Above & Beyond

Track Listings
1. I Feel Like Praising Him    
2. Hold on to Your Faith    
3. Lord I Love Ya    
4. Segue - O'Landa Draper    
5. Nothing But the Blood    
6. I Need Thee    
7. You're My Strength    
8. Wipe a Tear    
9. Jesus Never Fails    
10. It Is Well    
11. He Brought Me Through    
12. Lift the Saviour Up    
13. No Turning Back    
14. Closing - O'Landa Draper    

Above & Beyond, Music, O'Landa Draper & the Associates, Black Gospel, Contemporary Gospel, Gospel, Gospel/Christian Music, Pop
Anjunabeats, Vol. 5
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The best of the best............
  • Great, uplifting trance
  • Quite possibly the best trance compilation so far this year.
  • Get ready to be happy, uplifted
  • True pioneers of uplifting melodic, euphoric trance......!!!!
Anjunabeats, Vol. 5
Above & Beyond
Manufacturer: Ultra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A State of Trance 2007
  2. Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
  3. Passport to the United States of America
  4. A State of Mind
  5. Anjunabeats Worldwide, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000PSJCL0
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

  1. Zeppelin - Michael Cassette
  2. Battery Life - Chunk & Twist
  3. Essense - Jaytech
  4. Remember September - Boom Jink
  5. Together - Joonas Hahmo
  6. Needs To Feel - Super8 & Tab
  7. Spacelift - Jaytech
  8. My Name Is Jacques - Junk Science
  9. Formalistick - Stephen J. Kroos
  10. Buzz - Above & Beyond
  11. Tomahawk - Oliver Smith
  12. Amnesia - Nitrous Oxide
  13. Good For Me - Above & Beyond

Tracks:

  1. Shapes - Maor Levi
  2. Megashira - Marc Marberg
  3. One Night In Tokyo - Purple Mood
  4. Razorfish - Above & Beyond
  5. Make Me Believe - Daniel Kandi
  6. Home - Above & Beyond
  7. Nimbus - Oliver Smith
  8. Oceanic - Above & Beyond
  9. Worldwide - Mark Pledger vs. Super8 & Tab
  10. Cold Front - Remo-con
  11. Never Gone - Adam Nickey
  12. One Wish - Evbointh
  13. Suru - Super8 & Tab

Amazon.com

The boys at Anjunabeats--who in their collective DJ persona go by Above & Beyond--have probably done more than any other outfit to reinvigorate the genre of trance in the last five years. This is largely thanks to their mix compilations, which have featured talents like Gabriel & Dresden, Kyau & Albert, and Smith & Pledger. So it's a bit difficult to explain how these tastemakers could see fit to include a track peppered with a geek-speak warning that laptop overheating results in decreased battery life (Chunk & Twist's "Battery Life"). But such oddness is soon forgotten with the entrance of "Essence," a predictably excellent effort from Jaytech with plenty of swing. Disc 1 also features Joonas Hahmo's "Together," an effervescent fusion of house and trance elements that works like a charm. Disc 2 leaves the gate with Maor Levi's "Shapes"--whose splice-and-dice vocals nod to James Holden's seminal remix of "Nothing"--followed by Marc Marberg and Kyau & Albert's "Megashira," a must-spin track that is electro on the outside and trance on the inside (and features an absolutely stellar breakdown). Volume 5 is the most electro-influenced installment of Anjunabeats yet, but Above & Beyond are careful to use the harder-edged stuff as a springboard to give their trademark euphoric material even greater effect. --Brent Kallmer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The best of the best...................2007-07-13

Some others have written some great reviews of this ultra gorgeously mixed collection of the finest Progressive and Euphoric Trance available, so I will be brief. I have been an Above & Beyond fan since I first heard their single Air for Life a few years ago, and have since acquired all of the Anjunabeats volumes and the Anjunabeats Worldwide mix as well. I have to say they are all excellent and truly special mixes compared to everything else out there from a consistency and quality perspective. Buy this amazing, wonderful, inspiring mix and you will not regret it! Absolutely incredible.

5 out of 5 stars Great, uplifting trance.......2007-06-30

Confirming what most of the previous reviews have reported..this 2 disc set really is a great mix by Above/Beyond with lots of uplifting tunes, beats, and melodies. I would go as far as saying that there are no bad tracks on this entire mix. If you're a fan of trance, anything by AvB or PvD, or are looking to get into trance, I would suggest this Volume 5 mixed by Above and Beyond.

5 out of 5 stars Quite possibly the best trance compilation so far this year........2007-06-30

I just recently got into the Anjunabeats compilations and I gotta say, they damn near leave A State Of Trance in the dust. Not that they're bad, mind you, it's just that they're the CDs to get if you're really into euphoric and progressive trance (even though ASOT 2007 was a little more dissapointing than 2006). 2 new Tranquility Base trax, Above & Beyond's club mix of Home, Super 8 & Tab, and one of the purest tracks I've heard in 2007, Evbointh's One Wish? What more do you want?! It's already got me looking foward to volume 6 (Gee, thanks a lot, Above & Beyond!)

5 out of 5 stars Get ready to be happy, uplifted.......2007-06-17

I have been very impressed with the great work of Above & Beyond since I first heard their masterful "Air for Life." Since then they have continued to produce genre defining trance music. I had high expectations for this album and wasn't disappointed. This two CD treasure has two and a half hours of moving, beautiful, euphoric music that has left me wanting to hear the album over and over again. It's perfect for dancing, driving, relaxing. The strength of this album convinces me that in a couple of years Above & Beyond will be vying for the top spot with the likes of Armin van Buuren and Tiesto. In many ways, this compilation is better than anything Tiesto or van Buuren have come up with, and that's saying a lot as I have well enjoyed their respective mixes. Hats off to Above & Beyond for making great music. They keep the beats...and smiles coming.
Every song on this album is fantastic. Rarely does one encounter a trance album where every song just flows with the next song, and every song is a song that you want to replay after you hear it but, on Anjunabeats 5, Above & Beyond have managed to compile a collection of 26 great songs. Literally all of them are great. I seldom can rave about an album where every song is great, but this album is that exception. Not to rave too much but some of standout faves for the first disc are the opening and closing songs, "Zeppelin" (an emotional, energetic, synth-driven melody) and "Good for Me" ( a gorgeous club mix of the original that is thankfully close to eight minutes long for full effect). Other highlights on this disc for me were the catchy "Battery Life," the infectious grooves of "My Name is Jacques," the flourishes on "Formalistick" and the bouncy feel of songs like "Together" and "Spacelift." On CD two my favorite track is "Shapes" but I also loved the atmospheric "One Night in Tokyo" the expansive "Megashira," the cinematic "Oceanic" and also "Make Me Believe" and "Suru." Every other song is fantastic too.
Thank you Above & Beyond for giving me something to actually enjoy listening too this summer. I'm sure this album will be in my player for a very long time.

5 out of 5 stars True pioneers of uplifting melodic, euphoric trance......!!!!.......2007-06-16

The voluem 5 installment is a mesmerizing journey of such brilliance, that you will want hear every song over and over again. I've never experienced such jaw-dropping ectatic energy, ever since I popped these masterpiece gems in my car...!
All of the Above
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • captures the heart of a movement
  • Studio album does not disappoint
  • The Album is AMAZING!!!
  • All of the Above is not above all the others
  • God in Christ Supreme from first to last! May His holiness and glory continue to grow worldwide through His sold out Body!!!!!!!
All of the Above
Hillsong United
Manufacturer: Integrity Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Praise & WorshipPraise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Live RecordingsLive Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. United We Stand
  2. Mighty to Save
  3. Look To You
  4. Holding Nothing Back
  5. More Than Life - United

ASIN: B000P46Q04
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

  1. Point Of Difference
  2. Break Free
  3. Desperate People
  4. Devotion
  5. Draw Me Closer
  6. Lead Me To The Cross
  7. Found
  8. Hosanna
  9. For All Who Are To Come
  10. Solution
  11. My Future Decided
  12. Never Let Me
  13. You
  14. Saviour King

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars captures the heart of a movement.......2007-06-01

This is music that has challenged and inspired me lyrically. I'm feeling every song on this album, particularly the fresh sound of Found followed by Hosanna and Solution.

This album makes me want to go out and change the world. Small things with great love. Seeking to have the compassion of Christ. Allowing my heart to break over what breaks God's heart... to share the gospel with my life and my actions.. not just with what I say. To be the hands and feet of Christ in this world... to impact people in a positive way... and all glory going to God.

God is up to something in the lives of young people. He wants to use us in powerful ways... putting into action the revolutionary idea of TRULY loving Him... and loving people. This album has really crystallized a lot of what I've been reading and hearing lately (Irresistible Revolution, etc..)

It's definitely a slightly different flavor than their previous albums... but if you're into social justice and living a life of impact in Christ's name.... check out this album. It will inspire.

I'm a relatively new fan of Hillsong UNITED but they've really secured my support with this album. I'm enjoying pretty much every song here... and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store with "the I Heart Revolution"

These guys get a lot of slack because of their popularity. And also people want to hear their old albums repackaged it seems... but God is always fresh, and it seems to me that they're in tune with what God is doing in the hearts of young people. I will continue to pray that their passion will light many a fire around the world.

Peace, love and grace..

5 out of 5 stars Studio album does not disappoint.......2007-05-25

Hillsong United is known for their powerful live worship albums. You feel as if you are worshipping and praising alongside United when you listen to their live albums from the past. So I wasn't sure that a studio album would have the same intense effect that their past albums have had ( United We Stand is the best in my opinion)....well let me say that this album does not disappoint. The more and more I listen to it, the more I absolutely love it!! Let's see, personal favorites are Lead Me To The Cross (beautiful ballad from Brooke Fraser), Found (like this version better than the Mighty To Save version), Solution (not only do you just crank it up and jam out to this song but I love these lyrics of "... Higher than all circumstance Your promise stands, Your love for all to see, higher than our protest lines and dollars signs Your love is all we need..only You can mend the broken heart and cause the blind to see, erase complete the sinner's past and set the captives free...only You can take the widow's cry and cause her heart to sing, be the father to the fatherless...." (( these particular lyrics really impacted me), Never Let Me Go (you feel God's love for you), You (simple but DEEP!!) and Saviour King (this will be a favorite in churchs all around the world...powerful and deep lyrics!).

I find myself going to bed with a song in my head and wake up humming one of the songs. They stay with me all day and help me to get through the day. I have read other reviews and comments and the ones that criticize should really try to have a more open mind. The message, love and desire is in this album just as much as the others in the past. I have always said before you criticize, try to educate yourself more on the albums and songs...if you want a deeper understanding on the songs, go to YouTube Hillsong United TV and check out all the blogs on the songs. Once you see it, you will have a better and deeper understanding of the songs and connect even more. I am so grateful that there are talented people who use their gifts that God has given them and use it to serve Him according to His purpose. Without powerful worship songs, I don't know how I would honestly make it through the daily struggles that I face. They honestly get me through and help me to connect to our Creator and find purpose, meaning and understanding.

Thank you so very much Hillsong United for continuing to create awesome praise and worship music that glorifies and exhalts our Creator and Saviour!!!

5 out of 5 stars The Album is AMAZING!!!.......2007-05-25

I bought the import one straight from Hillsong Australia, but its the same cd. The tracks are amazing. Solution is the best praise song and Saviour King is one of the best worship songs that hillsong has ever done (ive heard their cds for 10 years). Point of Difference reminds me of The Time Has Come from the United We Stand cd but its different of course. Break Free is more punk, Desperate People is a good worship song, Lead Me to the Cross reminds me of the None But Jesus song a little bit. Found is the same song from Mighty to Save. My Future Decided is more of a youth punk song Never Let Me Go is a good worship song You is slower could be good for meditation Saviour King is amazing though - revolutionary powerful WOW!!!!!!!!!! I first thought of it like came to the rescue but its not - its completely new. If youre mixed about my review, buy it for Saviour King - its the new anthem Hillsong church is singing in Australia SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!!

3 out of 5 stars All of the Above is not above all the others.......2007-05-24

Hillsong United has been providing relevant Christian music to youth for a few years now. All of the Above is a step backwards. While the songs display great musicianship, they are not as singable as past albums. Song lyrics has walked away what Christ has done for us (except for "Lead Me to the Cross" which has great words). If you'd like to listen to some good mainstream-sounding Christian music, check out this album. If you're looking for a worship album, look to past Hillsong United projects.

5 out of 5 stars God in Christ Supreme from first to last! May His holiness and glory continue to grow worldwide through His sold out Body!!!!!!!.......2007-05-24

Hillsong United has done it again! God in Christ remains the focus from first to last! Hillsong United continues to point youth, young adults, and older adults to focus first (and last) on Christ as the preeminent, most worthy Son of God and Lord of every square inch of His universe. Hillsong United continues to catalyze wholehearted, abandoned worship of the only One worthy of such an ever-increasing outpouring of worth-ship! The Bible passage that comes to my mind when worshiping Christ along with "All Of The Above" is Isaiah 9:6,7 (ESV). The worship continues to grow larger, bolder, and more desperately dependent in Christ,through Hillsong United's ongoing works of faith and obedient sacrifice, even as we see the sprialing increase of our LORD Jesus's government throughout the earth.

and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of His government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over His kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Our autonomous Sovereign LORD will surely continue to have the first and last Word over "autonomous", humanistic man around the world! Praise and worship Him, our Sovereign King who is without rival worldwide, both in History (His Story!), the present, and in the future....Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)

There is no god like our God!

Psalm 110 (ESV)
Sit at My Right Hand
A Psalm of David.

1The LORD says to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool."

2The LORD sends forth from Zion
your mighty scepter.
Rule in the midst of your enemies!
3Your people will offer themselves freely
on the day of your power,[a]
in holy garments;[b]
from the womb of the morning,
the dew of your youth will be yours.[c]
4The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind,
"You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek."

5The Lord is at your right hand;
he will shatter kings on the day of his wrath.
6He will execute judgment among the nations,
filling them with corpses;
he will shatter chiefs[d]
over the wide earth.
7He will drink from the brook by the way;
therefore he will lift up his head.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 110:3 Or on the day you lead your forces
b. Psalm 110:3 Masoretic Text; some Hebrew manuscripts and Jerome on the holy mountains
c. Psalm 110:3 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
d. Psalm 110:6 Or the head

Above
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • RIP layne staley
  • Gooaasch
  • Good as hell, all the way through
  • Great experience
  • Layne's voice still echoes from Above
Above
Mad Season
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GrungeGrunge | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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  1. Temple of the Dog
  2. Jar of Flies
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  4. Sap
  5. Facelift

ASIN: B000002B2T
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

  1. Wake Up
  2. X-Ray Mind
  3. River Of Deceit
  4. I'm Above
  5. Artificial Red
  6. Lifeless Dead
  7. I Don't Know Anything
  8. Long Gone Day
  9. November Hotel
  10. All Alone

Amazon.com

Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley teams with Seattle pals Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) and Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees) in the tradition of other part-time grunge aggregations like Brad and Hater. These 10 numbers--mostly somber, acoustic-hued ballads like the single "River of Deceit"--are a therapeutic soul-cleansing for the troubled Staley. Core fans of any of the aforementioned bands will rank this with the solo work of Screaming Tree frontman Mark Lanegan (a guest vocalist here). --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars RIP layne staley.......2007-06-05

mad season was a side project of layne staley (former frontman for alice in chains) along with one of the guitar players from pearl jam and a no-name drummer. all of the songs are playable but only 1 or 2 really stand out with artificial red being my fav. i would recommend buying a used copy for a few bucks if you are a fan of AIC and are curious about this music. the cover art is really cool too.

5 out of 5 stars Gooaasch.......2007-05-05

...honestly, this to date, it is in my top 10 albums of all time.

And, I like it all. Electronica, Jazz, Funk, Hard Rock, Trip-Hop, 50's 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and current, etc. Classics as well as new. This album makes you feel.

Sure, since it's release 10+ years ago, it has found itself not on my "go-to" list more than once. That's the nature of music though.

Yeah, Alice fans will dig, but it's bigger than that.

Where it hits hard...Staley. The man was obviously pained. That in turn produced a moving experience. Although he did the same with Alice, this seems more poignant.

"Wake Up" is THE most memorable cut. Starts out mellow, Layne crying out, a blues/rock riff, and leads to McCready getting off...just amazing.

The combo of musical influences is evident. Staley, McCready, Lanegan, et al just make beautiful, rocking music.

Not one song disappoints. From beginning to end it messages the soul. Whether a soothing effect or a punch in the the kidney...it's perfect.

Led Zeppilin III is in my top 5 of all time...and this rivals.

5 out of 5 stars Good as hell, all the way through.......2007-04-04

This is a mellow, artsy kind of album, but man does it RULE. I love Layne's range. He does Facelift, Dirt, and the Self-Titled while releasing the acoustic CD's in between (SAP and Jar o' Flies). The guy was just a musical genius. This record show that. Having the super backing band also helped, with vocals from Screaming Tree's Mark Lanegan (THE single most UNDERRATED vocailist to ever emerge from Seattle) and Mike from Pearl Jam's excellent 70's style guitar is the icing on the cake. River of Deciet, Lifeless Dead, I don't know anything, and Im alone are my fav's. There isnt a bad track on this CD.

5 out of 5 stars Great experience.......2007-03-22

My husband and I have both been looking for this CD for awhile- We found it cheaper on Amazon than the music store and we got it within 4-5 days. THANKS

5 out of 5 stars Layne's voice still echoes from Above.......2007-03-12

This is the most beautifully artistic outpouring I've ever tried to soak in. The lead singer, Layne Staley(Alice in Chains), attempts to unburden his troubled soul with this emotional tour de force.
His voice on every track is completely mesmerizing. Many of the songs contain a small hint of anger that has been overwhelmed by an infinite sadness. The lyrics are so painfully searing, you get a real feel for the agony behind the words. This entire journey is a therapeutic attempt for Layne to overcome his inner demons.

I love every song on this album. The first track, Wake Up, is a soft, mellow song that really showcases his amazing voice. With the accompaniment of a very basic, throbbing bass guitar and some xylophones, Layne acknowledges his need to wake up from his nightmare.
On X-Ray Mind, Layne admits his need to step away from the grind of his regular life, and how he can tell some of his so called friends might not have his best interest in mind.
The third track, River of Deceit, is the only song that received any radio play. It's about anguish and about choices. Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) skillfully adds to Layne's undeniable energy with his acoustic guitar.
The fourth song is my favorite poem, titled I'm Above. It is the only song that doesn't have elements of personal suffering in it. It basically is stating what comes around, goes around. It demonstrates the power to take the higher ground.
Artificial Red is next, filled with abrasive guitars that control the pacing. Lyrically it seems to be about isolation and recovery. Kind of the entire theme of this album.
Lifeless Dead apparently torments over a lost love. Layne sings this song with a monotone voice, which signifies the drainage of emotion. The guitar riffs are simplistic in their execution plus rigid in their delivery.
Next, the song I Don't Know Anything builds up quickly and then evens out with it's repetitive chorus. The guitars really battle it out.
The final poem, Long Gone Day, is a heartfelt recollection of times gone by. There are sounds of desperation, mistakes, and regret.
Mike closes out this phenomenal collaboration with an awesome instrumental, November Hotel. He demonstrates his remarkable talent even more here at the end. This is followed by kind of an eerie, angelic goodbye.

Mad Season's lone output is one of my most treasured CD's. It's as good as Dirt(Alice in Chains) or Ten(Pearl Jam). That is some lofty praise. We can always still hear Layne's voice, and sometimes I can still feel his tears raining down from Above...

Tri-State
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • fantastic
  • Soft
  • Best CD of 2006!!!!
  • HELP I CAN'T STOP PLAYING IT!!
  • One of the best cds I own
Tri-State
Above & Beyond
Manufacturer: Ultra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Nightmusic, Vol. 1
  2. State of Trance 2006
  3. Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
  4. Ibiza '06
  5. DJ in the Mix 3

ASIN: B000ERU5EK
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

  1. Tri-State
  2. Stealing Time
  3. World On Fire
  4. Air For Life (with Andy Moor)
  5. Cant Sleep
  6. Hope
  7. Liquid Love
  8. In The Past
  9. Alone Tonight
  10. Good For Me
  11. For All I Care
  12. Indonesia
  13. Home

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars fantastic.......2007-06-29

Simply the best trance album of 2006. Listening to the whole album, one can enjoy a definitive experience of "future sound of trance" . Hard to pick a favorite, but one thing is for sure : "Air for Life" will be a true trance classic.

2 out of 5 stars Soft .......2007-06-02

I have heard these guys play before live there are off the chain . It was a little to soft for me But ok . I think they put way to many vocal songs on the cd but over all they did a good job . It was ok but not the best cd over all put in 2006 far from it .

5 out of 5 stars Best CD of 2006!!!!.......2007-05-21

Brand new, thanks! This is the best CD I bought in over a year. A totally cool, chill-out CD. My girlfriend loves it too.

Gracias amigo

4 out of 5 stars HELP I CAN'T STOP PLAYING IT!!.......2007-03-12

Oh my god, this cd is simply awesome. It is relaxing and upbeat at the same time. I can play it in the car on my way to work when I'm stuck in traffic, or at home at night when I dim the lights, it fits both environments. My best songs are mostly the vocal ones.

Stealing Time- I can relate to the songs lyrics
Can't Sleep- Very etheral vocals, heavenly!
Hope, and Liquid Love- nice instrumentals, flows well with Can't sleep
Alone Tonight- clever lyrics in this song

Overall the album is great and is one of the most unique CD's in my collection.

5 out of 5 stars One of the best cds I own.......2007-03-10

Excellent cd as others have noted.
Most of the tracks are great.

Standouts are: Air for Life, and: Can't Sleep. They are simply superb. Great music with variations of driving beats and soft interludes. Female vocals that are almost hypnotic.

Track: Good for me, is great as well. Soft, with great vocals.

Most of the other tracks are very good, but as noted by one of the other reviewers, I did not like voice of the male singer(s) on what otherwise would have been very good, if not great, songs.
Mendelssohn: Elijah
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Wonderful, but not my first choice
  • THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
  • Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah
Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
  2. Overture
  3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
  4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
  5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
  6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
  7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
  8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
  9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
  10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
  11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
  12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
  13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
  14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
  15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
  16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
  17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
  18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
  19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
  20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
  21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
  22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
  23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

  1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
  2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
  3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
  4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
  5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
  6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
  7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
  8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
  9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
  10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
  11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
  12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
  13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
  14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
  15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
  16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
  17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
  18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
  19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
  20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
  21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
  22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
  23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

5 out of 5 stars THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

4 out of 5 stars Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!
Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Best Anjunabeats I Have Heard
  • Awesome
  • By far the best volume
  • Good, Deep, Melodic Trance
  • A Must Buy Trance Album!
Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
Above & Beyond
Manufacturer: Anjuna Beats
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
CompilationsCompilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music | Ambient | Dance Pop | Disco | Drum & Bass | Electronica | Freestyle | Techno-House | Trance | Trip Hop
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Similar Items:
  1. Ibiza '06
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ASIN: B000G03RS6
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

  1. Small Step On The Other Side (B.P.'s Volume Four Remix) - Basic Perspective
  2. Come Play Perfect (Original Mix) - Boom Jinx
  3. 5 (Original Mix) - Super8 & P.O.S.
  4. Aria Epica (Original Mix) - Signalrunners
  5. Keep On (Komytea Remix) - Supermodels From Paris
  6. Ultraviolet (Original Mix) - Mike Koglin Vs. Mark Pledger
  7. Illumina (Original Mix) - Maor Levi
  8. North Pole (Original Mix) - Nitrous Oxide
  9. Amsterdam (Smith & Pledger Remix) - Luminary
  10. Helsinki Scorchin' (Original Mix) - Super8 & DJ Tab
  11. Can't Sleep (Maori Remix) - Above & Beyond
  12. Get Off (Original Mix) - Super8
  13. White (Original Mix) - Smith & Pledger
  14. Breathe (Original Mix) - Daniel Kandi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Best Anjunabeats I Have Heard.......2007-06-06

I got Vol 2 & 3 and I must say that this is the best one so far. It is utterly fantanstic. I got it because other people on Amazon recommended it and I got to admit, this is utterly the best Anjunabeats I have heard. Every track is good. It is not like Vol 2 where I was listening to Taurine, Kallocain, and Cre8 again and again without much regard for the rest of the album. Vol 4 is like one continuous good, wonderful, uplifting, beautiful, perfect piece of progressive trance. This is a true keeper. After 10 years, when I look back on the Summer of 2007, I know I will first remember this album, it is just that good.

I am ordering Anjunabeats, Vol 5 and the Worldwide Vol 1 immediately! Others are saying they are even better than Vol 4. If that is true, this is going to be the best Summer for Trance in a long time!!!!

Buy this! It is worth it! Just buy it already! I wake up at 4 am just to listen to this album 3 times before going to work! It is that good!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Awesome.......2007-05-07

It may not have a lot of vocals to it, but the beats are fricken awesome. I especially love that song "North Pole" track 8; I only wish it was longer.

5 out of 5 stars By far the best volume.......2007-04-02

This is by far the best volume of the Anjunabeats series. Not that the first three volumes are bad, on the contrary, they are great too. But Above & Beyond have definitely put together a great compilation here. Highly recommended!

5 out of 5 stars Good, Deep, Melodic Trance.......2006-12-11

Above and Beyond is an unknown beauty in trance. The fusion of euphoric melody, deep bass lines, and playful beats sets this talented duo apart from most other trance DJ's. Ajunabeats Vol. 4 is a tremendous addition to an already fantastic volume of music promoted by Above and Beyond, and truly sets the standard for innovative trance.

The music develops energetically throughout the set, slowly mounting into a fascinating soundscape; one that is full of elation and wonder. From its beginning to end you get lost in a reminiscent daydream, wondering if the next track will be as beautiful as the last. I was never disappointed.

I highly recommend this album, along with Above and Beyond's other releases, to people who listen for the emotional beauty of music. There is musical genius hidden in every track; and for that simple reason alone, it is quite an album to own.

5 out of 5 stars A Must Buy Trance Album!.......2006-12-06

By far the best of the Anjunabeats series. A&B bring a lot of great beats and energy to this album while keeping to their Trance roots. A great listen front to back for any Trance fan.
Hero
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A dream
  • Perfection at its Best
  • Tranquil Beauty
  • Beautiful!
  • Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack
Hero
Tan Dun
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. House of Flying Daggers
  2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000 Film)
  3. The Last Samurai
  4. Memoirs of a Geisha
  5. Hero

ASIN: B0002S945W
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

  1. Hero: Overture
  2. For the World - Theme Music
  3. Warriors
  4. Gone with Leaves
  5. Longing
  6. At Emperor's Palace
  7. In the Chess Court
  8. Love in Distance
  9. Spirit Fight
  10. Swift Sword
  11. Farewell, Hero
  12. Sorrow in Desert
  13. Home
  14. Above Water
  15. Snow
  16. Yearning for the Peace

Amazon.com

Tan Dun straddles the very different worlds of concert music and film scores, winning admirers in both. He's perhaps best known for his score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shares with Hero a visual poetry that transcends the sword-filled action film genre. In Crouching Tiger, Tan Dun's music was often striking. In Hero he often lapses into repetition and cliché, a failing compensated for by several appealing cues. The Overture, for example, begins with the mournful wail of ancient Chinese instruments set against pounding drums, a promising start that evokes ancient China and the struggles to come. There's a mournful soprano vocalise in "Gone With the Leaves," and the "Warriors" cue recalls Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky. The plucking of the ancient Chinese lute in "In the Chess Court" evokes a timeless, peaceful mood, contrasting with the thrilling kodo drummers showcased in "Swift Sword." Itzhak Perlman gets cover billing for violin solos any competent studio fiddler could have handled. Tan Dun's admirers will want this, and audiophiles will love those kodo drummers. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A dream.......2007-05-29

A magistral execution... close your eyes and dream.... a perfumed atmosphere will pervade you

5 out of 5 stars Perfection at its Best.......2007-01-05

I received the Hero CD in mint condition and in a timely fashion. There's a plethora of things one could complain about, and when something works how it should, sometimes it gets overlooked. Not this time! I would just like to commend Amazon.Com on a job well done...

5 out of 5 stars Tranquil Beauty.......2006-08-08

After seeing Hero, one of the (many) things that stuck with me was the evocative soundtrack. It set a perfect backdrop to the artistry and beauty of the story.

After purchasing the soundtrack, I was reminded of many of the scenes I enjoy, especially the tracks for the fight in the chess house ("In the Chess Court"), and in the yellow wood ("Gone with Leaves"). "Longing" is one of the most hauntingly serene pieces of film music I have heard.

This is not, obviously, a CD to listen to while you do step aerobics.
The theme is repeated and varied often, evoking the way the film's story is repeated from different perspectives, but those with short attention spans may perceive it as merely repetitive.

Beyond its association with the film, this soundtrack is an incredibly calming work of art. To be enjoyed with a good cup of hot tea.
5 stars.

5 out of 5 stars Beautiful!.......2006-03-19

Interesting way to present some Chinese history by convoluted storytelling. Jet Li provides a subtle, challenging performance. It's a visually stunning movie to look at, as well. In a way, it's a lot like some classic Westerns in that the gorgeously stark landscapes of China become just as much a "star" as the players.

One of the real draws is the music. Tan Dun's compositions are beautiful, sad and celebratory at the same time, and haunting. I think it was pure genius to pair his compositions with Perlman. I had to wait a few months for the DVD, but I went out and bought the music CD immediately after seeing this gem of a movie.

5 out of 5 stars Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack.......2006-02-25

When I want to reconnect with my inner self and take a "time out" from my rat race life, I play either this CD or the sound track from "The Last Samurai". The theme from this CD stays in your head all day. If you like soundtracks, asian style muusic, classical music, and beauty, this CD has it all. I sometimes end up watching the movie again later in the week. I collect movie soundtracks and this is in my top ten.
Ennio Morricone - Film Music, Vol.1
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • No Fistful of Ennio
  • I would call some of these pieces "newage"...
  • Simply a 'Must Purchase' for those with a passing interest in Morricone's work
  • ENNIO MORRICONE - FILM MUSIC, VOL. 1
  • A collection of Morricone's most popular and entertaining
Ennio Morricone - Film Music, Vol.1

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Morricone, EnnioMorricone, Ennio | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Film ScoresFilm Scores | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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  1. Film Music, Vol. 2
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  4. Ennio Morricone, Vol.3: Main Titles
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ASIN: B00000DR51
Release Date: 1992-06-29

Tracks:

  1. The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
  2. Maddalena: Come Maddalena
  3. The Sicilian Clan: The Sicilian Clan
  4. The Life And Times Of David Lloyd George (BBC TV): Chi Mai
  5. Investigation Of A Citizen Above Suspicion: Investigation Of A Citizen Above Suspicion
  6. Moscow Farewell: Moscow Farewell
  7. Espion Leve Toi: Marcia In La
  8. Lady Caliph: Lady Caliph
  9. Battle Of Algiers: The Battle Of Algiers
  10. The Infernal Trio: The Infernal Trio
  11. La Banquiere: Dedicace
  12. For Love One Can Die: For Love One Can Die
  13. Sacco And Vanzetti: Sacco And Vanzetti
  14. The Tragedy Of A Ridiculous Man: La Tragedia Di Un Uomo Ridicolo
  15. Quartiere: Romanza Quartiere
  16. Once Upon A Time In The West: Once Upon A Time In The West
  17. The Mission: On Earth As It Is In Heaven (Remix)

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars No Fistful of Ennio.......2007-01-31

Ennio Morricone wrote great soundtrack music, that's for certain. But no retrospective of his work is complete without the inclusion of more than one lone example from the three mid-60's "spaghetti westerns" he scored for Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood. Anyone familiar with the UNITED ARTISTS label LPs of "Fistful Of Dollars," "For A Few Dollars More" and "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" might agree with this.

As for what's here-- most of ENNIO MORRICONE * FILM MUSIC Volume 1 is forgettable incidental stuff. Except for "The Battle Of Algiers (Theme)," the opening and closing tracks are the best. They bookend what turns out to be a disappointing collection, lacking in both liner notes and the brilliance Morricone demonstrated over a 30 year span.

5 out of 5 stars I would call some of these pieces "newage"..........2006-08-02

Moscow Farewell is definitely my pick of the lot. Sacco And Vanzetti was a pleasant surprise once I listened to it a couple of times. It is lively and could be played on a wedding dance floor for the whole family. This is great album to listen to while in bed!

5 out of 5 stars Simply a 'Must Purchase' for those with a passing interest in Morricone's work.......2005-09-13

Arguably one of the greatest (if not the greatest) Film composer of the 20th Century. Not only has he scored some of the most influential and instantly recognisable pieces of film music during his roughly 50 years of composing atmospheric film scores. Whether he's providing the spooky dramatics for a spaghetti Western" or constructing the ingenious use of classical arrangements of brooding cinematic pieces, he has (in most cases) consistently delivered contemporary music that has provided the atmospheric foil for the picture in question. And with a collection of musical influences that were as far ranging as: classical, jazz, pop, rock, electronic, avant-garde, and Italian music, he is able to deliver a variety of film scores that are as diverse as they are beautifully composed.

This compilation is collection of some of the seminal, gritty, theatrical, and dramatic film music, that would go on to define his career, via reflective orchestration and memorable motifs, ingenious use of diverse arrangements and instrumentation. There is a majority of his highlights on this disc, with the magnificently brooding "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" opening the disk. what follows is a truly sublime collection of music that is in parts truly beautiful and utterly atmospheric, so tracks such as "Once Upon A Time In The West", benefit from the haunting melodies and stirring volins, that are possibly more in tone with orchestrated music than contemporary music. Or the quiet piano introspection and melancholic arrangements that make up "Moscow Farewell", are simply deserving of being placed amongst the finest soundtrack compositions ever. "Dedicace", contains some of the most litting melodies in recent memory, impossibly sad and affecting, it is a haunting bittersweet composition that is both organic & reflective, over which the volins provide the musical backdrop. And that's without the mention of "For Love One Can Die", the autumnal orchestrated track, that pulls from Italian sweeping gangster original film scores, and makes a hushed and dissonant recording, that feels like a sublime throwback to the mafia-related shenanigans of 60's chicago via the use of restrained piano, that really is quite lovely and adds substantial weight to the composition.

If you are looking for a Ennio Morricone compilation....short of buying a boxset, you'd be hard pressed in beating this for value for money. It's a fantastic summary of his work and covers a fair amount of material. And is the perfect introduction to his work, (especially if you just want to buy one compilation of his work). This is highly recommended to fans both old and new, and is boosted by the compilers making a great job of the selection. So if you don't want to have to splash out on an expensive disk, to hear his influential work...this really is the first place you should start.

5 out of 5 stars ENNIO MORRICONE - FILM MUSIC, VOL. 1 .......2005-08-16

HAVING HEARD EXERPTS OF THE MUSIC BEFORE, IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT I
WANTED.

5 out of 5 stars A collection of Morricone's most popular and entertaining.......2005-07-31

Volume I of III, of this 'best of' Morricone trilogy, is the best of the three. This volume consists of music that can be listened to alone and socially, with some of the most catchy and minimalist rhythms you'll ever hear. You'll listen to this album and wonder what movie you've heard that song from before(Morricone's canon being primarily for film scores). If you're hear because you're trying to get the song from a movie, and you've never really heard of Morricone before, then you've luckily stumbled upon some of the best music I've ever heard. Or, if you're a Morricone fan and you'er looking for a good compilation, since Morricone has done too many film scores to even possibly own them all, then this is good to have. I wouldn't really reccommend Volume II and III unless you're looking or a very comprehensive collection of Morricone, since Volume I seems to me to carry his most absolute best. Definetely buy this album, it's very good.
Hell Below/Stars Above
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Another perfect record from Toadies, and their last.
  • great alt-Rock
  • Push the hand...of the critic
  • FABULOUS
  • Disappointing
Hell Below/Stars Above
Toadies
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005ABL2
Release Date: 2001-03-20

Tracks:

  1. Plane Crash
  2. Push The Hand
  3. Little Sin
  4. Motivational
  5. Heel
  6. You'll Come Down
  7. Pressed Against The Sky
  8. What We Have We Steal
  9. Jigsaw Girl
  10. Sweetness
  11. Hell Below/Stars Above
  12. Dollskin

Amazon.com

In the beginning--well, in the early '90s, anyway--there was grunge. The sound from Northwest bands like Mudhoney and Nirvana sliced razor-sharp punk into thick slabs of Black Sabbath-influenced metal to forever fray the mainstream public's image of straight-ahead rock & roll. As the '90s creeped on, rockers like Stone Temple Pilots and Bush were taking the fringes of the Seattle sound and smoothing them into modern radio rock. In 1994, the Texas band the Toadies stepped up to the post-grunge plate with the major-label release of Rubberneck. The album went platinum and the single "Possum Kingdom" hit the alternative and hard-rock radio circuit pretty hard. The critics scratched their heads, though, claiming the band was just a bland reworking of the classic Nirvana sound.

Seven years later, the band released their Rubberneck follow-up, Hell Below/Stars Above, and critics are still scratching their heads. The album offers highly charged, raw-throated vocals and a wall of aggressive rock built on solid bricks of distortion ("Sweetness," "Plane Crash," "Push the Hand," "Heel"), but it still lacks the intricacy and hooks of, say, a Foo Fighters album. Sure, there are some slower songs ("Pressed Against the Sky") that give front man Todd Lewis a break from the testosterone rants, but overall Hell Below feels like one long song of Warped Tour-era rock that too easily blends into itself. --Jennifer Maerz

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Another perfect record from Toadies, and their last........2007-05-31

This was their second full length and their last as a group. Just like "Rubberneck", this is one cd that does not get old. It just has a level of fun and song variety that keeps things fresh. There are some heavier songs that you can rock out to, and some mellow, sing-along stuff with awesome hooks that will stick in your head like peanut butter. As always, Todd Lewis' vocals are without equal. He has one of the best sets of rock pipes that I've ever heard. This would probably fall into the grunge, hard rock, alt. rock categories, but it really should appeal to anyone who is a fan of flat-out, fun rock music.

4 out of 5 stars great alt-Rock.......2007-03-03

This is a great cd. great 90's sound. if you were into alt stuff like PJ, Soundgarden, AIC or the like, you will probably like this cd. While 'Rubberneck' was great, this CD isnt a bad follow up by any means. Tracks like "Plane Crash", "Hell Below...", "Little Sin" and "youll come down" are great Rocking songs. Then they have the slower paced tracks like ""What we have to Steal" and "jigsaw Girl" to balance out a really good CD that would (unfortunately) be their last.. Must have right along side of 'Rubberneck' if into that genre of music. a grunge era classic! 4.3..

4 out of 5 stars Push the hand...of the critic.......2006-12-07

While not up to the caliber of Toadies' only other relase, Rubberneck, this is still a finely put together rock album. The drawback was that it took 7 years to release, cementing the band's demise from rock's (near) stardom.

While not as muscially and lyrically catchy (or as dark) as Rubberneck, Hell Below/Stars Above still manages to rock. It's just a little more disjointed. Push the Hand, Plane Crash and Heel are more "Rubberneck-ish", unlike the curiously sappy Dollskin, or the curiously inane Hell Below/Stars Above. Todd Lewis' voice is still the highlight of the album, just this time the lyrics behind his amazing rock voice are a little less powerful and a little more silly ("We know what we really want...we know what really want...). Even so, Toadies still managed to put out a rock album that defied the notion of what a rock album was. 1994's Rubberneck was unlike anything grunge could produce, and 2001's Hell Below was unlike anything that System of a Down (and the like) would produce. Both were a fine distraction from the other mediocre rock/metal the rock/metal world insisted on vomitting on us.

I question why this album took 7 years to release. I questioned it in 1996...and 97, 99, 2000...every year that passed by without a Toadies album. The buzz and hype around Toadies circa-1994, 1995 was huge. Tours with rock's biggest bands of the time, like White Zombie, should have solidified this band's place with the music elite. Instead, they sat on music for years and put out an album that while not mediocre comparative to other music of the time was mediocre to the freshman album this sophmore act released in 2001. Thus, I also question whether the critical acclaim (or lack thereof) of this album really caused the breakup of one of rock's finest diamond's in the rough.

Whatever the case, Hell Below was and is a nice distraction from the puke other bands have forced on people in the past 6 years. Not up to Rubberneck standards, but a fine album nevertheless.

5 out of 5 stars FABULOUS.......2006-09-13

I bought this album the day it came out. I feel no need to discuss any specific aspects of this album. This is a Toadies album, and that fact speaks for itself. There are not enough stars to give this album.

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing.......2006-08-10

I bought this CD because I love Rubberneck and because reviewers seemed to agree that this was album more of the same. I was disappointed, though, and would say that there are only 3 songs worth listening to on this album. The song writing seemed stale and lacked the creativity of Rubberneck. I listened to it and thought to myself - Well, I guess this is why the band the band broke up.
You're a Woman, I'm a Machine
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • I don't need this album, but I want it
  • Not Bad, Not Great Either
  • Energetic premise wears thin
  • One Of My Favorites!
  • If Only I Were German
You're a Woman, I'm a Machine
Death From Above 1979
Manufacturer: Vice Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. The Looks
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ASIN: B0003JAHBA
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Tracks:

  1. Turn It Out
  2. Romantic Rights
  3. Going Steady
  4. Go Home, Get Down
  5. Blood On Our Hands
  6. Black History Month
  7. Little Girl
  8. Cold War
  9. You're A Woman, I'm A Machine
  10. Pull Out
  11. Sexy Results

Album Description

This duo is engrained in the lexicon of Simon and Garfunkel, The Chemical Brothers, The Carpenters, and Sonny And Cher. It's hard to believe the only instruments on this album, aside from the odd flute sample or moog oscillation, are the bass and drums. "This is your album--whether you're a metalhead, suburban stoner, glue-sniffing gutter punk, electroclash fashionista, new wave spazz, hoodie skate-rat, indie rock academic, geriatric Deep Purple fan, or whether you've just been jonesin' for an intelligent, uncompromising but accessible rock record to rival Queens Of The Stone Age's 'Songs For The Deaf' or the first Foo Fighters album"--The Eye.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars I don't need this album, but I want it.......2007-03-15

Here's a quick look at You're a Woman, I'm a Machine by the numbers:

Power ballads: None

Whining: None

Lyrics about feelings: None

Acoustic guitars: None

Guitars, period: None

Socially redeeming value: none

Pretentiousness: None

Percentage of this album's running time that makes me bang my head, tap my foot, or even make me attempt something bearing a passing resemblance to dancing: 100

With a breakdown like that, it's easy to see why Death From Above 1979 were able to lend a brief injection of vitality to the too-often dull and self-important world of rock. There may not be any guitars on this album, but the atomic riffs and screeching feedback of Jesse F. Keeler's bass and the relentlessly frenetic drum patterns of Sebastian Granger intertwine to create some of the most infectious, memorable, and downright enjoyable music released so far this decade, regardless of genre. Sure, every song sounds basically the same, with some faster and thrashier and some slower and more pummeling, but at 11 tracks covering about thiry minutes You're a Woman, I'm a Machine isn't around long enough to wear out its welcome. From opening to closing, Death From Above's debut full-length (and apparently their valedictory as well) is populated exclusively with sweaty, swaggering, libidinous tunes, topped by suggestive lyrics delivered in styles ranging from falsetto crooning to fearsome, confrontational shouts.

One could, if one were so inclined, go ahead and analyze the individual songs on this album, but that would miss the point. This is not an album to be analyzed; it's an album to be felt, enjoyed, experienced, and remembered; an album whose songs will bounce around in your head for days after hearing it and bring a grin to your face; an album that even had my wife banging her head upon hearing it. It's a reminder to the sorry likes of Nickelback and Staind that rock music can, even should, be fun, not an excuse for mopey whining about feelings and relationships. And even beyond all that, it's just a good time, something that's too rarely had for everybody. You could do a lot worse than to put away your complaint rock and give this album a spin.

3 out of 5 stars Not Bad, Not Great Either.......2006-10-20

Ok, first off, whether it's a trend or not to have 2 musicians or not, I don't care, that in itself does not affect how I approach a group. The music after all is what does matter.

That said Death from Above 1979 isn't bad. They're not great either. I agree they're very energetic, and You're a Woman, I'm a Machine is a very fun album. And it's very reminescent of old hardcore punk, where if you can pick up an instrument you can play it. (If they can do it, you can do it)

A bass guitar as a lead would seem preposterous. But you only think that when you hear about it or see them setting up. Upon starting to play you would think it's just like any other guitar. And for the most part you will be jumping around to this music, moshing even, if you like.

But for those that are really in tune with music you'll notice that the music is very repetitive and recycled. The same chord arrangements and strumming over and over. It almost seems as though, the guy couldn't cut it playing a guitar (or couldn't learn it fast enough) and decided to just plug in some distortion into a bass.

It's a good thing this album isn't long and most of the tracks don't clock in longer then 2 mins on average. Otherwise more ppl would notice this. The drumming of course is a major compliment to this. Otherwise it would have fallen apart before it started. So I applaud them for that.

But the good thing is that the majority of the tracks don't sound too alike and can equally keep the pace of the album which is FAST. The singing isn't bad either, it's a bit screechy (I can tell emo kids would be into this) and the lyrics won't make you think much which is good cause if you do the song will already be over. It's interesting how these two are paired together, they almost seem as they wouldn't be a part of the same clique if they were in HS. Least from what I've seen live. Which are definitely fun to watch, but as openers. I wouldn't see them if they headlined.

So if you don't mind any of those facts and just really want a feel good, poppy raw album to jump around too, this is definitely it.

And if you want to move towards more eclectic and far more talented musicians with amazing playability, I suggest you check out the Black Keys. Not only because they're another 2 piece band, but because they can definitely keep up and surpass groups that have more then 3 players, and the music is fast and fresh, and just as great to knock back a few and rock out.

3 out of 5 stars Energetic premise wears thin.......2006-09-10

Flashy, splashy, though extremely minimal with a mere two members, this debut definitly got noticed last year, if not for every single standout track, for the overall fuzzed panic attack that was more danceable then anything compatriots Queens of the Stone Age put out. Though the melodic language does become repetetive and monotonous, standout tracks lets this simple formula shine without all the unassertive derivations found throughout.

5 out of 5 stars One Of My Favorites!.......2006-07-15

DFA1979 has such a good thing going. So what if they only have two people with just a bass and drums. They show that you don't need guitar. They have enough energy and sound to do without anything else. If you critisize them for being "another band with only two people" that's like saying "Oh, wow another band with four people, or three"; K.D. "jackass". The lyrics rule, and the music will make you dance, headbang, get down, and just about everything else. It may not be for everyone but it is for most.SO GOOD!

5 out of 5 stars If Only I Were German.......2006-07-13

Makes me wish I owned an F1 McClaren and spent my days tearing up the Audobahn.

Music:

  1. Addicted to Jesus
  2. After the Beginning Again
  3. All By Myself [Import]
  4. Always Hear the Harmony: The Gospel Sessions
  5. Andy Williams
  6. Anthology V.6: 1958-61 [Import] [Original recording remastered]
  7. Beautiful Changes [Import]
  8. Big Joe Is Here/Big Joe Rides Again
  9. Carmen McRae's Finest Hour
  10. Classic Album Collection, Vol. 2 [Box set]

Music

Music