Venus & Mars

Track Listings

1. Venus And Mars

2. Rock Show

3. Love In Song

4. You Gave Me The Answer

5. Magneto And Titanium Man

6. Letting Go

7. Venus And Mars (Reprise)

8. Spirits Or Ancient Egypt

9. Medicine JAr

10. Call Me Back Again

11. Listen To What The Man Said

12. Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People

13. Crossroads

14. Zoo Gang (Bonus Track)

15. Lunch Box/Odd Sox (Bonus Track)

16. My Carnival (Bonus Track)

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Released in the glow of Wings' biggest and best album, Band on the Run, Venus & Mars found Paul McCartney in his element--a working rock star, being screamed at again, cheerfully riding the last rays of his youth. Adulation always brought the best out of him, and Venus & Mars is nearly the equal of its more lauded predecessor. McCartney never strays from his favorite themes (sex, drugs, rock & roll, and marriage), but his confidence is high as he mixes gorgeous, airy production numbers like "Listen to What the Man Said" and "Letting Go" with the ribald and hilarious. "Rock Show" matches the Who's "Long Live Rock" as the finest and funniest of those self-celebratory '70s stomps. McCartney's effortless marshalling of melody and arrangement hoists the blander material out of trouble, and the best stuff's powered by genuine, rediscovered verve. Facile and frivolous, but not at all bad. And their version of the "Crossroads" theme is wicked. --Taylor Parkes --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Like A Star
Enchantment
Put Your Records On
Till It Happens To You
Trouble Sleeping
Call Me When You Get This
Choux Pastry Heart
Breathless
I'd Like To
Butterfly
Seasons Change

Tracks:

Since I've Been Loving You (Led Zeppelin cover)
Emeraldine (original song)
Munich (Editors cover)
Venus As A Boy (Bjork cover)
Another Rainy Day (original song featured in "VENUS")
Daydreaming (Aretha Franklin cover)
Enchantment remix
I'd Like To remix

Amazon.com

Corinne Bailey Rae Photos

More from Corinne Bailey Rae

Live In London & New York (CD/DVD Jewel Box)
Corinne Bailey Rae
Live in London & New York (CD/DVD Amaray)

Customer Reviews:

This is worth adding to your collection.......2007-06-27

Mellow, consistent vocals are easy to listen to and mix in with your favorite Blues/RB cd's. Great as background music for gatherings or just to wind-down in the evening.

Corinne Bailey Rae - how sweet is she?!!!.......2007-06-02

This young lady has such a sweet sounding, easy listening voice - I love it. Her voice is so relaxing and peaceful - totally un-violent. She warms my heart. I will be keeping my ear open for more of her talent...

Corinne Bailey Rae, BUY IT!!!!!!.......2007-05-12

We purchased Corinne Bailey Rae, one week before we saw her in person. What a talented young lady. When I think of Corinne Bailey Rae, she defines CLASSEY. Her performance in person speaks volumes. We didn't have the best seats in the house, however, if she comes around again, we will be sure to see her. BUY THIS CD, you will really enjoy it. She is like a breath of fresh air to the music industry.

Corinne!!!.......2007-04-14

I absolutely love this CD! I cannot stop listening to it! My hour drive to and from work doesn't seem to bother me anymore. It's so mellow.

inventive.......2007-04-09

A really enjoyable collection of songs by a fresh and inspired singer who brings a breath of fresh air to the world of pop. Pay special attention to the unique selection of covers. This collection is so cool because there are such great originals and covers.

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

Average customer rating:

the most relaxing classical music in the university
Relaxing Classical Music
Stress-freedom
Greatly enjoy!
the most relaxing classical music in the universe

The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
Johann Sebastian Bach , Ralph Vaughan Williams , George Frideric Handel , Gustav Holst , Samuel Barber , Edvard Grieg , Jean Sibelius , Antonin Dvorak , Franz Liszt , Charles Gounod , Fryderyk Chopin , Alexander Borodin , Maurice Ravel , Antonio Vivaldi , Satie, Erik , and Various Artists
Manufacturer: Denon Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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More Of The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The Universe
Mozart for Relaxation

ASIN: B00008RH16
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

Canon - Pachelbel
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik-Andante - Mozart
Fur Elise - Beethoven
String Quartet #1 - Tchaikovsky
Clair De Lune - Debussy
Idyl for Strings - Adagio - Janacek
Adagio in G Mnor - Albinoni
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair - Debussy
Air on a G String - Bach
Greensleeves - Vaughn Williams
Largo from Xerxes - Handel
Prelude in C - Bach
The Planets - Venus - Holst
Goldberg Variations - Aria - Bach
Adagio for Strings - Barber

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Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun - Debussy
Fur Elise - Beethoven
Holberg Suite - Sarabande - Grieg
Valse Triste - Sibelius
Concerto in F Minor - Largo - Bach
Serenade for String - Moderato - Dvorak
Liebestraume - Liszt
Ave Maria - Bach/Bounod
Etude in E Major - Chopin
String Quartet No 2 - Nocturne - Borodin
Arabesque - Debussy
Pavane for Dead Princess - Ravel
The Four Seasons - Largo - Vivaldi
Gymno0pedie 1 - Satie
Moonlight Sonata - Adagio - Beethoven
Piano Concerto No 21 - Andante - Mozart "Elvira Madigan"

Customer Reviews:

the most relaxing classical music in the university.......2007-05-12

All my favorites. I can start the CD player, which is wired to speakers in every room of my house, and just let it play, along with "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the World" and "The Most Relaxing Classical Guitar in the World." I enjoy an awareness of familiar and beautiful strains of my favorites all day long and never get tired of it.

My brother visited me recently and noticed it right away. That will be another order for this fabulour music.

Relaxing Classical Music.......2007-01-08

I was not really a classical music fan but I am now. I purchased this cd for my 14 year old grand-daughter, not knowing we would both enjoy the music so much. She has always enjoyed classical music along with all of the other teen music, rap, rock, country, etc.
Also, it really helped being able to listen to parts of the music before purchasing.

Stress-freedom.......2006-03-14

Perfect music to end the work day. After listening to this I can face the evening. If the morning is hard, a little at lunch time gets me through the afternoon.

Greatly enjoy!.......2006-02-23

I first developed a taste for this music a number of years ago when my daughter started playing in the orchestra. The reason I made this purchase however, was because I have a great deal of difficulty with anxiety and I was looking for ways to find help. I love these CDs. It helps so much to sit and close my eyes and enjoy the music. The CDs are full of beautiful music.

the most relaxing classical music in the universe.......2005-09-21

it's the best next to the first one...

Average customer rating:

One of the best ever!
Kristen Chenowith
Has its moments
Great CD!
This woman has what it takes, and then some...

Let Yourself Go
Kristin Chenoweth , Jule Styne , George Gershwin , Richard Rodgers , Jeanine Tesori , Kurt Weill , Jerome Kern , Vincent Youmans , Ricky Ian Gordon , Richard Dworsky , Lawrence Ellington Duke / Brown , Harry Warren , Bobby Troup , Jason Alexander , Irving Berlin , Rob Fisher , and The Coffee Club Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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As I Am
Still I Can't Be Still
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 Broadway Revival Cast)
Leonard Bernstein's Candide (Great Performances)
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ASIN: B000059T4T
Release Date: 2001-05-29

Tracks:

Let Yourself Go
If
How Long Has This Been Going On?
My Funny Valentine
Hanging Around with You (with Jason Alexander)
The Girl in 14G
I'll Tell the Man in the Street
I'm a Stranger Here Myself
Nobody Else But Me
Nobody's Heart Belongs to Me/Why Can't I?
Should I Be Sweet?
He's Just an Ordinary Guy
Going to the Dance with You
On a Turquoise Cloud
You'll Never Know
Daddy

Amazon.com

Kristin Chenoweth won a Tony for the supporting role of Sally Brown in the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, made a memorably vampy Lily in the 1999 television film of Annie, and had an NBC sitcom created for her, Kristin! Now she grabs the spotlight in Let Yourself Go, her first solo recording. She mixes torchy standards ("My Funny Valentine," "How Long Has This Been Going On?") with Faith Prince-style sauciness ("If"), gets to show off her operatic and scat chops in the miniplay "The Girl in 14G," and shares a light duet with Jason Alexander (reviving his musical theater career post-Seinfeld). Perhaps her "Stranger Here Myself" isn't the weightiest you've ever heard, but this is an enjoyable album with a good deal of old-fashioned class, expertly accompanied by Rob Fisher and the Coffee Club Orchestra. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

One of the best ever!.......2007-04-24

Do I mean the best album or the best singer? You are correct if you said both! I saw Kristin Chenoweth on a PBS show "Broadway's Best at the Pops," (though it was not the first time I had heard her) and decided to check out the offerings here. This is a collection of the kind of music and performances I love. She has a great range, a precise pitch, and a great style that is at the same time true to the music and to herself. In an era when singers try to outdo each other re-interpreting the composer's original work, not usually with great success, she is a blessing!

Kristen Chenowith.......2007-02-26

I bought this CD for the Girl in 14G. Yes, it's that good...

Has its moments.......2007-02-19

After watching Candide endlessly and going to see Ms. Chenoweth in The Apple Tree, I was hungry for something more portable to listen to. At times this fits the bill, but what surprised me the most is how thin her voice comes across on this recording. Perhaps it was the joy of seeing her live that has ruined this listener; perhaps I need to upgrade my aging music system. Then again, maybe the recording is just not as good as Ms. C singing Bernstein or as good as staring at Ms. C command a Broadway stage.

Great CD!.......2007-01-19

I truly enjoy listening to this CD. Kristin Chenoweth's vocal style and abilities are very well-matched to the songs selected for this album. If you enjoy classic, older-style Broadway/popular tunes, I would highly recommend this CD. Ms. Chenoweth has a bright, expressive voice and does a fantastic job with this material.

As with any full-length CD, there are a couple of songs I am not as crazy about, but that has to do with the songs themselves, not Ms. Chenoweth's vocal performance. Overall, I love this album and have listened to it several times now, since receiving it as a Christmas gift last month.

This woman has what it takes, and then some..........2007-01-12

Kristin Chenoweth brings new life to some timeless Broadways tunes while introducing a few wonderful new ones. This high pitched vocal goddess effortlessly provides for a nearly flawless and easy listening experience. I definitly recommend this CD for anyone who enjoys jazz vocals, showtunes, or just a new spin on some old classics.

Average customer rating:

Those days she was into circuitry
Something to Listen to
Spacey stuff!
The Freak Flag Still Flies on Planet Tori
"I'm stepping in to your space oddity..."

To Venus and Back
Tori Amos
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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From the Choirgirl Hotel
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ASIN: B00001IVJS
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

Bliss
Juarez
Concertina
Glory Of The 80's
Lust
Suede
Josephine
Riot Poof
Datura
Spring Haze
1000 Oceans

Tracks:

Precious Things
Cruel
Cornflake Girl
Bells For Her
Girl
Cooling
Mr. Zebra
Cloud on My Tongue
Sugar
Little Earthquakes
Space Dog
Waitress
Purple People

Amazon.com

For many pop-music cynics, excess can be neatly summed up in three things: live albums, double-CD's, and Tori Amos records. Damned if To Venus and Back doesn't hit the trifecta. But perhaps Amos is just trying to prove what we've always suspected: that her muse possesses a sly, ironic wit and has been frantically trying to give us a wink while Tori whipped up her heady cocktail of quiet Sturm, desperate Drang, and angst in the panties. There's teasing moments on this double-dose of Tori's love affair with her own melodic and mystical dramaturgy to support that notion, even in the disc of powerful new studio recordings that inaugurates this set. Dubbing a song "Glory of the 80's" is burlesque enough, but yearning to have oneself cloned as Kim Carnes at its climax is simply inspired. Amos is to Kate Bush's distaff mysticism what Mark McGwire was to Roger Maris; she hasn't so much broken the mold as willfully hammered it into her own image. After Bush hit the snooze-bar on her career in the late `80s, Amos boldly stepped into the fray, building a body of work that demanded to be taken seriously, even while the thrift-store chic set were laughing up their tattered sleeves at her ambitious chutzpah. They're not laughing now; in fact, many may find Venus to be a deliciously guilty pleasure. Amos supporters have long maintained that the key to understanding her intrigue lies in her live performances. Disc two boldly states their case as Amos coos, whoops, and warbles through a hit-sprinkled set, her shrewd, sorely undervalued band hanging with every nuance and turn of phrase. Cynics are from Mars; Tori is from Venus--that's just the way her galaxy crumbles. Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Those days she was into circuitry.......2007-05-30

This is one of my favorite Tori Amos albums. In fact, if you were to force me to choose just two for my desert island, it might well be _Little Earthquakes_ and this one. While "Juarez" does nothing for me and "Glory of the '80s" feels a bit disposable, just about everything else knocks it out of my personal ballpark.

The electronica flourishes are a lot of fun, and it's hard not to hope that her muse points her back in that direction now and again. (Ah well: on her latest, she's rediscovered really loud guitars, which is almost as good.)

And then there's the live disk, with its typically esoteric set list. Did "Space Dog" really deserve to made the cut? Maybe not -- but "Precious Things" is astounding, and "Bells for Her" grabs me in a way that the studio version did not, and "Sugar" is a fiery reinvention of a terrific early B-side from which there's no going back, and "Cooling" finally gets its due. Very fine work indeed.

Something to Listen to.......2007-05-14

I really enjoyed this album. The first disc is my favorite. The style of her music on this disc I find very interesting. It's a bit darker then some of her other albums. It's not as dark as her album "From the Chiorgirl Hotel." But they do compliment each other very well. The second disc I thought was alright. It's her live album from one of her concert tours (which one I can't remember). I like the fact that she adds twist to her live albums. I think that's what made me like the second disc so much. Overall the album was good. I would recommend this album to just about anyone who likes Tori even those that are just listening to her for the first time.

Spacey stuff!.......2006-10-27

A double album from Tori Amos, how lucky can we get? Well one cd is new material and the other are live selections from her Plugged Tour (her first ever with a live band). The new material is the most electronic that she's ever produced and it's very refreshing and intriguing! The live performances are astounding as she is quite possibly the best live act ever in music history! There simply isn't another artist that looks and sounds as passionate as Tori does live on stage! Amazing!

The Freak Flag Still Flies on Planet Tori.......2006-08-15

To Venus and Back is, even in the Tori canon, a unique record. Originally planned as a live album, it unexpectedly grew a full-length studio record in the process; as far as I know, it's the only example of such a division in the history of (relatively) mainstream rock music (well, my roommate just informed me that Neil Young did a similar thing called Journey Through the Past, but that was a single album that was a side of each, and I think it's out of print). Aside from the bracketed example, bands often record a few new studio cuts to sweeten up their live offerings, but this one is truly different. The difference is Tori herself, of course; she never does anything by any method but her own, and surely that counts for something.
The studio half of To Venus and Back picks up where '98's From the Choirgirl Hotel left off, with the synthesisers, drum machines and 'treated' vocals that were so prevelent on that record still very much in evidence, adding elements of spice and artificial glitter to Tori's usually very organic songs. Like its predecessor, Venus achieves a fair balance between these supposed opposites; the synth, fake drums and other sound effects are used quite effectively, merely providing adornments that enhance songs that are strong enough to stand up without them. Many acts, if you take away their computers and 'backing' tracks, they have no legs to stand on; these days, we'd barely have a music scene if all the computers crashed! With Tori, this is not so: 'Bliss,' the song that opens the studio half (and was its second single), is an excellent example. It stands on its weird, provocative, whatever-you-think-they-mean lyrics and its basic hook; the next song, 'Juarez,' however, does depend a bit more for its haunting effectiveness on technology. Oh well, they can't all be perfect for the stage, and perhaps some songs just aren't meant to be played live (ask the Beatles about this, why don't ya?). It works well on record. 'Concertina,' the third single, is a sweet little song; perhaps that's all there is to say about it- besides this: read the words. There's more going on here than meets the ear.
'Glory of the '80s,' the last single (I think; I might have the order slightly wrong), is a delightful, danceable piece of autobiography: Tori actually was in a commercial with Raquel Welch at the nadir of her professional existence; that lady actually told her to 'tone it down' when Tori's natural magnetism and energy inevitably threatened to upstage her. It's an excellent evocation of the plastic paradise that was Ell-Lay circa 1980-whatever; you can almost hear the endless phonies sipping wine-coolers and sniffing coke with C-notes in the background. 'Lust' follows (doesn't it always?), with the good, old Bosendorfer a bit higher in the mix than is typical on this record, and to good effect; it sounds like water dripping onto parched, needy ground, and her voice is honey sultrily satisfying a deadly sweet tooth. Sorry; just can't devise a better metaphor right now; this record makes it hard to think. . .
'Suede' is next, another slow-burner that plays like an Eastern mantra that, if repeated enough, will surely lead to enlightenment. One of the album's best new tracks, 'Josephine,' follows; it's a bit of historical balladry set to a martial rhythm, from the point of view of Napoleon on the battlefield, still thinking of his distant love. Aside from 'Bliss' and 'Glory of the '80s,' it may be the best song here. Perhaps the oddest title comes next: 'Riot Poof.' This one is quite difficult to describe. It has the tang of good funk to it, as well as more weird lyrics that one would be hard pressed to define in a sound-bite or less, so I give up. Now we come to 'Datura,' perhaps the most danceable and remixable tune on this, Tori's most danceable overall record. The lyrics evoke William Burroughs during his cut-up phase, and like the song's coda, where she says again and again, 'dividing Canaan,' are abstractly provocative, the sort of thing you can sit and devise a kaleidoscopic plethora of meanings for. I must say, doing that is one of the great pleasures of Tori's work, but it's perhaps fortunate that her lyrics are not the foundation of any major religions (yet). If they were, there would already be a thousand denominations squabbling over their meaning.
'Spring Haze' is up next. It sounds like a meditation on the difficulty of interpreting spiritual matters, and an expression of frustration with the inevitable vagueness of any definitions we might devise. Of course, I could be wrong. . .
'1,000 Oceans' finishes off the studio material; it's the most 'organic' sounding song on the record, depending upon nothing more than voice and piano. The percussion and sound effects are no more than light seasoning on this lovely song, a ballad concerning love at long distance, a topic anyone who tours for a living must become quite intimate with. It's an ideal conclusion for a record that most artists would surely be content to end here.
But not our Tori. Put in the second disc, and immediately the very organic rhythm of a real drum kit pounds away, followed by an equally percussive, very familiar piano riff. Why, it's 'Precious Things!' Of course; how better to begin her first full-length, official live record? It's a song all of us old-school Toriphiles hold close to our hearts. Next up is 'Cruel,' a song that would've been new on the tour here represented (I, however, am listening to 'Winter' next, having devised an augmented mix of the album including the various live b-sides from the singles, all of which you can pick up here on amazon, I believe). It stands up nicely to the live treatment, burning as brightly as on the original record, if not more so. Next up is a bit of Under the Pink, with the classic single 'Cornflake Girl' and the lovely 'Bells for Her,' then 'Girl' from Little Earthquakes, a lesser-known gem that deserves more of the spotlight. Then, increasing the obscurity factor, Tori plays 'Cooling,' the U.S. b-side of 'Spark.' Mr. Zebra,' a whimsical little thing from Boys for Pele follows that and is itself succeeded by further relative obscurities: 'Cloud On My Tongue,' from Pink, and 'Sugar,' a cult-favourite b-side from the Earthquakes-era. One of the benefits, I figure, of being a major 'cult artist' rather than a conventional rock star with a more mainstream following is the ability to basically play whatever you want live. Not having a standard string of 'hits' on the radio and MTV, but rather having a devoted following who are familiar with even the most obscure of your songs and respond to them all with enthusiasm puts both Tori and her loving cult in an enviable position. She doesn't have to do certain songs every night until she cannot stand them, and we get more diverse shows and live recordings. As her live bootleg set from the Beekeeper/Original Sensuality/Summer of Sin tours prove, aside from maybe two or three songs from the new record, each show is different; you can see her on any three nights and get a very different set each time. What more do you want?
At any rate, Little Earthquakes is the next number on this wonderful record, building up to an excellent triple encore of 'Space Dog' and 'Waitress' from Under the Pink, and finally a great b-side from the UK single for 'Spark,' 'Purple People.' All-in-all, a great show, whether augmented by the extra tracks I'm listening to or not. Special mention goes out to her band from that time, Drummer Matt Chamberlain, Bassist Jon Evans and Guitarist Steve Caton in particular. They not only complimented Tori's piano on these songs, they were full participants in the music on this aptly titled 'Plugged In' tour, making this one of the truly great live albums in Rock's long illustrious history.
Tori Amos made history in 1999 by making not only one of the great studio records of the time, but also this wonderful live one, and all in the same album. Neil Young notwithstanding, this has not been done before or since; it may never be done again. And though Tori would return to a more organic style on her next original full-length record, Scarlet's Walk (after finally pushing the high-tech production a bit too far on her 2001 covers album, Strange Little Girls), her foray into synth, drum machines, extended remixes and treated vocals, beginning with parts of '96's Boys for Pele and ending with the afforementioned covers record was as interesting, as strange and as authentic as she is. To Venus is perhaps its ultimate successful expression, but the second part serves as a reminder that while it's fun and rewarding to go to Venus once in a while, we must eventually come back down to our beautiful Earth.

"I'm stepping in to your space oddity...".......2006-04-22

To Venus and Back is Tori Amos's most daring and complexed work to date. I got this album because i was crazy for the songs Bliss and 1000 Oceans. I quickly began to love every song on the record, and the live record is lovely as well. The songs I love live is the gorgeous Cooling, Bells for her, Cloud on my tongue, Space Dog, and Sugar. The studio album has 11 songs, Bliss is the opening track:"Is that what i taste, your supernova juice? you know it's true I'm part of you." Juarez has great music and interesting lyrics:"And the desert she must be blessed and no angel came..." Concertina is subtle and flows great:"I run into your thought from across the room..." The most uptempo song is Glory of the '80s:"Silicone party barbies to the left and Joan of Arcs to the right, no one feeling insecure, we were all gorge and famous in our last lives." Lust has the best piano music I have ever heard:"Is he real or a ghost lie, she feels she isn't heard, and a veil tears and rages til her voices are remembered and his secrets can be told." Suede has a fabulous chorus:"Call me evil, call me tide is on your side anything that you want..." Josephine is just too short because it's the best song on the record:"From here you're haunting me, by the siene so beautiful only not to be of use, impossible..." Riot Poof took me awhile to warm up to this song but now i love it:"It will all find it's way, it's way in time, blossom riot poof..." Dautra is the most weirdest song but has a gentle chorus:"And not need more blood from the tip of your star?" Spring Haze is about learning to stand on your own in a doomed relationship:"And my only way out is to go so far in." And the last song 1000 Oceans is her best song since Silent all these years, great love song:"I can't believe that i would keep, keep you from flying, so i will cry a 1000 more if that's what it takes to sail you home." To Venus and Back is Tori's most under-rated album so don't not keep this record on the shelf for one more day.

Velvet Goldmine: A film by Todd Haynes: Music From The Original Motion Picture

Average customer rating:

A Cosmic Aural Orgasm!
a wondrous album
The best soundtrack album EVER - even if Bowie wasn't involved
Wow! I mean just wow!
Very uneven

Velvet Goldmine: A film by Todd Haynes: Music From The Original Motion Picture
Carter Burwell , Brian Eno , Shudder to Think , Placebo , The Venus in Fur , Wylde Ratttz , Grant Lee Buffalo , Pulp , Roxy Music , and Teenage Fanclub & Donna Matthews
Manufacturer: Fontana London
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Release Date: 1998-11-03

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Satelite Of Love - Lou Reed
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Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) - Steve Harley

Amazon.com essential recording

Director Todd Haynes's celebration of the sex, drugs, and rock & roll of the British glam era of the early '70s, Velvet Goldmine, would be nothing without the music that inspired it. A few unusual absentees (no Bowie, Iggy Pop, or New York Dolls?), but folks such as Brian Eno, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, and T-Rex are represented. Several covers from the glam era are performed without much deviation by two supergroups: the Venus in Furs, featuring members of England's elite--Bernard Butler, and Thom Yorke of Radiohead; and Wylde Ratz, featuring Mark Arm of Mudhoney, Ron Asheton of the original Stooges, and Thurston Moore and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth. Strongest are the originals submitted to the film: Shudder to Think tame their own experimental excesses to put forth two glam-worthy originals with "Hot One" and "Ballad of Maxwell Demon." Pulp deliver "We Are the Boys," which runs amuck with the dramatic stagepower of the finest glam. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

A Cosmic Aural Orgasm!.......2007-04-17

I fell in love with Velvet Goldmine the very first time I saw it - in large part thanks to this soundtrack. But when you look at the roster of names involved with this project - Michael Stipe, Brian Eno, Thurston Moore, Placebo, Thom Yorke of Radiohead - it should come as no surprise -greatness begets greatness!

There are really no weak songs on this soundtrack. Needle in the Camel's Eye is simply infectious - this song - which opens the movie - was as subtle as a slap in the face and immediately grabbed my attention. The closing song - Steve Harley's Make Me Smile - conveys the sheer joy and passion music can provide. And all of the songs in between are even better.

We are treated to some of the biggest names from the era including Roxy Music (the exuberance of Virginia Plain), T-Rex (a dreamy Diamond Meadows) and the genius that is Lou Reed (Satellite Of Love) - a song that even my six year old niece adores singing. She knows this whole soundtrack by heart!

I grew up listening to Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground, Iggy and the Stooges and Bowie thanks to my older cousins. But I might have never listened to Roxy Music or T-Rex if it wasn't for this album. If you like the songs on this album - you'll probably love a lot of their music.

However, in my opinion, the two best songs on this album - hands down - are Ladytron - performed by The Venus in Furs - a sort of supergroup fronted by Thom Yorke and 20th Century Boy - covered by the brilliant juggernaut that is Placebo.

Ladytron is just a gorgeous number - a swoony almost psychedlic tune and Thom Yorke's voice is incredible as always as he sings - I use you, and I confuse you...

As for 20th Century Boy - this song isn't just the highlight of the soundtrack - it's also one of the highlights of the whole movie. Brian Molko's stage presence is phenomenal and whether you are listening to this song on CD or watching him perform it live in the movie - he sells this song completely with a sexy swagger to his singing.

Molko has frequently been called a ladyboy - and he possesses a physique that can only be described as petite - but believe me - listen to him perform this song once - watch him live in the movie - this ladyboy has got more cajones than most singers twice his size! And if you like this song - you should definitely check out the rest of Placebo's music. They are one of the most under appreciated and under rated bands in the world today.

Rounding out the soundtrack, Ewan McGregor channels Iggy Pop in T.V. Eye, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers proves that being a world class wanker doesn't prevent him from also being a fantastic singer. Rhys Meyers has a lovely voice and range which he utilizes briliantly in the songs Tumbling Down and Baby's On Fire.

The rest of the songs including Hot One, Ballad of Maxwell Demon, The Whole Shebang, 2HB, Personality Crisis, Bitter-Sweet, and We Are The Boys by Pulp are all solid numbers, sonically capturing the whole mood of that era in music. As I said, there are really NO weak songs on this soundtrack.

The only thing I was disappointed about was that they left out a couple other really good songs - Rhys Meyers lovely rendition of Sebastian - which is a shame - because he sings it beautifully - and Gary Glitter's uber cheezy/sleazy number Do You Wanna Touch Me?

This album is definitely worth every cent and it's one you will never grow tired of listening too. A must have for any person who has a genuine passion and appreciation for good music!

a wondrous album.......2006-08-20

this is the soundtrack that led me into the wonderful world of glam rock! it is outstanding and i could just play it again and again.... it is certainly one of the most brilliant albums out there and probably my favourite soundtrack of all time.

The best soundtrack album EVER - even if Bowie wasn't involved.......2006-08-12

Simply, this is the BEST soundtrack CD ever recorded, bar none, hands down, no contest. Why? On first...or millionth...listen, the entire album captures the film, the world, the era, the style, and the sound expertly, effortlessly - but it's not just an empty gesture or a slick impersonation, VG amplifies and expands the authentic glam vision to create something somehow more glam, deeper, more intense, more addictive, sexy, heartbreaking, uplifting, even dangerous - once you see the movie, and once you hear these songs, you'll play them over & over, come back to them year after year, and they'll become the fabric of your own life - or your imagined life, past, present, future, or even a fond, faded memory of what never was. The most jaw-dropping achievement of the album, aside from impeccable taste (Eno, Roxy Music, Lou Reed, T Rex, anyone?) is that since Todd Haynes didn't get permission from Bowie to use his own music, he went out and recruited the coolest rock icons and upstars to create songs that amazingly feel like they are long-lost nuggets circa 72/73, but were really made in 99 - it's not just playing dress up, it's redefining a whole musical and cultural era. This is Haynes' BEST film, and this is the BEST soundtrack. Sadly, as usual, the movie was a flop upon its original theatrical release - I recall going to see if on a rainy Saturday matinee on its first-weekend release, and there were only two people in the theater, me and the usher. No matter, this album is a real achievement, never to be repeated again, so savor it now.

Wow! I mean just wow!.......2005-12-18

Even if you don't want to watch the movie (and why wouldn't you) you have to buy this soundtrack. This is the soundtrack that proves that other soundtracks are merely prepackaged garbage. No soundtrack so captures an era and a mood as completely as this one (ok there's also the 24 Hour Party People soundtrack but that's IT!)

These songs are riveting, amazing, great. Twentieth Century Boy is worth the price alone. I want to find every version of this song (I heard a version in the Truman Show as well - a 50s rockabilly version) and play them on repeat. The movie did such a great job of capturing the 70s versions of Bowie and Iggy Pop, it'd almost be blasphemous for the soundtrack to fizzle. It doesn't fizzle. This is the CD that you wish Bowie would have put out (he's done great songs but he's also done mediocre ones) and this is the CD that you can play loud and play on repeat.

There's really not much more to say about it but the gushing joy of a fan.

Very uneven.......2005-10-16

I got this cd becasue one i am a fan of glam rock, it was a good price and i am a fan or radioehead. How can you have soundtrack that is about the glam rock scene of the 70s and not include bowie. All of the covers are not nearly as good as the originals. The only good songs are Virgina Plain and Satelite of Love and Camel in the eye but those are the original songs and i have those songs allready. The songs of Venus and Furs dispointed me it seem Thom was trying to sound like Bryan Ferry on them it would have been better if he just used his own voice. If you want a good glam rock soundtrack may i suggest Hedwig and The Angry inch most of the songs are sung by one singer who has a better voice then most of the rock singers out today. That soundtrack acutally does not sound like a soundtrack which i think is best i am not a big fan of various artist cds. I ended up selling it for more then i paid for it.

Average customer rating:

Recommended for Corvus Corax fans
Big, Loud, Acrobatic, Silly, Black Birds: You'll want to dance around too!
severely underrated
Corvus Corax: It's Not Just for Germans Anymore...

Venus Vina Musica
Corvus Corax
Manufacturer: Dancing Ferret
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Best Of Corvus Corax
Renaissance
Gaudia Vite Live
Signum
Illuminate

ASIN: B000FP2IWS
Release Date: 2007-07-16

Tracks:

Anti Dolores Capitis
Venus Vina Musica
Urmawi
Tuska
Qui Nous Demaine
Bibit Aleum
Katrinka
Tertio
Feralis Saltare
Sanyogita
Scotus
Lamentatio Coelibatus

Album Description

Following their debut US concerts in 2005, Corvus Corax has been popping up on US magazine covers, TV shows, movie soundtracks and more. With the release of "Venus Vina Musica," 2006 promises more of the US falling sway to the mesmerizing tribal medieval rock style of this eight piece band of German minstrels.

If you're thinking of chamber music from old guys in suits, think again! An abundance of attitude accompanies a plenitude of pipes and a plethora of percussion. Hand-made, historically researched instruments and authentic medieval songs are invigorated with an aggressive performance style that brings people to their feet and keeps them there.

"Venus Vina Musica" features 12 brand new songs in the trademark tribal-medieval style of Corvus Corax.

Customer Reviews:

Recommended for Corvus Corax fans.......2007-01-04

This is a good album for Corvus Corax fans. It has a nice mixture of serene ballads, male chorus, driving drum beats, wailing bagpipes, and manic energy. The other CD I have of their "Best of.." which, obviously I liked enough to get another. They do a great job of bringing medieval music to life. Really good for keeping a pace while exercising. Other groups I like are Estampie, Qntal, Flook, Kings Singers.

Big, Loud, Acrobatic, Silly, Black Birds: You'll want to dance around too!.......2006-10-08

About the Band:
Corvus Corax, whos name means raven, is a German medieval ensemble of seven formed in the late 1980s and true to their namesake, which are known for their loud and deep caw and elaborate mating acrobatics, the band is known for its live performances of loud, emotional, and powerful street music! Band members are skilled experts in a variety of dated instruments, including: various bagpipes (yes, there are actually numerous different types), various shawms, bells, assorted drums, the ceng-cengs and other cymbals, the cittern (an old stringed instrument), the ever lovable fiddle, the gangu or "dragon drum" used for talking to the dead, the krack krack (a Moroccan instrument), etc. I'd be remiss if I didn't add that some of the tracks also feature the oldest instrument of all - the human voice. I think you get the idea ... basically they take various instruments from around the world that predate the institutionalization of music, and create emotional and energetic music designed for common people.

About the Album:
Venus Vina Musica follows in the footsteps of their Best of Corvus Corax album, which was major success after being released in the United States in April 2005. If you've not listened to their Best of album, please check out that item as well. Venus Vina Musica could easily be a best of album in its own right. Featuring 52 minutes of 12 full-length tracks, the album is everything we have come to expect from Corvus Corax and more. What is nice is that two guest musicians join our crazy ravens, including Oliver Sa Tyr of Faun who plays a Celtic Harp and Jordon Finus as another bagpipe player. I personally enjoyed the tracks that also featured vocals.

I bought this album without listening to it, solely based on other songs I've come to love from them, and they've continued to show musical growth with this latest release. Unfortunately you can not currently sample the tracks on Venus Vina Musica here on amazon, but you can try visiting their homepage (corvuscorax.de) to listen to samples - though their page requires flash and is slow on my dialup, it is so worth visiting in its own right - they explain in English all of their instruments.

Recommended Tracks:
- Lamentatio Coelibatus
- Qui Nous Demaine (which features a Celtic Harp)
- Bibit Aleum
- Katrinka (the fiddle piece)
- Scotus

I'll add that if you enjoy percussive world music, such as what is offered on this album, then you actually might also enjoy Bear McCreary's Battlestar Galactica soundtracks which also incorporate similar elements (though produced in a studio, whereas Corvus Corax are best experienced live). Also if you happen to really enjoy medieval music and be in Germany, then buy any "Miroque" compilation you might find. Mittelalter musik is thriving in Germany, but like the period it hails to, it tends to focus on local artists whom are not as prolific and hence there is plenty of amazing music that tends to be a bit harder to find.

Similar Artists:
- Schelmish
- Faun
- Estampie
- In Extremo
- Qntal
- Irfan
- Vas
- Moon Far Away (you'll probably have to order this Russian band from their French label Prikosnovenie)

severely underrated.......2006-08-23

oh my f@#%^ing God!!!!!
On that note, this German based band only gets better with time. It was definitely a refreshing experience to hear their earlier work when I did, as there are not many bands trying to break into the mainstream with this bands' unique style. However, Corvus Corax are not so ambigious as to dismay the innocent on-looker. This is truly a masterpiece that any music lover would enjoy to behold.
To describe them consicely--- Latin chanting mixed with Scottish bagpipes and heavy Egyptian drumming. Scared yet??? Don't be. This is one hell of a breathtaking album, to say the least.
High power, meditative, catchy, carefully arranged; i haven't heard anything this good since Karl Sanders from NIle put out his solo album.
Excellent, excellent album all around.

,

Corvus Corax: It's Not Just for Germans Anymore..........2006-07-18

I just tonight realized by visiting their website that Corvus Corax had released a new album; after screaming out loud and hyperventilating for several minutes, I collected my wits and rushed here to Amazon.com, and, lo and behold, I COULD BUY IT HERE! And not pay $18 shipping from Amazon.de!

I then proceeded to scream and hyperventilate further. And buy the new album.

I'm listening to the high-quality sound samples from their new album on their own website right now, and it's everything I hoped it would be. I discovered Corvus Corax, what is often described as a "German Medieval band", last year, on the eve of their debut US appearance at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival. I happened to be looking up reference photos for ravens ("Corvus Corax" is the latin name for the common raven) and came across their website instead. I listened to the sound samples I found there, fell madly in love with the music, and since then I've willingly paid an arm and a leg to have seven of their albums shipped across the Atlantic to me here in the US. I even had to buy one twice, because I played, transported, jostled and scratched it so much it became unreadable by my CD player.

If you're new to Corvus Corax and wondering what their music is like, the best I can do for you is to direct you to their own website, corvuscorax.de, where they have wonderful sound samples from all of their albums. The next best thing I can do for you is to suggest that their music is something like you might expect to hear on the soundtrack of a movie like...well, any movie that would take place in medieval Germany (not surprisingly, I suppose, no such movies spring readily to mind). Call it ethnic, call it tribal, call it medieval...just don't call it ordinary.

I haven't been able to find any comparable German bands that tickle my fancy like Corvus Corax does; the closes thing to them that I like are the Scandinavian bands Hedningarna and Garmarna, although Corvus Corax uses a lot of bagpipes, which you don't hear in either Hedningarna or Garmarna.

As their website indicates, this album seems to take a bit of a different tact than their previous efforts: the instrumentation and overall flavor of the music seems more worldly, or at least less eurocentric and with more of an eastern flavor. Veteran fans won't be disappointed, and the uninitiated should find this album as appropriate a place as any other to begin their voyage into the world of Corvus Corax.

Average customer rating:

A true musical artist!
Overproduced
Eric Johnson-Venus Isle
good from start to finish
Bought as a gift.

Venus Isle
Eric Johnson
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock Guitarists | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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Ah Via Musicom
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ASIN: B000002V0F
Release Date: 1996-09-03

Tracks:

Venus Isle
Battle We Have Won
All About You
S. R. V.
Lonely in the Night
Manhattan
Camel's Night Out
Song for Lynette
When the Sun Meets the Sky
Pavilion
Venus Reprise

Customer Reviews:

A true musical artist!.......2007-04-08

First things first,I enjoy Eric's guitar playing,I do not like his singing,I do skip over his songs and play just the instrumentals.I don't think he can sing and should play the guitar only!I do enjoy listening Venus Isle almost as much as Ah,Via Musicom!

Overproduced.......2007-03-17

Mr. Johnson is one of the great guitar technicians today with the best ("100 lb violin") tone combining blues, jazz, rock, and an ocassional ballad.

I am sorry to disagree with many of the well thought-out positive reviews but this thing was in the oven way too long and simply overproduced.

Everything else he has recorded is 5 stars+. If you get a chance to see him play live, get there whatever you do!

Eric Johnson-Venus Isle.......2006-11-10

This is a great Eric Johnson album. I enjoy every track on it and highly recommend it. I personally prefer it when he isn't doing vocals, but I also like the tracks where he does sing. "Manhattan" and "SRV" were reason enough for me to buy this album, and I was happy to find some more great music by this man. 5 stars. Give it a try.

good from start to finish.......2006-07-10

I picked this up in a remainder bin (!) - to me, always the ultimate insult to an artist - and it has become my favourite Eric Johnson cd. It seems to be a continuing tale, spun musically throughout the disc, and other than my perennial quibble with Eric (I can't understand you!), vocally and instrumentally it is a virtual gem. I am presently labouring under the delusion that, someday, I will be able to play a recognizable cover of "Manhattan" (I've said in the past that I'm not a fan of covers, but this is only for my own consumption), a smooth, jazzy piece halfway into the cd. Eric exercises his pipes on three memorable, melodic songs; "Battles We Have Won", "All About You", and "Lonely In The Night", the last in which he exhibits nice range. In "Song For Lynette", he breaks away from his lightning-fast guitar and spins a soft-as-a-flowing-creek piano turn, a nice surprise. "S.R.V.", "Camel's Night Out", and "Venus Isle" - "Venus Reprise" take care of the fast licks. All in all, really my best choice of Eric Johnson's work.

Bought as a gift........2006-07-09

This was a bought as a gift to someone else so I really can't say much about it.

Average customer rating:

venusfan
A Little Weirder than Expected
Venus Hum does it again!
Too much layered sonic junk, not enough Annette
Mood perpetuates mood

The Colors in the Wheel
Venus Hum
Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Big Beautiful Sky
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ASIN: B000G7PNK4
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

Turn Me Around
Untitled
Yes And No
Untitled
Birds And Fishes
Do You Want To Fight Me?
Genevieve's Wheel
You Break Me Down
Untitled
Surgery In The Sky
Pink Champagne
72 Degrees
Untitled
Go To Sleep

Customer Reviews:

venusfan.......2007-02-22

I was a little worried after reading some of the other customer reviews of this album. I bought it and after listening several times, I am not disappointed. I did think songs 12 and 14 are weaker than the others. I get a little bored listening to them; the lyrics are repetative. Pink Champaigne is my favorite. I am a fan of experimental electronic music. This album incorporates multi-dimensional sounds with upbeat rhythms and Annette's voice is lovely. I am a huge fan of this band and they have not let me down yet. I am excited to see what they produce in the future.

A Little Weirder than Expected.......2007-01-10

We loved Venus Hum's previous albums. In this one, there's a few good songs, but the group got very experimental--to the extent that some of the songs are downright annoying. The vocals, however, are never annoying.

Venus Hum does it again!.......2007-01-09

I was a huge fan of Big Beautiful Sky, so I was excited to listen to this CD when I finally got it. In my opinion, The Colors In The Wheel is even better than Venus Hum's first CD!

While the "Untitled" songs are rather annoying, the real songs are fantastic. My favorites are "Do You Want To Fight Me" and "Yes And No", but really, it's hard to pick a favorite. All of the songs on this cd are so good.

Venus Hum's music is soothing, energizing, beautiful, and poetic all at the same time. Listen to the samples, and if you like them, you'll like listening to the real thing even more.

Too much layered sonic junk, not enough Annette.......2006-11-17

I really love Big Beautiful Sky and Songs for Superheroes, but this album really misses in the production department, and fails to draw the listener in. It's hard to listen to - challenging - almost tiring to consume. I couldn't figure it out until recently, and now it's obvious. It's all the extra sonic junk in the mixes, that aren't rhythmically or harmonically useful. There are just oodles of bleeps and bloops and filtered swooshes that are layered on every song, and they really detract from the groove and melody, burying Annette's vocals and making for basically a confusing electronic art-music experiment rather than a professional CD. I would totally buy a remix of this CD that simply omitted all the sonic junk and put the vocals front and center as found in the prior 2 CD's.

Note that this has nothing at all to do with the songwriting or performance quality - it's just a production botch that could be fixed in a single day. As it is I can't stand to listen to the songs because there's just too much crud going on.

Mood perpetuates mood.......2006-10-21

For their third full-length album, Venus Hum change their sound a bit. Rather than effervescent synthy pop, they try out a dreamier, "Colours in the Wheel" embraces a dreamy, swirling brand of electronica -- think Flaming Lips by way of Aphex Twin, with Imogen Heap doing the vocals.

The change is pretty obvious with the first song. "Mood perpetuates mood... tears perpetuate tears/one lie touches the other find..." Annette Strean croons softly over a guitar ballad, which is woven through with thin ribbons of synth. After a brief, surreal interlude, we're off into the album full-force.

Harder electronic songs have their presence -- the sultry, semisexual "Yes and No" with its urgent beats ("My no means no/my yes means yes..."), and the sinuous, ominous electroglitch dancepop of "Do You Want to Fight Me?" These are flanked by brief noodling interludes, and a few softer, sweeter little pop songs.

That changes with the exquisite "Genevieve's Wheel," where Strean murmurs over sparkling, soft-edged electronica about "all the colours in the wheel/the wheel, the wheel." At the halfway point, the album becomes experimental, without losing the catchy edge, up until the synth-lullaby finale, "Go To Sleep."

Venus Hum tries for an edgier sound in "Colours of the Wheel," and most of the time that's exactly what they get. Okay, "Pink Champagne" lumbers where the other songs dance, and the interludes aren't really necessary. But the majority of these songs are effervescent and creative, with a wider range than Venus Hum displayed before.

Their main instrument is keyboard, which Kip Kubin and Tony Miracle twist into every imaginable kind of sound -- sometimes soft and mellow, sometimes swirling and sparkling, and sometimes in sharp electronic jabs reminiscent of their last album. There's also a spattering of more down-to-earth instrumentation, such as the acoustic guitar in the opening song.

Annette Strean apparently developed vocal nodes a few years back, but her voice sounds just as good as ever -- strong and flexible, sort of like Imogen Heap's spacier little sister. The lyrics tend to be a bit on the simple side, with lines often repeated, but in Strean's voice they sound quite good.

Venus Hum have some uneven spots in "Colours in the Wheel," but the darker, more experimental, still entrancing music is definitely worth getting your hands on.

(Thank you, Rebecca!)

Average customer rating:

Big Beautiful Voice
SLIGHTLY QUIRKY, COMPLETELY BEAUTIFUL
One of the must-have albums of this century
Fill me up with sound
Somewhat Disappointed

Big Beautiful Sky
Venus Hum
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

Alternative Dance | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008QSCG
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Tracks:

Hummingbirds
Montana
Soul Sloshing
Wordless May
Alice
Lumberjacks
Beautiful Spain
The Bells
Springtime #2
Honey
Sonic Boom
Bella Luna

Customer Reviews:

Big Beautiful Voice.......2006-06-04

I first heard Venus Hum on radioparadise.com, which has been a source of good music for me lately.

The singer has a great voice and very appealing attitude. You really should see their "Hummingbirds" video. She is awesome in it.

If you like singers like Cranberries, Vienna Teng you will definetely like this CD.

SLIGHTLY QUIRKY, COMPLETELY BEAUTIFUL.......2005-12-18

This is such a great album. Amazing vocalist, unusual yet very appealing voice. Very recognizable as well, I believe. I think that I have heard her vocals on a number of other non-Venus Hum songs, such as "Southern Sun" on Paul Oakenfold's album Bunkka (Am I right? I don't have the physical CD or insert/sleeve for Bunkka, I downloaded it from iTunes) The music on this album, Big Beautiful Sky, is itself equally dynamic and fantastic - also unusual, but accessible. The result? Perfectly matched vocals and music.

I have had this album for some time now, a few years maybe, and love to listen to it fairly regularly. The front half of the album is my favorite - Hummingbirds, Montana, Soul Sloshing, Lumberjacks and Beautiful Spain are my favorite tracks on this album, particularly Soul Sloshing - such a funky, odd, feel-great track. This CD is worth its bargain price for that one track alone. The rest of the album is great as well, a little more downtempo than the first half, but I find myself routinely gravitating to the songs listed above and tend to have those on repeat more often than those bringing up the rear.

Give this one a listen, then pick it up. Also check out their EP Songs for Superheroes, which is equally fantastic. I look forward to listening to, and purchasing, all of Venus Hum's future efforts.

One of the must-have albums of this century.......2005-09-16

Absolutely stunning! If you like ethereal female singers with really good near-operatic voices like Kate Bush, Lana Lane, Tarja Turunen of Nighwish... although my list might confuse you 'cause this is not pop-metal but rather trip-hop-dance-pop. Anyway, comparisons to Bjork are not very good, IMHO - this is not Bjork, not at all! - this stuff is really much more accessible and enjoyable.

Anyway, getting on with the review. What is amazing here is that almost every song (with only 1-2 exceptions) is really really good and very professionally produced. Hooks abound! Jumping, throbbing, trip-hoppy comtemporary dance-pop with simple lyrics which is ultimately hundred-percent redeemed by not only beautiful but oh so very sincere voice of Annette Strean.

Now for the songs. "Hummingbirds" was the first one I heard and it was simply love at first sight (no wonder that a snippet of it was used in a TV commercial). "Montana" is very good, although I liked some remixes of it more than the original. Then come "Soul Sloshing", "Beautiful Spain", "Wordless May" and "Bella Luna" - all first-class. Others are good but they are somewhat obscured by the hits - not to mention that some of them sound almost the same and this is something that guys from Venus Hum should think about when doing their next full-length record.

By the way, I am not sure why they have already released three EPs: "Hummingbirds" and new "Songs For Superheroes" and "Switched On Chrismas" but there is no new LP... what's up with that? some problems with their label, perhaps? Also, how on earth are people supposed to listen to these new songs if they are not even available anywhere? weird...

Anyway, as I said before, this is a record which is without any doubt, $15-worthy... I want to come up with a better sounding (or looking) term but am stumped for now. Go and buy it now!

Fill me up with sound.......2005-09-16

Good music is like a good book in that it has the power to sweep you away to another place. When I listen to Venus Hum I'm taken back to a place of innocence, happiness, sunshine, and unconcern. There is music I listen to when I want to be pouty, or angry, or serine; but I listen to this album when I want to feel joyful and lighthearted.

Yes, this album does have a spiritual undertone and she does mention Jesus in a song; being a not-so-religious person, this is a slight antipathy. However, I respect other people's beliefs and think it is beautiful when they can express them in a non-preachy way with alluring music; and Venus Hum does just that. In fact, the song that mentions Jesus, `Wordless May', is one of my favorite tracks. It's just a beautiful song.

Annette has such an amazing voice. She has passion mixed with innocence in her voice. The music just swirls into your ears and after a while you can't get it out of your head. You'll find yourself throughout the day humming the melody.

I actually just happened to come across them here on Amazon, and I'm very happy I did.

Somewhat Disappointed.......2005-09-04

Like a lot of people, I first heard of Venus Hum when Annette Strean (Venus Hum's lead singer) sang "Feel so good" on the Blue man group's "Complex rock tour" (a gread DVD). They announced her as Venus Hum. She rocked the house down and was the highlight of the show. So I figured that was the kind of music Venus Hum played. It's not. They're more like Techno-pop or something.
The first few songs are kind of catchy, hence the 2 stars; but it drops off quickly after that. Guess I should have listed to the short audio clips on Amazon first.

Average customer rating:

Here Is Another Robyn Hitchcock Record
Best Hitchcock in Years
Great record
Surprisingly Weak Offering
Nice Surprise!

Olé! Tarantula
Robyn Hitchcock , and The Venus 3
Manufacturer: Yep Roc Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000HDRBBG
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Tracks:

Adventure Rocket Ship
Underground Sun
Museum Of Sex
Belltown Ramble
Ole! Tarantula
(A Man's Gotta Know His Limitations) Briggs
Red Locust Frenzy
'Cause It's Love (Saint Parallelogram)
The Authority Box
N.Y. Doll

Amazon.com

In 30 years of recording with the Soft Boys and solo-wise, Robyn Hitchcock's enduring brand of madcap mayhem has raced between English punk, acoustic folk and sonically lush pop. But by teaming with Seattle pals Pete Buck (REM) and Scott McCaughey (The Minus 5), Hitchcock has made a return to garage rock not heard since 1989's Queen Elvis. More than capable musicians, Buck and McCaughey are long-time fans of the legendary British songwriter—-whose droll lyrics and quirky melodies recall the late Syd Barrett—and they grasp the assignment with aplomb. Buck's indelible guitar instills a chiming luster to songs like "Underground Sun" and "Red Locust Frenzy," while McCaughey provides a random, finger-snapping piano to the delightful "Belltown Ramble," which finds Hitchcock serving as the clever hobnobbing tour guide of his favorite Emerald City neighborhood. As usual, a sharp cockney twang is Hitchcock's best instrument, carving up the scatty title song as aptly as his ode to San Francisco "(A Man's Gotta Know His Limitations) Briggs" or his salute to "NY Doll," late bassist Arthur Kane. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

Here Is Another Robyn Hitchcock Record.......2007-03-25

Three songs on "Ole! Tarantula" achieve near-greatness: the goofy/creepy title song, "(A Man's Gotta Know His Limitations) Briggs," and "N.Y. Doll." None of the other tracks really moved me--as another reviewer noted, they're standard-issue Robyn Hitchcock surealism. ("Museum Of Sex" is especially disappointing, given the vast Hitchcockian potential implicit in the title--unfortunately, the song's just one more throwaway ramble about tomatoes and metaphysics.)

As a longtime fan (I first saw Robyn perform when I was in college in 1985) I think it's great that Robyn has steadily recorded and released new material for all this time. It's just a bit frustrating to consider his output since about 1990--the intermittent moments of brilliance on his records of the last fifteen years indicate that he's capable of creating another "Underwater Moonlight" if he'd just not settle for putting out product and focus a little harder on the songwriting.

Best Hitchcock in Years.......2007-02-22

This is by far the strongest overall album Robyn has done since the Egyptians, and compares pretty favorably with anything he's done, ever. While albums like "Moss Elixir" and "Jewels for Sofia" have a couple of absolute gems, they're in among weaker songs and arrangements, whereas my favorites here, "Authority Box", "Underground Sun", and "Museum of Sex", only stand out a bit from a very rich background. The Venus 3 come off as more of a real band than any of the groups that Robyn has recorded with since the Egyptians, and while I frankly prefered Andy Metcalfe's bass lines to those of Scott McCaughey, they're a well-balanced ensemble. This is my favorite record of the past 6 months. Strongly recommended.

Great record.......2007-02-16

Not much more to elaborate on here as the positive reviews below have said it nicely. The record is playful, yet serious, deep and light at the same time. The tunes are catchy but not cliche. A great record by a brilliant artist. Didnt give it 5 stars because i reserve that for very few records. Ole Indeed!

Surprisingly Weak Offering.......2007-01-25

I received this cd not having heard Hitchcock's latest recordings in some ten years. It's fair to say I was looking forward to catching up with the old master, but sadly I found these songs to be but a shadow of what Hitchcock once was.

Gone are the superb production values that rivaled the best output of Geoff Emerrick. Gone are the unique rhythms and changing tempos that made Hitchcock's music unpredictable. Gone are the forward vocals that made it seem as though Hitchcock himself would emerge from your radio. What we have is instead is a phantom, someone poorly masquerading as the heir of Barrett.

I hate to write negative reviews, but I found this to be a tired, flaccid recording... disheartening, really, especially in light of such masterpieces as Fegmania!, Element of Light, and Black Snake Diamond Roll.

Where should I start? Perhaps Hitchcock's artistic edge is blunted by the overuse of acoustic accompaniment, but then, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Hitchcock's signature writing style, one of surreal images and unique wordplay, has almost become cliche to even the casual listener. Put a fish or frog in the title, throw in some mathematical abstractions, and Bob's your uncle. Is it really so hard for Hitchcock to step out from behind his metaphors? Come on, Robyn, even your hero Dylan could write a straightforward love song once in a while.

That said, the most glaring and depressing aspect of this cd remains the fact that Hitchcock belts out these songs with a sloth-like enthusiasm that leaves one wondering if his passion for singing is gone.

Nice Surprise!.......2007-01-17

My husband heard this song on the radio and told me how much he liked it. I didn't want to have to go to the crowded stores since it was a Christmas gift. So, I looked up the name of the song/CD on Amazon, they had it, and I ordered it and it was delivered quickly and in good condition. My husband was completely surprised as he never thought I would remember the name, much less buy it for him! He loves it.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Venus And Mars
2. Rock Show
3. Love In Song
4. You Gave Me The Answer
5. Magneto And Titanium Man
6. Letting Go
7. Venus And Mars (Reprise)
8. Spirits Or Ancient Egypt
9. Medicine JAr
10. Call Me Back Again
11. Listen To What The Man Said
12. Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People
13. Crossroads
14. Zoo Gang (Bonus Track)
15. Lunch Box/Odd Sox (Bonus Track)
16. My Carnival (Bonus Track)