
5. Pigs On The Wing 2

Amazon.com essential recording

Although not in the same vein as the deliciously hallucinogenic earlier Floyd works such as Ummagumma and Dark Side of the Moon, Animals is innovative and musically diverse in its own right. Inspired in part by George Orwell's political fable Animal Farm, Roger Waters condemns the avarice and inequalities of capitalism, metaphorically and musically grouping humans as pigs, dogs, and sheep. The pigs are self-righteous hypocrites inflicting their beliefs on everyone else, the dogs greedy money-grabbers, and the sheep witless followers. Dark, cynical, and brilliantly composed, Animals is an ingenious and under-acknowledged album. --Naomi Gesinger

Customer Reviews:

this is about the music, not the politics.......2007-06-15

politically, Roger Waters is a total idiot, but as a musician, he's awesome....this album is simply about the best rock piece ever....I read this more about (despite whatever Waters' intentions) as commentary about Man, not capitalism....aftyer all, capitalism is NOT an "ism", it is what Man would naturally do without any State apparatus lording over it with the threat of force. a real treat, but not something for a party, or dancing....which is a good thing.

Gilmour's Finest Hour.......2007-06-15

It could be said of most of Pink Floyd's recorded ouevre that it is something of an acquired taste. And the effort of acquiring the taste is made harder still by the subtleties of their music. That is, a Pink Floyd album will not disclose all of its facets to the listener at once. Rather, a certain amount of dedication, repeated careful review, is required to "see the whole", as it were.

This is probably truer of "Animals" than it is of any of their other work. "Animals", to begin with, lacks the lush, atmospheric Leslie-treated pianos and spacey guitars of "Meddle", or the warping, bubbling, synth-work and studio sleight-of-hand of "Dark Side" or "Wish." "Atom Heart Mother" and "The Wall" were recorded with full orchestras to assist in particularly emotional moments. Whether the orchestral experimentation of "Atom Heart Mother" and "The Wall" were successful is another question, altogether.

"Animals," then, is more of a straight-up rock and roll record than the other Floyd albums. It was basically written "on the fly," during the band's tours in support of "Wish" through '75-76. Although this is documented in interviews with Messrs. Gilmour and Water themselves, the fact could be confirmed from listening to live outings of songs from "Animals" -- they sound just like the studio versions, almost as though they were written with live, rather than studio, performance in mind. There are very little in the way of doubled instrumental parts or voices (some acoustic guitar parts are overdubbed in "Pigs", I believe, but other than that, the whole thing is basically just the four players and their voices).

The values have changed slightly, to, from a musical perspective. Gone are Gilmour and Wright's airy harmonizations from "Dark Side" and "Meddle", to be replaced by the throatier growling and ranting of Roger Waters, who sings almost the entirety of the album's lyrics. Gilmour sings the very beginning of "Dogs" ("You've gotta have a real need/Gotta sleep on your toes").

And the instrumental sound, or the approach, perhaps, has changed as well. Here, the guitar-playing of Gilmour takes on a decidedly more aggressive, charged, attitude. Witness, for example, the ragged outbursts between the first few verses of "Dogs"; Gilmour, although always capable of emotional depth, rarely chooses to depict raw anger in his solos.

The angriest moment comes at the finish of "Pigs." The song, which has built up nice bit of rhythmic tension with its half-time feel and the suggestive in-drawn breaths from Roger Waters in the final verse, suddenly lets loose with Gilmour's cataclysmic outro-solo.

The solo starts with the same note repeated almost a dozen times, picked hard (much harder than Gilmour's usually genteel touch), beat to within an inch of its life. He moves up the neck into stratospheric territory, then, in a musical gesture recalling Milton's description of Satan's defeat ("Hurled headlong flaming from th' ethereal sky/With hideous ruin and combustion down"), plummets back down with a series of triplets that return almost all the way to first position.

The intensity builds back up, until Gilmour finds a rapid-fire sixteenth-note triplet arpgeggio near the top of the neck and rides it out through the fade. This is not the beautiful, sensitive Gilmour we know from "Wish You Were Here," or "On the Turning Away." It is another personality altogether, but one capable of searing intensity.

Perhaps, in the final analysis, Gilmour's mastery is demonstrated by the fact that -- knowing that he could solo in the white-hot vein of an Eric Clapton or Robin Trower, say -- he chooses not to do so all of the time. The rareness of such an outburst -- I could almost say its uniqueness, but for the slightly less brillant solo of a similar emotional tenor at the end of "Comfortably Numb" -- is part of what makes it great.

Gilmour never quite equaled this moment at the end of "Pigs" in any of his subsequent outings. While "Comfortably Numb" is comparable, it does not quite echo the rawness of tone here. Also of note is some of the playing on his first solo album of 1977, "David Gilmour" (although there the emotional content seems to be more "woe" or "tragedy").

Furthermore, these are Waters's best lyrics -- they are by turns creepy, funny (some of the double-entendre in "Pigs On The Wing"), and accurate (the spot-on businessman psychoanalysis of "Dogs").

and Pigs do Fly.......2007-06-10

I guess I like Pink Floyd. This is quite a trippy collection, but worth a spin.

A biting social commentary which is still relevent to this day.......2007-05-30

I first got "Animals" way back in 1996. Being a major Floyd fan, I instantly fell in love with the exquisite lyrics and fantastic music. Eleven years later, being a bit older and a lot wiser, I see "Animals" as a piece of social commentary which is still relevant to this day.

I see the "Dogs" as the jackbooted "Waffen-SS-like" thugs that most soldiers and police officers have become in this day of encroaching tyranny. Have you noticed how increasingly militarized LEOs (law enforcement officers) have become? Have you noticed how thuggish the United States military has acted under not only the command of George W. Bush, but even under Bill Clinton?

I see the "Pigs" as the ones in power, the ones who ultimately call the shots in the world. I see the first group of pigs as the big central bankers (Rockefellers, Rothschilds, etc.) and corporate bigwigs (Ted Turner, Michael Eisner, etc.) who control the power through their fortunes in corporate neo-fascist fashion. I see the second group of pigs as the puppet politicians who are put in the government to give everybody the false assumption that they have a choice when it comes to elections (Republican and Democrat are basically one and the same). Finally, I see the third group of pigs as pro-censorship people such as Mary Whitehouse, Jack Thompson, Brent Bozell, and to some extent social commentators such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly and Michael Savage who have frequently called for the American government to impose virtually total tyranny.

I see the sheep as the willfully ignorant "be a follower, not a leader" masses that most everybody has become thanks to them being dumbed down by mainstream media, propaganda masquerading as news, and even violent entertainment. Have you noticed how people care more about "American Idol" than they do about their freedoms? Have you noticed how people care more about Britney Spears not wearing underwear than encroaching tyranny? Ultimately, the end of the song sees the sheeple being pushed too far, so they rebel against the dogs, but little do the sheeple know that the dogs are seen by the pigs as "expdendable" because the pigs are the ones who hold the power. In the end, the pigs remain in power, and soon they will have more jackbooted enforcers to enslave the sheep once again.

The issues that Waters covered in the album's original 1977 release still hold true 30 years later. "Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."

Animals Exposes Humanity In All Its Ugliness And Carnality.......2007-05-23

Animals by Pink Floyd exposes the carnal, materialistic side of humankind in all its ugliness. The album divides people into three groups: dogs, pigs, and sheep. The dogs signify people, especially those of low or middle social or economic status, who are so ambitious and competitive that they will step on other people's toes to get to the top of the social or corporate ladder. The pigs signify people, especially big-business tycoons or greedy politicians, who take advantage of people of lower social or economic status in order to advance their own commercial or political empires. The sheep are people of ordinary social status who blindly obey whatever society tells them to do even if they know it will compromise their moral or religious principles. At this point, Roger Waters was exerting greater control in the band and this caused hostility among the band members, particularly among keyboardist Richard Wright. The band began to feel more separated from its fans due to them playing in large venues such as football stadiums. The famous pig balloon that has become a staple in their concerts started here. Pink Floyd have never shied away from the hard realities of the human condition by creating a magical wonderland full of joy, peace, and harmony. They have never created a utopia in their work and probably never will. That's why their albums are so influential and continue to sell to this very day. Their music is objective not subjective. This is life as it actually is, not what we would like it to be, according to Pink Floyd.

Average customer rating: Fantastic " Essential " great mix The answer to my audiophile dream. Why is this a classic?

Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wish You Were Here The Wall (Deluxe Packaging Digitally Remastered) Animals Meddle Brothers in Arms ASIN: B00008CLOA Release Date: 2003-03-25

Tracks:

1. Speak To Me/Breathe
2. On The Run
3. Time
4. The Great Gig In The Sky
5. Money
6. Us And Them
7. Any Colour You Like
8. Brain Damage
9. Eclipse

Amazon.com essential recording

Dark Side of the Moon, originally released in 1973, is one of those albums that is discovered anew by each generation of rock listeners. This complex, often psychedelic music works very well because Pink Floyd doesn't rush anything; the songs are mainly slow to mid-tempo, with attention paid throughout to musical texture and mood. The sound effects on songs like "On the Run," "Time" and especially "Money" (with sampled sounds of clinking coins and cash registers turned into rhythmic accompaniment) are impressive, especially when we remember that 1973 was before the advent of digital recording techniques. This is probably Pink Floyd's best-known work, and it's an excellent place to start if you're new to the band. --Genevieve Williams

Album Description

The Super Audio CD (SACD) features two disc layers. One layer contains a standard version of the album that works on any CD player. The other layer includes high-resolution stereo and a 5.1 surround version of the recording that works on SACD-compatible DVD players and home theater systems. Both layers employ SACD's Direct Stream Digital (DSD) encoding process that samples the music 64 times faster than CD for unprecedented fidelity.

Album Description

Full Title - Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition. It's been 30 years since 'Floyd released their masterwork, and it's been on the charts for most of them! And now comes a new dimension to what was already the ultimate headphone experience-this new edition includes a newly-remastered conventional version and a Super Audio CD 5.1 surround mix version playable on SACD-compatible DVD players and home theater systems. Original designer Storm Thorgerson chips in with new art inside the 20-page booklet. Capitol. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-07-09

Incredibly, Dark Side Of The Moon, by Pink Floyd, was released almost 35 years ago. The amazing thing is that this excellent CD is still important and relevant today. I can listen to Us and Them over and over again. The hypnotic perfection of this CD is amazing. Most bands would love to have a collection of greatest hits that would rival this one album by this incredible band. If you have not heard this, you are in for a treat. A Five star masterpiece.

" Essential ".......2007-06-27

A timeless piece of classic FLOYD. If it's not already in your collection - Get It!

great mix.......2007-06-14

Quick turnaround and great product. This album is always classic, but with the new mix and the proper geat it will blow what's left of your brain cells.

The answer to my audiophile dream........2007-06-09

I have tried to purchase every possible version of this cd paid hundreds of dollars for the so call 1st,2nd,3rd and 4th press...only to be disappointed by all of them.LET ME PUT AN END TO ALL THE SPECULATION AND CONFUSSION...THIS IS THE ONE AND ONLY ULTIMATE IN SOUND QUALITY PERIOD.The only catch is that you must have a SUPER AUDIO MULTICHANNEL SURROUND SYSTEM....the sound quality will leave you speachless.

Why is this a classic?.......2007-06-05

Disclaimer: If rock, country, and [c]rap disappeared from the planet tomorrow, I would the happiest man on earth. There would be some loss, but I would be willing to sacrifice it for the general uplift in musical taste. Having said that, I do occasionally find something I like in the pop vein (Steve Winwood, for example), but I have yet to find anything that I love because I've never uncovered anything of musical substance. This mix of Dark Side of the Moon sure ain't it. Having recently purchased an SACD player, I thought I would revisit this so-called classic. If nothing else, I could play it for friends.

Thirty years ago, you couldn't walk into a hi-fi store without hearing "thump-thump, thump-thump," followed by two hundred clocks having simultaneous orgasmic releases. All that remains on this recording, but the simple, over-electronicized music still does nothing to move me. The sound effects are almost as annoying as those fuzzed, distorted, god-awful guitars that several generations have amazingly accepted as THE sound and will be able to point to in old age as the source of their deafness.

I'm sure just about everyone will disagree with the above opinions, but you cannot disagree with what follows. The mix on this recording is dreadful. Like virtually all pop recordings, the engineer forgot that rock is VOCAL music and thus typically made the vocal lines so recessed within a wall of sound as to render lyrics unintelligible. It's as if the band were playing in your ears but the singers are 30 feet away. Why this is standard practice in the pop field, I cannot imagine. I also don't much like sitting in the middle of the band and wished the instruments were all placed up front. Moreover, the sound is harsh and overbearing, and that is likely the fault of the mixing engineer, not the source material. While I have found in playing SACDs that I want to turn the volume up (including electronic jazz), in this case I dived to turn it down.

The Dark Side of the Moon will go onto my shelf and remain there until someone begs me to play it.

P.S. There is a reason that Amazon sells some versions for $150 and this one so cheaply.

Average customer rating: Meddle I like it better now worth a listen for any Floyd fan Better than Dark Side A Floyd Primer

Meddle Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Animals Wish You Were Here Obscured By Clouds Atom Heart Mother The Piper at the Gates of Dawn ASIN: B000002U8G Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. One Of These Days
2. A Pillow Of Winds
3. Fearless
4. San Tropez
5. Seamus
6. Echoes

Amazon.com essential recording

For all that menacing, hatchet-happy growl at the beginning of Meddle's opener, "One of These Days," Pink Floyd really weren't about to "cut you into little pieces." Meddle did, however, show that the reigning British monarchs of 1970s-era psychedelia could rip into galloping jams. It also showed what its predecessor, Atom Heart Mother, promised--that the band could excel in long, breathtaking suites that revealed strains of late-classical music, Sun Ra-inspired space explorations, and a patchwork approach to colliding sounds that together took on acid-drenched proportions. And if all that isn't enough, "San Tropez" revealed a playful side of the band, playing footsy with loungy jazz and having good fun in the process. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Meddle.......2007-07-07

Pink Floyd's "Meddle" is a classic Rock album, not by the worn-out standards of what one might conjure up, as being 'trademark' perhaps 'wrapped in flames' of 'greatness'. Yet it is because "Meddle" Breaks the 'standards of greatness' with it's ingenuity and creativity, especially considered within the age and times it was written. Heavy-metal was on the verge of becoming 'King' of Radio, Circuit Concerts, and Album Sales. Groups from Grand Funk Railroad, BloodRock, Atomic Rooster, Led Zepplin, and Artists coming into their own Eric Clapton, Ted Nugent, Alvin Lee, all were producing themselves as Rock Icons, if not Legends because of finding a unique Niche into the Listener's ever growing list of preferences. Yet "Meddle" stands out in its own uniqueness because of several different styles of music being integrated and merged. The album moves from the Blues 'Shamus' cannine assisted, to the real-life ballards done with amazing diverse instrumentation, and finally progresses into the in-comparable ozone production of Rock-heavy imagery interspersed between layers of electric variations alluring visions of pre-historic travel dodging the Pteradactals through the mist, while being enticed into the sounds of ducks on a foggy pond, and finishes with the crescendo of signature "Floyd" guitar climax. "Meddle" is a compilation of superb creative variations of songs not obviously connected by theme, melody or structure, but there is an un-deniable thread of "Floyd" DNA which creates this project as one which is very unique even within the repertoire of Pink FLoyd. It precludes "Dark side of moon", and "Animals" with somewhat of a premonition of the greatness there, not by an easily placed clue of song patterns, but by the undercurrent progession genius. An album which seems to emulate "Meddle", was "Arc of a Diver" by Steve Winwood, another genius of diverse progression himself. Listen to them and see if they arent complimentary.

I like it better now.......2007-06-28

Back in the days of vinyl I loved echoes but hadn't really connected with side one. Too acoustic. Too silly. And except for track one, too mellow. Now decades later I'm rediscovering Meddle. It's a lot better than I remember. Tuneful and melodious. Varied and interesting. Highly recommended here not for its role in the Pink Floyd cannon, but rather for the lasting quality of its songs.

worth a listen for any Floyd fan.......2007-06-27

This won't be confused with Dark Side of the Moon or The Wall, but this early effort shows Floyd growing into the musical geniuses they became.
"One of these days" remains a Floyd classic, and "Echoes" becomes better and better with each listen.

Better than Dark Side.......2007-06-27

A great work. New release is remastered well.
Climax in "Echoes" never fails to send chills
down the spine. Every cut is good.

A Floyd Primer.......2007-06-09

Heard this as a young man when it was new, and having heard the previous recordings from the 60's, knew this was a departure. "Echoes" filled one side of the vinyl album and it was instantly a signature song for youthful psychedelic experiences. I now look back and find "Fearless" my fav Floyd song but that the overall feel is a precursor for just about everything they produced afterward, especially the "Dark Side of The Moon". If you like all things Pink Floyd, you should have this. It is sooo different from their first 4 albums though. Most early fans would say Roger Waters took them into the large mainstream market for rock in the day. A tragedy ? Hardly.

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