Todd

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Digitally remastered reissue of his 1974 album for Bearsville. Contains the original cover art & all 17 of the original tracks, including the hit 'A Dream Goes On Forever'. 1999 release. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Todd, Music, Todd Rundgren, Pop, Popular Music, Rock, Rock/Pop
15
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • CD
  • Great music
  • Was very happy !
  • It actually Rocks!
  • Solid Rocker!!!!!
 15
Buckcherry
Manufacturer: Eleven Seven Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative MetalAlternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Buckcherry
  2. Extreme Behavior
  3. IV
  4. One X
  5. Phobia

ASIN: B000EHSM8G
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Tracks:

  1. So Far
  2. Next 2 You
  3. Out Of Line
  4. Everything
  5. Carousel
  6. Sorry
  7. Crazy Bitch
  8. Onset
  9. Sunshine
  10. Brooklyn
  11. Broken Glass

Amazon.com

Buckcherry reestablish their status as one of the most raucous and delightfully dirty-minded acts in the industry today with 15, a truly bombastic rock & roll blast. Vocalist Josh Todd leads this high-energy act into battle with the colossal one-two-three punch of "So Far," "Next 2 You," and "Out Of Line," each anchored by the weighty rhythm section of drummer Xavier Muriel and bassist Jimmy Ashhurst, then elevated by the Olympian guitar attack of Keith Nelson and Stevie D. But while an appropriate levity prevails on those tracks and others--such as "Crazy Bitch," "Broken Glass," and the good time stomp "Brooklyn"--the band also find time to show a more sensitive and mature side with the hit-worthy and country-inflected "Carousel," plus the unapologetically melancholy "Sorry." If there's a fault to be found on 15 it doesn't reveal itself easily, and if there's a fault to be found with Buckcherry it is perhaps that they imbue listeners with a zest for living. But that clearly is no crime. --Jedd Beaudoin

Album Description

The band who broke onto the national scene in 1999 returns. "I am playing the hell out of it. It combines all the best elements of Aerosmith and Guns N Roses in their prime" - Eddie Trunk (Q104 NYC syndicated radio host and VH1 Classic on-air personality). "Coming on like the Black Crowes by way of AC/DC, this LA-based band is at its best blasting its way through hard-hitting riff rockers" - Entertainment Weekly.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars CD.......2007-07-04

This CD arrived in excellent condition and i listen to it all the time. The quality is great and I'm very happy with it.

5 out of 5 stars Great music.......2007-06-13

Up beat , hard rock , sexy, makes you want to rock right out of your car!

5 out of 5 stars Was very happy !.......2007-05-12

I am very happy with how fast it got to me ... I will for sure order again !
Thanks

5 out of 5 stars It actually Rocks!.......2007-04-14

Yay a real rock album, instead of another whiney band! I really like it, refreshing ROCK.

4 out of 5 stars Solid Rocker!!!!!.......2007-04-09

Bought the album a while back and had to put a very kind review.Fan of theirs since the self-tiltled album and glad they came back.Since the album came out,it has sold almost 1 million copies. Pretty good,I should say.Just a very solid mix of rockers and ballads. "So Far","Next 2 You","Everything","Crazy Bitch" & "Sunshine" are the standouts. If you love straight in-your-face rock,pick it up.
Peace, Love and Anarchy
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Dust Settles Just Fine
  • Rejects? No, treasures
  • Great as always.
 Peace, Love and Anarchy
Todd Snider
Manufacturer: Oh Boy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Roots RockRoots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
Alt-Country & AmericanaAlt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Live With the Devil You Know-Grimey's 10-20-06
  2. The Devil You Know
  3. The Devil You Know
  4. Standard Songs for Average People
  5. Near Truths and Hotel Rooms Live

ASIN: B000NIIURO
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

  1. Nashville
  2. Feel Like I'm Falling In Love
  3. Missing You
  4. Barbie Doll
  5. Old Friend
  6. Combover Blues
  7. I Will Not Go Hungry
  8. Stoney
  9. Some Things Are
  10. Deja Blues
  11. Dinner Plans
  12. Easy Nashville Skyline
  13. From A Rooftop
  14. Cheatham Street Warehouse

Amazon.com

After five years on John Prine's Oh Boy label, Snider joined New Door Records, leaving behind unreleased demo and studio material at Oh Boy. Many artists, unsure of the quality of their outtakes and demos, resist releasing them, as the Beatles did until the Anthology series. Luckily, Snider helped compile this one, a collection of material (including a haiku) as powerful as his finished work. Beginning with a wonderfully loose rendition of his original "Nashville," one hears Snider's renditions of tunes he cowrote that were later recorded and released by his cowriters, including "Barbie Doll" and "Feel Like I'm Falling in Love" (Jack Ingram) and "Deja Blues" (Billy Joe Shaver). "Combover Blues" offers his satirical view of middle age. Ironically, "East Nashville Skyline," an outstanding performance featuring pedal steel legend Lloyd Green, didn't appear on the Snider album that used the song's title. The entire compilation reflects the raw immediacy of a field recording. In fact, that's what's endearing about it. Sometimes, even alongside a great studio performance, an earlier version, rough edges and all, packs a punch all its own. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Dust Settles Just Fine.......2007-05-25

Normally when a package of this type of music comes together, it's usually when: A] an artist is deceased/dead, B] the record company is trying to milk the artist from an old record contract of product still owed or C] there isn't really anything for the artist to say anymore.

Thankfully, none of those are the case here. In fact, what Todd Snider says and sings here is simply, well, simple yet memorable. Not just the solor material, but the songs with help from Peter Holsapple [dbs], Jack "selling out" Ingram [okay, that wasn't nice], Keith Christopher [The Yayhoos], Craig Wright [Steve Earle], Tommy Womack [duh!]and more.

If this is Todd just dusting off his slew of one-takes and mishaps, then I want more. My favorite Todd Snider yet.

5 out of 5 stars Rejects? No, treasures.......2007-04-08

Todd Snider's PEACE, LOVE AND ANARCHY is a collection of "rarities, b-sides, and demos" (Volume 1). Don't let that fool you...the songs you'll find in here could all have been put on Snider albums (hell, "Nashville" was, and others have been recorded by other artists). These are the kind of songs that just sit around and linger, until they get a record of their own; the result is a cohesive album that doesn't feel pieced together in the least bit.

A sarcastic version of "Nashville" (much more sarcastic than the version that appeared on EAST NASHVILLE SKYLINE) kicks off the album, which ends with the rockin' "Cheatham Street Warehouse." In between you'll find a whole slough of material that features Snider at his storytelling best. There are humorous pieces of course ("Combover Blues"), rockin' pieces ("Barbie Doll"), sad pieces ("Missing You"), thoughtful pieces ("East Nashville Skyline")...hell, there's even a haiku. The spoken-word "From a Rooftop" is a pure delight as well; not to mention the exquisite gospel number "I Will Not Go Hungry" and the Billy Joe Shaver co-write "Deja Blues." Let's face it--there's not a bad song on here. But that's Todd Snider for you.

The fact that most of these songs appear to have come from the EAST NASHVILLE SKYLINE project probably helps with the cohesion; not that this is a bad thing, because that album was arguably one of Snider's best. Really, none of the tracks stands out from the other, which is the way you want it to be. This is simply another great album in a long line of great albums from the incomparable Todd Snider. Let's hope there's a Volume 2 somewhere down the line.

5 out of 5 stars Great as always........2007-04-05

Another great album by Todd Snider--and not the typical outtakes/B sides junk that other people might put on an album like this. Every song is excellent, and there are 2-3 songs here that rank among the best Snider has ever recorded. His version of Stoney is better than anything on the radio. Try to listen to it and not be moved. I dare you.
Us and Them
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • They avoid a sophomore slump with another good one.
  • Shinedown- Us and Them
  • Excellent Album...Perfect Evolution
  • My New Favorite Album
  • I dare you to tell me... I dare you to...
 Us and Them
Shinedown
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative MetalAlternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Party BoysParty Boys | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Leave a Whisper
  2. Extreme Behavior
  3. Karma and Effect
  4. All the Right Reasons
  5. One X

ASIN: B000B5KRTI
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

  1. The Dream
  2. Heroes
  3. Save Me
  4. I Dare You
  5. Yer Majesty
  6. Beyond The Sun
  7. Trade Yourself In
  8. Lady So Divine
  9. Shed Some Light
  10. Begin Again
  11. Atmosphere
  12. Fake
  13. Some Day

Amazon.com

Naysayers take note: Shinedown's Us and Them does not disappoint. Longtime fans and a horde of new and faithful followers will revel in heavy, swaggering, bloozy stomps ("Heroes," "Atmosphere"), anthemic radio-ready ballads ("Beyond The Sun," "Some Day") and the tracks that fall somewhere in between (including the pop-ish "I Dare You"). The quartet evokes a different mood on virtually every track here, whipping out Led Zeppelin-esque riffs one moment, then moving onward to delightfully bloated classic rock fodder (the finely flawed "Lady So Divine") the next. Us and Them does hit two bum notes, albeit gracefully, toward the album's end with the forgettable "Fake" and "Begin Again," but even those tunes fail to ruin the celebratory vibe found elsewhere. Easily one of the most memorable rock releases of 2005. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars They avoid a sophomore slump with another good one........2007-04-13

I think that this release is on par with their successful debut album. It is likely that they will continue their commercial success. There are some great songs on here, but overall it wasn't solid enough to warrant more than four stars. If you like the hard rock genre, you should introduce yourself to Shinedown. You've likely heard a number of their songs on the radio, but maybe didn't know who it was.

5 out of 5 stars Shinedown- Us and Them.......2007-04-11

This CD rocks! I bought it because I liked one song on it but as it turned out, I loved the whole CD.

4 out of 5 stars Excellent Album...Perfect Evolution.......2007-03-05

I saw Shinedown LIVE 3 times on the Whisper tour; only because I am a Van Halen fanatic and they were opening. I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to the band but I met the singer in Las Vegas (for a brief moment in a bar) and he was very cool; so I bought the album. Loved it. I really didn't want to buy this new album (US AND THEM) because I am not a HUGE fan; but I really like it. I think this one is much better than the previous, only because I think the band has "grown up" and obviously the constant touring has polished up their ability to play. For those skeptical, play "I dare you" 3 times thru your headphones on HIGH...and you will love the album. The only critics of this album are hard core METAL HEADS who want this band to be something they are not. I say, GROW UP and respect some respectable musicians. ALL bands worth listening to EVOLVE and GROW. You can't be 15 all your life...nor can you expect GOOD musicians to cater to your adolescent needs.

5 out of 5 stars My New Favorite Album.......2007-01-20

I recently discovered Shinedown and I love both of their albums 'Us and Them' and 'Leave a Whisper'. The new album is more refined than the latter.

These guys just plain ROCK!

5 out of 5 stars I dare you to tell me... I dare you to..........2007-01-11

Shinedown rocks! This CD is very awesome! I love every song on here!
Seventeen Days
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Here with ME!
  • Great album.
  • totally amazing
  • GOOD but NOT GREAT
  • "Seventeen Days" is excellent!
 Seventeen Days
3 Doors Down
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Alternative MetalAlternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Hard Rock & MetalHard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Away From The Sun
  2. The Better Life
  3. All the Right Reasons
  4. Lifehouse
  5. Silver Side Up

ASIN: B00070Q8JK
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

  1. Right Where I Belong
  2. It's Not Me
  3. Let Me Go
  4. Be Somebody
  5. Landing In London
  6. The Real Life
  7. Behind Those Eyes
  8. Never Will I Break
  9. Father's Son
  10. Live For Today
  11. My World
  12. Here By Me

Album Description

After selling 12 million albums since their debut in 2000, 3 Doors Down released their third studio album, entitled Seventeen Days, on February 8, 2005. The album, recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Johnny K (Finger 11, Disturbed) features twelve original songs, including the road-weary ballad "Landing in London" featuring Bob Seger. Seventeen Days is the band's first studio album since 2002's multiplatinum Away from the Sun and the first new material since 2003's RIAA Gold-certified live EP Another 700 Miles.

From Escatawpa, Mississippi, 3 Doors Down is Brad Arnold, lead vocals; Matt Roberts, guitar; Todd Harrell, bass; and Chris Henderson, guitar.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Here with ME!.......2007-05-31

Here with me has got to be one of the best songs ever! Lyrically and musically beautiful!!!!

The CD shows an effort to remain the same, but become more progressive as well. 3 doors down is just a great band that always seems to produce catchy songs that people love, and the cd's always house something for everyone.
Same story here...from harder rock, to ballads they do a great job!
And once you hear the song Here with me....you'll melt. It's just one of the best songs ever.

5 out of 5 stars Great album........2007-05-16

Excellent album. Several hits with a range of themes from harder/edgier to softer rock with a great vocal by Bob Seger.

5 out of 5 stars totally amazing.......2007-03-08

Why is this album totally amazing?

Well...

The way they recycle already recycled riffs over and over and over again is... riveting.

That fake southern accent takes my breath away.

The never changing song structure requires some real ingenuity, which these guys epitomize; brilliance!

Those sappy, basic lyrics that impress the mentally handicapped really touch my heart; and it hurts.

Overall Wow. All I can say is wow. Where did this ray of light come from?



3 out of 5 stars GOOD but NOT GREAT.......2006-08-18

After their dissapointing Away From The Sun, I though theres no hope for this band but this cd actually aint half bad. Its easy to listen to so i wouldnt call it hard rock, its just good ol fashioned rock n roll. After hearing the first track, Right Where I belong i was lead to believe that the rest of the album was going to be just as fast and heavy, BOY was i mistaken. The album after that is soft but theres some good songs : Landing In London, Fathers Son, Never will i break. This style is ok but gets tiresome and I just want to see 3dd return to the sound employed on their first album: The Better Life (instead of a radio friendly approach for the masses which is what theve unfortunately taken)...oh well maybe next time.

5 out of 5 stars "Seventeen Days" is excellent!.......2006-08-09

"Seventeen Days" is excellent! An excellent CD from 3 Doors Down.

Track Listing
1. Right Where I Belong
2. It's Not Me
3. Let Me Go
4. Be Somebody
5. Landing In London
6. The Real Life
7. Behind Those Eyes
8. Never Will I Break
9. Father's Son
10. Live For Today
11. My World
12. Here By Me
Sister Sweetly
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • BHTM RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Caught Me Off Guard!!!
  • Flawless
  • One of my favorites!
  • Timeless
 Sister Sweetly
Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Manufacturer: Giant Records / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Rock Jam BandsRock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
$8.99 and Under$8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
PopPop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Classic RockClassic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
RockRock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Alternative RockAlternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
$8.99 and Under$8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Beautiful World
  2. Strategem
  3. Midnight Radio
  4. Live Monsters
  5. Riviera

ASIN: B000002L12
Release Date: 1993-02-23

Tracks:

  1. Broken Hearted Savior
  2. Sister Sweetly
  3. Turn The Light Out
  4. Tomorrow Never Comes
  5. It's Alright
  6. Groove Thing
  7. Soul For Every Cowboy
  8. Ellis Island
  9. Bittersweet
  10. Circle
  11. Brother John

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars BHTM RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-01-31

This CD is AWESOME!!!!
To anyone interested in attending a Live Show but not sure who to see, I have been to plenty, and must admit that Big Head Todd and the Monsters (BHTM) is by far the BEST! The are awesome performers and they LOVE their fans! I have been to their past two live shows in Cleveland at the House of Blues, and had an experience of a life time both times. Partied hard, enjoyed great music, and even got to chat with the band, have pictures taken with them, and they were happy to autograph anything after the show! They are very down to earth, great guys..........its like hanging out with old friends!! Check them out:

[...]

5 out of 5 stars Caught Me Off Guard!!!.......2006-07-14

Yes, this release was much more than I expected. About 12 years ago, a fellow musician loaned me this(a hard-rock/metal guitarist at that)and I've been hooked ever since.To be honest, I'm quite "choosey" when it comes to buying albums, so the chances of me picking up a CD by a band called Big Head Todd was very unlikely. Had this friend not turned me onto 'Sister Sweetly', it would have definitely been MY LOSS! After a few listens, I was truly immersed in this modern 'classic'. There were no 'groundbreaking' sounds,vocals,musical ideas,etc...but something about this album and band seemed 'New' and 'Different' to me. The overall "vibe" of the songs give this CD its wonderful 'Flow' (other than maybe "Groove Thing"). And this is NOT your everyday "run-of-the-mill" pop/rock album. No, this has much more than just catchy melodies and vocals---its packed with thoughtful lyrics, super-tasteful playing and mood-inducing, introspective sounds---many of the qualities that keeps me coming back to certain albums. As for the individual songs on 'SS', I can honestly say there are NO bad/filler tunes to be heard here. They are all very good songs, and even great in a couple of cases. Without going into a song analysis, I would pick "Tommorrow Never Comes", "Broken Hearted Savior", "Bittersweet" and "It's Alright" as personal favorites (though I always listen to the album as a whole). Actually, the last 2 mentioned songs ring most True with my wife and me, as these were our favorites when we first started dating...many memories of special times/moments are conjured-up everytime we hear one of these great songs(so much so, that we BOTH own a copy). Again, even though I haven't mentioned all the songs...they are all well-written,well-played,catchy tunes that work well within the structure of the whole album. So there you have it...one of the few pop/rock, 5-star album reviews your likely to find from this reviewer---Strongly Recommended!

As a couple of side-notes; In the years that have passed, I have returned the "favor" and turned several friends onto this album who, like me, may have never been exposed to this wonderful music...the consensus?---they love it too! Also, after the 12 years since first hearing BHT, I recently decided to try a few of their other releases---"Strategem", "Beautiful World" and "Midnight Radio"...and while I don't expect the greatness of 'Sister', I am nonetheless looking forward to checking them out.

5 out of 5 stars Flawless.......2006-05-06

How can you rate an album as flawless? Well, in my opinion, it only happens when you put the disc in and never skip a song. You are compelled to listen to every song sequentially because each song grabs you in the first 5 seconds. You never get the feeling that they needed a couple of "filler" songs and threw together some crap in the studio (and lets face it, this is exactly what most bands today are doing).

That's what this CD is like. Every song is valuable and an experience unto itself. If you like to think, reflect and maybe even mourn a little, this disc is perfect.

Stem

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorites!.......2005-04-15

I've been listening to this CD for years, and I never get tired of it. It's soulful, mellow, and COOL. Every song is good. It's not particularly happy music, but it sure makes me feel good.

4 out of 5 stars Timeless.......2005-04-06

This album is still in my rotation after 14 yrs. It is timeless. Bittersweet was popular during a particularly bittersweet time of my life. The song rang true for me then and still makes me vividly remember that time and relationship. When he sings "I'm older now. I work in the city. We live together. But it's different than my dream.....Are we everything we wanted?" This song is timeless because I still wonder these same things.

The best song is actually Tomorrow Never Comes. It's lyrics are even more pointed and questioning. "He worked so hard so he'd be something. Just what it was he never knew.....So we'll just learn to love our sorrow." Ouch.

ON a high note, I have seen them about three times and they put on a FABULOUS live show. Todd Park Mohr is a phenomenal guitarist. They absolutely rock live and not that it's heavy, it's just really pure. They tour a lot and I venture, to them it's just about the music. It shows. Not a lot of happiness on this album, but we can all relate to it. And that's what good music does to me.
Live With the Devil You Know-Grimey's 10-20-06
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • More of an addition to "The Devil You Know"...but still great
  • Perfect For a Fan
  • Good, but not the place to start
  • Not "Hotel Rooms, Part II". Better material, for one thing.
 Live With the Devil You Know-Grimey's 10-20-06

Manufacturer: New Door Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Peace, Love and Anarchy
  2. The Devil You Know
  3. Near Truths and Hotel Rooms Live
  4. The Devil You Know
  5. Songs for the Daily Planet

ASIN: B000OPOC6Y
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

  1. Looking For A Job
  2. Thin Wild Mercury
  3. The Devil You Know
  4. Just Like Old Times
  5. You Got Away With It (A Tale Of Two Fraternity Brothers)
  6. If Tomorrow Never Comes
  7. Happy New Year into All That Matters (reprise)

Album Description

Rolling Stone's Top 50 Albums of the Year

#14 Blender's Top 2006

#25 No Depression's Top 60 of 2006

"Top Wiseass... a tough-'n'-tender singer-songwriter who convinces the roadhouse crowd he's a hang-loose rogue. ...the feckless drawl Snider has nurtures is perfect for detailing and embodying `a different kind of American dream.'... ." Robert Christgau, Blender

"the country-folk record of your lit-major dreams: boozy hard-luck narratives complete with rich details and ace jokes...Snider drops scorching bar-band stuff and always keeps it slyly tuneful" Christian Hoard, Rolling Stone

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars More of an addition to "The Devil You Know"...but still great.......2007-05-31

This doesn't really seem like an album in and of itself...more as a second-disc bonus material that should've been packaged with THE DEVIL YOU KNOW. Still, these seven songs are all great, and Snider's performance is intimate and quirky as always. His songwriting is at its peak...basically, this is an intimate, live acoustic album with a guy and his guitar, telling stories and joking with the audience in between songs. Fans will definitely enjoy this; non-fans should start elsewhere, perhaps with Snider's last effort, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, or any one of his other fine records.

4 out of 5 stars Perfect For a Fan.......2007-05-20

If you are a fan keeping your Todd Snider collection up-to-date this is a great buy.

If you are just discovering Todd Snider, Buy "The Devil You Know" first.

3 out of 5 stars Good, but not the place to start.......2007-05-20

I have to admit that this album, while certainly not bad, is somewhat disappointing. I've been a Todd Snider fan since the release of his first single "Talking Seattle Grunge Rock Blues" in 1994, and while some of his albums aren't completely solid, each one has at least a handful of keepers that make the album worthwhile. And granted, this one is no exception. There are a few songs here that are easily worth the price of admission, most notably "The Devil You Know," which even manages to improve on the studio version. But there's something missing from most of the performances here. On his previous live album "Near Truths and Hotel Rooms," there is an immediacy and an audience rapport that makes the songs in that performance come alive.

Regardless of your opinion of some of his more "sophomoric" tracks like "Beer Run," the album "Near Truths..." crackles with energy, making it one of the best live albums I've ever heard. I know that Todd Snider has had somewhat of a career resurgence in the past few years, owing to the success of "Nashville Skyline" and "The Devil You Know" (which are, admittedly, two of his best albums). I also realize that part of his newfound success owes to the more serious tone of those albums (although anyone who thinks that Todd Snider has only recently become a "serious" artist probably isn't familiar with early songs like "I Spoke as a Child," "I Can't Complain" or even later-day gems like "Waco Moon").

But those albums, serious as they were, were still spirited and passionate. This E.P., on the other hand, mostly sounds leaden, as if the audience was too reserved or too indifferent to respond to songs that practically demand interaction. And that's too bad. I've seen him live probably a dozen times, and every time I've seen him, including on the tour for "The Devil You Know," the crowd vibe and his performance level were closer in feel to "Near Truths...," that is, energetic and high-spirited. I just wish he'd released one of those shows instead of this one. If you like the songs here, get the album "The Devil You Know." The versions on that album are, by and large, better than the ones here. This album is not bad, but it's definitely not the place to start.

4 out of 5 stars Not "Hotel Rooms, Part II". Better material, for one thing........2007-05-18

At some point in time during the current presidential regime, Todd Snider realized that his considerable story-telling chops could be used for more than just describing the drama of finding a friend's couch to crash on or cataloging the records he listens to. Maybe the turning point came when he got married. Maybe it was when he regained consciousness in that hospital bed. I'd like to think that at least part of it was when he tried to write a political song about "Louie Louie." And succeeded. Because the socio-economic-spiritual-political songs he wrote on last year's The Devil You Know, and delivers here again in a somewhat too dry, acoustic setting, are so genuine and true that they go all the way past Dylan and Prine, and verge on Mark Twain territory.

While the absence of the sympathetic arrangements and skillful playing found on that studio album may initially put you off of these live, solo cuts, by the time he gets to "I'm sure she is/But that's not all she is" in the fourth song, you'll be as deeply into the narrative groove as he is. And if you aren't, I have to wonder if you'll continue as a Todd Snider fan. Because these days, being a Todd Snider fan means being able to sort out the multiple definitions of the word "we" in "We can't just kill what we don't understand", rather than being able to recite all the words to "Beer Run."

Note: The last lyrics he sings to this small Nashville crowd, some of whom he inevitably knows, are "You're all that matters/To me."
The Very Best of Todd Rundgren
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • OLDIES BUT GOODIES
  • Lots of depth and songs that speak to everyone, not just Todd Rundgren fans
  • TODD RUNDGREN RISES FOR THE OCCASION WITH THIS COMPILATION.
  • udork
  • A great intro to Todd Rundgren's work
 The Very Best of Todd Rundgren
Todd Rundgren
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Blue-Eyed SoulBlue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Power PopPower Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Comedy RockComedy Rock | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Rhino RecordsRhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
HeroesHeroes | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Something/Anything?
  2. The Very Best of Badfinger
  3. The Very Best of 10cc
  4. Seals & Crofts - Greatest Hits
  5. The Very Best of England Dan & John Ford Coley

ASIN: B000003420
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

  1. We Gotta Get You A Woman
  2. Be Nice To Me
  3. I Saw The Light
  4. Hello It's Me
  5. Couldn't I Just Tell You
  6. Just One Victory
  7. A Dream Goes On Forever
  8. Real Man
  9. Love Of The Common Man
  10. Love Is The Answer
  11. Love In Action
  12. Can We Still Be Friends
  13. The Very Last Time
  14. Bang The Drum All Day
  15. Something To Fall Back On
  16. The Want Of A Nail

Amazon.com

A good, inexpensive single-disc compilation of Rundgren singles may not be what the world's been waiting for, but it's a fine thing nonetheless. Largely avoiding the big pretensions of many of his post-Something/Anything? albums, this record distills 15 years of releases into a hits-just-keep-on-coming set which makes sense of the sensibility that produced the bemusedly soulful "Hello It's Me," the straightforwardly sweet "Dream Goes On Forever," and the outright goofy "Bang the Drum All Day." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars OLDIES BUT GOODIES.......2007-05-14

I LOVE THIS CD. IT IS SO FULL OF MEMORIES. GREAT VOCALS.

5 out of 5 stars Lots of depth and songs that speak to everyone, not just Todd Rundgren fans.......2007-03-17

I am not what would be called a "dyed in the wool" Todd Rundgren fan. However, I think he is very talented and some of his songs demonstrate a depth and sensitivity that are rare. Through music and his ability in the area of vocal nuances, Todd reaches deeply into the soul. Two of my favorite songs on this album are "Can We Still Be Friends" and "Love is the Answer." Both of these have made my hair stand up because they convey their message so powerfully.

If you are a casual Todd Rundgren fan this is the album to get. The choice of material is excellent and there is a lot of music here for a low cost that stands up well to repeated listening. I would pat twice the price just to have the two songs I mentioned above. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars TODD RUNDGREN RISES FOR THE OCCASION WITH THIS COMPILATION........2007-03-07

I will be writing a review on the legendary compilation album entitled "THE VERY BEST OF TODD RUNDGREN" by one of Rock's legendary artists, I give you TODD RUNDGREN. This legendary compilation album was originally released in 1997 on Compact Disc on the Rhino Records label which is licensed from Bearsville Records Inc. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

TODD RUNDGREN will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history as being the most modest music artist ever. RUNDGREN never gives himself any credit nor does he give himself a pat on the back when deserved. In reality, RUNDGREN has written, recorded and delivered some of the greatest classic songs in Rock n' Roll history. RUNDGREN would begin his career in the late 60's with a band called NAZZ. However, it would be his solo career that RUNDGREN would strike gold. RUNDGREN would write and record several hits throughout his whole solo career. This compilation album highlights RUNDGREN'S solo period from 1970 to 1985. This compilation album also includes the hits he wrote with the band UTOPIA from 1977 to 1980. This compilation album also includes the 1989 hit single "The Want Of A Nail" recorded with Bobby Womack. In my opinion, "THE VERY BEST OF TODD RUNDGREN" is a true testament of a unheralded genius and a fine fitting tribute to a legendary singer/songwriter that was indeed, ahead of his time.

Now it is time to let the music speak for itself and do all of the talking. This compilation album begins with the legendary mellow Rocker "We Gotta Get You A Woman," the slow beautiful mellow "Be Nice To me," the breathtaking mellow Rocker "I Saw The Light," the forever RUNDGREN trademark mellow Rocker "Hello It's Me," the blistering Rocker "Couldn't I just Tell You," the beautiful mellow Rocker "Just One Victory," the beautiful acoustic soulful "A Dream Goes On Forever," the fast paced sythesized Rocker "Real Man," the beautiful acoustic Rocker "Love Of The Common Man," the beautiful slow soothing RUNDGREN composition that was also a hit for England Dan & John Ford Coley "Love Is The answer," the merciless Rocker "Love In Action," the slow beautiful synthesized song that was also a hit for Rod Stewart "Can We Still Be Friends," the groundbreaking mellow Rocker "The Very Last Time," the circus filled like atmosphere fast paced synthesized mellow Rocker "Bang The Drum All Day," the incredible synthesized fast paced mellow Rocker "Something To Fall Back On" and the danceable synthesized killer Rocker "The Want Of A Nail." May I also add that RUNDGREN really lets loose on this fabulous compilation album. I grew up listening to all of these songs and it felt great listening to them all over again on one disc.

Overall, this is one hell of a compilation album worth seeking further into and cheeking out especially if you are the new and curious beginner for the first time of RUNDGREN'S sound and music.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary compilation album to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This legendary compilation album has already proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. This is one great collection that a serious devout music collector would not want to be without.

In closing, TODD RUNDGREN is here to stay. Rock n' Roll needs a modest artist and entertainer like RUNDGREN to keep Rock n' Roll humble and breathing happily. As of now, RUNDGREN has been touring as a new member with THE CARS. From what I hear, THE CARS have been doing extremely well. I guess that goes to show you that we have not seen or heard the last of RUNDGREN yet. I also anticipate that we will be hearing from RUNDGREN again in the near future soon. So here's to you TODD. Keep Persevering. Keep The Faith. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," am I wrong? Thanks for reading my review and I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. TODD RUNDGREN RULES. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

3 out of 5 stars udork.......2007-01-04

I bought this CD just so I could hear some old favorites over and over again.

5 out of 5 stars A great intro to Todd Rundgren's work.......2006-12-18

I bought this disc on a whim, knowing how much I enjoyed Rundgren's mainstream work and I was not disappointed. There is not a single bad track on this disc, although I'm not a huge fan of Bang The Drum All Day. Real good stuff. I'd like to recommend this disc to those who've only listened to the pop stuff on the radio these days. Here's what music is really all about.
Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Clarity reigns above all here!!SONDHEIM shines afresh!
  • Bloody Buckets of Fun!
  • bold new "Sweeney"
  • LIKE YOU WERE THERE.......I WAS!
  • Addictive
 Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Michael Cerveris , and Patti LuPone
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Sondheim, StephenSondheim, Stephen | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
SoundtracksSoundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
ClassicalClassical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  2. The Color Purple (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
  4. Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. Harry On Broadway Act 1

ASIN: B000CRR3P6
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Tracks:

  1. The Ballad of Sweeney Todd
  2. No Place Like London
  3. The Worst Pies in London
  4. Poor Thing
  5. My Friends
  6. The Ballad of Sweeney Todd
  7. Green Finch and Linnet Bird
  8. Ah, Miss
  9. Johanna
  10. Pirelli's Miracle Elixir
  11. The Contest
  12. The Ballad of Sweeney Todd
  13. Johanna
  14. Wait
  15. Kiss Me
  16. Ladies in Their Sensitivities
  17. Kiss Me

Tracks:

  1. Pretty Women
  2. Epiphany
  3. A Little Priest
  4. God, That's Good!
  5. Johanna
  6. By the Sea
  7. Not While I'm Around
  8. The Judge's Return
  9. The Ballad of Sweeney Todd

Amazon.com

The 2005 revival of Stephen Sondheim's 1979 Grand Guignol masterpiece Sweeney Todd illustrates what happens when you have a director with genuine vision. The show has been completely reivented, yet at the same time its dark core has been masterfully unveiled, not betrayed. In John Doyle's radically pared-down version (which originated in England), there's no orchestra in the pit: Each member of the small cast is on stage the entire time and plays one or more instrument in addition to singing. Thus Michael Cerveris (Sweeney) also plays guitar, Patti LuPone (Mrs. Lovett) plays percussion and tuba, Donna Lynne Champlin (Pirelli) plays accordion, piano, and flute, etc. Of course this means that those used to hearing Sondheim's operatic score delivered by a full orchestra (LuPone herself starred in a 2000 version recorded with the New York Philharmonic) will have to get used to Sarah Travis's minimalist arrangements. But the setting works wonders and the cast rises to the challenge. Cerveris is intensely charismatic as the murderous barber and LuPone finds great dark humor in Mrs. Lovett, while the younger Lauren Molina (Johanna) and Manoel Felciano (Tobias) aptly go from innocence to despair. While completely different in style, this recording stands proudly next to the original one. No small feat, that. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Tony Award winners Michael Ceveris (Assassins) and Patti Lupone (Evita) lead a ten-person ensemble as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett in the cast album from the celebrated new Broadway production of Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Originally produced in 1979, and considered a core work of Sondheim canon, Sweeney Todd has not been seen on Broadway in more than sixteen years. The revival opened to unanimous raves at the Eugene O'Neill Theater.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Clarity reigns above all here!!SONDHEIM shines afresh!.......2007-03-06

PURISTS BEWARE! if life simply stopped with the 1979 Lansbury-Cariou recording then don't read on! If you enjoy reconfiguration and fresh ideas THEN THIS RECORDING IS FOR YOU.This is now the fifth Internationally recorded version of SWEENEY TODD and it is a gem.If you didnot see this Patrick Doyle directed version on Broadway, it may seem a little odd at first.The orchestra is gone and all of the parts are skillfully played by the actors themselves.The sound is small and intimate,just as the production was.What this particular recording has going for it is it's incredible CLARITY.The score and the words all come through brilliantly.Because of the rescoring of the music,all of the nuances of the Sondheim piece are heard far more clearly ,yet differently.This will undoubtedly upset some but will most likely charm and intrigue most others.Michael Cerveris IS NOT Hearn or Cariou( frankly in his OWN way he is better!);Patti LuPone IS NOT Lansbury nor is Patti the same Mrs.Lovett as on the live 2000 recording;Lauren Molina is a light-airy Johanna whose EVERY WORD is crystal clear,quite unlike just about every other Johanna on record;Mark Jacoby as Judge Turpin is more second tenor than the usual bass ,and Pirelli is, yes (horror of horrors) A WOMAN!!!-so what!!!This is all deftly and professionally performed and recorded,and pushes it's outlandish way right into the fray with all of the other SWEENEY TODD'S.TRY IT,YOU JUST MIGHT LIKE IT!!!As a lover of all that is Sondheim,I say,be bold and brave and add this SWEENEY to your collection so you,too,can compare and share.Opera lovers might always stick to the original,but theatre lovers will venture to this SWEENEY and embrace it.

5 out of 5 stars Bloody Buckets of Fun!.......2006-12-14

Amazing, eerie reworking of the classic score! It adds such a great scare factor.
The cast is also breathtaking. Michael Cerveris is phenonemal as the demon barber himself (his 'Epiphany' is chillingly good) and Patti LuPone delights once more as the wicked Mrs. Lovett. Newcomer Mano Felciano is perfect as Tobias Ragg, with his smooth, beautiful voice he is wonderful in 'Not While I'm Around'. Lauren Molina (Johanna) and Ben Magnuson (Anthony) are both very cute and very good in their roles. The original is terrible compared to this one! The cast is fantastic, and the new arrangements are creepy and deliciously terrifying!
"Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd..."

4 out of 5 stars bold new "Sweeney".......2006-11-27

Once you get accustomed to the pared-down orchestrations on this cast album for the 2005 Broadway revival of SWEENEY TODD, what emerges is how versatile this material can become. Sondheim's sweeping "grand guignol opera" (based on Christopher Bond's treatment of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street") has rarely sounded better than right here, re-conceived as a smaller chamber piece.

The director, John Doyle, hired actors who could also skillfully play musical instruments (the same idea is adopted for Doyle's revival of "Company" which opens on Broadway at the end of the year). Having Sweeney, Mrs Lovett, Tobias and Co. playing away while Anthony and Johanna serenade each other is a genius idea (though I wonder how long this gimmick will last in Doyle's future directing jobs).

Playing Mrs Lovett, the somewhat-guileless accomplice to Sweeney's bloodbath, is Patti LuPone. She is no stranger to the role, having previously done a concert version opposite George Hearn's still-definitive Sweeney in 2001 (that performance is captured on DVD, and on compact disc with another supporting cast). Her performance here is quite different, she is jaded and almost lathargic in the opening scenes; only towards the end does she fully come alive with the vibrant, take-no-prisoners belty voice which LuPone is famous for. Michael Cerveris plays Sweeney with an almost relentless brooding edge, a man driven to the absolute brink in the name of revenge, a truly masterful performance in a demanding role.

Playing the attractive young lovers Johanna and Anthony (with equally attractive young voices) are Lauren Molina and Benjamin Magnuson; two fresh talents with big things ahead of them. In the plum role of Tobias is the appealing Manoel Felciano, and his plaintive cry of warning to Mrs Lovett in "Not While I'm Around" is gut-wrenching.

In the roles of Judge Turpin and his pimping Beadle Bamford; Mark Jacoby (the Hal Prince revival of "Show Boat") and Alexander Gemignani (currently appearing as Valjean in the Broadway revival of "Les Miserables") get to eat up the scenes with their slimy, loathsome characters. The most outlandish casting, of Donna Lynne Champlin (in the male role of Pirelli), isn't as peculiar as it seems, and Champlin negotiates the part well. Diana DiMarzio is a solid presence as the Beggar Woman who figures prominently in Sweeney's past.

The two-disc set allows for the bulk of the extensive score to be preserved (though the 1978 OBC double disc set, currently out-of-print, is fairly complete too). Still, fans of SWEENEY TODD can always do with another version, and it's a plus when that new version is fantastic like this one. Arguably Stephen Sondheim's masterwork.

[Nonesuch/Warner Music 79946-2]

5 out of 5 stars LIKE YOU WERE THERE.......I WAS!.......2006-11-10

I saw the original Sweeney Todd in Chicago 20 some odd years ago in Chicago with Angela Landsbury and George Hearn. It was a great production, although I have to admit, I didn't fully appreciate the music and genius of Stephen Sondheim at the time.

I was fortunate enough to catch the revival production the week before it closed in New York. I knew it would be something special with Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris in the lead roles. It (and they) turned out to be VERY special, and the whole cast was absolutely outstanding.

This CD has the whole cast intact and is brilliant. I may live on the West Coast, but this recording takes me back to that very special night in the Eugene O'Neill Theater in New York City every time I listen!

5 out of 5 stars Addictive.......2006-11-04

I'll be straight with you - I didn't know what the heck Sweeney Todd was about until I went to New York earlier this year. I saw the theatre that housed this show and the dash of blood strewn across the title caught my attention. I didn't go and see the show, I saw 'Wicked' instead, which is brilliant, but that's another story.

My partner read an extremely positive review of Sweeney Todd in the playbill from 'Wicked', I think (??) so he purchased the soundtrack a couple of months later and loved it straight away. I wasn't convinced immediately, as it seemed too old-fashioned and 'operatic' for me. But I gave it a chance, and now I listen to it every day!

Sweeney Todd has opened my eyes and ears to a new genre of music and story-telling! It's intriguing and sad and dark, even romantic. I love Patti Lupone's psychotic voice and evil laugh, the 'crazy old hag, pickin' bones out of alley ashcans' is a lot of fun... and I like to scare my friends and associates by emulating Tobias with 'Razorr, razorr, cutta cutta cut'.

Pure Brilliance! Saving up to go and see the show at the Sydney Opera House. A beautiful example of sublime music and singing. Lovably twisted!
Twin Cinema
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Pure Pop Perfection
  • It takes more time to appreciate this one
  • Not my cup of tea
  • So far above the fray it's almost unfair
  • New To The Indie World And Love This Recording
 Twin Cinema
The New Pornographers
Manufacturer: Matador Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
CanadaCanada | North America | International | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Power PopPower Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood
  2. Plans
  3. Z
  4. At War with the Mystics
  5. Show Your Bones

ASIN: B000A2H880
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

  1. Twin Cinema
  2. The Bones of an Idol
  3. Use It
  4. The Bleeding Heart Show
  5. Jackie, Dressed in Cobras
  6. The Jessica Numbers
  7. These Are the Fables
  8. Sing Me Spanish Techno
  9. Falling Through Your Clothes
  10. Broken Breads
  11. Three or Four
  12. Star Bodies
  13. Streets of Fire
  14. Stacked Crooked

Amazon.com

Imagine a loose consortium of musicians who combine the lilting melodies of the Zombies with the driving hooks of the Kinks. Sure, it's what all the kids are doing these days, but Vancouver's New Pornographers are one of the few--along with the Shins--to get the balance right. Their third full-length offers more of the same smart power-pop that made Mass Romantic and Electric Version instant classics, plus some surprising new moves. As singer/songwriter Carl Newman (The Slow Wonder) has noted, "You can't play ebow without sounding like Eno," and indeed, Brian Eno's sublime early recordings are evoked on this more introspective offering. There are also strong new vocalists joining Neko Case: Nora O'Connor (the Blacks) and Newman's piano-playing niece, Kathryn Calder. If there was a flaw with previous efforts, it was that the contributions of Dan Bejar (Destroyer), fine as they were, sounded somewhat out of place. Just as they're better integrated this time around, Twin Cinema offers every member of this insanely talented ensemble the chance to shine. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

The third album from Vancouver's pop maestros continues to feature Neko Case and Dan Bejar (Destroyer), as well as new vocalists Kathryn Calder and Nora O'Connor. These songs veer more toward the rocking and the personal than the sugar of earlier works. Chief singer/songwriter A.C. Newman has absorbed not just the mechanics of classic songwriting, but the heart, while indulging his admiration of demented current bands like Fiery Furnaces and Frog Eyes. Expect to hear influences from The Moody Blues, Tubeway Army, Wings, Eno, The Stranglers, 10cc, and other greats, all filtered through Newman's warped worldview.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Pure Pop Perfection.......2007-07-13

Absolutely the best cd Ive heard in years for pure musical craftsmanship. The hooks are relentless and come at a blistering pace... initially they seem overdone and in-your-face, but after a few listens everything just clicks. I'll be the first to admit it took a couple listens to get into at first, but now this cd is like an addiction. I just have to listen, its no longer optional. The songs, and the album as a whole, just fit together perfectly. Its not often that I discover a cd thats so good that I feel compelled to write an online review (This is only my 2nd or 3rd Amazon review).

Neko Case is the icing on the cake, Im a huge fan of her solo work, and her contribution here makes the songs that much better. Do yourself a favor, pick up this cd and give it a few spins. Soon you wont be able to remove it from your cd player. And check out Neko Case's "Blacklisted" cd, the style is completely different from NP, but you'll be glad you did.

5 out of 5 stars It takes more time to appreciate this one.......2007-06-12

When I first got my hands on this hotly anticipated 3rd release from the NP's it didn't "hit" me like the first two. After a year of low rotation in my collection I'm now listening to it over headphones and it's just now striking me what a great disc this is. It's as good as their other discs and in a lot of ways even better. The Bleeding Heart Show is such a great tune. Don't give up on this one right away. Put it away for a month or two if you don't get it right away and then pull it back out on a rainy day and give it another try - you'll get it.

3 out of 5 stars Not my cup of tea.......2007-05-29

I guess it all depends on the type of music you like. I was drawn to The New Pornographers through Neko Case, and sad to say was dissapointed by the band. Not that they aren't a supremely talented band, but the droning voice of A.C. Newman wears thin on me, as is the case with Colin Meloy of The Decembrists. In fact, the two bands sound a lot alike, but Meloy brings a deeper literary flavor to his music that makes the songs much more enjoyable to listen to, at least for me. I much prefer Neko Case in her own element, singing her reverb-heavy folk ballads with a voice hauntingly familiar to Patsy Cline.

5 out of 5 stars So far above the fray it's almost unfair.......2007-05-16

If CDs ever become extinct and scientists need to extract their DNA thousands of years from now to recreate them (a la Jurassic Park), "Twin Cinema," the perfect pop-rock concoction, had better be the disc they use. My question is, who says heavy electric guitars are mandatory to make the perfect rock record? The New Pornographers prove that several great singers, some piano, unique songwriting and a penchant for the perfect pop melodies from song to song will carry a band just fine. Of course, the lush, bountiful quality to these songs qualifies them as more than mere pop tunes. Calling these songs pop is doing them a disservice.

The opposite of stodgy would be upbeat, and that's what "Twin Cinema" is, even on the slower tunes, which have a tendancy to transform to livelier jingles by the end. The title track begins the CD like a blast of fresh-air power pop, a feature many of these songs share. Yet the New Pornographers seemed to create this album with the knowledge that people like to download songs that suit their individual tastes these days. Thus, there is a diverse feel to the record, almost as if more than one band was involved in making it. The album is fluent throughout, yet diverse and creative enough to keep you on your toes. "Twin Cinema" never feels dull, because the tunes take unique turns every step of the way. The snappy songs are enhanced by crisp production, quirky lyrics and superb drumming, which might get a little lost amid all the ultra-catchy sounds.

Neko Case has the best female vocals in rock. Such songs as "The Bones of an Idol" and "These are the Fables" are nothing less than elegantly beautiful. "Broken Breads" sounds like Syd Barrett (see The Madcap Laughs) performing a tune in 2005. The vibrating guitars on "Three of Four" is pure swank, reminiscent of a few songs on R.E.M.'s Monster from 1994. The chorus on "Star Bodies" has the lushest-ever vocals by Case (double-tracked), for a sound that is irresistable. Finally, "Stacked Crooked," the last song, has the defiant sound of redemption, looking forward with a sense of hope and positivity, despite the screw-ups of the past: "Stacked crooked all along but now I'm on my way."

Who knows where the New Pornographers will take it from here, but it's hard to imagine they will ever top the brilliance of this album.

5 out of 5 stars New To The Indie World And Love This Recording.......2007-03-29

I started surfing around on Amazon about 4 months ago and discovered this recording. To preface, I have a very diverse music background and like everything from Miles Davis to Led Zeppelin to Neil Young to the Minutemen to the Grateful Dead to the Sex Pistols, etc.

This recording is so unique that I've listened to at least parts of it almost daily since I bought it 2 months ago. Very diverse range of sound, great lyrics, and very well produced. I highly, highly recommend it.
Something/Anything?
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • something/anything What a talent!!!!!!!!!
  • Masterpiece
  • excellent double album
  • LOVE THAT TODD
  • Todd Rundgren: Always A Wizard, A True Star
 Something/Anything?
Todd Rundgren
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
Proto PunkProto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
Soft RockSoft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Blue-Eyed SoulBlue-Eyed Soul | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive RockProgressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Power PopPower Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Album-Oriented Rock (AOR)Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Comedy RockComedy Rock | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Rhino RecordsRhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. A Wizard, A True Star
  2. Todd
  3. Hermit of Mink Hollow
  4. The Very Best of Todd Rundgren
  5. Todd Rundgren's Utopia

ASIN: B0000032WL
Release Date: 2007-09-03

Tracks:

  1. I Saw The Light
  2. It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference
  3. Wolfman Jack
  4. Cold Morning Light
  5. It Takes Two To Tango (This Is For The Girls)
  6. Sweeter Memories
  7. Intro
  8. Breathless
  9. The Night The Carousel Burnt Down
  10. Saving Grace
  11. Marlene
  12. Song Of The Viking
  13. I Went To The Mirror

Tracks:

  1. Black Maria
  2. One More Day (No Word)
  3. Couldn't I Just Tell You
  4. Torch Song
  5. Little Red Lights
  6. Overture-My Roots: Money (That's What I Want)/Messin' With The Kid
  7. Dust In The Wind
  8. Piss Aaron
  9. Hello It's Me
  10. Some Folks Is Even Whiter Than Me
  11. You Left Me Sore
  12. Slut

Amazon.com

This double record from 1972 remains the definitive collection of Rundgren's long career. With Rundren acting as a one-man-band for three-quarters of the session, it was also his bid for a Ph.D. from the college of musical knowledge. He deserved the degree for simply writing the lead-off track, "I Saw the Light," a melodic pop-rock gem that remains Rundgren's greatest hit. Rundgren excels at Beatles-esque pop-rock ("Couldn't I Just Tell You," "Wolfman Jack") and Philadelphia-styled soul ballads ("It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference," "Hello, It's Me"). He also sticks his toe into heavy metal ("Black Maria"), jazz-rock fusion ("Breathless"), and cerebral pop ("The Night the Carousel Burnt Down"). Like most double albums, there's fat on the play-list, but the best of Something/Anything gave credence to Rundgren's boast of being a wizard and a true star. --John Milward

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of his 1972 album. Features the original cover art & all 25 cuts from when Bearsville firstreleased it as a two LP set in 1972, including the top five smash 'Hello, It's Me', the top 20 'I Saw The Light', plus 'It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference' & 'Couldn't I Just Tell You'. Double slimline jewel case. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars something/anything What a talent!!!!!!!!!.......2007-05-08

I recently bought a Bonnie Tyler CD(super hits) because I loved a couple of her songs(Bright eyes,I'm holding out for a heroe)which by the way is terrific.Every song was great but I loved her duet with Todd Rundgren. I searched the internet for Todd Rundgren and fell in love with him. He is probably the most talented man in the music business.He does it all. I am buying everything he has ever done. The man is amazing.!!!! I went to the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida recently and I can understand why they have a wall dedicated to him. My dream would be to meet him to tell him how wonderful he is. DEBBIE

5 out of 5 stars Masterpiece.......2006-08-06

An amazing double album by , at the time, a very young Todd. An interesting variety of songs. Todd can rock, he can croon, he can play bubble gum, he can jam, he can harmonize, he's got soul. "Hello it me" was a fav when I was young and it is still way up there today.

It so wrong that this ultra talented musician, song writer, performer, producer, and chance taker is not in the rock and roll hall of fame.

5 out of 5 stars excellent double album.......2006-05-23

todd rundgren really proves to be great in many different areas on this double album. he dabbles in a bunch of musical styles, writes some great songs with great melodies, produces everything, he's a one man band, he's a band leader, he's a one man carole king album, he gets heavy, and does some pretty weird experiments. one man... doing all of that! wow! listen and enjoy.

5 out of 5 stars LOVE THAT TODD.......2006-03-23

Todd Rundgren is definitely one of the best songwriter's ever. Pop, rock, jazz...the man can write anything. This double album is awesome and one of his best. Besides the obvious hits, Wolfman Jack is rockin' as is Black Maria. I recommend it.

5 out of 5 stars Todd Rundgren: Always A Wizard, A True Star.......2006-02-08

This is in my top 10 all time favorite albums. It has everything from pop to hard rock and some hints of everything else...well, okay, no country(Thank you, Todd). There is some viking music, though.

The Runt's sound is always very uncharacteristic for his time. He was way ahead of the music crowd and not influenced by what was popular at the moment. On at least one cd in this album, Todd plays all of the instruments, recording in his living room, and I heard that the backup singers were neighbors on his street. Both cd's are perfect. After this album, Todd was off to Utopia.

Top forty songs from this album: I Saw the Light, Hello It's Me, It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference. Todd's other top forty hits: "We've Got to Get You a Woman," is on Runt. He also did an amazingly faithful version of Beach Boys "Good Vibrations" where he was probably playing all instruments and doing all vocals.

An earlier album, that has a simlar energy to this one, is titled "A Wizard A True Star:" many varied musical sounds and there is also a great version of 'Cool Jerk."

Todd was punk before punk. But he was much more than that. He was a musical genius who missed or avoided the big spotlight.

Music Review:

  1. Tusk
  2. Tusk [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]
  3. Two Against Nature
  4. Voodoo Child: The Jimi Hendrix Collection [Original recording remastered]
  5. We're an American Band [Original recording remastered]
  6. Welcome to the Canteen [Live] [Original recording remastered]
  7. White Album [Import]
  8. Wings - Greatest Hits [Import] [Original recording remastered]
  9. 18 Tracks [Extra tracks]
  10. A Night on the Town [Original recording remastered]

Music Review

Music Review