Truth

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
At first glance, the first group effort helmed by guitar god Jeff Beck upon his rocky departure from the Yardbirds has more than a few striking parallels with the debut of fellow ex-Yardbird Jimmy Page's Led Zeppelin. But the blues-rock of the Rod Stewart-fronted Jeff Beck Group's freshman effort far outshines Zep's riff and wail, infusing its guitar heaviness with subtle jazz and R&B shadings that foreshadow much of Beck's later work. Kicking off with a drastic, almost mournful rethink of the Yardbirds staple "Shapes of Things" and veering as far afield as Gershwin's "Ol' Man River," Truth was one of the late 1960s' most promising debuts. The laconic roadhouse booziness of "You Shook Me," the blues standard also covered with shrill abandon on Zeppelin's debut, best points up the stark differences between Beck and Page, making one wonder whether the '70s weren't dominated by the wrong supergroup. --Jerry McCulley

Tracks:

Say Too Much
Somebody
Get To The Bottom
You're Gonna Thank Me
Tell The Truth
Too Much Of Everything
Bringin' Home The Bacon
Freeway Soul
I Take What I Want
Sleep On It
Stare At The Sun
Shadow Of Doubt

Album Description

MOMENT OF TRUTH is a giant leap forward in his career. Capturing all the power and energy of his legendary live performances, the new CD is the most guitar-driven, aggressive studio recording he has ever made. His vocals reach new heights of soulfulness and expressiveness; his guitar playing is ferocious and relentless, but when the mood calls for it, gentle and moving. But what really sets the album apart is the depth of Ellis' songwriting. The material deals in matters both personal and universal and runs the gamut of human emotions. MOMENT OF TRUTH is Ellis' most wide-ranging and inspired recording.

Customer Reviews:

RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "TINSLEY'S BLUES GUITAR SLINGING, IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME!".......2007-07-12

You'll never know, how happy I am to write this review on Tinsley's new CD. Tinsley, has until now, in my opinion, been a juke joint, club level, blues southern rock performer. But his performance on this CD, is first class, and in my eyes, Tinsley has now moved to center stage! As "Shaq's, The King Of The World Blues Reviewer's" loyal fans, know, I have described Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Kings, unique string play, as "bending the strings", and I have called Buddy Guy's "snapping the strings". Well, Tinsley's string work on this CD, is so powerful, that on some songs, it sounds like he's got rocket engines attached to his guitar! I am officially christening, Tinsley's string sound as: "HEAVY STRING BLUES REVERBERATION!" A number of months ago, I was complimented by a Boston reviewer, because I didn't just give away 5 star ratings, like they were going out of style. So believe me, this is a 5 star rating. As Shaq always says: "You can't get the blues in 3-4 minutes!" This CD is loaded with two 6 minute plus songs, four 5 minute plus songs, and three 4 minute plus songs. Another area that gives me additional pleasure, is when an artist performs songs that he has written himself. It just gives the song a little more feeling and meaning to me. Tinsley has written 10 of the 12 songs on this masterpiece. Total running time 59 minutes. (NOTE TO AMAZON: I think it would be a valuable addition to your listings if you listed the lengths of the songs and CD.) In summary: I recommend this highly, and I hope for Tinsley's benefit, and mine, and all his new fans, that this CD is going to create, that he keeps releasing many more CD's of this quality, in the very near future. Welcome to center stage Tinsley!

MAY BE HIS BEST.......2007-07-12

Before this offering, I thought that STORM WARNING was Tinsley's best. I may change my mind. I will have to listen to this one more. It is certainly his loudest: listen to the samples. But loud does not mean better. Now someone like Walter Trout sounds great with his metal blues/rock sound, but, I think it hurts Ellis' style: his past music has a lot of softer parts, like EARLY IN THE MORNING. You feel that they are trying too hard to, maybe, get the younger listeners interested. What I mean is that Tinsley's style is not heavy metal. But I am not complaining. Every song is very good to excellent. The material is typical Tinsley Ellis: Robert Cray soul blues, blues, and rock. TELL THE TRUTH, I first heard on Jonny Lang's first record. Maybe Ellis is returing the favor for Jonny using his outstanding song, A QUITTER NEVER WINS, although I don't know if Ellis wrote TELL THE TRUTH. A couple of numbers I remember liking on this disc are, BRINGING HOME THE BACON, and YOU'RE GONNA THANK ME. SHADOW OF DOUBT is acoustic, and reminds me of Alan Wilson of Canned Heat. The audio quality is outstanding, although a little on the dead side. Tinsley's guitar playing is excellent but he seems to be rushing his notes. With some promotion, this release could put Tinsley into the big time.

Average customer rating:

Gospel Music for the rest of us -
Gospel Truth...it ain't no lie.
The whole truth and nothing but
The Gospel Truth
Made You Think!

The Gospel Truth
Susan Werner
Manufacturer: Sleeve Dog Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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The Calling
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ASIN: B000NJWTQQ
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Tracks:

why is your heaven so small
help somebody
forgiveness
did trouble me
sunday mornings
our father the new revised edition
lost my religion
don't explain it away
i will have my portion
probably not
together

Product Description

With 6 albums under her belt, an active touring career throughout the U.S. and a string of accolades from the likes of The Washington Post, The Village Voice and The New Yorker, Susan Werner has become one of the defining artists of the folk music genre. Her songs effortlessly slide between folk, jazz and pop, and are delivered with a sassy wit and classic mid-western charm. Her new album "The Gospel Truth" explores the role of the Church in contemporary American life. Quite possibly the first "agnostic gospel" album, her new songs speak in a wide variety of voices, from faithful and traditional to the critical and even the unconvinced.

Customer Reviews:

Gospel Music for the rest of us -.......2007-07-09

If you don't miss "That old time religion" but you do miss the music give this a listen!
Sunday Morning is particularly sweet.

Gospel Truth...it ain't no lie........2007-06-27

This CD is a real treat for anyone who wants creativity, honesty, thoughtfulness, originality and inspiration for their daily lives presented in tunes you can walk away singing. If thinking things through and living a right life are dear to you, you'll love this one. If you're not self-righteously judgmental and not afraid to look at yourself this CD can only delight you. Auburn Annie

The whole truth and nothing but.......2007-05-22

This is a great CD! Good vocals, good instrumentation, and great writing. Susan Werner takes on all comers - phony evangelists, exclusionary fundamentalism, and the boys club mentality of the Catholic Church. When she is not lambasting theocrats, she is expressing the contradiction and confusion experienced by those trying to make "sense" of spirituality and theological concerns. "our father" by itself is worth the price of the CD.

The Gospel Truth.......2007-05-16

Beautiful lady, smooth voice, good compositions. Commentary on religion, such as "How Can I Love One who Hates Me?" My family and my church choir members have just about worn out my copy and many have ordered their own.

Made You Think!.......2007-05-14

Susan uses the gospel style to explore her thoughts on religion. She reflects the experiences of many people her age. "You ask too many questions, dear. No, I think you ask too few." This is a dialogue from one of the songs, and gets at the root of discontent with traditional faith. Yet, the gospel style is so upbeat that you can't help but feel optimistic about the whole process.

Average customer rating:

The genuine positive proof
The Undisputed Truth - Bro Ali
Not really feelin it.
Wishing upon a star
Not Shadows, but Shadows....

The Undisputed Truth
Brother Ali
Manufacturer: Rhymesayers
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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A Tribute to Lisa Bonet

ASIN: B000NQR7QG
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Tracks:

WHATCHA GOT
LOOKIN AT ME SIDEWAYS
TRUTH IS
THE PUZZLE
PEDIGREE
DAYLIGHT
FREEDOM AINT FREE
LETTER FROM THE GOVERNMENT
HERE
LISTEN UP FEAT. WHIPPER WHIP
TAKE ME HOME
UNCLE SAM GODDAMN
WALKING AWAY
FAHEEM
EAR TO EAR

Album Description

In the year 2000, Brother Ali joined the Minneapolis powerhouse Rhymesayers Entertainment with a self-produced demo called "Rites of Passage". Three years later Ali took the underground by storm with an undeniable stage presence and his critically acclaimed debut full-length "Shadows On the Sun". The impact was unquestionable and that next year Ali solidified his place amongst the independent hip hop elite with the release of 2004's "The Champion" ep.

Like deja vu, here we are three years later and Ali is ready to take the world by storm with his latest creation. After struggling through a series of personal roadblocks, from parting ways with his wife of 10 years, becoming homeless and trying to secure custody of his only son...Brother Ali along with Atmosphere producer and Shadows & Champion collaborator Ant, present the long awaited sophomore full-length album "The Undisputed Truth". Personal, political and more powerful than ever, simply put, the truth is here.

Customer Reviews:

The genuine positive proof.......2007-06-22

As a greatful owner of every release by the man (misc. songs included), I could write an 80 page essay on what there is to love about Brother Ali, but I'll state it like this to save everyone's time: If you don't like Brother Ali, you don't have a soul.

This record just further carves out the path to, well, to the undisputed truth. Ali Boombiayyeeeeeee!!

The Undisputed Truth - Bro Ali.......2007-05-24

I was extremely impressed by the video and lyrics to Uncle Sam..., consequently I bought each CD. I returned all but The Undisputed Truth. Please keep in mind as you read this that I am a 51 year old woman and it is quite unusual for me to buy anything even resembling rap nowadays. I find Brother Ali refreshing and believe him to be a man with a strong social conciousness. I was not always impressed with the beats or rhythms in this CD...some sounded choppy to me... but I truly appreciated his lyrics.

Not really feelin it........2007-05-23

Brother Ali is a good lyricist. If you reminise back to Scribble Jam, it shows him battling pretty well. But him as an MC droppin an album, it doesn't fit him. I guess everybody has their own perspective taste in hip hop. He brings up good concepts but his rhythm attraction really lacks. His beats is just terrible. You don't have to have a phat beat to have a good song but I don't think anybody would sound good spitting to these beats. If you're that type looking for the deep ill rhythm blending in real soul instrumentals, this album is not for you. Rhymesayers is full of talented emcees but this one im not feeling. An emcee that I highly recommend (Not from Rhymesayers) is RODAN - Theophany: The Book Of Elevations. After listening to this album you'll definetly know what im talking about. OnE............

Wishing upon a star.......2007-05-18

This guy means well, and is a pretty good lyricist, but thats as far as this album goes, i give him credit for choosing to have different content than the usual rappers lately, but then again, he don't have much choice, he's white. He basically has 2 songs on the whole album, and then each of those songs are done about 7 times, to slightly different beats, which are garbage, i never understood how artists can release albums with beats like these, don't they listen to them before hand? maybe its because he's a lyricist and so he's too wrapped up in himself to understand a good beat. Of all the songs, he has 1 that is worth having on your ipod "here", but other than that, if he wants any kind of success, he needs real production and he needs to learn that an album shouldn't be one giant rhyme battle, it should be an album, with different tones, different voice perspectives. There is a reason eminem is the only successful white rapper, he understands the difference between making songs for an album and battling, that and he has always had Dr. Dre to show him what is and is not a good beat, in Dre's case, a great beat.

Not Shadows, but Shadows...........2007-05-15

Not Shadows on the Sun, but Shadow's might be the best rap album ever made. This is a VERY strong follow-up, a very introspective journey, and a very strong rap album. I first bought it on Itunes, then found out about the bonus DVD and bought that as well, it's that good...pick up a copy.

Average customer rating:

So Many Superlatives
Great Small Group Writing
Stolen Moments is the classic
patrician cheesiness
Truth is a beautiful thing

The Blues and the Abstract Truth
Oliver Nelson
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Speak No Evil
More Blues & the Abstract Truth
Song for My Father
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Maiden Voyage

ASIN: B000003N7E
Release Date: 1995-08-15

Tracks:

Stolen Moments
Hoe-Down
Cascades
Yearnin'
Butch And Butch
Teenie's Blues

Amazon.com

Oliver Nelson had recorded several sessions for Prestige when the fledgling Impulse! label gave him the opportunity to make this septet date in 1961. The result was a rare marriage between an arranger-composer's conception and the ideal collection of musicians to execute it. The material is all based somehow on the blues, but Nelson's structural and harmonic extensions make it highly varied, suggesting ballads, hoedowns, and swing. The band is one of those groupings that seem only to have been possible around 1960, a roster so strong that the leader's name was actually listed fourth on the cover. Nelson shares the solo space with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, alto saxophonist and flutist Eric Dolphy, and pianist Bill Evans, while bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Roy Haynes contribute support and baritone saxophonist George Barrow adds depth. In stark contrast to Dolphy's brilliant, convulsive explosions, Nelson's tenor solos are intriguingly minimalist, emphasizing a tight vibrato and unusual note choices. It's not quite Kind of Blue (nothing is), but Blues and the Abstract Truth is an essential recording, one that helped define the shape of jazz in the '60s. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

So Many Superlatives.......2007-06-12

This CD is packed with superlatives. Oliver Nelson's writing and arranging leads the pack. He gives the blues a serious workout with his songwriting. Each song starts and ends with an orchestrated statement of a theme. Each theme is catchy, quirky, and a bit reminiscent of funky TV show themes like Sanford & Son with the heavy sax representation. The songs each has their own mood, running the gamut from cheerful to somewhat dissonant. The group of all-stars plays like they pay together every day - absolutely solid, yet expressive group playing. After the introductory themes, everyone gets their turn to show their stuff. Although I am a big Bill Evans fan and I enjoy his effective foray into the blues here, I find myself looking forward to the horn solos even more when I listen to this CD. Multiple saxes, trumpet and flute provide plenty of voice variety and each player has their own compelling style. This CD made an instant Freddie Hubbard and Eric Dolphy fan out of me. If you are looking for a very listenable example of some of the finest players ever getting together when classic jazz was near its peak, you couldn't find a better place to start than this.

Great Small Group Writing.......2007-05-09

I can't think of a better album to study for small group writing. Plus, the variety of soloists makes the album worth buying. Listening to Eric's freer style of improvisation and then having Oliver come in with a very 'Trane influenced pattern style of improv makes every song a classic.

Stolen Moments is the classic.......2007-02-27

Oliver Nelson was a great jazzman who really never got his complete due. He was a reasonably original tenor sax man, but his real talent was composing and arranging. This is an exceptional album, both because of the high quality of arrangements and because of the creativity of the musicians Nelson surrounded himself with in this album. Eric Dolphy was in the mold of Coltrane, and definitely a free spirit, but he was also thoroughly grounded like Trane was. Bill Evans, well, what more need be said. He was the pianist for Miles on "Kinda Blue", he established himself as a major piano figure and he was a master accompanist. Freddie Hubbard was a master jazz trumpet player. The rhythm section is tight and more than just competent. All in all, this is a wonderful CD, and the highest of the high has to be Stolen Moments. Not only the arrangement, but also the way each soloist listens to the soloist just before him and continues the same "story". This is jazz, both written and improvised, at its best and this album ranks nearly as high as "Kinda Blue".

patrician cheesiness.......2007-01-05

I have seen the tbin-tie wearing white boys gasp in horror at their realization this music could not get them laid in the Summmer of Love.
For many sad jazz dee-jays Oliver Nelson celebrates the acme of post-bop bachelor pad cheese. This is by no means a terrible record; "Stolen Moments" is a deserved classic, tho long relegated to elevators, dentists' office foyers, and high school pep bands. Don't rush out and get this record... yet. Try Miles Davis' "Kind of Blue" and Grant Green's "Idle Moments" - make-out sides for the man of distiction i.e. in his 60's. Oliver Nelswon leads to Creed Taylor leads to fusion.

Truth is a beautiful thing.......2006-11-06

I heard a few sections of this disc on my local jazz station and had to buy it. A great purchase

Average customer rating:

brings back memories
Beck Debuts With A Bang
Definitive Music
True dat

Truth
Jeff Beck
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beck-Ola
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Beck-Ola

ASIN: B000I0QKDS
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Shapes Of Things
Let Me Love You
Morning Dew
You Shook Me
Ol' Man River
Greensleeves
Rock My Plimsoul
Beck's Bolero
Blues De Luxe
I Ain't Superstitious
Bonus Track: I've Been Drinking (Stereo Mix)
Bonus Track: You Shook Me (Take 1)
Bonus Track: Rock My Plimsoul (Stereo Mix)
Bonus Track: (Beck's Bolero)
Bonus Track: Blues De Luxe (Take 1)
Bonus Track: Tallyman
Bonus Track: Love Is Blue
Bonus Track: Hi Ho Silver Lining

Customer Reviews:

brings back memories.......2007-07-04

When I was a kid, some older musician friends turned me onto this record, and the musical world opened up a little more for me. Even as a young whelp, I could recognize that Jeff Beck was doing something different with the guitar, making him stand out far above the masses of other guitar players. The fact that he had gathered other greats such as Rod Stewart and Ron Wood only served to make the music that much greater. Fans of classic rock will also want to note this album also features appearances by such illuminaries as Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Nicky Hopkins and Aynsley Dunbar.

All that said, there are a few misfires here (mostly in the bonus tracks.) There is a tad too much emphasis on blues rock, understandable for the time, but a bit overdone by modern standards. Most of the alternate takes are decent enough, but not quite as good as the original selections. However, the bonus tracks do include a couple oddities that are fun in "Tallyman" and "Hi Ho Silver Lining."

But when the group is hitting on all cylinders, the music they make is great. Particular highlights are their version of "Shapes of Things" and "Greensleeves," along with "Beck's Bolero" and "Rock My Plimsoul" and the awesome blues rocker "I Ain't Superstitious." The combination of Beck's guitar and Stewart's voice is terrific and very memorable. All in all, a very worthwhile record.

Beck Debuts With A Bang.......2007-06-16

Jeff Beck kicks off his career with a bang on TRUTH. His molten guitar can still fry your ears even forty years down the road, and Rod Stewart's raspy, blues- and soul-inflected vocals have few peers in rock & roll. This album, along with debuts by Cream, Zeppelin, the James Gang, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, started the current heavy metal style. Beck often got this good later, but he never got better.

Definitive Music.......2007-05-31

The late sixties produced some of the best music ever. Many masterpieces are overlooked these days, and this is certainly one of them. Anyone who appreciates the blues and folk based music of the period will enjoy this album. They will also be shocked to discover that Rod Stewart is the singer! The other treat is Nicky Hopkins on keyboards - he later went on to influence the Rolling Stones and Jeffeson Airplane sounds.

In a nutshell many people owe a debt to this album, and the musicians involved. it has pride of place in my extensive collection.

Just a word of warning - if you are looking for pop - it won't be for you.

True dat.......2006-12-30

When I was a younger guy, worshipping at the temple of Aerosmith and Joe Perry, hungrily devouring every little snippet of info about them, I would always come across Perry's idoltry of Jeff Beck and how influential Beck and the Yardbirds (among others obviously) were to his sound and devotion to music. Like any good history student, I did some research and came across a double lp of this album and the follow-up Beck-Ola. It didn't take long to figure out what all the fuss was about.
This is a Beck tour de force from the simple elegance of Greensleeves to the galloping intensity of Beck's Bolero, the sheer sickness of You Shook Me, and the blues workouts on Blues De Luxe, Let Me Love You, Rock My Plimsoul, and I Ain't Superstitious, this is a lethal collection of Beck's genius and guitar mastery. The bonus edition was worth replacing my old cd with because of the rarity of Beck outtakes and the frank commentary provided by the man himself in the liner notes. I know some have slagged it off, but I really enjoy the cheesy Love is Blue most of all!
The man is one of a handful of guitarists from the rock world to have influenced guitarists across the genres and his refusal to go quietly into that good night of laurel resting, blues retreading, or commercial banality, proves more and more that Jeff Beck remains as fresh and vital as he did in his groundbreaking days over four decades ago. If you really want to know why this guy is (or should be) mentioned in the same breath as Jimi Hendrix, give this a listen. Thanks for the tip, Joe Perry.

Average customer rating:

Great 21st Century Blues
difficult, grim, unpleasant
the stuff that lasts

Truth Is Not Fiction
Otis Taylor
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00009NH8M
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

Rosa, Rosa
Kitchen Towel
comb Your Brown Hair
Babies Don't Lie
Be My Frankenstein
House Of The Crosses
Past Times
Shakie's Gone
Be My Witness
Nasty Letter
Walk On Water
Baby, Please Don't Go

Amazon.com

There is an upbeat style of blues that lightens life's darkest moments by its sheer joyfulness and exuberance. And then there is Otis Taylor's style of blues. On his fourth album, the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter drags us once again into the seething underbelly of emotional gloom, wallowing in the sadness, hurt, and confrontation of the human condition. It's not pretty, but it's the territory that has been uniquely staked out by Taylor and his stripped-down, percussion-less backing duo of producer-bassist Kenny Passarelli and lead guitarist Eddie Turner. This riveting storytelling music springs from Delta, folk, slave, and prison songs, with many tracks boiled down to a single repeated chord. Mournful cello occasionally fleshes out the sound, but with Turner's slicing lead guitar and Taylor's dusky voice singing harrowing tales of lynching, rape, murder, death, lost love, and nasty letters, the intensity generated--even by the album's only cover, "Baby Please Don't Go"--is off the scale. Not for the squeamish, Taylor's chilling music provokes, angers, and unnerves the listener in ways that are just too powerful for most artists to muster. Otis Taylor's truth is found in the dark recesses and murky shadows. Explore it with caution. --Hal Horowitz

Customer Reviews:

Great 21st Century Blues.......2006-03-07

Otis Taylor is at the top of a very short list -- current, vibrant African-American musicians expressing themselves through blues. Although Taylor obviously has assimilated classic Delta, rural and urban blues but has no interest in becoming an archivist or revivalist. He is telling his stories, not recycling Robert Johnson's. The same can be said of his music.

If there are "rules" to the blues, Otis Taylor is breaking pretty much all of them. These songs mix electric and acoustic instruments, with no drums. Taylor plays a very percussive banjo on some tracks, and other cuts include background cello that sounds like an early Suzanne Vega disc. Since this CD, Taylor hit upon "Trance Blues" as a way to describe his music. It simultaneously appeals to "jam band" festivals and John Lee Hooker fans. This is the most idiosyncratic blues(-ish) stuff I've heard in ... pretty much ever. Purists will be as unhappy with Taylor as the Newport Festival crowd was with Dylan in 1965. People who love blues but are ready to move on from Clarksdale circa 1938 without should really check this out. Folks who have worried about blues becoming fossilized with no means to develop or grow will be thrilled.

I notice that one of the reviewers is dismayed by the subject matter in this CD. It bears noting that this is not heavy-handed or uniformly sad stuff. It is a pleasant listen. The song about organ transplantation ("Be My Frankenstein" -- I told you this is not 1930's blues) is downright lighthearted. Taylor is as entitled to write a song about lynching as Billie Holiday was to sing "Strange Fruit." But if you're looking for 12-bar shuffles, you won't find them here. Highly recommended.

difficult, grim, unpleasant.......2004-06-16

I guess I'm one of the shallow people who likes a little wisdom, a little commentary, or a little irony to dilute ugliness and misery. Taylor's an artist, clear-eyed and apparently sincere, but this is about as fun as a holocaust documentary. It has none of the release usually associated with blues (or honky-tonk country) and although admirable, it's anything but enjoyable. I can't think of a setting or situation which would make me want to pop this in the CD player. I'm going to put on some Nick Drake to cheer myself up.

the stuff that lasts.......2003-07-21

Today just about any tradition-based, secular African-American musician is routinely called a blues artist, as if blues were all there is to be said about black folk music. So call Otis Taylor a "bluesman" if you will, but if so, he is far from an ordinary one. He fuses old and new in a striking, even startling, manner, and with such assurance that one cannot help comparing it to Dylan's comparable achievement. Though Truth Is Not Fiction has its own, distinctive sound, it will bring to mind such masterpieces as Time Out of Mind and Love and Theft. Yes, on the evidence of this disc, one can speak of Dylan and Taylor in the same sentence.

Though thoroughly contemporary, the arrangements eerily bridge the 19th and 21st Centuries in roughly the way Dylan's recent work has done. Taylor's settings are sparer, however, and his narratives more straightforward. Taylor even manages to breathe new life into the one non-original, the hoary folk-blues "Baby, Please Don't Go" (Big Joe Williams's often-recorded rewrite of the old prison lament "Another Man Done Gone"), but it's his own material that places him among the most compelling American roots performers to come along in recent memory. Dylan would have been proud to write -- for but one example -- "Shakie's Gone," but even the master would be hard-pressed to pull it off half so well.

Tracks:

Lateral Climb
How Deep in the Blues (Do You Want to Go)
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Riley B. King
You're Gonna Need a Friend
One Man's Ceiling Is Another Man's Floor - Robben Ford, Susan Tedeschi
Too Much
Peace on My Mind
There'll Never Be Another You
River of Soul
Moonchild Blues

Average customer rating:

The Exies rock as always
Great Cd

A Modern Way of Living with the Truth
The Exies
Manufacturer: Eleven Seven Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Post Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Minutes to Midnight
Head for the Door
Vena Sera
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ASIN: B000NQR7TI
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Tracks:

Leaving Song
Lay Your Money Down
A Fear Of Being Alone
Different Than You
This Is The Sound
Stray
Dose
Better Now
My Ordinary World
These Are The Days
A Modern Way...
Once In A Lifetime
Spectator At The Revolution

Album Description

The band describes the new album's sound as a yin-yang synthesis of beauty and destruction. Produced by James Michels (Deftones, Seether, Buckcherry), this record runs the gamut of sound and emotion, from the wistful opening "Leaving Song" and the harsh anti-materialist rant of "Lay Your Money Down" to the simple piano chords of the regretful "Stray" and the wistful ballad "My Ordinary World" to the propulsive melodic hardcore of "These are the Days" to the techno questioning of the title track. The album reflects the band's inner torment, a way of dealing with the uncertainty of the modern world. Songs like the album's first single, "Different Than You" and "Fear of Being Alone" explore the conundrums of coming into this world alone and leaving alone, and what you gather along the way.

Customer Reviews:

The Exies rock as always.......2007-05-16

I just picked up the new album this morning and I love it! I have been a fan of the Exies since their album Inertia came out. I always thought they were a great band and knew they never got the recognition they deserved. I believe that this CD will get them out there and be heard. All the songs are awesome. They have everything, from hard rocking songs like "Different Than You" "Dose" and "Lay Your Money Down" to melodic slow songs like "Stray" and "Once in a Lifetime". I can guarantee that this album will have you rocking the whole way through and you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend it to all rock- lovers out there!

Great Cd.......2007-05-16

I just picked up the album today great Cd possibly better than the Album "Leaving For the Door"
1. Leaving Song 3/5 Good slow starter song
2. Lay Your Money Down 3/5 The guitar and instruments are good it just seems to drown out their voice, but nevertheless good
3. A Fear Of Being Alone 5/5 Catchy guitar riffs in the beginning followed by a nice chorus
4. Different Than You 4/5 Their first released track of their new cd well put together
5. This is the sound 5/5 My personal favorite from this cd slow beginning with the guitars then it picks up. Great vocals
6. Stray 3/5 Slow start with the piano has good vocals to it just lyrics sound like they were written to some chick
7. Dose 4/5 Good pickup song
8. Better Now 3/5
9. My Ordinary World 4/5 good slow song nice lyrics
10. These are the days 3.5/5 sounds like it should have been on their other cd
11. A modern way of living with the truth 4/5 good title song
12. Once in a lifetime 2/5
13. Spectator At the revolution /5

Average customer rating:

Good, Solid Follow-up
Amazing.
It is a nice comfortable step from their previous efforts
FANTASTIC

Truth in Sincerity (CD/DVD)
Amber Pacific
Manufacturer: Hopeless Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Lies for the Liars
Southern Weather
Santi
Punk Goes Acoustic 2
Secrets Keep You Sick

ASIN: B000OHZJQO
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Rule #76
Summer (In B)
Temporary
You're Only Young Once
Living Proof
Follow Your Dreams, Forget The Scene
Take Me Fro This Place
Fall Back Into My Life
We Think We're Hardcore, Cause Well, We Are
Runaway
Watching Over Me
Dear___ This Has Always Been About Standing Up For What You Believe In.

Album Description

Almost two years after their hugely successful debut full-length, The Possibility And The Promise, comes Truth In Sincerity. Amber Pacific brings you into their world through an instantly appealing, yet deep pop-punk style. While delivering infectious hooks and unforgettable melodies, the band communicates the realities of life and the idea that there's always brightness in the world.

Customer Reviews:

Good, Solid Follow-up.......2007-06-17

What I find most impressive about Amber Pacific's new album, Truth in Sincerity, is how close they stuck to their original sound and still sounded new. When listening to this album, you will find that Amber Pacific still has all the energy The Possibility and the Promise had, but with a few changes, such as a guitar solo here or there. The guitar solos are not incredible, but they are definitely entertaining. If you liked their first CD, and are in the mood for more, definitely buy this album!

Amazing........2007-06-09

I first found out about these guys back in 2004. I love them so much. They are one of my favorites. This cd is NO disappointment. It has amazing songs and each one has a different sound than the previous. I listened to this cd all night last night after I bought it..:)

I can't wait to see my boys @ Warped Tour...July 18th!

It is a nice comfortable step from their previous efforts.......2007-05-31

Amber Pacific has molded a respectable sound. Truth In Sincerity succeeds in being very approachable, not to slow and dreary that it wards off listeners, and not to hard that it attracts a different crowd- yet manages to sound very familiar. In the past few years, I have contained a fairly sour outlook to mainstream rock, and the pop radio-friendly music you hear flooding the media. There are countless "one hit wonder" bands, and they excel at creating a single catchy single- and fading into obscurity. I am not necessarily saying that Amber Pacific is doomed to follow this inevitable route, but they remain too safe and secure with their two, albeit interesting but generic albums.

They are talented musicians, and should be labelled as such, but Amber Pacific's growth to their second album remains rather concrete. Sure, songs like "Watching Over Me," and "Fall Back into My life" contain that rythmically balanced and attractive sound witnessed in their previous efforts, it fails to push the boundary of music in any way.

Perhaps those expectations are entirely too high. Truth In Sincerity is short, it's sweet, and I would suspect it will achieve, or has already achieved, the task which it was set out to do.

Here is to hoping Amber Pacific can devise a sound which is a little less rough around the edges, and return in the not too distant future with the album which runs them to the mainstream thoroughly. As for now, I can not help but think that Truth In Sincerity is just a stepping stone or an opening to Amber Pacific's true capabilities as a band.

FANTASTIC.......2007-05-27

I went to buy this CD the day it came out.. and I gotta say... It is GREAT!!! The song "Your Only Young Once" is my favorite in the midst of a cd that does not have even one bad song. Even the instrumental "We Think We're Hardcore" shows further advancement in muscianship by the band. I could sit here all night and write about 1 million good things about this CD.. but instead I'm just gonna say... GO AND BUY THIS... IT ROCKS!!!

Average customer rating:

Another Post-Rock classic
Not something I'd listen to much
A change for ISIS
Apparently musicians aren't allowed to grow (4.5/5 stars)
Isis gets better...

In the Absence of Truth
Isis
Manufacturer: Ipecac Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun
Clearing the Eye
Panopticon
Oceanic
No Heroes

ASIN: B000I2K9JW
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Wrists Of Kings
Not In Rivers, But In Drops
Dulcinea
Over Root And Thorn
1000 Shards
All Out Of Time, All Into Space
Holy Tears
Firdous E Bareen
Garden Of Barren

Customer Reviews:

Another Post-Rock classic.......2007-07-05

In my mind, no Isis album has let me down. True, In The Absence of Truth is completely different than say, Celestial or Oceanic, but isn't every musical band allowed to change to the constant flow of time? The answer is yes! The True wonders of this CD are:
"Not In Rivers, But In Drops"
"Dulcinea"
"Garden of Light"

Though....all songs on this CD are completely spectacular. Truely, another post-rock classic

Not something I'd listen to much.......2007-06-07

I'm all for change and growth, but this is still easily my least favorite Isis album. The material isn't necessarily bad, it's just so over-produced that it comes off as plodding and mechanical, and the band's vocals never have been and probably never will be strong enough to be given such a prominent place in the mix. There are a couple of good tracks on there, but, for my money, it's not as strong as their previous works.

A change for ISIS.......2007-04-04

Being a many-year fan of ISIS, I was skeptical from the beginning about this CD coming out since the band started talking about how they were going to be playing shows with Tool. As expected, many people who were only recently introduced to ISIS saw this CD only as a comparison to Tool's music. This CD is pretty good, but not great for ISIS potential. Hearing tribal style drums on nearly every song gets repetitive, especially after hearing the unique and talented drumming from previous albums like Oceanic and SGNL 5. I have no problem at all with the vocals. Aaron has an strong clean voice.

Overall, I'd say this is a good CD to add to your ISIS album collection, but it is no where near my favorite. ISIS has moved towards a different side of their own music in the Absence of Truth, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's just a lot more mellow than their earlier music. Good album, but not great.

Apparently musicians aren't allowed to grow (4.5/5 stars).......2007-03-30

I'm going to address two things in this review. One is the reason I'm writing it to begin with, and the second is something I shouldn't even waste my time on, but will anyway.

The album wasn't like their previous albums, and Aaron Turner has never been a "singer" in the truest sense of the word. Not keeping that in mind, some people are going to be disappointed.
However, once I listed to the album, I was pleased with how well it turned out. There isn't anything on here that's going to resemble what's found on Mosquito Control. What you are going to find are a collection of songs that display the eloquence and dynamic tendencies that Isis has been developing upon since unleashing Oceanic upon an unsuspecting metal market. Literally, from start to finish, you're going to be on a musical journey that plays out something like a religious experience with a well orchestrated blend of heavy guitars, prominent bass lines, electronics, tribal drums, and vocals that have the feel and sound of an instrument. The music remains well-layered and well-composed like their previous releases, but if anything, have come to sound more mature than what they've released in the past.
Bottom line: If you like Isis, underground metal with a brain, and/or Tool and aren't one of those brown-nosing kind of Tool fans, than you'll dig the CD.

Second part, I love how all these people come up on here and start with the Tool comparisons. It's funny to me because I remember 5 years ago when I first got into Isis, any time I'd mention the word Isis people automatically started telling me about how they're nothing but a Neurosis ripoff. At the time, while Neurosis was heavily influential to Isis's sound, Neurosis did a lot to help Isis gain recognition. Fast-forward to Isis relocating to California, where Justin Chancellor (and the rest of Tool) takes an interest in Isis, jams on a song with them on Panopticon, and then invites Isis to support them for their 10,000 Days tour. The way I see it, Isis's peers have shown to be influential upon them. At the same time, Isis continues to become further and further recognized within the music community and will probably start to entice some mainstream label offers much like Mastodon. Bands like Tool and Neurosis show interest in Isis because while we live in a world where the mainstream media would love nothing more than to shove all the other unit-shifting radio crap down our throats, Isis has not only shown influence by the musically relevant groups they've been associated with, but have also continued to show an alarming sense of originality which is one of the main reasons why they've earned (and deserve) a fan base to begin with.

Isis gets better..........2007-03-22

This is an excellent record. Isis specialize in dynamic soundscapes, and this time around there is an added emphasis on percussion. Fans of Tool should really enjoy this. Their live show is much better, however, so I'm not sure this album relates how powerful and articulate this band really is. The major flaw here is that the exclusion of lyrics from the cover and the undecipherable vocals make it next to impossible understand what the songs are about. This is probably intentional, but it certainly takes away from the listening experience somewhat. Nonetheless, Isis have a well defined artistic vision and that makes them one of the best bands around.

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