Solid Rock

Track Listings

1. God Don't Need No Matches

2. Shine on Me

3. Let Us Go Back to Church

4. He's Worthy

5. He That Dwelleth

6. Send Your Rain

7. If Jesus Can't Fix It

8. What More Can He Do

9. I'm Going to Make It

10. Jesus Breaks Every Fetter

Tracks:

Hit the Big Time
How Long
Fifteen Minutes
Hobart's Blues
Daze in May
Blue Tears
XXX Wife
One or the Other
Solid Ice
Blue Tears Reprise
Who Knows

Amazon.com

Since co-founding the Nighthawks in 1972, this singer-guitarist's compass has pointed steadily toward the blues, but like 2006's In a Natural State collaboration with the Cate Brothers, this disc veers into roadhouse rock, country, and even jazz. Although it ends with a suite of three soulful instrumentals, including the Wes Montgomery-influenced title track and Jimi Hendrix's rarely covered psychedelic funker "Who Knows," Thackery's concentrated as much on songwriting here as his bruising guitar tones. He trashes the cult of celebrity in "Hit the Big Time" and "Fifteen Minutes," dripping pure acid over riff-based grooves, and "Blue Tears" is melancholy honky-tonk, sold by Thackery's thin, quavering voice and faux-steel-guitar string-bending. The spoken blues "XXX Wife" plays marital collapse for laughs, but Thackery remains most articulate when he's picking. The shuffle "Hobart's Blues" is a stone Texas 12-bar guitar showcase, and the album's beautiful centerpiece is "Daze in May," a Tex-Mex reverie that glides on Thackery's mix of acoustic tones, with a sunny, mellow electric melody and volume swells that conjure clouds floating through a peaceful desert sky. --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

Solid Ice, my review from Barcelona.......2007-06-25

This if it's a great record and I say -this if- because in May 9, 2007 after hearing some times the 2006 LP "In The Natural State", that I just had bought, I remained very disappointed of the so limp work of Thackery and I wrote, right here, perhaps a too much furious criticism (see my review of this record).
Now this SOLID ICE in spite of having some theme, I would say, inadequate as the "Daze In May" and "Blue Tears" frankly poor and bored with Haitian-Caribbean air and out of the habitual environment of Thackery ( I do not understand in which he is thinking when he composes these themes), the remainder of the LP is frankly very good with Blues and Blues-Rock of high category with magnificient riffs and guitar solos, worthy of Thackery turning it in a real festival for all the fans of the guitar. The first four themes are, which better one, with air of rock-and-roll restrospective the first three, and when you listen the fourth, the mid-tempo "Hobart' s Blues" what a great theme, you begin to notice what good is the friend Jimmy when he tries, also I do special mention of the "XXX Wife" with some Jazz air, "One Or The Other" good Blues-Pop, "Solid Ice" wich gives title to the record, an instrumental relaxed Blues with Thackery's style, personal seal and great guitar, closing the record a very good cover, also instrumental, of the great theme "Who Knows" composed by Jimmy Hendrix and released in its marvellous Band Of Gypsys. This if it's a very good record, I recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Brutal, however.....
sigh
Unbelievable.
abr's best to date
Great follow up

Messengers
August Burns Red
Manufacturer: Solid State Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rival Factions
The Physics of Fire
The Fiancee
Deliver Us
Waking Giants

ASIN: B000QFAF90
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

The Truth Of a Liar
Up Against the Ropes
Back Burner
The Blinding Light
Composure
Vital Signs
The Eleventh Hour
The Balance
Black Sheep
An American Dream
Redemption

Customer Reviews:

Brutal, however............2007-07-12

Let's start with the positives. The production is terrific, everything sounds crystal clear. This is undoubtedly one of the heaviest albums I've heard to date. The technicality of the guitars and drums is very tight and solid.

Now to the not-so-good. I have to agree with a previous review that states that every single breakdown sounds the same. It's like they wrote 1 breakdown...then changed it by 1 note and used it 11 times. The china is way over used....it's like the drummer thinks he needs to signal to the audience when the breakdowns begin and end. "Well this is the breakdown so i HAVE to use my china..." I don't mean to bad mouth anybody, he's a very talented drummer, but lacks some variety when it comes to writing breakdown beats. I also have to agree with the fact that many of the guitar riffs utilize the same key in every song, resulting in many guitar parts sounding similar. Finally, while the new vocalist is an improvement over the last because of his good range, the vocal patterns can sound thrown together at times.

Overall, like I said...very brutal, but the songs truly lack a lot of individuality and distinction. Maybe that's what they were going for...? Maybe a lot of the hardcore fans do indeed have the "i don't care if it has variety, melody, or harmony, as long as it's heavy" attitude. To each his own I suppose.

sigh.......2007-07-12

ok i never got into their first cd.

this one however has a lot more technical riffs, its a lot cleaner and good production.

HOWEVER, the one thing why i dont like this cd. is the drummer. he's good but her does the same thing during EVERY breakdown. always use his china constantly. i didnt find one breakdown that didnt sound similar cuz their drummer.

and becasue of that, this cd is crappy

Unbelievable........2007-06-27

First things first, don't listen to the people that have given this album a bad review. ABR has matured so much from thrill seeker.

The music is so much tighter; the new singer, Jake Luhrs, is amazing. His range is good and uses a few different screams, all in good taste.

The breakdowns are way more brutal than any of the ones on thrill seeker; they have a different feel that's more technical. The lyrics are well written and composed by the entire band opposed to just Josh McManness writing them all as they were on T.S.

The song by song review written by "Josh Cunningham" on 6/21 is very accurate so I will spare the repetition. However, I would personally rate track 8 "The Balance" a 10/10. The breakdown at the end is sick.

So if you liked Thrill Seeker, but you're looking for something more, pick up Messengers. It will blow your mind, these guys are extremely talented and have come a long way.

abr's best to date.......2007-06-23

whoever says this album sold out or isn't as good as thill seeker needs a hearing check. The songs are less prog, but still heavy as hell, and full of sick breakdowns. Black sheep is amazing. thats all there is to it. the part "too late to wake, too late to wake, too late to wake!!" gives me chills on my chills. all songs are sick. great christian prog-metalcore. the best out there. ignore all the numwits who say anything negative about this album. pick it up!!!!:p

Great follow up.......2007-06-22

ABR's latest is no disappointment and reminds us metalcore is still here and making progress. In my opinion this album is more brutal than the last, and the new vocalist does prove to be more versatile. Every track sounds great, you can read some of the other reviews here for better descriptions; this is one you can listen to straight though. Not to mention, these guys are from my hometown, so it's amazing to see them getting this kind of recognition.

Average customer rating:

It's what you want on the road.
Ear-splitting goodness
i don't own this...
When Rap Was Cool
great introduction to beastie boys

Solid Gold Hits
Beastie Boys
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Licensed to Ill
Run-D.M.C. - Greatest Hits
Greatest Hitz
Check Your Head
Ill Communication

ASIN: B000BGR0SS
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Tracks:

So What'cha Want
Brass Monkey
Ch-Check It Out
No Sleep 'till Brooklyn
Hey Ladies
Pass The Mic
An Open Letter To NYC
Root Down
Shake Your Rump
Intergalactic
Sure Shot
Body Movin' (Fatboy Slim Remix)
Triple Trouble
Sabotage
Fight For Your Right

Amazon.com

In celebration of Beastie Boys' 24th anniversary, Capitol Records has decided to pay tribute to Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "Adrock" Horovitz and Adam "MCA" Yauch-- known collectively as Beastie Boys, with the release of Solid Gold Hits. (No, the group is not breaking up.) The infomercial-worthy 15-track compendium distills the NYC trio's storied career into an ADD-friendly digest format: Covering the Boys' first platinum-mining expeditions with "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn" and "Fight For Your Right" through west coast detours "Shake Your Rump," "So What'cha Want" and "Sabotage," up to last year's return to #1 with the million-plus-selling To The 5 Boroughs' "Ch-Check It Out," "An Open Letter To NYC" and "Triple Trouble" -and all points between.

Beastie Boys Photos

More from Beastie Boys

Paul's Boutique
Check Your Head
IIll Communication

Licensed to Ill
Awesome, I Shot That
DVD Video Anthology - Criterion Collection

Customer Reviews:

It's what you want on the road........2007-05-31

It's Capitol puttin' out the s*%t like Endless Summer for the California Kids bustin' their own in the early 60s. Well, This is decent for a Saturday or even Sunday drive. I think anything off of Paul's Boutique on a compilation makes you want to just ditch this shti and listen to that whole album.. but I think I just found out the same siht happens when you listen to like Pet Sounds or Rubber Soul or like you know what I mean .. the Beatsies are mackin'.......

Ear-splitting goodness.......2007-03-25

Every time you play this album, an angel gets its wings.

Okay, maybe not that. But your neighbors will probably tell you to turn it down. Hey, just tell them you've got a right to party.

i don't own this..........2006-11-08

..and what's the point? All of these songs (minus a few) are on the anthology, along with countless others. The Beastie Boys didn't put this out, their record label did. It's just way for corporate to make money. If you consider yourself a real Beastie Boys fan, that is you're interested in all the other music they made that wasn't put on radio, then don't buy this. If you occasionally heard them on the radio and Fight For Your Right is your favorite song, then go ahead. The Beastie Boys are much more than just their greatest hits. To fully appreciate them, you have to listen to an album all the way through.

When Rap Was Cool.......2006-08-21

If you're a Beastie Boys Fanatic, you will love this. It's got the best of the best. Who can't listen to "Hey Ladies" and "Intergalactic" over and over again? A great compilation for a road trip or your next retro party.

great introduction to beastie boys.......2006-03-03

if you are new to the beastie boys (like me) this is a great first album to get. it has all their best song and no filler. heres a song by song breakdown.
1. So What'cha Want - 4/5 - Great intro song, but not the best.
2. Brass Monkey - 5/5 - Amazing song, the best song from their debut album.
3. Ch-Check it Out - 5/5 - Best song on the album, although MCA's voice sounds shot compared to some of the earlier songs. Also, I think the Just Blaze Remix is better if you can find that.
4. No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn - 3/5 - not one of my favorites, but its still pretty good.
5. Hey Ladies - 5/5 - Great song, really shows off the genious of Paul's Boutique.
6. Pass The Mic - 3/5 - The worst song on the album, although it's ok.
7. An Open Letter to NYC - 4/5 - Great tribute to NYC, but like with Ch-Check it Out, MCA's voice isn't as good as in the older songs.
8. Root Down - 4/5 - Great song.
9. Shake Your Rump - 4/5 - Another one from Paul's Boutique, although not as good as Hey Ladies.
10. Intergalactic - 5/5 - The first Beastie Boys song I ever heard, back when it came out in 98, great song.
11. Sure Shot - 4/5 - Great song, the only rap song I've ever heard that successfully incorporates a flute.
12. Body Movin' (Fatboy Slim Remix) - 5/5 - Takes the original, which was an ok song, and turns it into something sublime.
13. Triple Trouble - 4/5 - Great song, but it has the same beat as Rapper's Delight by Sugarhill Gang.
14. Sabotage - 4/5 - Great song, more metal than rap.
15. Fight for your Right - 5/5 - How can you not love this song?

Average customer rating:

needs less (or no) keyboard
If you're here, you're getting it..
The Physics of Fire - Best Metal Album in Recent Years
Song writing and vocals take a step backwards
Bringing it with fire!

The Physics of Fire
Becoming the Archetype
Manufacturer: Solid State Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Terminate Damnation
Messengers
The Fiancee
Rival Factions
Saints

ASIN: B000OYC7IU
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

Epoch Of War
Immolation
Autopsy
The Great Fall
Nocturne
The Monolith
Construct And Collapse
Endure
Fire Made Flesh
Second Death
The Balance Of Eternity

Customer Reviews:

needs less (or no) keyboard.......2007-07-12

the guitar is decently heavy and really good, but as soon as you start getting into it, they stop and play some retarted keyboard thing. the vocals are pretty good, except for the actual singing, which is totally out of place. i have nothing against actual singing in the choruses and such, but come on. that is just annoying. don't think i'm some loser who only likes metal because he thinks he's hardcore and listens to slipknot and stuff like a lot of posers do, but i cannot deal with the random whimpy keyboard in every single song. hey becoming the archetype, take all the keyboard stuff, put it one song, call that song a "ballad" and put it as the last song on the album and you would be one of my favorite bands. instead i barely listen to you guys. i gave this 4 stars because of the couple good songs on it and the guitar is really good, but i still wouldn't buy it. i would however, buy Autopsy, Epoch of War, and Construct and Collapse on iTunes and then buy their second album, which i loved. read my review of that album and don't send me hate mail, seeing as how i was the only one disappointed in this album.

If you're here, you're getting it.........2007-06-30

I really hate reviews... Music is subjective in itself, so to offer a review is not much more than talking to people that have similar interests... with that being said...

This is really good stuff, I mean really good. The production quality is excellent and the substance in this music must be heard to be appreciated. I didn't get to this place in music easily and can certainly understand people that don't "get" this style / sound, but if you do, you are in for a treat.

As the first song opens with a snobbish little hammered dulcimer bit that builds with some grove and then just flat out assaults the listener with technical, massive blasts that demand as much from your volume knob as can be tolerated.

This band breaks away from the norm and gets you to another place.

The Physics of Fire - Best Metal Album in Recent Years.......2007-05-21

Since their first release, "Terminate Damnation", Becoming the Archetype has by far become one of my favorite metal bands of all time. I listened to the first album so much that I know all of the lyrics to every song, and have never really looked at a lyrics cheat-sheet. So, needless to say, when BTA announced the new CD I was excited. All I could really see happening when the lineup change was announced was something good, especially after I listened to some of Aletheian's stuff (the band which Alex Kenis also plays with).

The first thing I can say is that this album is a lot different from the first. While the first seemed to sort of carry on in the same death-metalcore style previous trekked out by legendary band Living Sacrifice, this CD definately heads in a more progressive direction. All I can say is that the lineup change with adding Kenis in on lead guitar made them go where few (American) Christian metal bands have gone in recent years. While the last album was somewhat lacking in technically challenging lead guitar parts, The Physics of Fire is chock-full of guitar solos and licks that would make any lover of Steve Vai, Rusty Cooley, or John Petrucci cry.

I can also say that the mixing and production quality on the CD is a step up from the first. Terminate Damnation's mixing and whatnot, while excellent, was done in more of a style that suits metalcore bands such as As I Lay Dying and August Burns Red, while The Physics of Fire's mix and production reaks of Opeth and Scar Symmetry-esque dynamics.

Another thing to note about this album is something not seen very often - it's a concept album, which I believe adds greatly to the value and integrity of the music. Every single song on the CD intertwine with each other to tell an epic story, with 4 of the songs creating the 4 part "The Physics of Fire" Suite.

I'd also rate this album high on playability...This CD has dominated my mp3 player, my Winamp playlists, and my car stereo ever since i picked it up on release date.

Go out, get this album, and prepare for the horns to be upped instantly.

Song writing and vocals take a step backwards.......2007-05-20

I've just gotten this album after absolutely loving Terminate Damnation and I'm really struggling to listen to it to the end. The two changes in band members have really had an influence on this work, especially the leads.

What I really liked about the 1st album seems to have disappeared. The vocal variety has pretty much gone with Jason pretty much belting out an angry shout more akin to Hardcore/Metalcore bands. There are no low growls (like in "one man parade" and "elegy"), no high pitched shreaks like in the opening to Elegy and through it. His main vocal style remains unchanged but with fewer changes in pitch, less growls etc. Even the vocal mixing is different, lacking the richness and depth of Terminate Damnation. Vocals are now rather flat and one dimensional with little overlaying of low and high together.

I normally love clean vocals (the new Dark Tranquility album - fiction is brilliant with Mikael Stanne's vocals haunting beautiful) but Alex Kenis's vocals sound weak and fluffy, syrupy sweet. Please either find a strong singer or forget the clean vocals.

The production seems muddied compared to the crisp, clean production style of the last album. The symbols are not as crisp and sharp as TD with guitars sounding hollower and flat.

Alex Kenis tries hard with his leads but honestly, they all sound pretty much the same with too much fretboard gymnastics and little feeling. Far too much hammering and not enough pinching or plucking, no wa wa pedals, with the tone sounding too soft (to cover up the sounds of his hands moving on the strings?) and never changing. Compared to TD (Terminate Damnation) leads (No Fall Too Far- lovely use of wa wa pedal and great feeling, Ex Nihilo - fits the rhythmn perfectly but not long enough :-), Into Oblivion - the acoustic lead is a thing of beauty) nothing comes close to them on POF. Unimaginative and repetitive....repetitive....have a said that before?

I really miss the style of songwriting of TD. This new album just doesn't have the slower, heavier mix of the old one or the change of tempo's. POF is overall faster without the brilliance of TD, no outstanding track like Elegy. Nocturne is the instrumental on POF, which is nice with guitar and piano but not as well written or absorbing as "Night's Sorrow" or "Denouement" and more repetitive than them both.

I really was excited when I heard BTA had a new album out but I confess I was worried when I heard about the band changes. It happens all the time, band gets new members and sounds different. This road is well worn with BTA packing their bags and now making the journey of change, evolving into something i'm not sure I like.

Well cya fellas. When you find out that the grass isn't greener on the other side and you miss home, i'll be here waiting.

Bringing it with fire!.......2007-05-16

Fire is an apt way to describe this album, 'cause it smokes. Losing two members and adding one (Alex from Aletheian, and we know he can be technical) hasn't taken away from this groups sound at all, it's as heavy and as technical as ever. The album opens by easing you into it with a little instumental softness then the pummeling ensues at full force. The first song especially reminds me of something a Communic or Scar Symmetry might do at their heaviest and has a melodic death metal feel that the album never quite reaches again. If you liked the last one you should really dig into this and discover the greatness it holds. The one thing holding it back is falling into some metalcore boringness at times and the clean singer does not do a very good job. Other then that it is a sonic brain cleaning that brings the metal and the lyrics are very Biblically focused again. BTA is bringing the metal and showing that christians can be as loud and as technical as any band out there.

Average customer rating:

do NOT buy the special edition!!!
The best release I have ever heard in my life
Genre-Blurring Alt/Metal/Emo
A work of art
Not bad, but not the greatest album

Define the Great Line (CD & DVD)
Underoath
Manufacturer: Solid State Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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They're Only Chasing Safety
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They're Only Chasing Safety

ASIN: B000FMGWE6
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

In Regards To Myself
A Moment Suspended In Time
There Could Be Nothing After This
Ever So Inviting
Salmarnir
Returning Empty Handed
Casting Such A Thin Shadow
Moving for the Sake of Motion
Writing On The Walls
Everyone Looks So Good From Here
To Whom It May Concern

Tracks:

Behind the Scenes studio footage for the recording process of Define The Great Line (DVD)
On Location footage in Death Valley for the making of Define The Great Line artwork (DVD)

Album Description

Underoath have single-handedly given hope to a genre ripe with rip-offs, carbon copies, and flavor of the week musical acts. "Define the Great Line" further establishes Underoath as one of the most important and influential bands in rock music today.

LIMITED EDITION includes special 8-panel digi-pak with booklet, exclusive artwork, and Bonus DVD with behind the scenes, in the studio, and making of the album features.

Customer Reviews:

do NOT buy the special edition!!!.......2007-07-04

Its a great cd! Don't get me wrong.
The dvd is a complete ripoff, though! The DVD contains brief (I mean brief!) overview of the photo shoot, some crappy home videos of the band in the studio with that annoying Killswitch guy, and a random (and long) video of some old man talking about UFOs. The DVD is a waste of money and only used as exuse for Tooth And Nail tack on an extra five bucks!
I think the special edition includes extended album art. But I found it to be fairly creepy. So...
Do yourself a favor and buy the regular cd. DONT BUY THE SPECIAL EDITION!

The best release I have ever heard in my life.......2007-06-06

This was probably one of the most unexpected releases that I have ever gotten my hands on. I was a casual fan of Underoath's old album "They're only chasing Safety" and when this cd came out I decided to get my hands on it. I first bought the regular edition.

As soon as I started listening, I could tell that I was in for a much heavier experience. The first track "In Regards To Myself" sets in brutally with mathcore-like guitar techniques very reminiscent of Norma Jean's "O God The Aftermath" ie. the dissonant chords and very progressive beats, the song then launches into a dark, yet melodic chorus. The disc then follows on with "A Moment Suspended In Time", a track that showcases Underoath's emo roots while keeping a metal edge to it. A very beautiful chorus where clean vocals and Spencer's screams alter in a very effective manner.
The disc then leads on with, in my opinion, the two worst tracks of the album ("Salmarnir though, cannot be judged as it is merely an interlude).

However, Underoath's power really kicks in after this interlude. Indeed, "Returning Empty Handed" kicks off in a dark, epic manner and then leads into some of the most challenging beats that Aaron has ever performed. All of this backed up by Tim's use of dissonant chords and Spencer's relentless screams. The song then slows down and finishes in a beautiful melodic ending while still keeping challenging beats going.
This then fades into the most epic track ever written by Underoath "Casting Such A Thin Shadow" where a dark instrumental intro filled with original melodies and guitar techniques sets the listener into a relaxed mood before the band strikes again with a brutal, yet melodic outro.
The next two tracks are typical Underoath tracks with extra heaviness and a greater mathhcore influence, two great tracks.

The disc then leads into the most brutal track written by Underoath "Everyone Looks So Good From Here", a track which is so heavy it could have been written by Norma Jean. Here Spencer delivers some of the best vocal performance in recent metal releases while Aaron is still giving up some of the most technical beats I have heard, an amazing track.

Lastly, Underoath finish up with one of their greatest, most epic tracks ever, where Aaron performs an irrgular beat where the hi-hat is played in a different timing. The clean vocals are very well performed in the start of this song. Then, the band kicks off into a brutal outro where the whole band delivers one of their best performances ever recorded; a great track to close this epic release.

Having the special edition only increases the beauty of the disc with its amazing artwork. However, the dvd was somewhat short and not really worth the extra money, however, the extra artwork saves the special edition.

All in all this is a cd that set a new standard for metalcore, emo-core and any other ambient metal band. The best release of 2006 by 100 miles!

Pierre Schifflers

Genre-Blurring Alt/Metal/Emo.......2007-03-09

This album was an interesting listen for me; a band which I first dismissed, but after listening a bit longer found quite interesting and unusual. Underoath play a style of alternative metal often referred to as "screamo", but on this album (I am unfamiliar with their earlier work) they exhibit a sense of experimentation an willingness to blur genre lines as well as an artistic and progressive bent. Elements of emo, metalcore, and the post-rock style of such bands as Isis or Mastodon are run through a blender on this album, and it actually sounds very original when reassembled by this band. The lyrical content and conceptual art style of the accompanying CD booklet are also very well done....supposedly this band is a Christian rock band, but if so, they are lyrically obtuse enough to avoid the "Jesus-is-my-pal" corniness of many of the other bands in that sub genre. Cool stuff, if you like unusual rock/metal music.

A work of art.......2007-03-09

One of the best albums of 2006. It's garnered enough praise from enough sources so I won't waste anyone's time with a lengthy review. Just wanted to say that this album is absolutely stellar.

Key tracks: In Regards to Myself, A Moment Suspended in Time, You're Ever So Inviting, Moving for the Sake of Motion, The Writing on the Walls

Not bad, but not the greatest album.......2007-03-02

I own this cd and I think the best song in the album is "In Regards To Myself Listen Listen", the first track, after that the other songs sound the same. Its harder than their past material, and I am not talking of "acts of depression" and "cries of the past" obviously. The pseudo break downs sound cool, but they get overdone, which make the songs sound very boring after awhile. I do not hate Underoath its just this CD, is really not as great as I imagined, and I think I am not the only one that thinks this about this cd. If you have ever heard of Norma Jean's most recent albums and Taking Back, this is how underoath sounds in this album. BAD!!! I just hope their next album, if there is going to be one, is way better than this one!

Average customer rating:

one of the 80s finest musical hours
Remastered! (not)
Powerful
The Best Band Ever
Required listening

Solid Gold
Gang of Four
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Entertainment
Entertainment!
Chairs Missing
Second Edition
Public Image

ASIN: B000024IMC
Release Date: 2004-05-03

Tracks:

Paralysed
What We All Want
Why Theory?
If I Could Keep It For Myself
Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time
Cheese Burger
The Republic
In The Ditch
A Hole In The Wallet
He'd Send In The Army
To Hell With Poverty
Capital (It Fails Us Now)
History's Bunk!
Cheese Burger (Live)
What We All Want (Live)

Customer Reviews:

one of the 80s finest musical hours.......2006-10-14

When I saw the Gang of Four perform live in the early 80s, bassist Dave Allen, a brilliant musician, was, sadly, gone, though in his place was a fairly decent replacement, Sara Lee. The Go4 were true post-punk progressives, who sought to elevate women rock musicians as the equals of men, at a time when this was still a novel concept. In fact, the Gang of Four's progressivism was partly the result of the earthshaking consequences of 1970s British punk, of which this band was definitely a part (their first recording - the Damaged Goods EP - was released in 1978, still the punk heyday). Their progressivism was also a result of their university education in philosophy, and specifically, in the neo-marxist critical theory of scholars like Walter Benjamin, Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Herbert Marcuse, and Antonio Gramsci, all of whose work informs the Gang's lyrical content and sensibilities. But these were also smart young men, loaded with talent, living in a world in which they felt alienated. Seeing them live was great! They rocked, and they connected with the audience, a large gathering of mostly Americans who were deeply in to them. And lead singer John King certainly had the funky white guy thing going on, as he was constantly in motion on stage, as guitarist Andy Gill riffed away, fearlessly and energetically.

Here, on Solid Gold, mixing punk, postpunk, funk, dance, and just a bit of free jazz, the Gang of Four wildly succeed in producing one of the 80s finest musical hours. The key to this record are probably the tight rhythms which the band produces. In fact, the bass lines here are anything but simple, whereas the guitar lines are effectively simple, and sharply rhythmic. Also, the band's messages are a bit less cryptic and thus a bit clearer than on Entertainment, which seemed so immersed in social theory (though, of course, this recording has a song called Why Theory?, about praxis, with the clever split of the vocals between King and Gill). The messages of song's like Capital (It Fails Us Now), History's Bunk!, and If I Could Keep It For Myself are pointedly clear, not to mention very insightful.

One other observation. This has some of this band's best, and best known, songs, including What We All Want (which they've recently re-recorded), In The Ditch, Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time, and To Hell With Poverty.

Remastered! (not).......2006-05-01

One of my all time favorite albums. I have listened to the newly remastered version of "Entertainment" side by side with my "Infinite Zero" version from the early 90's. Oooohhhhh! ...now there is so much more midrange... the treble doesn't bleed into white noise nearly as much... its louder too. So I'm ordering this one now and looking forward to the same improvement.

Review edit: I've since recieved this CD. WARNING: it is merely a reissue of the 1996 EMI(UK) release. Remasters have come a long way since then. It should not be promoted as such. I sent it back as I already have the 1995 Infinite Zero(US) release.

"Entertainment" is a genuine 2005 Remaster by Rhino, "Solid Gold" is not.

Powerful.......2006-04-10

Had the band never recorded a suitable follow-up to "Entertainment", they'd probably have left us wondering forever (as with Captain Beefheart) "How great would they have sounded if recorded with a fuller, more life-like sound rather than the dry clipped one they favored (on Entertainment)". Here we get a full sound, lots of bass, lots of everything.

The material's less intricate than on the preceeding LP, and the lyrics maybe a bit less sharp, but they still sound great (infused here by dub reggae, and PIL's bass-driven meanderings). It's must-hear and it rocks and swings hard. The bonus tracks here are quite worthwhile, and I think the live version of "What We All Want" is quietly massive.

The Best Band Ever.......2006-01-24

I feel bad for the guy who got this with Hard. Yes Hard sucks! I got this with Another Day/Another Dollar, which is awesome. Every song is brilliant except for "Why Theory?". Gang Of Four is usually the smartest band ever. One of the few that realize how the environment shapes our behavior. In this song however they say, "How We Think changes How We Act". A common sense belief, but completely wrong. I think we can all agree we many times think something and behave completely differently. To have a causal effect something must happen 100%
of the time. It doesn't. A more accurate statement is how we act changes how we think. Thought is unverbalized speech and not a tangible thing, It can not cause things. Enough philosophy though. This album is awesome. Much darker than Entertainment! musically, but also more varied. This one two punch is one of the best ever. Solid Golid is highly recommended with the brilliant Another Day/Another Dollar.

Required listening.......2005-05-08

Gang of Four's second album is a far more jagged affair then their classic debut "Entertainment". Solid Gold is a much more bass and drum oriented record with Andy Gill's static slashing hoving above. Solid Gold has held up as my favorite GOF album. With the addition of "Another Day Another Dollar" this is a must have - To Hell with Poverty is a classic dance club track from the mid-eighties and the live version of "What we all want" with it's 'in the face' bass brought to the front of the mix are fantastic. Just for clarification, Solid Gold and Another Day were the combo released first (by Rollins), then the mix of SG and Hard which I thought a bit confusing as it skipped "Songs of the Free" which was GOF's third album and quite a strong release (dave allen left and formed Shriekback with Barry Andrews (ex of XTC) and Sara Lee (League of Gentlemen with Robert Fripp) took over the bass duties -

Average customer rating:

Not for the faint of heart
Good hardcore band
Nothing Unfinished
Gorgeous Record (Top of the Line Chariot)
A Solid Chaotic Metalcore Release

The Fiancee
The Chariot
Manufacturer: Solid State
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Messengers
Pressure the Hinges
Waking Giants
The Physics of Fire
The Lost the Sick the Sacred

ASIN: B000NJL50M
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Back To Back
They Faced Each Other
They Drew Their Swords
And Shot Each Other
The Deaf Policemen
Heard This Noise
Then Came To Kill
The Two Dead Boys
Forgive Me Nashville
The Trumpet

Customer Reviews:

Not for the faint of heart.......2007-07-03

This is mathcore at it's finest. Amazing melodies interrupted and warped into other melodies, insane guitar riffs, dark lyrics and even a combination of a choir (who's track I enjoy thoroughly as well) into the album. This is not for someone who doesn't enjoy hard, fast alternative metal, however. I enjoy Josh Scogin on the 2 older Norma Jean albums as well as all of the albums the Chariot has come out with. This is just the evolution of his sound. If you like hardcore, try this out.

Good hardcore band.......2007-06-22

These guys rock.
Buy all their albums.
Go to every show you can.
I will
Automatic 1 point reduction for picking the wrong religion

Nothing Unfinished.......2007-06-21

I just read a review by Rick and I have to say Im outraged. Every single one of these songs had a building and a closing. I was never left unsatisfied. "The Trumpet" was not out of place, not only was it in the back ground of other songs, but they are also a Christian band. Every song is about God. So tell me that song is out of place. Its not like all other songs on the cd, but if every song was the same, why would I want to listen to it? This was a good following to their "Unsung" release. Not in comparison, but it still let me know why I love the Chariot.

Another huge mistake Rick made was calling them "noise." They are a hardcore Christian band. Plain and simple. Every song on their albums are related with God. If you don't want every song about God, then I suggest Norma Jean. Which used to be, Norma Jean and The Chariot one in the same. If you are going to review, realize that if you want noise then stick to your guns of knowing Sonic Youth and Hella. Otherwise, stay off.

Gorgeous Record (Top of the Line Chariot).......2007-05-29

At first listen, you will not be happy overall if you have listened to the Unsung EP. Eventually, you will realize how great of an album this is. This is a perfect hard album all the way through. Each song leads into the other and each has its own beauty.

Best Chariot release thus far.

A Solid Chaotic Metalcore Release.......2007-05-09

The sophomore release by The Chariot is, like all their other releases, heavily dissonant, full of raw, distorted vocals, and really just a huge, loud blast of sound. Whether or not that sounds appealing to you is really what decides whether you like the album--abrupt tempo changes aren't for everyone, and for many this album will take a lot of getting used to.

This time The Chariot has a little more polish than in previous releases, yet somehow the previous intensity and `raw'-ness remains. There might be clean vocals in "Then Came to Kill" (a remake of "Play the Piano Like a Disease" from the Unsung EP), along with a synth-strings part, but this doesn't make the song any less extreme. Likewise, the sudden harmonica interlude at the end of "Forgive Me, Nashville" gives the track more of a chaotic feel, not less of one. This polish combines with The Chariot's already brutal sound and Josh Scogin's maturing vocals to form a great release.

Nonetheless, the album has its flaws. "The Trumpet," for example, is obvious filler, with a choir singing a hymn of sorts that doesn't really mesh with the album at all. (This is in stark contrast with "And Shot Each Other," in which the choir blends artfully into the rest of the song.) In addition, at points the album seems downright uncreative, especially with the track endings. (Remember "The Company, the Comfort, the Grave," with the ending where Scogin screams, "This pistol is my ministry"? It's back, albeit with different lyrics, for three or four of the songs on the album. Really, it was better the first time.)

Despite any letdowns, this release is great evidence that The Chariot is maturing as a band. The songs have one excellent riff after the other, with not a stinker among them (excepting "The Trumpet").

Average customer rating:

Amazing Listen
Sounds OK...
-thumbs up-
I don't get it...
Underoath: They're Only Chasing Safety

They're Only Chasing Safety
Underoath
Manufacturer: Solid State Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Changing of Times
Define the Great Line (CD & DVD)
Define the Great Line
Let It Enfold You
The Question

ASIN: B00026WVC2
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Tracks:

Young and Aspiring
A Boy Brushed Red...Living in Black and White
The Impact of Reason
Reinventing Your Exit
The Blue Note
It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door
Down, Set, Go
I Don't Feel Very Receptive Today
I'm Content With Losing
Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape

Album Description

Underoath's potential was truly tapped upon entering the studio with James Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, Further Seems Forever) to create their third studio release, "They're Only Chasing Safety," dropping June 15, 2004. The new vocals meld into what Underoath has been evolving to become for years: a cleaner, more direct heavy rock style avoiding any hardcore clichis they might have previously garnered. And with their innovative keyboard / electronic heavy base for the dynamic 10 song release, it's hard to imagine anyone penning Underoath with clichis at all. Still, fans of the previously metal-driven band may be in for a shock as catchy choruses and hooks dominate this release.

"If hardcore kids want to like us, that's awesome," McTague elaborates, "but we're not trying to impress them. And as far as kids saying we've sold out...kids like that just like to talk. They might be weirded out at first [by the new album], but hopefully it will catch on, but if not, who cares, you know?"

There's no doubt with infectious choruses on stand-out tracks like "Reinventing Your Exit," and "80's Song" along with the pure magnitude and passion of each track, that the songs will, in fact, catch on regardless of where the band's concerns lie. Still Underoath remains apathetic toward critics and will keep concentrating on what they know best: writing songs they like and playing shows relentlessly because that's what they love doing.

"Everyone is all about making things more marketable, receivable, accessible, and in turn have watered down everything from their faith to their struggles in life, and I think people need to start being real," McTague concludes. "Our goal is to write an album that changes music and impacts people in a huge way. I think we might start something with this record, but I think there is a lot more to uncover in the future...this is by far the closest we have ever come to that though."

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Listen.......2007-06-17

I had never heard of Underoath and wasn't familiar with the hardcore scene. I heard Underoath in an interview on MTV and thought their screaming-metal sound was interesting. I decided to buy this CD as well as Define the Great Line. I have been listening to it for six months and I'm absolutely blown away. I love the contrast between light and darkness (sort of like pieces of Heaven and Hell). This is perhaps best exhibited on "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door" which has big, swirling guitars over a screaming verse interspersed with an eerie choir section. It's the best song on the album. "Reinventing Your Exit" is another standout, fearturing easy singing mixed with this ferocious screaming hookline ("Right now we're just looking for the exit"). I like the manic intensity-you can practically feel the lead vocalist's rage as he roars "This is my panic/This is my call to arms". It's true: this is not metal. I listen mostly to metal but I still like this. Give it a shot. If you like what you hear, check out Define the Great Line (the latter is a much darker heavy metal album).

Sounds OK..........2007-03-02

The cd is good, but I get irritated with the song "boy brushed in red", tell me if I am wrong, but I think it sounds as if it is Taking Back Sunday. Thats way I am rating this CD 4 stars, the songs sound good. I would much rather recomend this CD, over Define the Great Line. This album is pretty well made and has nice pseodo break downs, nothing new in this time, but they sound good though!

-thumbs up-.......2007-02-22

This album isn't quite as screamy (for lack of a better word) as I'd like it to be, and it all kinda sounds alike, but it's pretty decent.

I don't get it..........2007-02-08

I don't get it. I don't understand what a lot of their lyrics are really about; maybe I'm just too old to get it. What I do get, however, is that this is a great CD. I bought this CD a few years ago after hearing "Reinventing Your Exit" on a Christian rock station. The first few times I heard the song, I hated it, but it grew on me. I listened to the whole CD and, at first, lamented my decision to buy it. I gave it a few more chances, and started to like it.

I think what makes it a difficult sell at first is all the odd breaks and synth fills. They don't seem to really fit at first, but once I got the overall idea of their music, those breaks and fills started to work.

Their drummer is probably the brightest point in the group. Not only does he sing most of the more melodic vocals, but his drum riffs and fills are aggressive, precise, and just plain brilliant. Even if you already have and like this CD, take the time to go back and just listen to the drums. There are certain drum fills that are likely just synth loops, but if you pay close attention to the drummer himself, you're likely to hear a few things you may have missed.

The lead singer (screamer may be a better term) has a young, brash, angry snarl that almost goes over the top at times, yet works very well as a counterpoint to the drummer's singing. The back and forth of the two singing styles helps to introduce two moods to most of their songs. The drummer's voice brings a bit of a melancholy, apologetic, almost sweet feeling to the songs. The lead singer's voice is full of anger and frustration. The two together give me an impression of someone who at first is sweet and forgiving, but after taking too much BS, finally lashes out.

A perfect example of their complementing each other is found on the song "It's Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door". Some of the drummer's singing is eerie and has a dreamlike quality as though he is passively viewing himself "drowning in his sleep". The lead singer's voice offers a contrast to the drummer's in that we feel his panic and pain. Sadly, the snippet here on Amazon does that song no justice whatsoever.

The guitarists for the most part aren't flashy. They don't play leads, and don't riff all over the songs. They are however, very solid, and melodic, and their playing is perfect for the music.

About the only low point for me concerning this album is the track "Blue Note". I REALLY don't get that... doesn't feel like it fits the album, and is far too short in my opinion to be given it's own track listing. I suppose it was meant as sort of an intermission, as it appears near the middle of the CD, but if anything, that momentary pause from the meat and potatoes of the album takes away more than it adds.

Bottom line, if you want to hear something aggressive, yet musically creative and stylistically diverse, these guys are worth a listen. Just remember to give them a few chances before you give up on them. This album really does take some time to grow on you.

Underoath: They're Only Chasing Safety.......2007-01-22

Underoath Rules!!! The tracks on the Cd are amazing.

Average customer rating:

So good I'm not really going to attach words to it.
A good album, but not better than the TOCS or The Changing of Times.
Worth looking at, despite its flaws
READ MY REVIEW!! (If you haven't heard it yet)
Thankfully, these guys still know how to make a good record.

Define the Great Line
Underoath
Manufacturer: Solid State Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

They're Only Chasing Safety
The Changing of Times
Redeemer
A City by the Light Divided
The Question

ASIN: B000FMGWDC
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

In Regards To Myself
A Moment Suspended in Time
There Could Be Nothing After This
Ever So Inviting
Salmarnir
Returning Empty Handed
Casting Such A Thin Shadow
Moving For The Sake Of Motion
Writing On The Walls
Everyone Looks So Good From Here
To Whom It May Concern

Album Description

Underoath have single-handedly given hope to a genre ripe with rip-offs, carbon copies, and flavor of the week musical acts. "Define The Great Line" further establishes Underoath as one of the most important and influential bands in rock music today.

Also available: LIMITED EDITION VERSION featuring special 8-panel Digi-pak with booklet, exclusive artwork, and bonus DVD with behind the scenes, in the studio, and making of the album features.

Customer Reviews:

So good I'm not really going to attach words to it........2007-06-17

This is the most powerful album I have heard in a while, unreal how good it is.

A good album, but not better than the TOCS or The Changing of Times........2007-06-10

First off, I'd like to say that I have listened to every album that Underoath has made, starting from Act of Depression to the new Define the Great Line. I understand that Dallas Taylor was once the vocalist and that Spencer took over after The Changing of Times.

Anyway, on to the review. I liked this album, I felt that it had some great drumming and riffs on guitar. The singing helped balance some of the songs with the screaming, and the overall album sounded good. I feel that this album had some flaws though:

1) The songs didn't really get a catchy feeling as the songs on "They're Only Chasing Safety", such as "Reinventing Your Exit", "A Boy Brushed Red...Living In Black And White".

2) Some of the songs on this album really felt like "fillers", or just too slow, such as "Salmarnir" and "Casting Such A Thin Shadow". I understand that "Salmarnir" was to add relief to the tension of the album, but the song was too long compared to "The Blue Note" from "They're Only Chasing Safety".

My final flaw that I'd like to go over more is this: this album didn't seem to communicate personally with the listener. The album "They're Only Chasing Safety" had lyrics that stood out, reached and grabbed you, telling you that you'd be okay. The songs gave inspiration and hope; I didn't get that feeling with the songs on Define the Great Line.

It seems that Spencer is trying to head into the direction of a more "hardcore" sound than the "semi-hardcore" sound of their album "They're Only Chasing Safety". Although I feel that it's okay for bands to change their sound sometimes, changing it too drastically may give an unpleasant surprise to solid fans/listeners.

Some songs on this album that I enjoyed listening to include:

A Moment Suspended in Time, Writing on the Walls, Moving for the Sake of Motion.

I think people hype "In Regards To Myself" too much, it's a good song, but nothing too great.

Overall, a solid, good album by Underoath...but it seems to be showing signs of the band heading in the wrong direction, a more hardcore, non-unique band like all the others; while the albums "They're Only Chasing Safety" and "The Changing of Times" seemed to communicate much more personally with the listener, and had more of a sense of "understanding your problems" in it. However, I still have faith in Underoath and feel that they will release another solid album after this.

My rating: 4/5, if it was out of 10 I would rate this album an 8.5/10.

Worth looking at, despite its flaws.......2007-04-12

Define the Great Line is a solid metalcore release that manages to, if not totally shatter the conventions of its genre, at least twist them to its own advantage. This is a polished album, with the production and songwriting putting it near the top of its genre--with an album like this, it's no surprise that Underoath is gaining a good amount of popularity in hardcore circles.

The album starts with a solid guitar riff and a deep scream from vocalist Spencer Chamberlain--"Wake up, wake up! My God! This is not a test..." Though it's not the best song on the album, lacking some of the momentum and flow other tracks achieve, this opening ("In Regards to Myself") sets the pace for the rest of the album. This isn't all good, unfortunately. The song, like the rest of the album, suffers from lyrics that are often vague and uninspiring. It's plain that the song is a call to let go of some addiction, but there really isn't anything particularly deep in the lyrics--"Pull yourself together, man" might make a rousing battle cry, but it's not quite the smart use of language I'd hope for in the lyrics, and the other lines aren't much better. Later songs in the album are downright incoherent in their ramblings. (True, difficult lyrics are acceptable sometimes, especially in songs that are extremely deep, but Underoath's lyrics, neither deep nor greatly original, have no excuse for their knottiness.) By the album's end, "To Whom It May Concern", the album has picked up its optimistic, Christian message, but by then it's a little late. The album's sound, full of beautiful instrumental sections and memorable melodies pushed next to heavy power-chord-filled riffs, is unmistakably emotional, but the lyrics hide the source of the emotions in nearly incomprehensible messes of words.

Nonetheless, there's a lot to like in this record. Underoath isn't afraid to put long instrumental sections in their album, and thanks to them, the album takes on an emotional atmosphere that mere power-chord-heavy riffs wouldn't by themselves produce. The melodies are catchy and sound far more interesting than the clean vox sections you'll find in many other metalcore releases. In fact, the sheer craftsmanship of the album is very impressive--overlapping guitars, keyboard, and vocals create a sophisticated, layered sound. Through all this, you get an album that, despite being nothing earth-shattering in originality or heart-rending in its emotions, is quite fascinating and even (at points) rather moving. Fans of metalcore or heavy music in general should give this a try.

READ MY REVIEW!! (If you haven't heard it yet).......2007-03-17

OK look, you've been seeing soooo many good reviews that this album is good, heavy, and so on..... but for me, this album is just OK. I mean, they showed most of the good songs that makes this album a blast! So when you already hear dthem all and got the album, you can't find any other songs that sounded like "In Regards To Myself", "Writing On The Walls", and "You're Ever SO Invited"! (except for "Everyone Looks So Good From Here" and "Returning Empty Handed").

1."In Regards To Myself" 10/10- A great song!!! It has the hype and the screaming! A good song to begin the album.

2."A Moment Suspended In Time" 9/10- A so-so song, the beginning wasn't as good as "Writing On The Walls" or "In Regards To Myself". The ending was kinda boring.

3."There Could Be Nothing After This" 8.5/10- Another so-so song. They barely show any guitar works, you hear different instruments that are in techno.

4."You're Ever So Invited" 9/10- Te beginning are always the same, it starts out with Spencer saying some things. Sometimes I'm wondering how Spencer makes his screaming vocals (don't include his death grunt, death grunts aren't consider as screaming, you people are idiots).Again, another so-so song.

5."Salmarmir" (THIS ISN'T EVEN A SONG)- What the hell is this? JUst soft, boring instruments and you hear some guy speaking Russian or a foreign language.

6."Returning Empty Handed" 10/10- IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME THAT THERE'S A HEAVY SONG!!! The song started off as a good beginning with Spencer's death grunt and heavy guitar riffs. but I would prefer Underoath being more of post-hardcore and screamo than metal.

7."Casting Such A Thin Shadow" 9/10- The beginning and the first half of the middle were soft and just instruments. But you then hear Spencer's vocals. I love Spencer's vocals! (Thank God he did).

8."Moving For The Sake Of Motion" 10/10- Awesome drumming in the beginning and great vocals here too! One of my favorites!

9."Writing On The Walls" 10/10- A great song!!! Started with Aaron's soft singing and you then hear Spencer's screaming. Love the ending! Great song, never get tired of this song!

10."Everyone Looks So Good From Here" 10/10- A heavy song from them! Love it! JUST LOVE IT! I think "In Regards In Myself" and this song is what made people thinking that they're metal. Some people even think that they're death metal?! You people are so f**king stupid! Underoath is barely death metal, they're more of post-hardcore and screamo! Duh!

11."To Whom It May Concern" 6/10- I hated how Aaron sang here, but the best part of the song was when Spencer started screamiing (as always). Good way to end the album but kin of a useless song.

Well, that's all I gotta say about this album. Even though there are some good scores on most songs, it can get boring. Underoath isn't metal, they're christian rock, post-hardcore, and screamo. Just because a couple of their songs sound like metal, doesn't make them 100% metal! Same thing with Stone Sour!

Thankfully, these guys still know how to make a good record........2007-03-05

Here's this - I know that I shouldn't even be listening to this group, since I'm about 7 to 10 years too old and about 75 pounds over the necessary weight required to wear the appropriate uniform that most (if not all) hardcore kids have been wearing for the past couple of years. (It's been a decade since I could fit into 32-waist jeans and a size Medium t-shirt.) Coupled with that sad admission is the one that, whenever I even think about going to any kind of local rock show in my area (whether in Houston itself or in the general north of the city), I have to remind myself how old & out-of-place I'll look amongst all the kids in the crowd. Yes, I do realize that 15- to 18-year-olds really aren't kids, but when you're a decade or more older than a vast majority of the crowd going to see a hardcore show, you feel quite creepy standing next to kids who weigh half of what you do. I guess I should learn to be content with attending indie rock & folk shows - my age & my ears are getting to me.

And, on an even more level than personal style issues and the inability to earn points as a good scenester, I start listening to Underoath's new album, Define the Great Line, and began to fear that I've become "that guy." Any music aficionado of any real substance knows exactly the guy I'm talking about (Rob, Dick, & Barry make merciless fun of one of these guys in High Fidelity, both book & movie versions). He's the older and intelligent, yet subtly mocked, geezer who constantly says things like, "Oh, I used to listen to them back when they were [insert band's previous style here]," or "Oh, I like their old stuff better." This is the guy who can quote track lists, contributors, and influences for great records across many styles, but his pool of information is dated by about 5 to 10 years, at a minimum. You enjoy talking to him, since he's always enthusiastic and knowledgeable about music, but it can be almost sad to talk to him because he's stuck in the past that he's created for himself. His ears simply reached the point where they couldn't absorb anything new, whether new in style or interpretation of an old style.

Nonetheless, I say all of that to say this - I was first exposed to Underoath's music with their Cries of the Past EP that came out 6 years ago, full of many nods and bows to black/European metal. However, I cringed a bit when The Changing of Times was released in 2002, revealing that the band had left the gates of metal and entered the quickly-expanding subdivision that was becoming "screamo/hardcore." However, after growing to like the new direction the band undertook with TCoT, I was definitely not a fan of the clean & slickly-produced "pop-core" of 2004's They're Only Chasing Safety. I stood adamantly upon this opinion, even though it began to appear that legions of fans everywhere were collecting themselves around the house that is Underoath. And the band itself didn't make my distaste with their current work any easier, for after two years of constant touring and three straight appearances as a main-stage act on the Vans Warped Tour, the guys of Underoath have certainly secured themselves a spot in the mainstream rock pantheon.

Case in point - with the release of their newest album, Define the Great Line, on June 20th, this Florida-based band sold 98,000 records in the first week, earning them a #2 ranking on the Billboard charts, behind only Nelly Furtado's latest, and pushing the Dixie Chicks down a spot. That, my dear readers, is notoriety and market value of the highest level ("Under Who?" asks the average pop/R&B radio listener). It's one thing to mock the buying habits of the average teen and 18-25 demographic, but it's quite another thing to realize that those buying habits are the ones that have catapulted an overtly Christian rock band into the ears and eyes of hard music listeners around the nation.

Because, you see, this is a screamo/hardcore album that many people should be listening to, and for good reason, as the band seems to have eschewed all of the poppy & melodic tendencies that plagued They're Only Chasing Safety. Suffice to say folks, the talent level present on Define the Great Line is hard to ignore, whether or not you enjoy or even appreciate this subgenre of metal. The passion, intensity, and sense of purpose that literally explodes from this album are to be applauded, examined, and reflected upon by both those people who listen to music and those who actively are making music. I will even go as far as to step up to the plate, superlatives in hand, and declare that this is a career-defining album, in the best way possible - Underoath has happened upon a medium through which they can effectively sing/scream about their struggles, questions, trials, and tribulations without sounding like they're sorry for themselves, whining about their status in life, or pissed off at the world (as twice-baked and over-cooked as that approach is). The lyrics of Spencer Chamberlain & Aaron Gillespie read like the anguished pleadings and prayers of the Major & Minor Prophets of the Old Testament - and I mean that as an extreme compliment.

However, as I sit perusing the phenomenal photography contained within the special edition CD+DVD and examine the subject of the collection in his various stages of devolution and (almost) decomposition, I find myself hoping against hope for a decent lead guitar solo of some sort on more than a few songs. I fully realize that this is a concept album of high distinction and that screamo/hardcore albums often intentionally shun the concept of soloing, but there are times when the dark, brooding chugging could be complemented by a sonorous piece of fretwork (read: NOT a high, soaring 80's solo) connecting the movements in at least the two songs on the album that clock in at over 6 minutes. Do not read too much into my complaint (many metal-heads disdain hardcore as being replete with undisciplined and unstructured guitar players) - I just wish that more technical guitar playing had made its way onto this album.

Ultimately, Define the Great Line is one of the best rock albums of 2006, though the style of rock isn't always agreeable to many people in the demographic to which I belong, much less amongst the people who comprise my regular coterie of readers. Thus, I offer the same suggestion I've offered to the parents of the kids I sold hard music to for 6 years - while listening to the music (at a volume your old ears can tolerate), take out the lyrics, and read along with the men of Underoath. The crushing waves of instrumental fervor notwithstanding, it is the lyrical content lying within these songs ("You're Ever So Inviting" & "Moving For the Sake of Motion" are the album's standout tracks) that makes this album worth several listen-throughs and maybe even a purchase, but only if your old ears are up to the challenge. I'll even let you borrow my copy.

Average customer rating:

A ROCK SOLID COMPILATION FOR PAT TRAVERS FANS
Travers ROCKS!!!!!!!!
2 Disk Compilation of Polydor Material from Guitar Hero!

Rock Solid: Essential Collection
Pat Travers
Manufacturer: Repertoire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Live! Go for What You Know
Double Live
Crash and Burn
Makin' Magic
Blues Tracks

ASIN: B0001HN5VI
Release Date: 2004-03-08

Tracks:

Makes No Difference
Hot Rod Lincoln
Magnolia
Makin' Magic
Rock'n'roll Susie
You Don't Love Me
Stevie
Statesboro Blues
Hooked on Music
Life in London
Gettin' Betta
It Ain't What It Seems
Lovin' You
Heat in the Street
Go All Night
Evie

Tracks:

Crash and Burn
Your Love Can't Be Right
Big Event
Snortin' Whiskey
New Age Music
My Life Is on the Line (I Just Wanna Live It That Way)
I Can Love You
I la la la Love You
I'd Rather See You Dead
Stand Up
I Gotta Fight
Killer
Louise
Women on the Edge of Love
In the Heat of the Night
Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights) [Live]

Album Details

This is a Compilation with Selections from Each of Pat Travers Nine Polydor Albums to Give an Impressive Picture of his Classic Rock Style. This Essential Double CD Distillation of the First Half of his Recording and Touring Career Includes all of Pat Travers Signature Songs Such as "Boom Boom (Out Goes the Lights)" and "Snortin' Whiskey, Drinkin' Cocaine" and is Packed with Informative Sleeve Notes and Evocative Pictures of Travers in Action.

Customer Reviews:

A ROCK SOLID COMPILATION FOR PAT TRAVERS FANS.......2005-04-16

This is a great collection of tracks from a great underrated guitarist from toronto canada{he now resides in Florida}. This two cd collection compiles his best tracks from all his polydor albums 1976-84 included are all the songs he is most known for such as stevie, life in london, crash and burn, snortin' whiskey and i la la la love you. It also includes his great covers of hot rod lincoln and statesboro blues also not to be missed is his beautiful cover of jj cale's magnolia. Some of the best music of the mid seventies and early eighties lives again through this collection.

Travers ROCKS!!!!!!!!.......2005-04-01

Man oh Man can this guy rip it up! Anyone familiar with Pat Travers knows exactly what I'm talking about. For the uninformed, this is a great place to start. CD Now would be wise to provide sound samples for these songs. After that, do pick up his "Live-Go For What You Know" and "Crash & Burn" discs. Which are both available here on CD Now and elsewhere.

This very extensive collection of 32 songs, digs deep from Pat's nine Polydor albums. The songs are in chronological order (always a plus in my book). Unlike the review above, I feel the song selection does a great job of representing Pat's tenure on Polydor Records (although I would have liked a few more songs from Heat In The Street and Radio Active and had this collection fully utilized the 80 minute capacity per disc, this could have been achieved).

The sound quality of this collection is simply awesome. They did a fine job of remastering these songs (unlike the Majestic Rock reissues of Pat's 1st 4 Polydor albums -of which Majestic has promised me that they are in the process of obtaining new DAT masters to re-manufacture these titles).

The packaging is also simply stunning! A tri-fold digi-pak and 16 page booklet loaded with pictures (many of which I have never seen before) and very informative linear notes.

Oh, and as I said before;
CD Now would be wise to provide sound samples for these songs.

2 Disk Compilation of Polydor Material from Guitar Hero!.......2004-04-18

"Rock Solid: The Essential Collection" is a 2 disk compilation of Pat Travers' material from his 9 Polydor albums. For the uninitiated Travers was a Canadian born guitar hero from the seventies. His blues influenced playing can be perhaps compared best with players such as Robin Trower or Frank Marino. Travers while not a shredder always provided tasteful seventies era soloing. During part of his career he utilized the power trio format for his band. Among the musicians who passed through Travers' bands during this period were second guitarist Pat Thrall and drummers Michael Shrieve, Tommy Aldridge and Nicko McBrain. Glenn Hughes from Deep Purple provides guest vocals on "Stevie" and Thin Lizzy guitarists Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham also make guest appearances along the way. While the set contains no previously unissued material is does contain most of his best material. It contains his best known cut a live cover of Little Walter's "Boom Boom Out Go The Lights" from his "Go For What You Know Live" album. It is unfortunate that the set does not contain more live material as Travers always seemed to be more energized in concert. It also contains the concert favorite "Snortin' Whiskey". Other standout cuts include "Makin' Magic", "Rock 'N' Roll Susie", "Life In London" and "Go All Night". Travers was not adverse to covering other people's material such Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues" and J.J Cale's "Magnolia". However, two of his best known covers, Albert King's "Born Under A Bad Sign" and Bob Marley's "Is This Love" were omitted for some strange reason. Since the disks do not utilize the full 80 minutes a few more tracks could have been added to the set. In addition, some of the material on the second disk does not hold up to the standards established on the first disk. The set might have been better served with less material from his last 3 albums from and more from his first 6. This is probably going to be the best summary of Pat Travers' career to be released and fans of gritty blues influenced seventies guitar playing will be overjoyed with this anthology. Those well-worn lps can now be replaced with this new remastered compilation of Travers' classic tracks!

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. God Don't Need No Matches
2. Shine on Me
3. Let Us Go Back to Church
4. He's Worthy
5. He That Dwelleth
6. Send Your Rain
7. If Jesus Can't Fix It
8. What More Can He Do
9. I'm Going to Make It
10. Jesus Breaks Every Fetter

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