Against the Grain

Track Listings
1. Let Me In    
2. Cross Me Off Your List    
3. Ain't Too Good    
4. Souped-Up Ford    
5. Bought And Sold    
6. I Take What I Want    
7. Lost At Sea    
8. All Around Man    
9. Out On The Western Plain    
10. At The Bottom    
11. Cluney Blues    
12. My Baby, Sure    

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Digitally remastered reissue of the late bluesy Irish rockguitarist's 1975 album for Chrysalis with 'Cluney Blues' & 'My Baby, Sure' added as bonus tracks, for a total of 12 selections. Also features the original cover art. 1999 release.

Against the Grain, Music, Rory Gallagher, Rock/Pop
Ashes Against the Grain
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • YES
  • 6th on my best of 2006 list
  • "Black as our citadels burned against the sky"
  • agalloch rules
  • Explosions in the Sky above the Swamp of Sadness
 Ashes Against the Grain
Agalloch
Manufacturer: The End Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Death MetalDeath Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. The Mantle
  2. Pale Folklore
  3. Materia
  4. The Great Cold Distance
  5. Above the Weeping World

ASIN: B000GIW9H8
Release Date: 2006-08-15

Tracks:

  1. Limbs
  2. Falling Snow
  3. This White Mountain On Which You Will Die
  4. Fire Above, Ice Below
  5. Not Unlike The Waves
  6. Our Fortress Is Burning... I
  7. Our Fortress Is Burning... II - Bloodbirds
  8. Our Fortress Is Burning... III - The Grain

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars YES.......2007-03-23

To my ears, this sounds very, very different from _The Mantle_. All the hallmarks are in there somewhere- eerie acoustic passages, scorched, bitter vocals that evoke terrible sadness, loss and underlying anger, hypnotic and unique clean vocals, epic, insanely twisting song structures. But _Ashes_ has something else entirely. It is RIFFTASTIC. The driving, mounting figures that underpin the first two tracks make you want to grab your sword and storm some enemy citadel, emerging victorious amidst a snow lined landscape, blood in your eyes and triumph in your heart. And the most incredible thing is, this is about as far from some cheesy power metal album as you can get, and still stay in metal. (And those who appreciate this kind of thing will realise that is pretty far.)
So, expect an incredible opus from Agalloch- this is something I've never really come across before, mixing the raw atmosphere and spiteful rage of black metal, the haunting acoustic folk passages of something like Opeth, but in a completely idiosyncratic style, the monstrous, building dynamics of Isis or Pelican, and the power and drive native to heavy metal in the first place. Scorched, eerie, epic and powerful then, and so wonderfully executed and conceived that it avoids cliche, exudes atmopshere and retains an insular, sorrowful quality,like this album was written and recorded just for you.

Wonderful.

5 out of 5 stars 6th on my best of 2006 list.......2007-03-16

It has been a few years since Agalloch released "The Mantle". And I was very excited when I heard about this release. Just when everyone was expecting another pagan folk metal release similar to "The Mantle", this new album is a surprise. "Ashes Against the Grain" has a much greater "black metal" sensibility about it; fewer acoustic passages, and yet loses
none of the intellectual intensity that this band is famous for.

I have seen many references to Opeth in other reviews of this band. I personally feel however, that if I were to compare this album to anyone, I would have to say that there are more similar to early Ulver. A particular example is "Bergtatt", Ulver's monumental first album, where the melancholic intensity was presented with epic leads and ambient droning rhythm guitars. To my mind, this album in particular shares many attributes found in that black metal stalwart, just slowed down a bit, and presented in more of a "doom" format. No one could call either album all that technical, or particularly complex. Not a problem, since the songwriting here is so solid, and the musical themes are so well constructed. Since I consider "Bergtatt" one of the greatest metal albums ever, I am hoping that the members of Agalloch will not mind the comparison.

The production is lovely, with all instruments and vocals blended but not muddy in the least. The vocals are a mix of clean and a unique black metal style that is somewhere between a rasp and a whisper. The instrumentation incorporates majestic doom, but with stunning melodic lead guitar passages that sail over mid paced ambient rhythm.

The melodic nature of this album makes it a prime candidate for initiating the non-metal music fan into the "black" and "doom" styles. Every song has something that could be defined as catchy and accessible, with perhaps the exception of the one short ambient track and the "noise" track at the end. The recent trend toward including "noise" tracks on metal albums has become a little bit overused lately, but at least the one on this album is fairly well done and not overly long.

This band evokes an overall feeling of sorrow that is quite appropriate to the rainy and grey climate that is the northwestern U.S. Forget the coffee however, there is not a blast beat to be found anywhere. Despite the slower pace of the songs, this album seems to be over way to soon, and I always find myself running through it twice in a sitting. This band just continues to improve with every release, and this album is my favorite from them so far.

5 out of 5 stars "Black as our citadels burned against the sky".......2007-02-14

There are three other albums that are brought to mind when I listen to Agalloch's most recent epic creation: "Ferment"--Catherine Wheel, "Discouraged Ones"--Katatonia, and "Oceanic"--Isis. The huge guitar sound present on "Ferment" is replicated here with guitar wash and monstrous reverberation. The mood and mesmerizing tone of "Discouraged Ones" is present everywhere with dark depression echoing within every hypnotic chord. The aggressive attitude of "Oceanic" and its grand expanse of enthralling soundscapes, and limited use of vocals, is also incorporated throughout the course of the album. Fans of any one of the three aforementioned albums should consider "Ashes Against the Grain" an easy purchase to make. The vocals on this album are sparse, ranging from Death/Black Metal guttural snarls to clean vox. There is extreme depth within the songwriting here, the arrangements and emotional tone all thoughtfully crafted with intelligence and care. Beautiful.

5 out of 5 stars agalloch rules.......2007-01-17

i think this a great album a whole lot better then opeth or ULVER.

5 out of 5 stars Explosions in the Sky above the Swamp of Sadness.......2007-01-17

An American metal band influenced by heavy European guitar music that doesn't sound like Iron Maiden or In Flames? With a "Loveless"-inspired album cover? Fascinating, Mr. Spock might say of Agalloch and their new record.

The sound is like Explosions in the Sky engaging in a (perhaps one-sided) battle with Celtic Frost in the parking lot of a cathedral. A reverse-delayed guitar aria begins "Limbs"-- skin crawls from the chilly reverberation of a war horn blown through a mountain range. The song swan-dives into a roiling sea of distorted guitar, piano-cum-acoustic-strumming, and even an evanescent "Something in the Way"-toned break featuring naught but a lone acoustic guitar with dead strings. Neverending blizzards of harmonic-stew guitar crunch bury the ears on "Falling Snow," combined with growl vocals that add rather than detract from the atmosphere of the track. Chorused guitar breaks provide pivot points for the song, and further texturize Agalloch's raucous, mind-bending distortion-fueled trance music.

No, not THAT kind of trance. The good kind. Mesmerization through the paradoxically warm earthiness of screaming guitar amplifiers humming and droning. It's probably the feeling you get in your gut standing under exposed powerlines at night for over an hour, gazing at your shoes.

The "Our Fortress is Burning..." suite gains more yardage into Explosions in the Sky/Godspeed! You Black Emperor's territory, treading out slowcore, post-rock guitar. But everything is sped up: the climactic build-ups crescendo or expire/regroup with the speed of a mutating viral infection, and the guitars don't stay shimmering clean for long. Agalloch's apocalypse came by disease rather than by war-born radiation.

In a very good way, this record is all over the place. There's enough grooves to satisfy, almost enough grit to require goggles in addition to headphones, but the record is balanced with a great sense of melody/harmony (and the top notch production that such things demand). Though anchored in melody, it's hard to know what to expect from one moment to the next-- ever the mark of a great record-- making a listen-through of "Ashes Against the Grain" an absolute experience.
Against the Grain
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 star punk album
  • I maintain against the grain
  • the last truly amazing BR album of the 90's
  • Best of the Best
  • A Defining Moment In '90's Punk
 Against the Grain
Bad Religion
Manufacturer: Epitaph / Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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HardcoreHardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
PunkPunk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. Suffer
  2. No Control
  3. Generator
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ASIN: B0001JXPFM
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

  1. Modern Man
  2. Turn on the Light
  3. Get Off
  4. Blenderhead
  5. Positive Aspect of Negative Thinking
  6. Anesthesia
  7. Flat Earth Society
  8. Faith Alone
  9. Entropy
  10. Against the Grain
  11. Operation Rescue
  12. God Song
  13. 21st Century (Digital Boy)
  14. Misery and Famine
  15. Unacceptable
  16. Quality or Quantity
  17. Walk Away

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 5 star punk album.......2007-05-05

I can remember Maximum Rock and Roll once saying (in praise) about this band that you needed a dictionary to understand the lyrics. While I wouldnt go that far their lyrics are definatly far beyond the usual "boo goverment" "I hate society" this is much more worth listening to. Put together with such great powerful music the opening track knocks you for 6. This has got to be one of the punk rock essentials.

Great band, great lyrics (check out the 'rock and roll' style pictures inside, very punk rock guys) pure cheese! Lol.

5 out of 5 stars I maintain against the grain.......2006-08-18

This is the hardcore album without a doubt from BR, filled with angst and agression you'll probably p**s alot of people off when playing this next to them. But thats what i love about this cd, all the songs are fast and to the point. Also your gonna need a dictionary while listening to this, if you can catch what Greg is singing. The best songs on the album are: God Song, Faith Alone, track 6 (cuz i cant spell the title lol), Against the grain, The positive aspect of negative thinking, unacceptable and 21st century digital boy.

Also Im sick of all the 'Terrorist Religions' as well Greg so thanks for an awesome album that has content more relevant today than when it was first released.

5 out of 5 stars the last truly amazing BR album of the 90's.......2006-03-30

yes, i believe that this is BR's pinnacle. they were at their top game here. the album starts awesome, but kind of drops off near the last few songs....the closer "walk away" is amazing though! i think that suffer and no control beat this one, but being 3rd or 4th isnt bad. i believe that the only album to come close to the holy trinity is "stranger than fiction." i recommend this to all punk rock fans. BR was on a roll, but sadly this was the last truly amazing thing they made until stranger than fiction.

process and beleif and empire strikes first are also noteworthy.

5 out of 5 stars Best of the Best.......2006-01-07

Bad Religion is one the finest bands in Punk Rock. Their longevity is testament to this fact. Against the Grain is the best Bad Religion album ever. BR's Songwriting on this album is top notch as usual, with lyrics that blast the status quo and leave the listener ready to start a revolution. The music a fast paced, and the guitar work is some of the best in the genre, with foot-tapping riffs and transitions the happen so smoothly you wpnder what the hell just happened.

5 out of 5 stars A Defining Moment In '90's Punk.......2005-11-16

The brilliance of the work on the early Bad Religion albums (Suffer, No Control and Against The Grain) is that it manages to be simultaneously delicate yet undeniably coarse. In terms of the lyrics, they can't get much more intricate, and yet they retain a hardened edge laced with a characteristically punk sense of discontent, which makes for a perfect balance. Vocally and musically the Bad Religion of Against The Grain are far more raw than they are they are currently, but there is still a sharpness which ensures that their raw edge does not make them come across as simply sloppy. Highlights include Anesthesia - with Brett doing what he does best and delving fearlessly into realm of the deeply troubled individual, and Greg furiously spitting social criticisms via his seamless polysyllabic approach in Get Off and Quality and Quantity. God Song is another gem which sits comfortably in the company of other Bad Religion tracks questioning the nature of religion, such as Chimaera and Generator, which are arguably some of their most effective songs. It's inconceivable that the boys will once again achieve the kind of punk perfection they did with this album, (and with Generator and Stranger Than Fiction) so no self-respecting punk should hesitate buying a copy of Against The Grain. It is a classic which effectively helped to define the genre of 90's punk rock.
Against the Grain
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Finally!!!
 Against the Grain
Phoebe Snow
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JVSWJQ
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Tracks:

  1. Every Night
  2. Do Right Woman, Do Right Man [*]
  3. He's Not Just Another Man
  4. Random Time [*]
  5. In My Life
  6. You Have Not Won
  7. Mama Don't Break Down
  8. Oh L.A.
  9. Married Men
  10. Keep a Watch on the Shoreline

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Finally!!!.......2007-01-18

This CD (album at the time) was my introduction to Ms. Snow back in the mid 70's. She was a guest on Saturday Night Live and sang "The Married Man". I fell in love with the voice and went out the following day to purchase the album. The entire album rocked and I played it to death! Her voice and style were so distinctive. By the early 90's my turntable finally wore out and my CD collection was expanding. I could never find this particular album in CD form. I purchased a lot of Ms. Snow's projects and always kept an eye out for "Against the Grain". I finally found it the other night and was overjoyed. It's on order as I type this review. All the the songs on the disc are first rate. My favorite is "Shoreline". Snow sings it in a wistful/longing style and it mirrored my life at the time. The song has always had a special meaning to me. I'm still crazy about "The Married Man" as well as L.A. I can't wait to listen to one of my favorite albums (now CD) of the 70's again. Phoebe Snow is and will remain the bomb!
Against the Grain
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A near-masterpiece, and Acoustic Alchemy's best album--really
  • Not Up To Par
  • the best from this duo
  • Twilight at Snowmass
  • Nouveau Tango/Lazeez
 Against the Grain
Acoustic Alchemy
Manufacturer: Grp Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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GRPGRP | Verve Music Group | Specialty Stores | Music
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  1. Reference Point
  2. Back on the Case
  3. Positive Thinking
  4. Arcan'um
  5. Early Alchemy

ASIN: B0000001U0
Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

  1. Against The Grain
  2. Lazeez
  3. A Different Kind Of Freedom
  4. Lady Lynda
  5. Road Dogs
  6. Shoot The Loop
  7. Across The Golden Gate
  8. Papillon
  9. Silent Partner
  10. Nouveau Tango

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A near-masterpiece, and Acoustic Alchemy's best album--really.......2007-04-17

I don't know why some reviewers think Against the Grain stinks. It's the last of the Nick Webb-era albums I listened to, and I have come to think it's their best ever, edging out what I think are competitors Arcanum, Back on the Case, and The Beautiful Game.

It's without a doubt the most overlooked AA album (their only hit from it was Lazeez), for no good reason, and probably also their most jazz-influenced work.
I admit that I don't care much for the title track, often skipping it; a lot of AA albums have an unfortunate pattern of the title track being weaker than the others.
"A Different Kind of Freedom," is a pleasant and cheerful South American-type piece.
"Lady Lynda" sounds a little bland and too much like every other Acoustic Alchemy track, but is easy on the ears.
The incredible and weird "Shoot the Loop" is like nothing else I've ever heard from Acoustic Alchemy, rising above most of AA's discography in a way I can only say "The Angel of the South," from the album The Beautiful Game, does; it's probably the best track on the album. It sounds like the soundtrack to an avant-garde sci-fi movie at some points, and at others vaguely like something I heard on a Herb Alpert jazz-funk album from the 1970s. An electric guitar joins Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael's steel and nylon strings about four minutes in. Carmichael says in the liner notes that they simply wanted to record the melody over a dance backtrack and dance rhythms, but they outdid themselves--"Shoot the Loop" is too good to be dance music.
"Across the Golden Gate" is rather sleepy, but soothing; it almost belongs on the Positive Thinking album that would come four years after this.
"Papillon" is a brilliant piece of jazz, and is not very similar to their usual material in that it uses piano and soprano sax extensively. It's not fast jazz, but laid-back and relatively slow.
"Nouveau Tango" is also great. It starts out with a whisper, but is striding and optimistic. Feels like the sort of thing I'd like to hear on a long walk.

Against the Grain is sometimes brilliant, and in any case is probably the best album to data by Acoustic Alchemy. Listen to it.

3 out of 5 stars Not Up To Par.......2004-04-22

Acoustic Alchemy has been one of my favorites since I was first introduced to their music back in the 1980s. I have owned this for 10 years and recently dusted it and gave it a few rotations in the CD player since I had not listened to it in some time.
Against the Grain is a decent CD, but when you stack it up against what the boys had done in the past, it is simply not up to par. There ARE some good songs here, but the CD as a whole just doesn't meet my expectations for the group.
I like the excellent title cut, the Latin-inflected Lazeez which is easily the strongest piece, the languid Silent Partner and Nouveau Tango. Across the Golden Gate and Papillon have their charms, but the rest of the CD is just plain weak. A Different Kind of Freedom, stated in the liner notes to be an "African" piece sounds rather like some bad Brazilian jazz.
Though the music overall is not as good as I had hoped for, the CD is mellow and made for listening on a laid-back day. If you are a huge fan of Acoustic Alchemy, you may love this regardless of what I've written but if you are new to the group you may want to start with one of their earlier works like Back On the Case and come back to this once you've learned what Greg Carmichael and Nick Webb can do when they really want to.

5 out of 5 stars the best from this duo.......2003-08-25

This is the best album from Acoustic Alchemy with Nick Webb & Greg Carmichael, The passion and romance from this tango-rhythm album is so delightfull.

"Against the grain", "lazeez" & "Shoot the loop" were my favourites. I keep playing this album on my car audio since I bought it over 3 years ago.

5 out of 5 stars Twilight at Snowmass.......2001-02-15

Heard the duo in Snowmass at Aspen (CO) in 1995. Many cuts are from this CD were played at that concert. Excellent CD for a rainy or snowy day. In contra from other reviews, this is their best.

5 out of 5 stars Nouveau Tango/Lazeez.......2000-05-27

Tango song is a woundeful composition for an English Duo, This song and Lazeez is how you'll define the word MUSIC (the good Art of syncronize the sound with time.)I think this whole Album and this Duo are GREAT.
Against the Grain
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • This CD has all the best of what Rory was about!
  • a travesty....
  • Fantastic CD
  • Remastered mess
  • One of Rory Gallagher's greatest albums
 Against the Grain
Rory Gallagher
Manufacturer: Buddha
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002Z842
Release Date: 1999-11-23

Tracks:

  1. Let Me In
  2. Cross Me Off Your List
  3. Ain't Too Good
  4. Souped-Up Ford
  5. Bought And Sold
  6. I Take What I Want
  7. Lost At Sea
  8. All Around Man
  9. Out On The Western Plain
  10. At The Bottom
  11. Cluney Blues
  12. My Baby, Sure

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars This CD has all the best of what Rory was about!.......2007-02-07

I first got this recording on vinyl, a day after seeing Rory in concert in 1976. From the start, I remember being amazed at the variety. Riff-based blues and acoustic folk, a little fusion jazz and just good old rock. Rory's voice is amazing, the lyrics (which I never put too much weight on) are really cool (for lack of a better term), and the band is tight and exciting. "At the Bottom" is my personal favorite, right next to "Souped-up Ford" which is as close to a typical Rory-type song as you can get.
I delayed getting the CD because of the reviews that say it is inferior, but I found it used and took a chance, and I don't hear any problems with it. If by cleaning up the original recording some things stand out a little more, or some instrument is freed from the frequencies around it,
then it is probably closer to the original intent than vinyl could do. Anyway, it's a great sounding CD, full of superior songs by one of the best guitarists that ever lived.

1 out of 5 stars a travesty...........2006-07-21

from the day i first heard rory open for deep purple on the boston common in the early seventies,i knew there was no one like him;incredible musician,master showman,and an extremely intelligent and articulate man who had an amazing knowledge of many types of music,not just the blues-as far as the reissue of this wonderful musician's catalogue is concerned,i would rate it right up there with that of the who as an absolute botch-lousy remixes,missing songs,original running order of songs changed,you name it-this mania for remixing/remastering the life out of wonderful music like this is beyond comprehension-if you want to hear rory's music on cd the way it was MEANT to be heard,seek out the now deleted issues on the capo/intercord label from germany;the original lp mixes in superb fidelity.....long live rory!

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic CD.......2005-12-16

I clearly do not understand the negative reviews of this CD.I have owned the original vinyl of this and now the CD.The sound is just as good on the CD as it was the vinyl.This is one of Rory's best ever releases.Souped Up Ford,I Take What I Want and All Around Man really showcase his great guitar skills and vocal abilities.Do yourself a favor and pick this CD up,you won't regret it.

1 out of 5 stars Remastered mess.......2005-05-22

-
I'm not sure what the last reviewer from Chicago is listening to, but this CD re-release of "Against The Grain" by Buddah sounds like a different album!

I too have owned the old Crysalis LP as well as the Castle CD and this version sounds like a demo tape. It almost sounds like alternate takes were used, or that the EQ was changed drastically, as another previous reviewer has stated. I know because I owned the vinyl back in the 80s and this does not sound like the same album I used to listen to, so I'd hardly call the differences, "slight".

I'm glad a few others here know what I'm talking about because I was totally shocked when I heard this CD for the first time. Unlike the rest of the remasters in this series (Blueprint, Deuce, Tattoo etc...), Buddah really did a mess with this one. Take my word for it.

If you truly want to hear this the way it was intended, find an old vinyl copy of it. Or see if you can get a used CD copy of the Castle release and give this one a pass.

There's no "fear" here. Great music like this, poorly presented, deserves a one star.

5 out of 5 stars One of Rory Gallagher's greatest albums.......2005-01-26

First, I want to comment on the reviewers who give this a one star rating based on what they claim is bad mastering. I no longer own this on LP (though I did at one time), but from the tone of the two reviews blasting the mastering, you would imagine that this was an unlistenable disc. That is an absurd claim. Having not compared the LP and the CD side by side, I can't speak on which is superior, but I will state categorically that no one not doing such a comparison would suspect that the CD is badly mixed. Dropping this from five stars to one based on some slight differences in recording quality is simply absurd.

No one need be afraid of this disc, and I can promise that anyone unfamiliar with Gallagher or this album will be astonished upon listening to it for the first time. Of the guitar gods of the sixties and seventies and eighties, Gallagher remains the least known. Gallagher's curse was that he was an extremely great guitarist, but only a very good songwriter and singer. Upon the departure of Mick Taylor from the Stones, it is rumored that Gallagher was approached to join the band. If true, the possibilities are tantalizing. Gallagher was not merely a better guitarist--whether slide, pick, or acoustic--than Keith, Brian Jones, Mick Taylor, or Ronnie Wood, but was a powerful performer in his own right. Much like Taylor did in his stint with the band, Gallagher, much more firmly rooted in the blues than Wood, would have kept the band focused much more on its roots, and he possibly could have made the Stones the world's greatest rock and roll band than they ended up being. Can you imagine what he would have been able to do on a song like "Tumbling Dice"? Gallagher was also nearly as strong a vocalist, with greater range, than Mick Jagger. It is one of the great could-have-beens in the history of rock.

Gallagher's musical skills are simply off the chart. There are only two musicians in all of rock that are, as far as I am aware, capable of both singing and playing a lead guitar part at the same time. Jimi Hendrix was one, and Gallagher the other. Though Gallagher wasn't the visionary that Hendrix was or as gifted lyrically on his guitar as either Hendrix or Richard Thompson, he can make his guitar sing like few in the history of rock. This disc is filled with a host of amazing moments where Gallagher makes his guitar an extension of himself, expressing his voice as easily with his instrument as others can their voices. With Gallagher he and his guitar are one. Just listen to the way the guitar counterpoints his singing in "Ain't Too Good," or the astonishing slide guitar throughout "Souped Up Ford," the latter featuring some of the greatest playing in all of Gallagher's catalog. Indeed, the only rock performer I know who surpasses Gallagher on on slide guitar is Duane Allman(check his slide work on "All Round Man"). And lest one think Gallagher's playing depends on doubletracking, I strongly urge them to pick up one of his live albums.

As much as I love Gallagher, his songwriting, while strong, is not usually quite up to the level of his playing. This album, however, contains one of the strongest set of songs of any album, perhaps not up to the level of his best album TATTOO, but among the best after that. And I'm not sure he has ever played better than on this one. There is also a wonderful blend of styles and change of pace. For instance, right after "Souped Up Ford," which is pure adrenaline, he moves into the more deliberate "Bought and Sold." Later we get a slow blues with "All Round Man," a lyrical number in "Lost at Sea," and towards the end a magnificent version of Leadbelly's oddball Western song "Out On the Western Plain," with some of the most deliciously fanciful lyrics in the history of American music ("What was the greatest battle ever on the Western plains?/When me and a bunch of cowboys ran into Jesse James").

Any fan of rock, blues rock, or great guitar needs this album. And I promise you that not one in a thousand music fans will complain about the sonic quality of the album.
Against the Grain
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Mista Klean from the group "Warrior Company"
  • on hit
 Against the Grain
Wood
Manufacturer: Johnny Palmer
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00002NDBY
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Tracks:

  1. Intro
  2. Better Things
  3. Screens Dropping
  4. Knock on Wood
  5. My Balls & My Word
  6. Don't You Know?
  7. Weekend
  8. Dangerous Spot
  9. O.U.T.L.A.W.
  10. On the Edge
  11. Thuggin in the City
  12. Mo Keys
  13. Hardest Click
  14. Mind on my Money
  15. Southside 4 Life
  16. Bounce Shake
  17. Against the Grain

Album Description

Wood's solo release "Against the Grain" features all the top names in the south including Z-RO, Dat Boy Grace, Lil Flex, the Screwed Up Click, and many more!!! Brought to you by the collaboration of Johnny Palmer Entertainment and Straight Profit Records, this 17 cut project is sure to be a best selling chart topper.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Mista Klean from the group "Warrior Company".......2000-06-28

I have alot of respect for this balla from houston, he's always representin' us hard, much love baby boy. Ya'll check out our new cd, Complications of tha Mind.

5 out of 5 stars on hit.......2000-06-11

this cd is on hit, i'm from florida and i love all down south hits
Against the Grain
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Against the Grain
    The Stampeders
    Manufacturer: Unidisc Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    CanadaCanada | North America | International | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00005M65S
    Release Date: 2001-06-11

    Tracks:

    1. Carry Me
    2. Train to Nowhere
    3. Gator Road
    4. Only a Friend
    5. Oklahoma Country
    6. You Go to Go
    7. Sweet City Woman
    8. Sunday Prayin
    9. Tuscaloosa Women
    10. With You I Got Wheels
    11. I Didn't Love You Anyhow
    12. Man from P.E.I.
    Kurupt, Dj Strong, Dj Warrior, Roscoe, Yukmouth, Jayo Felony, Cali Untouchable Djs Present Cali Untouchable Radio 5: Y.a Exclusives, Unreleased & New Jointz [Mixtape] [Limited Edition] [Explicit Lyrics]
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Kurupt Fan
    		 Kurupt, Dj Strong, Dj Warrior, Roscoe, Yukmouth, Jayo Felony, Cali Untouchable Djs Present Cali Untouchable Radio 5: Y.a Exclusives, Unreleased & New Jointz [Mixtape] [Limited Edition] [Explicit Lyrics]

    Manufacturer: DJ Strong and DJ Warrior
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    West CoastWest Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Kurupt, Dr. Dre, WC & Too $hort present PALM TREES & GANGSTAS: Exclusives, Unreleased & New Jointz [Mixtape] [Limited Edition]
    2. Kurupt Young Gotti presents WAR VOL. 1: Exclusives, Unreleased & New Jointz [Mixtape] [Limited Edition]

    ASIN: B000AHXQ9A

    Product Description

    DJ WARRIOR -BEST WEST COAST MIXTAPE DJ WINNER 2X & BEST MIXTAPE DJ OF THE YEAR NOMINEE MIXSHOW POWER SUMMIT 2004 1XDJ STRONG -BEST WEST COAST MIXTAPE DJ NOMINEE 1X DJ STRONG. Kurupt and Roscoe present Y.A = Youth Authority! Cali Untouchable Radio Pt. 5: Y.A feat. all new Kurupt and Roscoe with special appearances by Y.A, Tristar, Jayo Felony, Yukmouth, Gail Gotti, and more. 14 tracks featuring Kurupt Young Gotti TRACKLISTING: 1. wwwHipHopWestdotcom Intro 2. Roscoe Escapes Death 3. Kurupt Speaks 4. Roscoe/Y.A - End Of The Road (Y.A Mix) 5. Tri/Y.A - Y Ta The O Ta The U.N.G. 6. Roscoe/Tri/Y.A - Two Up Two Down "Y.A 7. Kurupt on Y.G 8. Kurupt/Roscoe/Tri/Y.A - I Dont Like Nobody 9. Kurupt/Tri/Y.A - GangBang 10. Tri/Y.A - Where Dem Gangstas Bang 11. Roscoe/Tri/Y.A - Anterazh Kustapo 12. Roscoe/Tri/Y.A - Breath 13. Roscoe Speaks On Y.A 14. Kurupt/Tri/Y.G - 10 Years 15. Kurupt/Roscoe/Bullet - Get Used To Me 16. Kurupt/Roscoe - Hood In Yo Life 17. Kurupt Live From Philly 18. Kurupt - I Did't Change 19. Kurupt/Roscoe/Tri/Y.A - Y.A 20. Kurupt/Yukmouth/Jayo Felony - Keep It Gangsta 21. Kurupt/Roscoe/Tri/Y.A - Paragraphs Of Pleasure 22. Kurupt/Roscoe/Gail Gotti - Don't Ask Me For Shit 23. Y.A - Hit'em Till It Hurts (off upcoming Y.A LP!!) 24. Kurupt Outro 25. wwwDJStrongdotcom wwwDJWarriordotbiz Outro 26. Bonus Y.A Track - We Ride Daytons

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Kurupt Fan.......2005-07-22

    This tape has all his posse, new Kurupt and his brother Roscoe on it! I love it can't wait for against the grain!
    Against The Grain
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Go hard or go home!
    • Ok but not that good
    • Kurupt Can Do Better {3 Stars}
    • my favorite album right now
    • A sense of THE KINGPIN lurking.
    		 Against The Grain
    Kurupt
    Manufacturer: Death Row Koch
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Gangsta & HardcoreGangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B0001KL5C6
    Release Date: 2005-08-23

    Tracks:

    1. Intro
    2. Speak On It Feat. Val C
    3. Anarchy ' 87
    4. Throw Back Muzic '86
    5. Deep Dishes
    6. Stalkin
    7. Can U Feel It Feat. Potion
    8. Slide N Slide Out Feat. Eastwood, Big
    9. I'm Back
    10. Jealousy
    11. Tha Past Feat. Dave Holister
    12. My Homeboys (Back To Back)
    13. Bull **** & Nonsense Feat. Spider & Eastwood
    14. Calico Feat. Dayton Family
    15. Hustlin' Feat. Big Tri & Young Tone
    16. It's A Wrap
    17. You ****** With The Best Feat. Domination
    18. Outro

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars Go hard or go home!.......2006-10-23

    Standout tracks: ANARCHY 87, THROW BACK MUZIC 86, DEEP DISHES, SLIDE N SLIDE OUT(where's Kurupt?), MY HOMEBOYS, BULLS**T AND NONSENSE(again where's Kurupt?), CALICO and YOU F****N WITH THE BEST. Filler: Im back(sucked on Dysfunktional Family Soundtrack and it sucks now), Jealousy(wack plus MOP's verses were off big time), Hustlin(wack cipher), Can you feel it(wack club record that falls short) etc. Bottom Line: We are going to have to come to grips with the fact that Kurupt hasnt been the same since he left Deathrow and changed his style around. He went back to Deathrow but he still has the same schlocky rap style he had out of the record company. Songs like Speak on it and Tha Past would be good but its ruined by his retarded flow. Beware of any album that comes out of Deathrow nowadays! One last note: You f****n with the best is also on Bang Em and Domination's album God Giveth and God Taketh Away. Pick that album up its not a disappointment like this one.

    3 out of 5 stars Ok but not that good.......2006-06-21

    Ok album. Only some hot songs on here. Worth the money tho. Best songs are Calico, Throwback Music, Anarchy 87, and Homeboys. Rest of tracks are str8 and some are wack. Not as good as dpg's Dogg Food tho.

    3 out of 5 stars Kurupt Can Do Better {3 Stars}.......2006-06-17

    Kurupt's first studio release in four years seems sort of unpolished and rushed. The fact that this album was pushed back for three of those years comes through on some of the songs as they sound outdated with their generic rhythms and dated topics. The production is distinctly west coast and allows Kurupt to spew his trademark venom in vintage west coast fashion. Some of the songs start to sound the same toward the middle of the album and other songs tackle generic topics like "beef". That can make things seem dry and boring. Guest appearances include Eastwood, Young Tone, Roscoe, The Dayton Family, Spider Loc, Big Tri, Domination, and Tupac.

    4 out of 5 stars my favorite album right now.......2006-04-04

    i didn't like this album that much when i first got it but i gave it a chance and i grew to love it. it's almost all good. great combination of old-school-gangsta-death-row-sound, unexpected lyrics, easy-listening-2pac-type flows. give it a try.

    i wish they promoted it. i wanted to see this do well. death row could have had a classic with a little promotion.

    4 out of 5 stars A sense of THE KINGPIN lurking........2006-03-25


    HARDCORE......
    ACHIEVING
    STREETFUL
    ....AND OVERCOMING.

    Kurupt has come across many odds and ends to deliver this album to the shelves- arguably, a typical Death Row Records trademark. However, after finally doing so, Kurupt brings a much needed album and brings his game status with him.

    It's obvious. Alot on his mind... Regrouping to his old label, reclusiveness to industry, hostility amongst former artists...
    Moreover, "Against the Grain" album wasn't even to be released under Kurupt's approval! ....... Distribution handling the final tracks wasn't to his tastefulness.

    With all of this on the line, I'd have to say that Kurupt has overcome many odds to bring out a delayed album that spits fire left and right. An aggressive, subfound Kurupt has answered some of his own vengeance overall and even aknowledges his status with a new, decayed Death Row Records.

    Highlights:
    03. ANARCHY '87- A strong and feelful track! Non-the-less far from being a typical rap track. Pace is up and down with unpredictable production from Mark Sparks.

    04. THROWBACK BACK MUZIC '86- Calmed track but the street talk is dominating! Old school meets new school. If Death Row was to ever have kept its jem with the original line up, a new age Death Row sound would be just this...

    07. CAN U FEEL IT- Glam and style was always the indredient for Tha Row. Kurupt fulfills that here and some. Radio chorus with the mean flows.

    08. SLIDE N SLIDE OUT- Overwhelming! Blacthoven pushes the limits with crisp beats while Kurupt follows up with mic shredding! Fastpaced and executed nicely here as Eastwood, Big Tri & Young Tone assists on 3 pointers. Album highlight!

    09. I'M BACK- Forceful delivery from Kurupt. Taken from the Dysfuntional Family sessions, this one is a different take on matters but done well. Impressive and a growing track.


    A few more songs speak volumes for this recording. With all the odds in mind, I'd say that this is a great album for the archives. I feared how Death Row would personally adjust to Kurupt... - sound old school production or bring in some new while demanding the old fire from Big K?

    Of course, Dat Nigga Daz would sound quite nice accomidating Kurupt Young Gotti. And so would Snoop, Nate, Warren G and so on. But it still holds nice on it's own. My personal mindput is really a 3 1/2 stars on this but a plain 3 would underappreciate it's worth. Speaking of lineup, there were some hits and misses on the featured artists. However, there weren't that many to begin with. That's impressive enough for this day in age where 20 tracks feature 60 artists....


    Overall, a bold album from Kurupt. A good step for Death Row, finally- whom can only release soundtracks and compilations lately. The ingredients are still flowing in the West. For "Against the Grain" we get a Kurupt from "Dogg Pound Gangstaz" track of Above the Rim days. Strong effort but still needing Kurupt the Kingpin back!
    Freakshow
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Freakshow
      Krafty Kuts
      Manufacturer: Against the Grain UK
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000I5XONM
      Release Date: 2006-11-07

      Tracks:

      1. Intro
      2. Freakshow - Ashley Slater
      3. We Do This - Dynamite MC,
      4. Tell Me How You Feel
      5. Turntable Skit
      6. Funk Is
      7. Krafty Pervert - Scratch Perverts
      8. Bass Phenomenon - Tim Deluxe,
      9. There They Go - Dynamite MC,
      10. Bring Back the Funk
      11. Basketball Jam
      12. Keep Movin
      13. She's out of My Head
      14. Summer Samba
      15. Flamenco Freddy

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