America

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Drawing upon the softer side of the hippie folk scene with a more refined sound, America garnered a string of hits for themselves in the '70s. With a rich, acoustic base and lush, high tenor harmonies, songs like "Sandman" were instantly successful. The band's breakthrough single was the slightly country-tinged "Horse with No Name," (which hit number one) that owed a debt to the craftsmanship of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. America displayed the band's sensitivities with "Clarice" and "I Need You," the latter charting at number nine. While the band made a name for itself on the strength of "Horse" alone, the rest of the record deserves attention, too. While "Riverside" and "Children Here" never reached the status of later hits like "Sister Goldenhair" or "Lonely People," they still command respect. --Steve Gdula

Tracks:

Icky Thump
You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)
300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues
Conquest
Bone Broke
Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn
St. Andrew (This Battle Is In The Air)
Little Cream Soda
Rag And Bone
I'm Slowly Turning Into You
A Martyr For My Love For You
Catch Hell Blues
Effect and Cause

Amazon.com

Bagpipes, a song written as the soundtrack to a Michel Gondry music video, Patti Page's musical shadow, and Jack and Meg co-narrating a scavenger's rummages: It must be time for Icky Thump, the many-flavored riposte to 2006's Get Behind Me Satan. The duo starts big with the title track--Jack's fast-tumbling, falsetto-tinged lyrics jagging on hyper keyboard-sounding segues and Meg's pounding drums. They rarely shy from an idea, invoking acoustic Bob Dylan to frame "300 M.P.H. Torrential Outpour Blues," but interjecting a series of distortion-laden guitar paroxysms for good measure. The end of Icky, on "Effect and Cause," is where Jack's trademark vocal warble and spare, quick acoustic strums meet Meg's single-minded beats. Everywhere on Icky giant riffs leap and shout, with Flamenco horns and those eerie bagpipes and rhythmic shifts and Jack's impatient vocal kinetics, marking new territories even as the White Stripes again populate them with vintage ideas. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

The White Stripes are back with the most bombastic album they've ever produced! While revealing the band's roots in American folk music, Icky Thump is an explosive, revolutionary assault that brings together garage rock, every blues style of the past 100 years, nouveau, and flamenco. This is truly a modern rock and roll masterpiece!

Customer Reviews:

Another solid effort.......2007-07-16

Didn't blow my socks off the way 'Elephant' did, but still bloody good. I admire the use of all vintage instruments and equipment, but maybe the bagpipes were a bit OTT...

Good but not great.......2007-07-15

I've been a huge White Stripes fan for the last 5 years and this album didn't dissapoint. They break some new ground for the band and the ventures into synthesizers and bag-pipes are done well. Although there are some gems on this album (icky thump, conquest) there are some forgettable songs and it is not as solidly good from top to bottom as some of there recent albums.

Some great guitar work.......2007-07-15

Some great guitar work, but its hard to listen to this band a lot. I don't think this is their best album.

ah, the stripes.......2007-07-15

The White Stripes provide a great feeling that music can still mean more than all the Top Pop out there. The Stripes reinvent themselves with every album. Thanks goodness we have them. Grab this disc and enjoy. Better yet, go see them live and breathe in the experience.

Great..even for us Baby Boomers.........2007-07-14

Even as a baby boomer, I really like this CD. As ebay seller, I could not understand why I was selling these so fast,..UNTIL..I listened to the CD.
I can at least understand and hear the words!! Very smooth music. I guess
WS are still creating the music we ALL LOVE!!

Average customer rating:

You can depend on Billy
SP, the new SD of the 21st century.
The Smashing Pumpkins...Zeitgeist....a 5 star album....Adore/ MCIS songs.
Most people don't know that
No sir, I dont like it.

Zeitgeist
Smashing Pumpkins
Manufacturer: Martha's Music / Reprise
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Icky Thump
Libertad
Our Love to Admire
Era Vulgaris
Year Zero

ASIN: B000OQF6N6
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

Doomsday Clock
7 Shades of Black
Bleeding the Orchid
That¹s the Way (my Love is)
Tarantula
Starz
United States
Neverlost
Bring the Light
(Come on) Let¹s Go!
For God and Country
Pomp and Circumstances

Amazon.com

Inside the buzzing hive of Smashing Pumpkins' guitars is clearly where bandleader Billy Corgan feels most comfortable. So, after a seven-year hiatus for the short-lived group Zwan and his surprisingly sunny 2005 solo album, Corgan has revived the Pumpkins in all the six-string-spattered shades of emotional gray that made them one of the greatest bands of the alt-rock era. Longtime drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, along with famed boardsmiths Roy Thomas Baker and Terry Date as well as Corgan himself coproduced. Chamberlin also supports mountainous layers of guitar with his fiercest playing. California musicians Ginger Reyes (bass) and Jeff Schroeder (guitar) complete a version of the band dedicated to early bare-knuckled form, with a few exceptions: Corgan's grown into a more powerful wordsmith and his lengthy guitar solo explorations of yore are replaced with a trim, barbed textural approach that's ultimately more vicious. That is, until the centerpiece "United States" stretches into an epic punk-metal-informed sibling of Jimi Hendrix's "Machine Gun," with Corgan's strings singing like explosions and twisting metal as he warbles about revolution. Much of this album conjures literal and sonic visions of apocalypse, but there's grace, too, in the blithe grind of the hopeful "That's the Way (My Love Is)" and the melodic "Neverlost." Overall, Corgan's captivating effort to mine both the spirit of these turbulent times and the soul of his defining band is a smashing success. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

The Smashing Pumpkins are back! After seven years, the acclaimed Pumpkins have returned with Zeitgeist. Featuring the single "Tarantula," this new sound is not to be missed.

Customer Reviews:

You can depend on Billy.......2007-07-17

For 7 years, 7 months, and 7 days (well it turned out to be 10) he took his chances yeah... but now he can make a big come back 'cause he's good like that.

SP, the new SD of the 21st century........2007-07-17

During my first perusal through Zeitgeist, this thought came to mind, "Which album is this? Hasn't this been done before?" The sound is like 7 years never passed, classic wall of guitars and great drumming on Chamberlin's part. For hardcore fans, this album is sure to please, it reaches back and uses all the SP cliche' riffs and sound. Not that this is bad, but you'd think there would be a little growth in the sound that was hinted at in Machina'. Billy is still the wordsmith he has always been - progressing to more contemporary issues. Now that the band is down to two with a couple of hired guns brought in to fill in, it reminds me of another duo of the past -Steely Dan. Their comeback album after 20 years or so was their classic sound as if time stood still for them, just like this album.

The Smashing Pumpkins...Zeitgeist....a 5 star album....Adore/ MCIS songs........2007-07-16

It nice to have The Smashing Pumpkins back even through band changes and 7 years since the last album. Its shame that the fine and gorgeous D'Arcy Wretzky on bass and James Iha on guitar are no longer in the band,but Billy Corgan has picked up 2 musicians to play for the new album. Billy Corgan has picked up very good looking bass player/vocals Ginger Reyes and plays pretty well for what I have seen which is cool. Also now on board is John Schroeder on guitar/vocals. The Smashing Pumpkins are right back on track and Zeitgeist is a great album. The album starts off with a goth kick with Doomsday Clock (song on Transformers soundtrack) and 7 Shades Of Black. The first released song from Zeitgeist is the very catchy Tarantula and neat retro 60ish hippy feel featuring the new band members Ginger and John. Songs on Zeitgeist weave through a total feel of Adore (my favorite SP album) and MCIS. Songs that have the Adore feel are Bleeding The Orchid, Neverlost, For God And Country, Pomp And Circumstance, and Zeitgeist all could easily be on Adore. Songs that have the MCIS feel are Doomsday Clock (which also reminds me of The End Is The Beginning Is The End from the Batman & Robin soundtrack...Doomsday Clock also on a soundtrack for the Transformers like stated earlier), 7 Shades Of Black, That's The Way (My Love Is), Tarantula, Starz, United States, Bring The Light, and (Come On) Let's Go and the same is true with MCIS. Get this album definitely worth it.

Most people don't know that.......2007-07-16

James Iha and Darcy were never songwriters or even performed on the recordings of all the early Pumpkin albums. They were more like hired live musicians. Billy always played all guitars and bass on the albums and Jimmy the drums. So the Smashing Pumpkins are Billy and Jimmy---
This is a solid album. Reminds me of a more poppy Gish--

No sir, I dont like it........2007-07-15

If your like me and you love the old albums like Gish and Siamese Dream this album blows chunks. Compared to the delicious crunchy bite of the old true Pumpkins line up the new Pumpkins is like nibbling on a stale wafer. Zwan was better than this. However, if you are a fan of the new stuff by the new Pumpkins you may think this is ok. For me the good Pumpkins equals loud distorted melodic guitar & Billy pulling his lungs out and showing them to you. Thats not here. Not even close.

Average customer rating:

Missed the mark again
what direction are they going?
Phew!!!
I felt you so much today
????

Our Love to Admire
Interpol
Manufacturer: Capitol Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Icky Thump
Zeitgeist
An End Has a Start
Favourite Worst Nightmare
Easy Tiger

ASIN: B000PY32CO
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

Pioneer To the Falls
No I In Threesome
The Scale
The Heinrich Maneuver
Mammoth
Pace Is the Trick
All Fired Up
Rest My Chemistry
Who Do You Think
Wrecking Ball
The Lighthouse

Amazon.com

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

Amazon.com

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

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

Interpol Photos

More from Interpol

Antics
Turn on the Bright Lights
The Black EP

Customer Reviews:

Missed the mark again.......2007-07-17

After being pleasently surprised by Turn On The Bright Lights and how it's subtle understated songs became so infectious that I wanted to hear them again and again, I was quite dissappointed by Interpol's next release Antics. The band was quite aware of the appeal of the first release and tried desperately to repeat it with no luck. While Antics had some glimmers of special moments Our Love To Admire is absolutely lack lustre. The boys once again try to capture the magic of Turn On The Bright Lights but fall even farther from that goal. And believe me, I wouldn't care at all if they did something vastly different just as long as it was good. Our Love To Admire is not good. At this point I think Interpol themselves must be wondering how they managed such to write such great songs their first time out but can't seem to even come close to writing a memorable song these days... I know I am.

what direction are they going?.......2007-07-17

i liked ''bright lights'' and i liked ''antics'' but, this release is just too much of a departure from the previous two. i beleive their ship is now taking on water. absolutely no upbeat songs, the songs just drag on and on, this release will probably have some sales riding the coattails of the first two but, the next release will definately be a hard sell.

Phew!!!.......2007-07-17

When it was announced that Interpol has moved to major label, I feared the worst - there goes another gem to MTV commercial slavery.

Never have I felt more relieved when finally the CD arrived and the first three songs proved that I was wrong.

Like someone mentioned earlier, Interpol is Interpol. It's good that they have implemented some fresh approach, but the key thing is that they succeeded in keeping the Interpol sound intact.

Even right now, I find myself a couple of new favorites, most notably "Rest My Chemistry", "Pace is The Trick" and "All Fired Up" - those three are very Interpol. As for the rest, they are catching up and before long, I would not be surprised I'll be listening to ALL of them regularly, just like I did with the first two albums.

And yes, there's no avoiding Joy Division comparo here. Being a JD fan myself, I do not see Interpol as a copy attempt as most critics would put it, in fact Interpol complement JD in many ways. Take this, as much as I loved JD, it is limited to what they have to offer 30 years ago. There will be no more new JD albums etc. But Interpol is here and hopefully they will stay the way they are.

But I do have to point out that I find the mastering on this recording is somewhat over tweaked - the treble energy can sometimes be too spiky. I can say that among the three albums, this one is the brightest sounding. But does not prevent Interpol from getting a 5 stars from me.

I felt you so much today.......2007-07-16

It's been three years since Interpol last released an album, the solid sophomore album "Antics," and only a year since they signed onto a major label.

But like Modest Mouse and the Decemberists, they aren't changing their sound to try to get MTV videos and commercial play. Instead, the New York band keeps chugging along with what they've always done -- lean, dramatic rock'n'roll with choppy edges, and some explorations into new territory.

It opens with a gently circling riff and what sounds like chimes. "Show me the dirt pile/And I will pray that the soul can take/Three stowaways/Vanish with no guile/And I will not pay/But the soul can wait," Paul Banks sings over a sensual, textured rock song that grows more intense with every second. "So much for me believing that sorrow/So much for dreams we see but never care to know/Your heart makes me feel..."

And that's just the warmup. Interpol stretches out into different kinds of choppy, Joy-Division style rock'n'roll -- the blazing rapid-fire "Heinrich Maneuver," ringing sinuous rock'n'roll, swirling guitars, grimy classic rockers, mournful guitar pop, and a timid ballad that blooms into a sprawling anthem of shifting voices.

It finishes on a great note -- the epic "Lighthouse," a fuzzy grey sprawl of rippling guitar and strings, with only Banks singing like a regretful ghost. It's completely different from all the other songs, and though it's a jump into the dark for Interpol, it pays off beautifully.

In fact, the finale is just the more extreme example of what Interpol play around with here -- in some of "Our Love to Admire's" songs, they weave in some smooth piano or epic moments. Most of the album sticks to what they have always done (albeit with more polish), but they do explore some new soundscapes -- which hopefully will lead to more of the same.

But the main force of the music is the solid rock'n'roll sound, as doomy as ever -- dark, sharp, ringing riffs and some thudding bass, along with solid drums to keep a beat going. Occasionally they diddle with other sounds as well, like fuzz bass or long quiet riffs, and the album is lightly sprinkled with brief piano, stretches of cold synth, and a few little chimes in the quiet moments.

The songs themselves aren't much more chipper. In his rich, sensual voice, Banks sings of broken loves, "molten skies," past anger, and some relationships that turn really creepy ("And I can bind you with no ties/and lease time and watch you fall"). But it's not all misery -- one song describes a man who "lives my life in cocaine," and a "daisy" girl who inspires him to stop.

"Our Love To Admire" edges into some new territory, but mostly stays safe in the solid, ringing rock'n'roll that they've done before. And even then, they've given their old sound some new twists -- very enjoyable.

????.......2007-07-16

This album did it for me, I love it like I love highs and lows, it accompanies me while I'm driving fast, it accompanies me while I'm trying to forget being turned away at the gates of companionship and happiness. It is a soundtrack for insights and revelations.

Average customer rating:

Nice second effort by supergroup
The Best Rock Album of 2007
Best album of '07 so far!
Another great album - but not as good as the first
So Ya Need Even More Velvet Revolver...Eh?

Libertad
Velvet Revolver
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Zeitgeist
Icky Thump
Carry On
Era Vulgaris
Black Rain

ASIN: B000P29B62
Release Date: 2007-07-03

Tracks:

Let It Roll
She Mine
Get Out The Door
She Builds Quick Machines
The Last Fight
Pills, Demons & Etc.
American Man
Mary Mary
Just Sixteen
Can't Get It Out Of My Head
For A Brother
Spay
Gravedancer
Re-Evolution

Amazon.com

When they exploded out of the gates on their 2004 debut, Contraband, Velvet Revolver were met with as much diffidence as appreciation. After all, supergroups have tended to detonate as often as succeed, and with vocalist Scott Weiland, bassist Duff McKagan, and guitarist Slash all vying to keep the lit match away from the fuse, the odds against this band ever seeing album #2 were even money at best. Surprise! Not only have Velvet Revolver survived three years with unreckless abandon, this album blows the doors off its predecessor. Save a pair of disinfected ballads ("The Last Fight," "Gravedancer"), Libertad is all about hand-grenade chords, drag-racing riffs, and circus-tent choruses. The ageless McKagan and Slash continually gun for the disorderliness of their former band (most notably on the punkish opener "Let It Roll" and its lewd brother "Spay"), while Weiland sounds--knock on wood--positively clean and like a voice of boisterous renewal on tracks like "Mary Mary," "She Builds Quick Machines," and the melt-in-your-mouth cover of ELO's "Can't Get It Out of My Head." Obviously egos have been checked at the studio door, as Velvet Revolver have already exceeded their anticipated existence. And now that existence goes back on the clock, trying to outshine a second album that's head-and-shoulders better than the first. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

Nice second effort by supergroup.......2007-07-17

Now if you liked the first album you will not be dissappointed by the second effort. Indeed they have chosen to consolidate by keeping on in their vein of glam-tinted hard rock. It starts off with Let It Roll and does not let down after that.

The Best Rock Album of 2007.......2007-07-14

A lot of people gave a mixed reception to the first Velvet Revolver album "Contraband." I loved it; I thought every song was great or pretty good. My only complaint was that Scott Weiland's lyrics (one of my favorite attributes of this incredibly talented man) were weaker than usual. Now, three years later, we have "Libertad" which I can honestly and easily say is the best rock album of 2007 and I will hate the Grammy Awards if they don't award it as such. I'd say an Album of the Year nomination/win wouldn't be stretching it either. Velvet Revolver has truly grown into a band rather than a "supergroup." This album is better than many GN'R records and better than at least two STP records. The album opens with "Let it Roll" which is quite different from the in-your-face opening track of the first album, "Sucker Train Blues." On the next song, "She Mine" VR shows what they meant a few months ago when they said the album was inspired by Prince (among other things). This song is kind of poppy, but instantaneously catchy. "Get Out the Door" features one of Weiland's best vocal performances. "She Builds Quick Machines" is the first single and took me a while to get into, but is now one of my favorite songs on the album. In fact, the weakest tracks here
are The Last Fight, Just Sixteen, and Spay. The Last Fight is thrown into the middle of the album, off-setting the balance a bit. "Just Sixteen" has weak verses, supported by a catchy chorus and "Spay" is just a generally weak track with no outstanding qualities. As for the other tracks; they're superb. "Mary Mary" sounds like it was lifted from the '70s and will get stuck in your head. "Pills, Demons, Etc." which I assume was written about Weiland's late brother Michael (whom the album is dedicated to) has some of the best lyrics on here. "American Man" turly sounds like a '70s anthem; The final track "Gravedancer" is a romantic-epic in the vein of "November Rain" and between Slash's whining guitar and Weiland's beautiful vocals; It's one of the best on here. I've always loved Scott Weiland and this album only proves to me further that he's one of the best rock vocalists alive. During the '90s, he was right up there with Layne Staley, Eddie Vedder, and Chris Cornell (although the latter could outsing all of them). And guess what? He still is. His lyrics are stronger than the first album and his vocals seem to just get better every year. He has got so much range. Slash is in top-form, Duff McKagen's bass is more prominent, Matt Sorum is in terrific shape, and Dave Kushner backs up Slash very well. I can not rave enough about this album; It's an album I've listened to every day since it's release date...And I still haven't burned myself out on it. This album could easily go down in history as a landmark, like that of "Appetite for Destruction" or "Nevermind." It's an album that should already be ranked as one of the greatest of all time, because never has an album hit me this hard. It's a masterpiece...Having said that, buy it.

GRADE: A++

Best album of '07 so far!.......2007-07-13

From begining to end this is a great rock record. Way better than the first album. Keep 'em coming. Everything else good and bad has already been said so ill keep it short. Rock on.

Another great album - but not as good as the first.......2007-07-13

This is another great album by one of the best rock bands to come around in the last five years.

Best cut on the album is "Mary Mary" while the most disappointing track is that throw-away country song parody that appears as a bonus track at the end.

Uh, I sure hope that song was a parody, right?

So Ya Need Even More Velvet Revolver...Eh?.......2007-07-13

First of all, I whole-heartedly agree with everyone who gave this album a 4 or 5 Star Rating. It does Rock. Let's just hope it keeps getting some good Radio Air-play to let EVERYONE Know that Rock & Roll is still Alive! Although, I'm sure the next single will be one of the "ballads". Just wait and see.

Now, while you are busy ripping these new tracks to your iPod, or making a copy for the car, don't forget about an extra track that the band did for the Fantastic 4 movie soundtrack in 2005. It's called "Come On, Come On". It's on the Fantastic 4 - The Album. Track No. 1. It's a straight up Rock song, that will fit in with either Contraband or the new Libertad cd. Check it out.

Average customer rating:

Two Thumbs Down
Brad is always great
5 STARS hands down! Includes two bonus tracks ...
No filler here!
This Is Awesome!!

5th Gear
Brad Paisley
Manufacturer: Arista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Big Dog Daddy
Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace
Let It Go
Lost Highway
Pure BS

ASIN: B000PFUA9G
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Tracks:

All I Wanted Was A Car
Ticks
Online
Letter To Me
I'm Still A Guy
Some Mistakes
It Did
Mr. Policeman
If Love Was A Plane
Oh Love Featuring Carrie Underwood
Better Than This
With You, Without You
Previously Featuring Kung Pao Buckaroos (Little Jimmy Dickens,
Bigger Fish To Fry Featuring Kung Pao Buckaroos (Little Jimmy Dickens,
When We All Get To Heaven
Throttleneck

Amazon.com

Like his friend Vince Gill, Brad Paisley has achieved the often-difficult feat of reconciling being an entertainer and world-class guitarist. He's proven that on four admirable albums, and 5th Gear follows in that vein. Certainly "Ticks," an airy, radio-friendly ditty, is not the true substance here. That comes with such superior fare as the insightful "All I Wanted Was a Car" and "Online," a sly satire of people's Web facades. While his duet with Carrie Underwood ("Oh Love") is a bit cut and dried, Paisley ably handles "Letter to Me," "It Did," and "Mr. Policeman," a 21st-century outrun-the-law tune. The closing hymn, "When We All Get to Heaven," and ripping instrumental "Throttleneck" are Paisley at his best. It's admirable that he invites his venerable buddies, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Vince Gill, and Bill Anderson, along with Dolly Parton, to join in, but the obligatory "Kung Pao Buckaroos" skit is wearing a bit thin. Better to feature them musically, the way he includes Dickens, Gill, and Anderson on "Bigger Fish to Fry." In a time where lines between county and pop are blurring far too much, it's comforting to know Paisley still realizes and respects the differences. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

Two Thumbs Down.......2007-07-17

I haven't heard anything like this since Ashlee Simpson was on Saturday Night Live. Indeed, I suspect this guy lyp syncs at concerts. In fact, someone else sings for him in the studio and he pretends to sing on stage. His music is not true to the great rock and roll tradition handed down to us from Chuck Berry and his contemporaries. Anyone who already has this should throw it on the floor and stomp on it.

Brad is always great.......2007-07-16

Probably not the most magnificent Brad's album, but it's only a pleasure to hear he play and sing.

5 STARS hands down! Includes two bonus tracks ..........2007-07-16

This CD is one of the best country albums I have bought in a long time. This is a complete work that will keep you entertained and laughing many times over.

The album begins with `All I Wanted Was A Car,' which is the twangy feel good song featured on the beach commercial on TV. `Ticks' is the smash hit, similar in nature to his previous hit `Alcohol.' `Online' is a hilarious parody to everyone taking their lives online, and lying about it! Although this song will become quickly dated, it is still a great song that reflects our current times.

After working past his more serious song `Letter to Me,' Paisley quickly jumps back to his funny and entertaining style with `I'm Still A Guy.' This song is one of the best on the album. "These days there's dudes getting facials / Manicured, waxed and botoxed / With deep spray on tans and creamy lotiony hands, you can't grip a tackle box / ... I don't highlight my hair, yeah honey I still got a pair .... My eyebrows ain't plucked, theres a shotgun in my truck ... thank God I'm still a Guy!"

`Some mistakes' are too much fun, and `It Did' are serious songs that almost anyone can relate to: from getting married, to having kids.

`Mr. Policeman' is a brilliant display of Paisley's fretwork on the guitar, and it doesn't stop until he goes to the pen!

`If Love Was a Plane' and `Oh Love' (featuring Carrie Underwood) add the sappy relationship material to the album, which is necessary for some folks!

Paisley shines once again in `Bigger Fish to Fry.' This song plays off of `I'm Still A Guy.' "I cuss. I smoke. I laugh at dirty jokes ... I've closed down bars. My x's think I ought to burn in hell. But the devil, he won't notice when I die ... don't ya figure he's got bigger fish to fry!"

Interestingly, Paisley completely shifts gears by adding in `When we All Get to Heaven' before ending with his brilliant instrumental titled `Throttleneck.' What a way to end!

Overall, this album is 5 STARS WITHOUT A DOUBT! With a mixture of a little bit of everything ... from just fun rocking songs, to sappy love songs, to a church Hymn, to more comical ideas, Paisley is sure to make you sing along, laugh, and reflect on life. There is a song for everyone on this album ... and you would really be missing out if you only downloaded the hit songs recommended on iTunes.

Furthermore, there are two hidden tracks at the end of the album! Enjoy!

No filler here!.......2007-07-13

Brad Paisley has always made good, cohesive, filler-free albums, and this is no exception. In fact, there's only ONE song I'm not crazy about. The other 14 or so are SO GOOD, that this CD has not come out of my player since I got it two weeks ago!

Nowhere in country music will you find someone as talented at singing, guitar playing, and songwriting as Paisley. He makes everything seem effortless, which allows for a very enjoyable album. Start to finish, it's the best album release this year.

Some of the highlights are the singles (or obvious future singles) "Ticks", "Online", "I'm Still a Guy", and "All I wanted was a Car". I have to say, however, that my favorites are the more powerful ballads like "It Did" and the outstanding "With You, Without You" (which includes a two minute guitar masterpiece at the end). The lyrics in this song will make you misty eyed, no doubt.

It's true that "Oh Love" could've been much more of a song, but it's still good. And the Kung Pao Buckaroos skit is wearing very thin in my eyes, but the collaboration on "Bigger Fish to Fry" is an outstanding display of talent. It's especially fun to hear how good Paisley's voice is compared to everyone else's.

I can't rant enough about this album. Brad has always made strong, consistently fun and thoughtful albums, and this is no exception. Don't hesitate to pick it up!

This Is Awesome!!.......2007-07-12

This album is worth getting - it is awesome. And I would absolutely recommend it to any country/Brad Paisley fan....

Average customer rating:

make up the break up
Mellow Gold
Amazing
This must have been a really bad breakup
Beautiful!

Sky Blue Sky
Wilco
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000NVIGC0
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Either Way
You Are My Face
Impossible Germany
Sky Blue Sky
Side With the Seeds
Shake It Off
Please Be Patient With Me
Hate It Here
Leave Me (Like You Found Me)
Walken
What Light
On And On And On

Amazon.com

After their wild experimental streak of the past decade, Wilco's sixth studio album might feel like a bit of a comedown. Sky Blue Sky is mellow, moody, and uncharacteristically monotone, opening with a pleasant jangle and Jeff Tweedy singing a simple song: "Maybe the sun will shine today, the clouds will blow away." He doesn't even follow it up with a barbed punchline. Could it be that the restless Chicago band has settled back into its gentle Americana roots--or does this sudden mid-career reappraisal represent Wilco's gutsiest move yet? Mostly written in the studio by the full band, it's certainly the group's most cohesive album in ages, presenting a dense song cycle padded with intricate guitar work, brushed rhythms, and '70s soft-rock accents. In places it sounds like Wings ("Hate It Here"), in others Harry Nilsson ("Walken"), and in the middle it goes a bit Grateful Dead ("Shake It Off"). At the same time, there's a distinct sense of hearing a band finally at ease in its own skin. Sky Blue Sky represents the sound of Wilco finally pulling through its petulant adolescence. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

"Sky Blue Sky" has hints of early-seventies Southern California folk-rock sweetness in the harmonies. The album is filled with brash guitar solos that take songs like "You Are My Face" and "Shake It Off" in unexpected directions.

Customer Reviews:

make up the break up.......2007-07-15

I grew up in St. Louis, watching the first Wilco and Son Volt shows. I threw myself into the last break-up [God bless Uncle Tupelo], beaming over AM and Son Volt's "Trace." Wilco's albums changed immensely with the introduction of Loose Fur [Jim O'Rourke] and Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Jeff Tweedy, the band's melodic creativity, and clever lyrics prevailed in spite of various additions and subtractions [Bennett], until now.

I honestly would pay to see this band live no matter what came of an album. -Now? -oof.

When did the already accused "dad band" plummet into the background of a Tide commercial? Will I hear their sound bites on NPR? I am waiting for the newest TV drama to add "Hate it Here" to a young girl's emotional breakdown in her bedroom.

What happened to Charles Wright and Woody Guthrie's influence? Where is the competent composition [shown briefly in "On and On and On"]? I fear O'Rourke's dreamy sonic influence led to gravitational boredom. I expected so much more...

No one is forcing the hand to make tons of albums, here. It's a damn shame.

Mellow Gold.......2007-07-14

From the opening melody of "Either Way" to the gorgeous outro of "On and On and On," Wilco succeeds in creating a cohesive, moody atmosphere that could best be described as mellow groove. At various times the listener will detect hints of the Grateful Dead, the Eagles and even Fleetwood Mac, but Wilco also manages to elevate themselves beyond those 70's influences and create a classic rock/alternative album all their own. And that is largely due to the words and phrasing of Jeff Tweedy. I won't say that his meaning is always clear, but the words make you listen and draw you in closer, and like the best poetry, are vague enough to allow your own interpretation. I have my own relationship to the words and sounds on this album, and I thank Wilco for helping me feel something that is at once familiar and entirely revolutionary.

Amazing.......2007-07-14

Personally I haven't heard an album of this quality in a long time. The last albums to do that for me were Nirvana Unplugged and Elliot Smith XO. The music really stays with you. It is refreshing to hear something so melodic and sad and uplifting, all at the same time. They created something special with this album. Songs 1,3,8 and 9 are classics. The whole album is strong start to finish.

This must have been a really bad breakup.......2007-07-09

This is one of my absolute fave bands--This is disappointing for me even after 5 or 6 run throughs..Tweedy whines on and on about love lost on virtually every song...the most sophomoric he has ever sounded, with ocassional nice little lyrical parts (not as clever or as important as previous three records--I mean he sings about doing laundry for Christs sake, c'mon man) and some guitar parts which he relies too heavily on..it remainds me of Beck's Sea Change which he came back from thankfully and Neil Young's Tonights the Night (although Neil relied a lot on Lofgren's guitar, at least the angst was not a handcuffing factor for every track). Some good stuff on here, but get over the broken heart thing on every track man. Not nearly as pretty as previous "girl" tracks.. I look forward more inspired things from Tweedyco next time.

Beautiful!.......2007-07-08

I listen to this CD every day and will for a LONG time to come! I love all Wilco records, but I have a special place in my heart for this one, for reasons I cannot divulge, but I have a good reason.

I love the title track, Jeff's voice is better than it's ever been, and it's an emotional record, full of just downright beautiful music. Also, for the fan who wants "rock", you've got Walken, Impossible Germany, Shake it Off, what more could you want? If you've never seen Wilco live, you must, a completed rewarding experience!

You won't hear a lot of the noise that was on the last two Wilco CD's, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot or A Ghost is Born (both equally excellent records), this new one is quieter, but the lyrics and musicship are first rate. Wilco is the BEST american band today!! Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Not a traditional bluegrsss album, but worth listening to several times before judging
Alison Krauss CD
Buy Two
Can Allison get any better?
A Hundred Miles or More

A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection
Alison Krauss
Manufacturer: Rounder / UMGD
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Calling
Waking Up Laughing
Not Too Late
West
Call Me Irresponsible

ASIN: B000ND91SG
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

You're Just a Country Boy
Simple Love
Jacob's Dream
Away Down the River
Sawing on the Strings
Down to the River to Pray
Baby Mine
Molly Bán
How's the World Treating You (duet with James Taylor)
The Scarlet Tide
Whiskey Lullaby (duet with Brad Paisley)
You Will Be My Ain True Love
I Give You to His Heart
Get Me Through December
Missing You (duet with John Waite)
Lay Down Beside Me (previously unreleased duet with John Waite)

Amazon.com

A Hundred Miles or More carries the subtitle A Collection, and what a curious collection it is--cuts from soundtracks, side projects, and tribute albums, plus guest duets on other artists' albums and five previously unreleased tracks. In other words, this is a collection of Alison Krauss performances that have never appeared on an Alison Krauss album, though it holds together better than such a grab-bag approach might suggest. Highlights such as her duet with Brad Paisley on "Whiskey Lullaby" and her a cappella rendition of "Down to the River to Pray" from O Brother, Where Art Thou? will be familiar to most Krauss fans, though it's doubtful that many share her infatuation with retro rocker John Waite (with whom she revives his "Missing You" and duets on a cover of Don Williams's "Lay Down Beside Me."). Other projects represented range from Disney to the Chieftains to the Louvin Brothers (she duets with James Taylor on their "How's the World Treating You." There's minimal contribution from her Union Station band--making this a solo release by default--and little information to indicate whether the previously unreleased tracks were outtakes from earlier releases or recently recorded for this one. --Don McLeese

More Alison Krauss

Lonely Runs Both Ways

Live

Now That I've Found You: A Collection

Album Description

"A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection" is comprised of 16 tracks, highlighting Alison Krauss's career outside of her traditional releases with longtime band Union Station. The album features Krauss's collaboration with John Waite on the single "Missing You," as well as Krauss's contributions to film soundtracks, including the Oscar-nominated songs "The Scarlet Tide" and "You Will Be My Ain True Love," written for the motion picture "Cold Mountain," and "Down to the River to Pray" from the film "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Known for her collaborations, Krauss also includes several duets in the collection such as the 2003 hit with Brad Paisley, "Whiskey Lullaby," and her duet with James Taylor for the tribute album "Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers," "How's the World Treating You." The collection debuts five new songs: "You're Just a Country Boy," "Jacob's Dream," "Simple Love," "Lay Down Beside Me," and "Away Down the River," all of which feature Krauss as a producer.

Customer Reviews:

Not a traditional bluegrsss album, but worth listening to several times before judging.......2007-07-17

Many remakes dot this album. Some very surprising collabrations. AK could have done very standard remakes, but instead reinvented many songs. I prefer Simple Love, which is not a remake, Sawing on Strings, a very traditional bluegrass song. These are two songs she is singing on her current tour with Union Station. She does not sing any of the duet songs on this album on her current tour.

Alison Krauss CD.......2007-07-15

Beautiful voice and great songs, but somewhat melancholy. You have to be in the right mood to listen to it.

Buy Two.......2007-07-14

If you like Alison Krauss, you had better buy two of these. It's fabulous.
You'll wear it out.

Can Allison get any better?.......2007-07-11

Just when I think she can't get any better - this CD blows me away! Incredible music - partners in duets. All I can say is GET IT!

A Hundred Miles or More.......2007-07-09

I purchased the CD for my husband, a long-time A. Krauss fan. I heard the CD once and fell in love with it and immediately played it again. The Don Henley duets are fabulous. Very relaxing and enjoyable CD.

The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition

Average customer rating:

I love the music on this disc
nedenny
Must have

The Best of the Capitol Masters: 90th Birthday Edition
Les Paul & Mary Ford
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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American Made World Played
Les Paul & Mary Ford - All-Time Greatest Hits
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ASIN: B0009IW9CU
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

Dialog & In The Mood - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Lover - Les Paul
Nola - Les Paul
Tennessee Waltz - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Mockin' Bird Hill - Les Paul & Mary Ford
How High the Moon - Les Paul & Mary Ford
The World Is Waiting For the Sunrise - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Whispering - Les Paul
Just One More Chance - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Tiger Rag - Les Paul & Mary Ford
In The Good Old Summertime - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Meet Mister Callaghan - Les Paul
Lady of Spain - Les Paul
My Baby's Comin' Home - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Bye Bye Blues - Les Paul & Mary Ford
I'm Sitting on Top of the World - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You) - Les Paul & Mary Ford
I Really Don't Want To Know - Les Paul & Mary Ford
I'm A Fool To Care - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Whither Thou Goest - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Hummingbird - Les Paul & Mary Ford
Brazil - Les Paul
Case of the Missing Les Paulverizer (Medley from Radio Show): Avalon/Hawaiian War Chant/Where or When/I'll See You in My Dreams - Les Paul & Mary Ford

Customer Reviews:

I love the music on this disc.......2007-07-14

Les Paul and his wife Mary Ford are legends in jazz music. My favorite track on this disc is "I'm Sitting On The Top Of The World." Nobody could play the electric guitar as masterfully as Les Paul. Mary Paul's voice is so sensual on the track "I'm A Fool To Care." I love this track. "Tennessee Waltz" and "Vaya Con Dios" are classic romantic tunes. These tracks makes me think of someone special. "In The Mood" is another excellent song that puts me in a great mood. "Bye Bye Blues" is an uptempo track that stands out as one of the best here. "I Really Don't Want To Know" is a pretty song. I love the tenderness in Mary Ford's voice on this track. This disc is filled with great music.

nedenny.......2006-07-04

This must be one of the best CD's available letting new comers to LP&MF hear some of their best tracks from the 50's and they have not dated since then. Unfortunately CAPITAL in their wisdom have omitted others which should have been included. I can name but a few:- La Rossita - Mac the Knife - Three little words - Magic Melody - Hold me in your arms - Old Mexico - What is this thing called love - Walking & Whistling Blues - I'm Jealous - By the light of the Silvery Moon - Chicken Reel. and I'm sure there's more. So it looks like we'll have to wait till Les reaches his 100th Birthday before we see a Box Set.
I am tempted to wait - that's if I can manage to live as long as Les. He's doing great, and I hope he will still be playing when he reaches 100! Well done mate!

Must have.......2005-11-02

The recordings sound very modern. You can't tell this wasn't recorded yesterday; just listen to the samples. Les Paul had an inimitable guitar style. The man was the master, and teamed with the easy, lilting style of Mary Ford AKA (Iris) Colleen Summers (who started out in Western music), how could they not score? This music, while a product of its era, is timeless. This is perfection. This is the stuff dreams are made of. I usually review Classical music, but what can be more classic than this?

I only regret that a box set is not available, since I love everything that Les Paul and Mary Ford ever waxed. A particular favorite of mine that is missing is the Hawaiian love song, "The Moon of Manakoora". It is every bit as beautiful as the version recorded by Alfred Ahola Apaka, the crooning voice of Hawaii, and is recorded better. There are other notable omissions that I won't tire you with here, but this is the best set available until a box set is released. Absolutely wonderful music making. Curl up to the fire and warm with it; You'll love how it gets you in the mood.

Average customer rating:

The Voice and the Soul
Not as strong as the her first two releases
Not her best
Insipid and inoffensive, uninspired and uninspiring
Simply Wonderful

Not Too Late
Norah Jones
Manufacturer: Blue Note
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Wintersong

ASIN: B000KCHZK6
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

Wish I Could
Sinkin' Soon
The Sun Doesn't Like You
Until The End
Not My Friend
Thinking About You
Broken
My Dear Country
Wake Me Up
Be My Somebody
Little Room
Rosie's Lullaby
Not Too Late

Amazon.com

Although the music of Norah Jones continues to blend pop, soul, folk, and country with a seasoning of jazz, her third album for Blue Note is the first where she's written (or collaborated on) all the material. Beneath the smooth surface lie darker strains on the album-opening "Wish I Could" (about a boyfriend lost to war), intimations of mortality in "The Sun Doesn't Like You," and the post-election horrors of "My Dear Country." The last seems to channel the inspiration of Brecht/Weill, while the equally bleak "Sinkin' Soon" is set to a jaunty Dixieland rag. Throughout, Jones's vocal intimacy and melodic warmth remain as disarmingly understated as ever. The soulful "Thinking of You," the countryish "Wake Me Up," and the syncopated "Be My Somebody" reflect the captivating style of her previous work. Although too much in the same midtempo mode becomes a dreamy lull, cut by cut, Jones's voice is irresistible. --Don McLeese

From Blue Note

Album Details

1. "Wish I Could" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitars; Julia Kent: pizzicato cello; Jeffery Ziegler: bowed cello

2. "Sinkin' Soon" (Lee Alexander-Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; Daru Oda: vocals; M. Ward: vocals; Jesse Harris: guitjo; Kevin Breit: mandolin; J. Walter Hawkes: trombone; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums, slit drum, pots and pans

3. "The Sun Doesn't Like You" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitar; Adam Levy: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Paul Bryan: Chamberlain keyboards

4. "Until The End" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer, piano; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitar; Adam Levy: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

5. "Not My Friend" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals; Jesse Harris: acoustic guitars; Adam Levy: backwards electric guitars; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: marimba, cymbals

6. "Thinking About You" (Norah Jones-Ilhan Ersahin): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Chuck Mackinnon: trumpet; Rob Suddith: tenor sax; Lee Alexander: bass; Tony Mason: drums; Devin Greenwood: Hammond B-3 organ

7. "Broken" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, electric guitar; Julia Kent: outro cellos; Lee Alexander: pizzicato, bowed basses

8. "My Dear Country" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, piano; J. Walter Hawkes: trombones; Jose Davilla: tuba; Bill McHenry: tenor sax; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

9. "Wake Me Up" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, acoustic guitars; Lee Alexander: bass, lap steel; Andy Borger: drums

10. "Be My Somebody" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Richard Julian: vocals; Tony Scherr: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums; Larry Goldings: Hammond B-3 organ

11. "Little Room" (Norah Jones): Norah Jones: vocals, acoustic guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Daru Oda: whistle

12. "Rosie's Lullaby" (Norah Jones-Daru Oda): Norah Jones: vocals, Wurlitzer; Daru Oda: vocals; Adam Levy: electric guitar, vocal; Robbie McIntosh: electric guitar; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums

13. "Not Too Late" (Norah Jones-Lee Alexander): Norah Jones: vocals, piano, Mellotron; Lee Alexander: bass; Andy Borger: drums

Produced by Lee Alexander

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Come Away with Me
Feels Like Home
New York City

Customer Reviews:

The Voice and the Soul.......2007-07-15

Bought this CD after hearing "Wish I Could" on the radio; this is a gorgeous, hauntingly beautiful, moving song.

I too am surprised to see the strongly negative reviews here. Her 3 CDs have sold more than 39 million copies worldwide, so there is clearly a strong fan base somewhere! The added plus on this third CD is that Norah wrote or co-wrote every song, so we are gaining a glimpse into her musical soul as well as hearing the beauty of her voice.

There are some real gems here. "Sinkin' Soon" evokes 1930's jazz with its honky-tonk piano (played by Norah) and its wah-wah trombone. "Until the End" has country roots. "Not My Friend" is a mellow, dreamy, wistful song with dagger-sharp lyrics. "My Dear Country" is a lament about what election day hath wrought. The final title cut, "Not Too late," winds things up on an optimistic note.

It is not surprising that Norah has good musical genes. Her father, Ravi Shankar, brought his sitar to the Beatles and Indian music to a global audience. Norah's seamless blending of country, jazz, blues, pop, and folk brings great talent and aural delight to a new musical generation.

Not as strong as the her first two releases.......2007-07-11

In my opinion, this CD is simply not as strong as her first two CDs. Most of the songs are fine, but forgettable. A couple are just a bit weird-sounding for my taste. Out of her 3 CDs, I preferred "Come Away With Me", although I understand that Ms. Jones feels that her current CD is a truer reflection of her musical style.

Right after I bought this CD, I was privileged enough to see her in concert. She is clearly talented, and has an accomplished band. The concert was wonderful and was over before I knew it. Her performance got rave reviews in the local newspaper the next day.

I look forward to her next release, mostly to see how her artistic style evolves.

Not her best.......2007-07-11

I own all three of her CDs. Come Away with Me is the best IMO. Her passion and talent shine through. Each song was worthy to be on the CD. In Feels Like Home, it seemed she relaxed a bit, had a little more fun, but lost some of the passion, a couple of the songs were not up to what I expected, but passed as entertaining. This third CD is the worst. My impression was that now that she has made a name for herself she can put any track on a CD without much scrutiny. I have listened to it a few times, but it just doesn't do anything exciting for me. A big disappointment.

Insipid and inoffensive, uninspired and uninspiring.......2007-07-08

That's about the highest praise I can muster for this effort. It isn't that it's BAD, but it just never achieves "lift off."

I wish I could wax enthusiastic, but after quite a few listens at this point, I don't think my opinion is likely to change appreciably.

Time for Ms. Jones to find her passion. It isn't evident on this CD.

Simply Wonderful.......2007-07-07

I have all her cds. This one is new, different and good. I like all the tracks, Be my somebody tonight got me a speeding ticket. I saw her in concert and she puts on a helluva show. Worth every penny.

Average customer rating:

I still love Linkin Park!
Watch Out! The Hybrid Theory Fans are Bawling Hysterically!
Took a few spins, but I ended up loving this CD
Like Fish - It Didn't Stay Fresh Long
I dunno....

Minutes to Midnight
Linkin Park
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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It Won't Be Soon Before Long
Year Zero
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Meteora
Infinity on High

ASIN: B000OCXMAE
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Wake
Given Up
Leave Out All The Rest
Bleed It Out
Shadow Of The Day
What I've Done
Hands Held High
No More Sorrow
Valentine's Day
In Between
In Pieces
The Little Things Give You Away

Amazon.com

Minutes to Midnight stands to defend Linkin Park's status as the hardest-rockin' softies in mainstream music. Like its predecessors Hybrid Theory (2000) and Meteroa (2003), Minutes to Midnight flexes plenty of decibel-heavy muscle ("Given Up," "Bleed It Out," "No More Sorrow") and made-to-order, melodic radio fare ("Leave Out All the Rest," "Shadow of the Day," "In Pieces"). But for all its volume, Linkin Park likes to paint its heart openly on its sleeve with suspicious sonic drama, as in the palpably saccharine "Valentine's Day." Fortunately, co-producer Rick Rubin brings all these elements to pinnacle effect with the surprise "Hands Held High." On past efforts, the combination of breezy keyboard, arpeggiated guitar, choral vocals, and a military snare-beat would yield another slab of smarm, here MC Mike Shinoda drops the two best verses of his career, blending vocal styles with singer Chester Bennington for a moving piece that's as welcome a repertorial addition as Linkin Park is ever likely to muster. --Jason Kirk

Album Description

"Minutes to Midnight" is rock's most anticipated album of the year. This album redefines one of today's most adventurous, accomplished and acclaimed bands.

Customer Reviews:

I still love Linkin Park!.......2007-07-17

I don't know why everyone is complaining about this album. In my opinion, I thought this album was phenomenal! Different, yes, but I still adore it. It is definetely softer than Hybrid Theory and Meteora. Chester has such a beautiful singing voice when he's not screaming/yelling/shouting (I love that too though :D). Rap fans: there's more singing/screaming than there is rap on this album. LONG LIVE LINKIN PARK! :)

Watch Out! The Hybrid Theory Fans are Bawling Hysterically!.......2007-07-16

Because Linkin' Park left them in the dust. Sure, we have Given Up, No More Sorrow, and the infectious Bleed it Out here, but since Linkin' Park found a totally different way to convey their feelings besides screaming, all the angry fans that once liked them have no place to go. And, it's come to this. They have to blame Linkin' Park for moving on to a different sound. They couldn't handle the new sound. And, it's a shame. Because, no matter what, Linkin' Park delivers quality music. And, I wouldn't want them to turn into the generic materialistic rappers who rap about the same, and quite a few of people are now getting tired of them. I'd rather want what they deliver here. Just know, if you say that this album totally sucks, you're saying that Chester & Mike's feelings suck. You're saying that the Katrina victims suck. You're saying that the talents of the members of Linkin' Park suck. But, we all know that this band is wonderful. I don't know about the rest of the downers, but I'm moving on with Linkin' Park to their new sound. And, it doesn't have to be an evolution, it doesn't have to be an upgrade. It's just a new sound, coupled with some more in-depth lyrics. Sad that their earlier fans can't get that. Either way, just know that if you get this album, you will be hearing something much different. And, it's a host of good songs, along with a bit of profound thoughts & political biases (yes, politics). Linkin' Park has done a good job with this album, and don't be offended by my review, it's just my opinion. I just think that Linkin' Park has done a fantastic job with their album, from the Wake, all the way to their tribute at the end. It's good.

Took a few spins, but I ended up loving this CD.......2007-07-16

Like the rest of the people here, I wasn't sure what to make of this CD the first time I heard it...but after listening to it a few times, it hasn't left my CD changer yet.
"Bleed it out", "No More Sorrow", and "What I've Done" are my favorites. "No More Sorrow" is even a little reminiscent of Metallica. Overall great CD!

Like Fish - It Didn't Stay Fresh Long.......2007-07-15

You have to give it to Linkin Park. As easy as it can be to make fun of their dramaticism and over-emphasized angst, they made two albums that I can still have fun listening to even today as the twenty-something that they allegedly wrote Minutes To Midnight for.

However, I'm just not sure what my problem is as their 2007 listener. Yes, it's more mature, less breakdowns, more themes that deal with life today and not life back when I was 15 (maybe with the exception of "tell me what the f*** is wrong with me!" - the clean-mouthed cds were much more creative in their self-expression). The songs were catchy in places but did not pack the energy of the old stuff. They seem to be paying tribute to all the bands that the twenty-somethings listen to and respect, but they can't really hold a candle to these bands in their musicianship nor in their songwriting. You may come to see that all the distortion may have covered some weaknesses on their part.

"Leave Out All The Rest" was a pleasant listen the first time through, as was "Valentine's Day." The two "heavy" songs on the album (yes, just two) I mildly enjoy but they just seem like a different band. Though not overly impressed with "the radio song" at first, "What I've Done" has been one that I actually cling to now because it feels like a natural song for them to write.

It could be my fault...maybe I'm realizing too late that they were always a little cheesier than the rest, and it's just nostalgia that keeps the first two records spinning. It's a noble thought, but other bands have been much more successful in developing their sound and not losing the elements of that sound that made them great in the first place. I don't see this record making any lasting impact. MtM feels like a former great going through an identity crisis.

I dunno...........2007-07-15

When I heard this CD the first time I did not enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed LP's older CDs. I have to be honest and state that I was disappointed. Fans had waited so long for LP to release new material only to find that they had changed so much. I undertand that change is good but I think they were too drastic and it kinda leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth. They mentioned that they no longer wanted to be part of the rap-rock "nu metal" genre but their old sound is what made them. To have them turn their backs on it sucks. After having listened to the CD more often, I can say that this is a decent CD, but not up to LP's standards. I am not sure what I feel about the CD anymore and sadly, being confused about your favorite band's latest CD is not a good thing.

I still love LP and they are still one of my favorite bands but I hope they go back to their roots in the future.

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