Dramatic Neo Anniversary [CD-single] [Import]

1. Dramatic Neo Anniversary

2. Domestic Violence

3. Japanese Title

Dramatic Neo Anniversary,Pierrot,Universal/Polygram,World Music

Average customer rating: Flat, mediocre indie rock Disappointing follow-up Sophomore Slump average Damn this is good!

Neon Bible Arcade Fire Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank Sky Blue Sky Because of the Times Favourite Worst Nightmare The Crane Wife ASIN: B000MGUZM0 Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Black Mirror
2. Keep The Car Running
3. Neon Bible
4. Intervention
5. Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
6. Ocean Of Noise
7. Well & The Lighthouse, The
8. Antichrist Television Blues
9. Windowsill
10. No Cars Go
11. My Body Is A Cage

Amazon.com

For their second full-length, the Montreal-based seven-or-eight-piece Arcade Fire show themselves capable of Big Rock, as original, and as potentially marquee-topping as TV on the Radio and Sigur Ros. Regardless, the intentional murkiness of these pleasantly anthemic New Wave dirges makes it sound as if the music has already reverberated through a crowded cement stadium. Named after cult author John Kennedy Toole's first novel, Neon Bible is smart and subtle enough to present itself as a personal discovery for every listener, every word to be pored over by fans (as with those of Tori Amos, Pavement, and Radiohead). Surely, lines like "The sound is not asleep/ It's moving under my feet" have already been scribbled onto the margins of countless textbooks. Such words are delivered with less intensity this time, but no less import. For vocal influences, lead singer Win Butler seems to have traded his '80s Bowie in for an '80s Springsteen, at least on the songs "Antichrist Television Blues" and "Windowsill" (though "Intervention" sounds an awful lot like '80s era Go-Betweens). The kitchen sink arrangements include the use of an Eastern European orchestra, pipe organ, hurdy gurdy, and a military choir. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

The second album from Montreal's Arcade Fire exceeds all expectations. With string and orchestral arrangements by two of the band members, "Neon Bible" is full of both half-assed punk rock mistakes and meticulously orchestrated woodwinds. Processed strings and mandolin. Quiet rumbles and loud rumbles. But mostly just eleven songs that the band thinks are really good.

Customer Reviews:

Flat, mediocre indie rock.......2007-07-15

To put this review in perspective: I bought the Arcade Fire's debut album after hearing heaps of praises from David Bowie and many other famous musicians, but was underwhelmed by all but the opening track. This new album hasn't really done anything to change my opinion that they're no more than a "Bright Eyes-lite," even after half a dozen listens.

As even some of the positive reviews of this album have noted, the production is both bombastic and low-fi, and not in a good way. It has a loud, flat sound that gets repetitive and tiring to listen to after awhile. The extra instruments that the band plays on this album sound very clunky and overbearing, particularly the organ that makes a sudden appearance on "Intervention."

Some albums with bad productions are more than redeemed by the actual songs, but the vocals and lyrics here are equally clumsy and repetitive. Win Butler still sings like a limper version of Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes, but this time he's also attempting a Springsteen impersonation on several tracks. While it isn't quite as grating as the Killers' attempt to sound like Springsteen, it still comes across as incredibly affected. The lyrics look like an attempt to make a grand statement about religion, war, and modern life in general, but they read like teenage angst poetry.

The closing track, "My Body is a Cage," is the only one that really stands out of the din after several listens. It has a grand, epic, proggy sound and almost lives up to the hype that this band gets, but if you hear it and like it I'd recommend passing on this album and getting something A Tab in the Ocean by Nektar, whom the Arcade Fire bear a strong resemblance to here.

Disappointing follow-up.......2007-07-09

It's a good CD, but compared to Funeral, it's not great... I don't blame them, I was expecting the second coming of Christ since their last one was so great. Still a fan, though.

Sophomore Slump.......2007-07-06

I agree with the previous review that "No Cars Go", "Intervention", and MAYBE "Keep the Car Running" are the best songs on the album, but that is not saying much. The rest of the songs just drone on into oblivion. "Subtle" is certainly the word for the opener, "Black Mirror". It sets the tone for the entire album. Listening to Butler whine "Blaaack Mirrooor" and "I don't wanna do _____ no more" for 3 songs is not inspirational in the least. Where are the danceable, 50's diner style rhythms of "Funeral"? Why are the intricate string arrangements barely audible? The straight, endless 4/4 beats of this recording and buried strings are unacceptable, no matter how much they "planned it."

The more I listen to this album, the more I realize how good the Arcade Fire's first album was. I love Funeral, but it was the death of this band. And yes, that makes me want to cry. "I don't wanna listen to Arcade Fire no more."

average.......2007-07-05

I have to admit that it took me a while to warm up to Funeral, but I have grown to love it. I'm still waiting for that to happen with Neon Bible. Most of the songs seem pedestrian and repeated listening hasn't uncovered the "wow" factor that Funeral offers. I'm hoping that changes, but for now I can only say that Neon Bible is just okay.

Damn this is good! .......2007-07-05

I hadn't heard a lot of Arcade Fire before I got this CD but I'm definitely getting their other releases now. I think I like them so much because Win Butler sings a lot like Ian McCulloch from Echo and Bunnymen who I love. If you're that kind of thing, you'll like Neon Bible.

Average customer rating: Disappointing Another Brilliant Album Arcade Fire-- the best of the best Not like Funeral, but still Great! An even more complex Arcade Fire

Neon Bible Arcade Fire Manufacturer: Merge Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank The Good, the Bad & the Queen Sound of Silver The Crane Wife Sky Blue Sky ASIN: B000MGUZMU Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

1. Black Mirror
2. Keep The Car Running
3. Neon Bible
4. Intervention
5. Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
6. Ocean Of Noise
7. Well & The Lighthouse, The
8. Antichrist Television Blues
9. Windowsill
10. No Cars Go
11. My Boby Is A Cage

Amazon.com

For their second full-length, the Montreal-based seven-or-eight-piece Arcade Fire show themselves capable of Big Rock, as original, and as potentially marquee-topping as TV on the Radio and Sigur Ros. Regardless, the intentional murkiness of these pleasantly anthemic New Wave dirges makes it sound as if the music has already reverberated through a crowded cement stadium. Named after cult author John Kennedy Toole's first novel, Neon Bible is smart and subtle enough to present itself as a personal discovery for every listener, every word to be pored over by fans (as with those of Tori Amos, Pavement, and Radiohead). Surely, lines like "The sound is not asleep/ It's moving under my feet" have already been scribbled onto the margins of countless textbooks. Such words are delivered with less intensity this time, but no less import. For vocal influences, lead singer Win Butler seems to have traded his '80s Bowie in for an '80s Springsteen, at least on the songs "Antichrist Television Blues" and "Windowsill" (though "Intervention" sounds an awful lot like '80s era Go-Betweens). The kitchen sink arrangements include the use of an Eastern European orchestra, pipe organ, hurdy gurdy, and a military choir. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

The second album from Montreal's Arcade Fire exceeds all expectations. With string and orchestral arrangements by two of the band members, "Neon Bible" is full of both half-assed punk rock mistakes and meticulously orchestrated woodwinds. Processed strings and mandolin. Quiet rumbles and loud rumbles. But mostly just eleven songs that the band thinks are really good. The deluxe CD version is packaged in a hinged box with two 32-page flip books designed by the band. The LP is double 180-gram audiophile quality with three sides of music and an etching on the fourth side. The LP also includes a coupon for a free MP3 download of "Neon Bible". Arcade Fire's 2004 debut "Funeral" has scanned over 300,000 copies and is certified platinum in Canada.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing.......2007-07-03

I actually purchased this cd after watching "Sunday Morning on CBS". The band I saw on the show was entertaining and eccletic. I found the cd to be filled with talent, but it lacked the interesting energy I anticipated.

Another Brilliant Album.......2007-06-08

Happy to say that Neon Bible is just as satisfying as Funeral. In other words, this will be the album of the year for most discerning rock fans.
It is unusual for a new band to follow up on such an excellent debut without the old sophomore dip.
Neon Bible lacks some of the intense moments of Funeral but makes this up in consistency.
Everyone us right about the silly packaging: flimsy, indulgent and wasteful - nothing like being irritated before you manage to get to the disk.

Arcade Fire-- the best of the best.......2007-05-29

Like the first Album, I had to listen to it a few times to really love it... then, it's gold.

Not like Funeral, but still Great!.......2007-05-26

Funeral was an excellent album so it took me a while to get into Neon Bible and really appreciate it. This album is just as good as the Funeral but for different reasons. The band has progressed it's sound and taken a positive step forward (not sticking to same formula).

The biggest difference bwtn both albums was the drums. The drums are hard, loud, intricate on the Funeral. On Neon Bible, they seem to be more in the background (maybe bc of the mixing) and seem to be more complementary rather than driving the songs' direction. Now it's the strings, brass, keys, guitars, singing that seem to guide the songs and take over the drums.

That said, this album is great. It took a few listens to appreciate it but this one is up there with Funeral.

An even more complex Arcade Fire.......2007-05-23

When buying this CD, I had my expectations. However, this album is fantastic. As all Arcade Fire songs, it takes a couple of listens to really appreciate it and once you're hooked, there is no turning back. As a die-hard Arcade Fire fan of the EP and Funeral, I hoped Neon Bible lived up to the hype. The truth is that upon the first track (Black Mirror) you can immediately notice the extinsive layers that the band has put into the album. Win Butler, the lead singer is pitch perfect and his lyrics are absolutely beautifully written. The album, granted, does not as much of an "indie appeal" as Funeral being that it's not all over the place, but yet is a must have album for music lovers everywhere. I am fortunate enough to have seen this band a couple of times live and the live versions of neon bible are identical to the album and just as complex. The new version of No Cars Go is amazing and Keep the Car Running, Intervention, (Antichrist Television Blues), and Window Sill, are all huge additions to the album. You may not find as down-right "ball busting" songs as Wake Up or Power Out, but you will find the same passion and even more terrific melodies in this one.

Average customer rating: Great selections from a vast catalog. Must Have Soul Music

Very Best of Bobby Womack Bobby Womack Manufacturer: Neon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bobby Womack - Greatest Hits Johnnie Taylor Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits Best Of Tyrone Davis Only Survivor: The MCA Years The Very Best of the Spinners ASIN: B00004SATU Release Date: 2000-01-24

Tracks:

1. Fly Me To The Moon
2. California Dreamin
3. How I Miss You Baby
4. More Than I Can Stand
5. That's The Way I Feel About Cha
6. Woman's Gotta Have It
7. Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)
8. Nobody Wants You When You're Down & Out
9. You're Welcome Stop On By
10. Harry Hippie
11. Across 110th Street
12. All Along The Watchtower
13. Lookin For A Love
14. Check It Out
15. It's All Over Now
16. If You Think You're Lonely Now
17. Love Has Finally Come At Last
18. Daylight

Album Details

Includes: Fly Me to the Moon, California Dreamin, Sweet Caroline.

Customer Reviews:

Great selections from a vast catalog. .......2006-05-20

I normally loathe greatest hits collections. Naturally they contain the songs every one knows and loves from an artist, but what usually gets me is that they in a lot of instances omit the other songs of that performer's catalog, that while not as popular, are every bit as good. In a lot of cases these songs are essential to grasping that artist. This collection of gems from the pride of Muscle Shoals, Alabama does a fine job capturing the essence of Mr. Bobby Womack. All of the hits are here, from "Womans Gotta Have It", "That's The Way I Feel About Cha", the classic "If You Think Your Lonely Now" (covered tremendously by K-Ci by the way) and what Womack greatest hits would be complete without "Across 110th Street"? My standout personal favorite is the soul stirring "Harry Hippie".

Womacks' vocals are so on point on this and virtually every song on this collection. He is without a doubt one of soul music's most important voices, and this cd testifies to that effect. My only complaint is a few too many covers. The versions of "All Along The Watchtower", "California Dreaming" and "Sweet Caroline" are nothing special. They could have been replaced by other songs less known to someone prone to buy a greatest hits cd, thus drawing them deeper into the artist. Again that is why I usually avoid GH albums even when getting to know an artist for the first time. I'll start with the most popular album, then work my way through. Though it may take a little longer, it's usually more fulfilling to do it that way. Other than my lil hangup, this is a strong assemblage of Womack's music, and the price is usually perfect for those looking to dig up on some great soul music by him, possibly for the first time.

Must Have Soul Music.......2005-06-10

I purchased this CD from My local Record Store at a good price, I didn't know if it was "original" recordings or not, I suspected the EMI stuff was the original recordings, but I was unsure of the MCA tracks....of course, the Store employees don't know Bobby Womack, let alone would know if these were the true original recordings...Well, they are, which makes this THE Bobby Womack CD to own. You get the rich 1972-74 Material, which is as good as Soul gets, plus the cream of the 80's, notably "if You think your'e lonely now", on one fabulous disc. Those who bought/and or considered buying Bobby Womack's Greatest Hits (on Right Stuff) should note that this CD contains "across 110th Street" and "Love has finally come at last (with Patti Labelle)"...The above 3 mentioned tracks are missing from Greatest Hits...

Average customer rating: bright baby bright best album I've heard in years You've heard it before but... A step back to the future. ambient über-pop

Bright Like Neon Love Cut Copy Manufacturer: Modular Interscope ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beams Night on Fire Dangerous Dreams City Fabriclive.29 ASIN: B0001Z3U10 Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

1. Time Stands Still
2. Future
3. Saturdays
4. Saturdays (Reprise)
5. Going Nowhere
6. DD-5
7. That Was Just A Dream
8. Track 8
9. The Twilight
10. Autobahn Music Box
11. Bright Neon Payphone
12. A Dream

Album Description

The debut by Melbourne's Cut Copy is a collection of dream and love-laden tunes pulled together with Dan Whitford's inside-out knowledge of 80's flavored synths and studio trickery. Influences range from house to low-slung, fuzzed up punk garage, and seminal 80's raincoat-wearing Mancunian electro-pop to nouveau disco, often within one song. Impossible to pigeonhole. Pop and dance. Happy sad. Simple yet complicated. Sincere yet cool. Naive but clever.

Customer Reviews:

bright baby bright.......2007-02-16

from the moment I heard "Saturdays" I was sold. Gorgeous CD. Love the concept and how can you go wrong with music that makes you miss an era that you didn't live in?

best album I've heard in years.......2006-08-01

This is a foookin great album. The whole thing has a same-ness of sound, but is really quite varied. Some of the tracks are straight up electro while some are guitar based rock, but they pull it all off with such ease. GREAT songs, that flow into one another easilly and effortlessly. People talk about the synths and guitars on this album, but the bass is what propels it all. Whether its synth bass or real (and same with the percussion), the driving bass lines make it possible for the guitars and keys to do their thing. 'Autobahn Music Box', 'That Was Just a Dream', 'Saturdays', 'Zap Zap', are all pretty much perfect pop songs. The music makes you want to dance like crazy, but the lyrics are all about lonliness, sadness, longing, yearning. Its perfect. 'The Twilight' rocks in a way that sounds a lot (musically, not lyrically) like early PiL, 'Bright Neon Payphone' is an amazing rocker that for me is the climax of the album. All of the rest of it builds up to this song where the depth of the sadness and lonliness alluded to in other places on the albums is really exposed. Its great songwriting, the music rocks, the whole overall sound is, well, its hard to top. Then the album finishes with 'A Dream', a perfect comedown from the rest of the album, slow, bouncy, wistful. The whole album is so damn pretty! Beautiful music, everything I love all blended together into one great record. way to guy cut copy!

You've heard it before but..........2006-03-01

It gives a gracious nod to their influences: New Order, etc, possibly Superchunk. Anyway, I'm always baffled by people making the complaint that a band's influences are obvious. Music lovers know the difference between a bad rip-off and an appreciative nod. Nobody's doing anything new under the sun. This album is great for shaking off a bad day by shaking your hips instead. This entire album is a good listen. It's fun, moody, nostalgic...great for driving or for dancing by yourself. Plus, that cover is captivating.

A step back to the future........2006-01-07

I just cannot express enough how much I love this frickin band! I feel like a little teeny bopper listening to this album. By far my favorite new band. These guys arrange their elctro with true evolution. They toured with Franz Ferdinand in 2005. See these guys live if possible. It's a real treat. Make sure to download 'Kidz at the Disco' and the 'Nowhere Digitalism Remix'. These tracks are tough to find if you're not in the UK or down under. DJ's - If you can find anything vinyl by them, buy it. Very collectable. Everyone I play Cut Copy for loves them immediately. You can't go wrong buying this album.

ambient über-pop.......2006-01-03

recommended by a friend with superb taste, cut copy was a band i knew i would instantly be drawn to.

the album art was the initial indication.
mannequins. . .so hot right now. [and in the 80s]

daft punk-esque hooks, but distant dancing relatives- twice removed.

clearly new order and gary numan's estranged lovechild.

i love it. and so should you.

my advice: pick up this album, jump in your lamborghini, feather your hair, turn up your collar, splash on some polo, and head back to the time when reagan was king.

Average customer rating: Nashville? We don't need no stinkin' Nashville! wayne's world Hank III's version of the title song ain't bad neither! Puts Nashville Commercial Establishment to shame!!! GREAT LYRICS AND MUSIC.

Thunderstorms and Neon Signs Wayne Hancock Manufacturer: Ark 21 ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: That's What Daddy Wants A-Town Blues Wild, Free & Reckless [ENHANCED CD] Tulsa Swing Time ASIN: B0000061TK Release Date: 2000-03-07

Tracks:

1. Juke Joint Jumping
2. Poor Boy Blues
3. Thunderstorms And Neon Signs
4. She's My Baby
5. Big City Good Time Gal
6. Ain't Nobody's Blues But My Own
7. Double A Daddy
8. Why Don't You Leave Me Alone?
9. Tag Along
10. Cold Lonesome Wind
11. Locomotive Joe
12. No Loving Tonight
13. Friday And Saturday Night
14. Summertime

Amazon.com

Playing the too-country for commercial radio side of the field, Wayne Hancock makes some of the loneliest Hank Williams-styled C&W since, well, since ol' Hank himself. Moving easily from hillbilly bop ("Double A Daddy") to dancehall honky tonk ("Juke Joint Jumpin'"), Hancock has the old-school twang down cold. He succeeds most, though, when he takes that old sound and fits it into his own modern life, as he does on the exquisitely drawn title track, where he details why pulling off to a motel whenever the highway weather gets bad makes his heart swell with fond memories. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Nashville? We don't need no stinkin' Nashville!.......2007-04-12

I've finally had to admit that one of the reasons I don't think I can move out of Texas is because I'd have to leave the music behind, and that might kill me. This and _Wild, Free, and Reckless_ are the albums responsible for reeling me into Wayne fandom. Rockabilly with an old-style feeling that's not a slave to kitsch!

wayne's world.......2006-03-25

This is classic rockabilly. It's got all the elements, catchy tunes with a good beat, twangy voice, and good stories. If you like western swing music with an edge, you should try this .

Hank III's version of the title song ain't bad neither!.......2005-11-04

If you were lookin' for country music that's
too lonely for VH1,
too despondent for CMT,
and too ornery for GAC,
you just found it.

Puts Nashville Commercial Establishment to shame!!!.......2005-09-08

My only regret was not getting this album sooner. The music and lyrics are real and unpretentious. Wayne Hancock is a true American gem.

GREAT LYRICS AND MUSIC........2005-09-06

What a great album this is, not only is the music a real pleasure to listen to, but the lyrics are a hoot! Wayne is not afraid to experiment, he skillfully combines old school elements with new in such a natural way. The songs pull you right in as if your listening to an old favorite you haven't heard in a long time. This album instantly became one of my favorites. I bought two more to give as gifts.

Average customer rating: Silverchair Continue Progression on NEON BALLROOM...4.5 stars... amazing Silverchair's best work... "A breeding ground for hate..." Great music that doesn't age!

Neon Ballroom Silverchair Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Grunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Freak Show Diorama Frogstomp The Dissociatives The Best of Silverchair, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00000I927 Release Date: 1999-03-16

Tracks:

1. Emotion Sickness
2. Anthem For The Year 2000
3. Ana's Song (Open Fire)
4. Spawn Again
5. Miss You Love
6. Dearest Helpless
7. Do You Feel The Same
8. Black Tangled Heart
9. Point Of View
10. Satin Sheets
11. Paint Pastel Princess
12. Steam Will Rise

Amazon.com

It's the easy way out to dwell on a group's supposed "maturation," but considering the members of Silverchair were 14 when they released their debut album and are a whopping 20 years old with this outing, it's entirely appropriate, not to mention accurate. From a band of any age, though, Neon Ballroom is a stunner of an album. And it's also leaps and bounds beyond the Australian trio's two previous efforts, good if derivative grunge/classic-rock fare interpreted by impressionable young musicians. From the epic, dramatic opening cut, "Emotion Sickness," to "Ana's Song (Open Fire)," Neon Ballroom is a 12-song collection rife with emotions laid bare and songs fully realized with lush strings and piano (courtesy of David Helfgott, the inspiration for the movie Shine.) Silverchair singer/songwriter Daniel Johns outdoes himself with the sonic diversity and fragility of his tunes, especially the ethereal, delicate ballads, with the powerful "Dearest Helpless" smacking of Kurt Cobain at his most beautifully tormented. From the gentle "Miss You Love" to the punky-aggro "Spawn Again" to the flat-out speedy rocker "Satin Sheets," Silverchair have created a haunting, edgy, seductive soundtrack to a young life deeply felt. --Katherine Turman

Customer Reviews:

Silverchair Continue Progression on NEON BALLROOM...4.5 stars..........2007-01-09

Back in 1995 when FROGSTOMP came out, Silverchair's three members were only 15 years old, but needless to say many were impressed with their skills at such an age. Their debut was a fierce blend of aggression and angst packaged neatly in nuggets of throttling guitar rock. FREAK SHOW still had its fair share of metallic grunge but also balanced it off with some varied textures. NEON BALLROOM continues their experiments with melody while sprinkling in some orchestration, keyboards, and lush arrangements to add depth to their sonic assault. While NEON BALLROOM does have its share of Kurt Cobain-esque moments, more often than not its a very impressive trip through all 12 tracks.

Take for instance the lush opening track "Emotion Sickness", which features piano great David Helfgott on keyboards. Here vocalist/guitarist Daniel Johns, bassist Chris Joannou, and drummer Ben Gillies showcase a completely sparse yet lavish six minutes of glossy but dramatic rock. It doesn't hurt that the song sounds like it could be many different suites, but there are moments during the song where Silverchair sound much older than their years. First single "Anthem For The Year 2000" is an arena-sized nugget of stadium metal that makes you want to stomp your feet more than not. It's the gentler moments that really surprise you, from the gentle, sweeping grandeur of "Miss You Love" to the silvery power ballad that is "Ana's Song (Open Fire)", which tells the tale of Daniel Johns battle with anorexia. But Silverchair still love to show that they can rock, such as the fierce and angry guitars that dominate the grindcore of "Spawn Again", which is a fiery slice of animal defense. "Satin Sheets" has punk attitude written all over it with the thrashing guitars and pounding drums. Again, so many texures to be found on BALLROOM. Other tracks like "Point of View" and "Black Tangled Heart" mix together the majestic and the monster.

Overall, Silverchair really display a sense of craft and majesty on NEON BALLROOM. Whether you like this side of Silverchair or not depends on your dedication to the changes a young band will go through. BALLROOM displays some real strength and progress, one that would come to full realization on DIORAMA.

P.S. Look for Silverchair's new album YOUNG MODERN due out April.

amazing.......2006-05-24

For lack of any better words, this is an album you MUST HAVE. Besides the fact that these guys are amazing songwriters, they present it so well and fluid-like. Everything seems perfectly in place. Great lyrics too.

Silverchair's best work..........2006-05-20

I am the proud owner of every Silverchair album and I have to say, this one is my favorite. Every song is amazing. Their incredible talent really shines through. I have always considered Daniel Johns a lyrical genius but I relate to his lyrics more so on this album than any other. If a song has the ability to send chills down my spine, it's a damn good song in my opinion. Well, this whole album gave me chills. "Steam will Rise" is my personal favorite. The ending when the music cuts out and all you hear is Daniel's voice...amazing. His voice is his own instrument. I definitley recommend this album. If you weren't a Silverchair fan before, you will be now.

"A breeding ground for hate...".......2006-04-26

Silverchair's Neon Ballroom has to be the most personal and heartwrenching album of all time. Frontman Daniel Johns battle with anorexia is the main theme explored on this introspective disc. The track Open Fire (Ana's Song) John's talks openly and bluntly about having and coping with the diaease known as anorexia, "I love you to the bones, and Ana wrecks your life like an anorexia life." Miss you love is a gorgeous song with self-loathing lyrics:"I'm not,not too sure how it feels to handle everyday like the one who just passed in the crowds of all the people..." Do you feel the same, and Paint pastel Princess are about overcoming loneliness and staying clear of prescription pills. The best song on the album is Black Tangled Heart which John's declares:"Maybe you'll kill yourself before i get a turn, maybe i'll fall in love and never learn." Point of View and Anthem for the year 2000 are also standout tracks. John's voice is so strong and powerful, he is using all the strength he possibly has in his tiny body to get his words out. A stunning and therapeutic masterpiece, Neon Ballroom will have you begging for more.

Great music that doesn't age!.......2006-01-21

I first purchased this CD back in 1999, and the music still seems as moving and emotional to me now as it did back then. You can't help but sing along with their interesting lyrics and different sound of music. It was an extra special CD to go along with my teen angst of middle/high school.

Average customer rating: Adictive My my. Today I step out of your past Belle & Sebastian meets Kraftwerk Outstanding

Neon Golden The Notwist Manufacturer: Domino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Electronic Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Faking the Books Life Is Full of Possibilities Nothing's Lost 13 & God You Forgot It in People ASIN: B00008BL4F Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

1. One Step Inside Doesn't Mean You Understand
2. Pilot
3. Pick Up the Phone
4. Trashing Days
5. This Room
6. Solitaire
7. One With the Freaks
8. Neon Golden
9. Off the Rails
10. Consequence
11. Scoop (domestic edition bonus track)
12. Propeller 9 (domestic edition bonus track)
13. Formiga (domestic edition bonus track)

Amazon.com

The combination of meandering acoustic guitar, mournful vocals, post-punk rock, crisp electronica, flutes, dub bass, sax, occasional breakbeat, and banjo could've turned the tender tunes on Notwist's sixth album into chaotic and indulgent noodling. The 15 months spent in the studio putting the unlikely components together, however, pays off with a collection beautiful and dreamy lo-fi lullabies in which hazy pop melodies drift by on an eccentric flow of sensual bleeps, whooshes, and crackles. Even when Neon Golden strays toward more traditional rock, Markus Acher's downtrodden yet hopeful vocals and achingly sweet melodies hold up, as do the sumptuous atmospheric add-ons that link the New Order-like "Pilot" and "One with the Freaks" to the title track's ambient electronic pulses. Yet nothing is more magical or odd than "Trashing Days," where Notwist manages to make pneumatic space-age sound effects rubbing against scraping beats, woozy horns and a quietly plucked banjo, sound like the most natural thing in the world. --Dan Gennoe

Album Description

15 months in the making, and light years ahead of their post-punk, self-titled debut in 1990, Neon Gold is Notwist's sixth full length album. 'Top 10 album of the year', says the New York Times. This Domino release features three bonus tracks not available on the import, 'Scoop', 'Propeller 9' & 'Formiga'. A total of 13 tracks in all. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Adictive.......2006-01-13

One of those albums that you cannot stop listening to. Beautiful melodies, crunchy beats - a really nice amalgamation of electronic and acoustic instrumentation.

My my........2005-11-30

I bought the CD shortly after downloading the song "Pick up the Phone" from some kids on Livejournal. It sat in my bedroom collecting dust for three or four months after an initial listen left me with an impression far different than that of "Pick up the Phone" gave me. Some months later, I picked it up again. (Refer to review title). This album is simply amazing. Each song gives it's own take on the style of music that is portrayed. A simple melody with an electronic backbeat. I have honestly heard nothing like it, but I rarely venture into the whole 'electronica' stuff. That's another reason I find this to be such a great release. It has electronic elements, but isn't the rave stuff (I stereotype, I know). The lyrics themselves aren't entirely amazing, at least in most songs, but that is overshadowed by the great music.

Today I step out of your past.......2005-10-16

Clean and crunchy beats sputtering under a layered synth soundscape that's half rock and half etherial electronic pop, with perfectly restrained and plaintive vocals that slip in some deceptively powerful lyrics. This album should not be missed, and it's sad that the pop pilfering of The Postal Service has managed to bolster a user friendly and pretentiously vapid reappropriation of this "kind" of music into the mainstream.

Neon Golden should be understood and appreciated as a classic. It's a groundbreaking album, and much as Portishead did with their album "Dummy," the Notwist have simultaneously created and perfected their own genre of music. There will be many imitators to follow, but hopefully history will remember the true importance and influence of this album.

The music creeps up on you, and while it seems at first to be rather simple and pleasant, there's a great deal more going on here that unfolds and presents itself upon repeated listens. This is one of those truly indespensible albums that defies genre classification. It grows on you with each listen, and steadily makes more and more sense.

It took them till this album to really establish their unique sound, but if you want to look into their older material (without stumbling upon their early missteps as a garage punk/prog mess), you should also check out Shrink, which is the first album where they really started to "figure things out."

If you're already into The Notwist, I'd highly recommend the album "Faking the Books" by Lali Puna... Another incredible artist fusing electronics with whatever to turn out something unique and fascinating.

Also, if you're a fan of The Notwist, you HAVE to check out their collaboration with Themselves that they did under the name 13 & God. The self titled 13 & God album stands up to the accomplishment of Neon Golden, and presents a different side to the band through a collaboration with some amazing artsits from the Anticon collective. Essential purchase for any fan.

Belle & Sebastian meets Kraftwerk.......2005-09-28

If I had to describe this album to the uninitiated, it would be "the love-child of Belle & Sebastian and Kraftwerk". Take the plaintive vocals of Stuart Murdoch and combine them with the Casio synth beats of Kraftwerk, and you'll have a pretty good idea of what The Notwist sound like.

And it works so well. Markus Archer's vocals make this album what it is. His voice pulls you into the songs Pick up the phone and Consequence, and the beats keep you in there.

A fantastic and original album from this excellent German band.

Outstanding.......2005-05-12

Probably one of the most delicate albums I have ever heard. The Notwist's sound is so carefully constructed, yet so rich I can't be anything other than blown away by it. I know tons of bands who are desperately trying to sound like The Notwist on Neon Golden (Das Pop, dEUS, amongst others), yet I know of no other band that actually sounds like this.

Neon Golden is a outstanding record that can be played both as soothing background music, as well as an album that holds your full attention right to the end. 10/10

Average customer rating: not amazing, but interesting Kickbacks from the future... Best new CD I've heard in a while... ...

Neon Horse Neon Horse Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail 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: Tension The Brothers Martin Twilight Secrets Keep You Sick The Otherly Opus ASIN: B000OY8NE2 Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Cuckoo!
2. Speed Killz
3. I Know-I Just Don't Care
4. Crazy Daisy
5. Kick Yer Askin' For It
6. Go. Stop.
7. The Bathroom Wall
8. Nice For You
9. Little Lamb
10. Pretty Face Divided
11. Horsey
12. Merciless Mother

Customer Reviews:

not amazing, but interesting.......2007-06-11

its the type of music that will grow on you....Every time I listen to it, I can hear the influence of the late '70s and early '80s.

Overall, it is solid but not amazing.

Kickbacks from the future..........2007-05-14

'Neon Horse' immediately hits as unusual and familiar at the same time. It's got this good ol' rock 'n' roll sound, mixed with modern day tinges and distortion and vocals. Many of the tracks ride into the same territory as Queens of the Stone Age or Eagles of Death Metal, yet still different... maybe less stoner and more trashy, if that makes sense? Mark Salomon and Jason Martin have GOT to be involved, but I can't place the higher pitched vocals. Either way, this record is a lot of fun. It kicks up a dust storm and leaves the party in shambles in no time. Each song is similar, in my mind, to the Ramones... the tracks are fairly short (only one song clocks in over the 3 minute mark) but very to the point. They get the job done and don't mess around with fluff... Very refreshing.

Best new CD I've heard in a while..........2007-05-10

What does Neon Horse remind me of? Well, put Showbread, Starflyer 59, Stavesacre, Modest Mouse, and The B-52s in a blender, and you'll have a taste...

When I heard "Cuckoo" for the first time yesterday I was instantly hooked. The music is familiar, yet a completely new style. I went to four different stores before finally finding the album, and I've been listening to it non-stop today. Every song is decent, and most of them are amazing.

I agree that Mark Salomon (or however you spell it) and Jason Martin are probably in the band. The guitars sound very similar to the most recent Starflyer and Brothers Martin albums. But who is the third? The world may never know...

..........2007-05-09

The latest Tooth and Nail hype machine is Neon Horse, another so-called mystery band where people don't know who the members of the band is. Those into Stavesacre will immediately recognize Mark Salomon as 1/2 of the vocal duo. And it isn't too hard to imagine Jason Martin of Starflyer 59 doing guitars. Beyond that things are a bit murkier, member wise.

The music is fairly rock and roll, throwing back to the hey-dey of rock music. However, rather than being a simple clone (unlike a fair number of the current throwbacks), Neon Horse is captivating for the simple reason that the choruses are huge. Salomon's voice is gripping in this role and context.

The album feels a bit short and could have stretched some of the songs out farther, in my opinion. However, it is definitely worthwhile picking up for the music, and not simply as an acknowledgment of the hype.

Average customer rating: Neon Genesis Evangelion Beatiful and greatly done music The 1st of Three Key Evangelion Soundtracks Fly Me to the Moon, Well Over the Cuckoo's Nest A great CD

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 1 Shiro Sagisu Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 2 Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 3 The End of Evangelion Neon Genesis Evangelion: Platinum Collection Neon Genesis Evangelion - Death & Rebirth/The End of Evangelion Two-Pak ASIN: B0000UX5PM Release Date: 2004-01-20

Tracks:

1. A Cruel Angel's Thesis
2. Fly Me To The Moon
3. Angel Attack
4. Rei I
5. Hedgehog's Dilemma
6. Barefoot In The Park
7. Ritsuko
8. Misato
9. Asuka Strikes!
10. Nerv
11. Tokyo-3
12. I. Shinji
13. Eva-01
14. A Step Forward In Terror
15. Eva-02
16. Decisive Battle
17. Eva-00
18. The Beast
19. Marking Time, Waiting For Death
20. Rei II
21. Fly Me To The Moon
22. Next Episode
23. Fly Me To The Moon

Customer Reviews:

Neon Genesis Evangelion.......2006-07-26

Very fast shipping, wonderful to work with! Item is excellent and so is the seller!!!
Thanks

Beatiful and greatly done music.......2005-04-25

Neon Gensis Evangelion Vol. I is my favorite among the set of three main soundtracks, the instrumental music is simply some of the best you'll find on any Anime Soundtrack, it only covers a small portion of the series, but it's definately the best portion.

I totally recommend it and, if you can only buy one the Neon Gensis Evangelion albums, this is it.

The 1st of Three Key Evangelion Soundtracks.......2004-08-13

This is "Neon Genesis Evangelion", the first of the three fundamental Eva soundtracks, with 23 tracks and clocking in at 58 minutes (and 2 seconds). This soundtrack covers much of the basic music heard in the beginning of the anime series. An excellent collection. EXCELLENT.

The lyrics pamphlet includes thought-invoking words from Director Hideaki Anno, Director of Music Shiro Sagisu, and two Assistant Directors. Shinji and Eva Unit-01 are on the cover. Includes Japanese and English translation lyrics for the long version of Cruel Angel's Thesis, and words to Fly Me to the Moon. The rest are credits. On the back of the case is a scene with Eva-01 walking away from a smoky explosion site.

A runthrough of the tracks:
#1) A Cruel Angel's Thesis <Director's Edit. Version> -- A longer version of the intro of the anime. It runs through the main verses once, then goes through a bridge, and runs through the main verses once more.
#2) Fly Me to the Moon -- A very standard version of FMttM. Long version, not TV size.
#3) Angel Attack -- Suspenseful action music. Very typically played during several Angel attacks throughout the anime series.
#4) Rei I -- Ahhh, Rei! Serene and beautiful music in the name of Rei. Sad and peaceful piano and violin. It will remind you of the scenes with Rei, who herself is serenely beautiful.
#5) Hedgehog's Dilemma -- Also sad, with acoustic guitar and high notes from a piano. Will fill you with the blues.
#6) Barefoot in the Park -- A bit more upbeat, with a hint of jazz.
#7) Ritsuko -- I don't remember this from the anime, but it's fine. Doesn't particularly remind me of Evangelion, nor Ritsuko, but the music is fine. Plucky guitar and piano.
#8) Misato -- Oh yes, this is Misato. Remember the cutesy music playing on those mornings when Misato plops down at the table and downs an entire can of beer in front of Shinji? Yeah, this is it. Very upbeat.
#9) Asuka Strikes! -- Music from Asuka acting high and mighty (while Shinji just gapes). it's almost country, with what sounds like a fiddle, and country guitar.
#10) NERV -- A rather imposing tune, like descending into the Geofront and walking towards the giant pyramid that is NERV.
#11) TOKYO-3 -- This is the wonder that Shinji feels while first catching a glimpse of the massive Geofront from above.
#12) I. Shinji -- Almost like some sort of funeral march, music from a dramatic moment. Oppressing piano, backed up with a violin.
#13) EVA-01 -- Can't describe... Slightly happy, backed up with snare march.
#14) A Step Forward Into Terror -- Starts off grand, music from an Eva rising from defeat and about to make a winning move.
#15) EVA-02 -- Similar to the previous two songs.
#16) Decisive Battle - A familiar bass beat.
#17) EVA-00 -- Starting here, the music becomes harsh and woeful. Rei's Eva music is ruthless, cold. I love it ^^.
#18) The Beast -- Except for the pause in between tracks, you'd never notice track 18 wasn't a continuation of track 17. Gets even faster
#19) Marking Time, Waiting for Death -- This is quiet, eerie music. It builds up, then breaks out in a wave of spent suspense.
#20) Rei II -- More Rei! Woeful violins again remind you of Rei's quiet beauty.
#21) Fly Me to the Moon -- Long version, no lyrics.
#22) Next Episode <30 Second Version> -- Music playing when Shinji and Asuka must live and breathe together, prepping for their synchronized fight with an angel.
#23) Fly Me to the Moon <YOKO TAKAHASHI Acid Bossa Version> -- Background has cutesy exotic percussion (bongos, congas, that thing that makes noise when you shake it...) and upbeat guitar, like ska or reggae. Full version.

Keep in mind that Evangelion, Evangelion II, and Evangelion III are a sort of set, and that this soundtrack alone is by no means meant to cover all the =brilliant= pieces heard in the Evangelion anime series. Perhaps it is best to purchase this or Evangelion II first. Thank Gainax for these US releases - otherwise I'd still be coughing up money for those expensive imports. I recommend all three, you really can't go wrong; the music is to die for ^^.

Cheers!

Lover of Rei. =^_^=

Fly Me to the Moon, Well Over the Cuckoo's Nest.......2004-03-03

This compilation may be great but unfortunately it is a little lacking like many soundtracks (TransFormers the Movie, for one...till all are one.). Multiple renditions of 'Fly Me to the Moon' are here but certain tracks such as the one that plays when Rei auto-detonates Eva unit 00(Rei 3?) are omitted, forcing listeners to get a much more expensive imported complete collection, probably not a problem for those who just want a healthy dose of Evagelion's soundtrack but insufficient for those wanting the full score. Still, it's good to have some than none, right? More so than any other soundtrack, it's an excellent tool for getting one into the mood to write scenes of the variety the tracks were originally composed for. This is one of those cases where the only thing better is more. If you can't get the complete collection, get this.

A great CD.......2004-01-29

This CD has all my favorite songs from Evangelion, and some great ones i even forgot about! My only complaint is that they did not give the original version of "Cruel Angels Thesis", but rather a onger version which is still good.

Average customer rating: Bobby Darin delivers one of his best live concerts ever recorded Excellent but not Darin at h is best! A review for the reviewers One of the great live albums from the greatest entertainer. One of Darin's best and most mature live performances.

Live! At the Desert Inn Bobby Darin Manufacturer: Neon Tonic ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Similar Items: Darin at the Copa Live From Las Vegas Aces Back to Back (Audio CD & DVD) Bobby Darin - Beyond the Song The Curtain Falls: Live at the Flamingo ASIN: B0007DBJTQ Release Date: 2005-03-22

Tracks:

1. Intro. Monologue
2. Save The Country
3. Moritat (Mack The Knife)
4. Fire And Rain
5. Hi De Ho (That Old Sweet Roll)
6. Monologue
7. Hey Jude/Eleanor Rigby/Blackbird/A Day In The Life
8. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher
9. I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
10. Monologue
11. If I Were A Carpenter
12. Simple Song Of Freedom\
13. Finale Band Introduction
14. Chain Of Fools/Respect/Splish Splash/Johnny B. Goode
15. Work Song
16. Beyond The Sea

Amazon.com

On a cool February night in 1971, entertainer Bobby Darin gathered the friends, associates, and VIPs he'd flown in for the occasion to a sort of summit meeting in the Crystal Room of Las Vegas' Desert Inn. There and then, Darin again staked his claim as one of the most accomplished, versatile, and creatively unpredictable pop singers ever. Despite having traded his early teen idol incarnation for that of mature and ambitious saloon singer a decade earlier, Darin displays his uncanny knack for recasting contemporary rock and pop in his own image repeatedly here. The show may feature a loose, swinging rendition of "Mack the Knife" near the top of the set, and close with the spare, jazzy bonus version of "Beyond the Sea," but they bookend masterful takes on everything from James Taylor (a blues-charged "Fire and Rain") and BS&T's "Hi De Ho" to the Beatles (a medley of "Hey Jude"/"Eleanor Rigby"/"Blackbird"/"A Day in the Life" whose drama shames most contemporary pop covers) and a warm, elegant version of Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight." His hit version of Tim Hardin's "If I Were A Carpenter" is shrewdly paired here with the poignant, Darin-penned anti-war anthem "Sing a Simple Song of Freedom" (which Hardin covered successfully), underscoring the willful genre-bending that made Darin so intriguing. -- Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Bobby Darin delivers one of his best live concerts ever recorded.......2007-02-28

Bobby Darin stunned many of his contemporaries with his energy and his singularly remarkable passion. Bobby Darin found adoring crowds wherever he went; and his voice could be potent, masculine yet sensitive and electric all at the same time. His audiences loved his versatility and his concerts included surprises that amazed his fans.

I agree with the reviewer who writes that "Save The Country" is indeed a stirring introduction for this live concert recorded on this CD. There is some minor surface noise but the number still shines magnificently. Bobby's solo is flawless as he proclaims that "we can build a new world on love." Booby expresses his anti-Vietnam war sentiment in this ballad. His audiences loved every minute of "Save The Country." The Jeannie Thomas Singers are superb on backup vocals all throughout this album, too.

The concert then moves into one of Bobby's greatest hits, "Moritat (Mack The Knife)." Bobby sings this with a certain intimacy that I never heard him use for this number. It just may be that Bobby truly WAS in his prime even though he would suffer a premature death only two years later. The musical arrangement complements Bobby's vocals flawlessly. Moreover, Bobby performs `Hi-Di-Ho" with such energy and strength that he lifts this production number to new heights. Bobby doesn't waste another opportunity to express his distaste for the then current American foreign policy in Vietnam. The musicians play with the strength of a big band even though The Carleton Hayes Orchestra was small. The band consisted of Terry Kellman on guitar; Billy Aiken on piano; Quitman Dennis playing bass guitar; Tommy Amato on the drums.

Other memorable numbers on this live album include a sensitive and rather slow paced rendition of James Taylor's "Fire And Rain;" a "Beatles Medley" of "Hey Jude;" "Eleanor Rigby;" Blackbird" and "A Day In The Life;" a passionate rendition of Tim Hardin's "If I Were A Carpenter" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher." "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher And Higher" rocks hard and pretty soon you find yourself moving to the music even as you listen to this CD for the very first time. The strength of Bobby's voice echoes the world over as he sings. Impressive!

The official concert recording ends with an excellent rendition of "Simple Song Of Freedom" which again protests the evils of war and boasts an electric finish; Bobby then introduces the band members to give them the credit they so richly deserved. The band proves they can jam well, too!

Bobby performs an encore medley to the delight of his ecstatic audience. We get "Chain Of Fools;" "Respect;" "Splish Splash" and "Johnny B. Goode." The audience goes wild when Bobby begins to sing "Johnny B. Goode;" what a strong finish!

A huge plus of this CD is that after the encore we get two previously unreleased bonus tracks from this concert: "Work Song" and another signature Darin song, "Beyond The Sea." This gives us well over an hour of high octane performing on a single album--excellent!

The liner notes include an essay about the concert by Ken Smith and the song credits are provided, too.

Bobby Darin left us all too early; but his legacy remains a bright star in all the heavens as well as on Earth. His music still entertains countless numbers of people and he will never be forgotten. Bobby's fans will love this great CD because it is one of his strongest live recordings available; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will also love this CD.

Excellent but not Darin at h is best!.......2006-07-23

I recently purchased this CD, Bobby Darin Live At The Desert Inn. I love the CD but it is not currently my favorite out of all my Bobby Darin CDs. This is though my favorite out of his more mature performances. Dispite Darin's horrible heart condition during this performance, he deleivered an exceptional performace. 4 out of 5 stars.

A review for the reviewers.......2006-06-24

After reading the reviews on this CD, I purchased it. My goodness, how much more I enjoyed each track after reading the descriptions of the songs. I don't know how you all know these stories, but THANK YOU for sharing them. My parents were musicians in an orchestra and when I started piano lessons, the first song I learned was "Mack the Knife". I was a little young when Bobby Darin passed away and am just now becoming acquainted with his music. This CD is so fun to listen to in the car, all alone. I love his banter...you feel like you're there. I first went to Las Vegas in 1974 when it was just a big town. The fun part after watching headliners, was to go sit in the lounge of whatever casino they were performing, and they would come out and sit and have a few drinks, often times right next to you. I did see Frank & Dean perform...never saw Bobby. Thanks again reviewers...

One of the great live albums from the greatest entertainer........2006-04-15

I love this album, and it stands on it's own as a quality recording by a wonderful performer regardless of his physical condition. But I do have to second Barry Pasini's remarks that take issue with Lawrence's statement that Bobby's voice was past its prime.

As Barry pointed out this concert was recorded just before Bobby's first heart surgery. This is very literally true. Directly after finishing his last show of his Desert Inn engangement, Bobby left through the back door of the casino and climbed into a station wagon equiped with a bed. It drove him directly to a hospital in LA for open heart surgery (after spending just a few hours with his young son since Darin didn't expect to survive).

Bobby was in no condition to even perform at this point but felt it was essential to his career to keep this engangement, and he therefore insisted on doing it in spite of what his doctors told him. He could barely even breath or stand up by this time due to extensive heart damage from childhood rhuematic fever, and survived only by gasping oxygen backstage and by frequent cardio-conversion procedures to try to shock his defective heart into beating like a normal one.

So his voice was fine, but he was deathly ill. After his successful surgery he was again able to meet the physical demands of performing, albeit briefly until his death. And we can hear in subsequent performances how very fine his voice really was.

His voice quality was tied directly to his health and not to declining abilities. Regardless, his talent shines thru in this album in spite of everything. And people needn't even know this back story to enjoy it and to marvel at this exceptional performer.

One of Darin's best and most mature live performances........2005-11-12

Though I have always liked Bobby Darin, I became a real fan with this CD, re-released in 2005. Recorded in 1971, two years before his premature death at 37, it shows Darin at his peak--sophisticated, versatile, brilliant in his choice of material and presentation, and totally in control, whether he is letting it all hang out in his Medley of "Chain of Fools," "Respect," "Splish Splash," and "Johnny B. Goode," or quiet and subtle in his tribute to Bob Dylan, "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight."

"Save the Country," his stirring opener, sounds like a big Vegas show-stopper, with the Jeannie Thomas Singers in the background and what sounds like a huge band, though it actually consists of four musicians--Billy Aikens on piano and keyboards, Tommy Amato on drums, Terry Kellman on guitar, and his conductor/arranger Quitman Dennis on bass. Beginning with a gospel/revival sound, Darin then switches to an intimate a capella presentation in which he declares, "We can build a world on love," before taking the song to a wild conclusion. "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher" also has a powerful gospel/rock sound, and as Darin puts more and more energy into the song, and you begin to think he cannot possibly get more any more impassioned, he does, while never missing a note.

His tributes to other musician/composers--James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" and Bob Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight"--by contrast, sound folky and intimate, beginning quietly, almost a capella, with Darin accompanied by guitar, sounding confidential and personal.

The "Beatles Medley," an incredible, seven-minute tribute depending primarily on "Hey, Jude," reflects his extraordinary talent with ballads, sung almost without accompaniment, with notes held so long that it difficult to imagine any health problems or his constant need for oxygen, backstage. "Hi-De-Ho," Cab Calloway's trademark song, is also one of the many high points. Bluesy, with a Darin harmonica solo and the sound of tambourines, he takes the song into the realm of hard rock and roll, an unbelievable performance.

Darin's easy, natural ability with every kind of music of the day--gospel, folk, ballads, wild rock--and his power with each of them, reveal a versatility that singers like Sinatra never achieved (though this is in no way a criticism of Sinatra). His maturity and ability to pace himself without showing any kind of strain is miraculous, considering his health problems. Consistently good, this Darin live performance features some of his best-ever presentations and arrangements. n Mary Whipple

International Music:

1. Early Tzigane Records/Budapest-Monte Carlo-Madrid-Berlin-Milan-Paris 1898-1022
2. El Sapo [Import]
3. Famous Gypsy Tunes
4. Flashback: Paul Anka [Import]
5. Flashback Wess & Dori Ghezzi (I Grandi Successi Originali) [Import]
6. Gottlieb Live [Import] [Live]
7. Hora de Salsa
8. I Grandi Successi Originali [Import]
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10. I Grandi Successi Originali [Import]

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International Music