Point Of Know Return represents the Pinnacle of their career
937381
This is the peak for most Kansas Fans. Contains the Massive hits Point of Know Return and Dust In the Wind! This is the album the places Kansas in the Pantheon of the greats! If you were to only add one Kansas album to your collection this would be the one to choose first! It contains some of there biggest tracks and this is the album that marks the crossover from Progressive Rock and sees them entering a more commercial arena. The next albums will see the band heading into very commercial waters which is always a huge topic of debate for Kansas Fans. But for Point of Know Return it is a must have album that would appeal to fans of the progressive era and to fans of the later commercial era. It is truly a must have album.
2462454
The Peak Show is a band with a sound unlike any other. They are perhaps best described as similar to Portishead, but with more punk and funk influences. The songs on this album generally consist of strong modern rock or trip-hop sounds with the alternately earthy and ethreal vocals of their female lead singer, Holland Greco. Most of the songs are conceptually well-developed, with thoughtful lyrics and well-blended melodies. However, this description does not really do justice to the effectiveness of their unique musical vision.
Those in the Southern California music scene know that The Peak Show is one of the best live bands in a region full of talent. While some of the raw charisma exhibited by the band in concert is inevitably lost in the transition to CD, enough carries over to thoroughly charm most listeners. "Flow" and "Poke Me With A Fork" are particularly inspired, with the awesome vocal variations of Holland played up in both. Similarly, "Junk Drawer" showcases their off-beat wit, while "It's Rain" suggests a softer, more pensive approach.
If you are a fan of alternative or indie rock, or even trip-hop, you absolutely should buy this album. If you reject the manufactured pop that dominates the airwaves of most cities, and are looking for a new sound that resonates with your soul, you should check out this CD.
Perhaps the only downside to this album is that it does not include several of their newer songs, like "Primary" and "O'Day," both of which usually leave audiences stunned when they are performed in concert. These songs will appear on their next album, their first major label release. But many of the other great songs on this album will not, so buy this one too!
3953355
If Californication was a clue, then By The Way was clear evidence that RHCP were going to follow up those two albums with something like this.  While I appreciate the early material for its groundbreaking value, Stadium Arcadium seems like a natural culmination that finds the Peppers standing with other great bands that have gone through sometimes inexplicable transitions to unexpectedly arrive at the peak of their success. One can argue the strength of this or that song, but it's a solid piece of work overall, blended nicely and never boring.
4080348
This album left a huge gust of refreshing wind to the hip hop industry. These dudes really have a lot of underrated skill, It's good to see they have time to shine in the mainstream, they definately deserve it. Although, with that being said, they haven't sold out, they keep it just like they've always delivered it but with a new and polished ambiance. Every single song has a unique and impressive vibe to them. This album is definately worth a buy, every penny will be well spent. I gave it a 4 cause Bizzy is still lost, and Bone ain't complete without him, but rest assured the talent is still there (although Wish is slippin' a bit). Krayzie Bone is amazing in this album! Listen to this guy spit in songs like Flow Motion 2, Streets, and especially GUNBLAST, and I find myself rewinding to get the adrenaline rush. The chorus to every song is catchy. So far Im addicted to the song "Sounds the Same" real deep lyrics and chillout beat. There is something in this CD for everyone. Congrats for your new appraisals Bone, you truly hit the pinnacle for 2007.
1988465
Boston's classic sophmore album has finally been remastered.

Boston became an overnight sensation with their self-titled debut album (1976) which was one of the best selling albums of 1976 (as of this writing, it has sold over fifteen million copies and remains the best selling debut album of all-time). Needless to say, Epic wanted an immediate follow-up album to capitalize on the band's momentum. Not wasting any time, Tom Scholz, (guitar) Brad Delp, (vocals) Barry Goudreau, (guitar) Sib Hashian, (drums) and Fran Sheehan (bass) started work on their new album.

Released in 1978, the two year gap between the debut and the follow-up was considered a long wait. Despite working on the follow-up for two years, Scholz, always the perfectionists, was unhappy with the final result, especially the second half. He considered the album rushed and incomplete. Be that as it may, it was still a strong seller, debuting at number one on the billboard chart and yielding three hit singles, the title track, "Feelin' Satisfied", and "A Man I'll Never Be."

While "Don't Look Back" is overshadowed by the debut, it's still a fine album. It's essentially cut from the same cloth as the debut. The title track is more-or-less this album's "More than a Feeling," "The Journey" is this album's "Foreplay," "Party" is this albums "Smokin'" and so on. The downdraught semi-epic "A Man I'll Never Be" is probably the album's most ambitious song and the one track that separates this album with its predecessor. While "Don't Look Back" is more or less a carbon copy of the debut, it's not quite as strong. There isn't anything wrong with the album; the songs are catchy, the album is well-paced, there isn't any filler, the production is top-notch, it's just that compared to the debut, "Don't Look Back" plays second fiddle, in terms of memorable, great songs. Boston's debut is such a classic; it would be a hard, almost an impossible task, to try to top.

While "Don't Look Back" isn't the classic that the debut is, it's still a great collection of songs. And while Boston's music hasn't aged as well as some of their peers and is definitely dated, their good-time classic 70s brand of rock n' roll is certainly worth a spin now and again.

Although Tom Scholz himself was in charge of the remastering of both this album and Boston's self-titled debut, he has stated that he is less-than-thrilled with the results. He has gone so far as to call both remasters "abortions." I honestly have no idea what Mr. Scholz is talking about or if I am listening to the same remasters as him. Both remasters sound superb. It's the same music that people have known and loved for three decades, but now with a crisp, fresh sound.
352285
This is Thirteen was their triumphant return and that producer was supposed to be so great but this record tops it from top to bittom; Song writing, production, performance you name it.

Great job guys. Buy this record sight unseen. You won't regret it.
2869712
Sonically, this reissue from Big Break Records is probably the best sounding of all their Pointer Sisters remasters. The clarity jumps right out at you from the opening notes and Latin percussion of SWEET LOVER MAN.

In 1981 the musical landscape was populated by Adult-Contemporary and Country Crossover acts such as Sheena Easton, Air Supply, Ronnie Milsap, Christopher Cross and Hall & Oates and this album takes a soft-rock/AC approach and less R&B than 1980s SPECIAL THINGS yet its never boring. On the lite AC numbers such as SOMEDAY WELL BE TOGETHER (not the Supremes hit) or GOT TO FIND LOVE the girls harmonies are as sweet as ever. Also, just try and sit still during the boppin TAKE MY HEART, TAKE MY SOUL or doo-wop throwback SHOULD I DO IT or not sway and sing along with their smooth Top Five smash SLOW HAND from Fall 81.

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN is a throwback to the previous decades grittier soul sound; WERE GONNA MAKE IT is a breathlessly fast-pumping pre-Flashdance number and the slower, sultry WHAT A SURPRISE is probably the highlight of a truly wonderful album. Bonus Track HOLDING OUT FOR LOVE has a Ray Parker, Jr. vibe.

A rock-solid effort from the Pointers; just make sure to splurge for the superior-sounding Big Break Records release and you can imagine sitting right in the studio with them while they recorded this.
853244
This album is indeed a return to form for Died Pretty. This is not to say that this versatile Sydney outfit has ever been "bad", but their previous two albums are not among their best. "Trace" had a  difficult task, following in the footsteps of the awesome "Doughboy  Hollow", and ultimately failed as a result. Although containing some  brilliant tracks, it seemed too weighed down and ponderous; even the long  sprawling epics Died Pretty do so well seemed laboured. "Sold"  was better - it is actually quite good, but never gelled as a whole. Having  signed to Sony for these two albums, the company dropped them shortly  after, but Died Pretty bounced back in 1998 with "Using My Gills As A  Roadmap". It is every bit as impressive as "Doughboy  Hollow". The album has just nine tracks, but embraces an entire new  sound. The intricate guitar work of Brett Myers takes a back seat, serving  as supporting rhythms to John Hoey's keyboards and synthesisers. From the  searing noise that pervades through the rocking opener, "Slide  Song", the whole album has the feel of a band exploring a new horizon,  taking a different turn, and succeeding in the effort. It is less a rock  album; it is more a deep and emotionally provoking exploration of the  senses. "She Was" and "The Daddy Act" continue the  synth dominated sound, while "Paint it Black You Devils" is  unlike anything the band has done before. It is dominated by a tribal  rhythm, with Ron Peno's affected vocals interjecting, somewhat  incidentally. It is very danceable! "Stay", "Gone" and  "Away" are more introspective songs - the middle of these, in  particular, is a wonderfully layered song with shifts and changes,  including beautiful synthesiser effects. "Away" has similar  sounds, simultaneously gentle and haunting. The first single,  "Radio" and the final song, "Drive", are the most  rockiest, but they too are dominated by Hoey's keyboards. Peno's vocals  remain as murky and obscure as ever, with impenetrable lyrics; but in the  case of Died Pretty, less is often more. Although you can't understand much  of what Peno says, you can sense the passion and the yearning. In summary  (and put very simply), "Using My Gills As A Roadmap" is  brilliant. It is by all means an experimental effort - the sound attests to  this - but it works because Died Pretty is a band that never shies away  from taking risks.
3498919
As others have mentioned, what a year for comebacks by '80s bands!  This one by Night Ranger seems to be getting overlooked by too many.  It is absolutely brilliant!  For some bands, it is fine for them to keep recreating their original sound, but Night Ranger has never been satisfied simply doing that.  Listen to the searing opening rockers "Tell Your Vision", "Drama Queen", and "Your Gonna Hear it From Me".  While modern, it is definitely Night Ranger with the dualing guitars and catchy melodies.  Has Night Ranger ever rocked harder than they do here?  "There Is Life", at track 5, is indeed the power ballad of the album.  Some call it "Sister Christian" for the 21st century, and I see their point.  However, this song stands on its own as a fantastic melodic ballad.  "White Knuckle Ride" is another modern rocker that takes some getting used to but again becomes brilliant to me after repeated listens.  "Revelation 4AM" to me sounds like vintage Night Ranger.  "Being" is a nice, slow way to end the new tracks on an album of material that generally ROCKS through and through.  The bonus acoustic studio tracks of classics "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sister Christian" don't take away from the rest of the material but in fact enhance it.  Don't be fooled by these tracks being acoustic--they are still catchy and rocking, enjoyable versions of the songs.

I am well aware that Night Ranger had all its top 40 hits between 1982 and 1986--the last being "Goodbye" some 22 years ago.  However, for true fans of this band that care about more than radio hits, this album should absolutely hit the spot.  Night Ranger is a band that saw its highest level of fame in the '80s, but this album proves that they are in no way stuck in the '80s.  If you like any music at all beyond 1990, give this one a listen.  I am anything but disappointed in this new material--to me it is one of the best rock albums of the year to date.
76111
There is no place to find a more talented group of musicians than when Turning Point gets together to play.  The original emanations of a melodic tapestry is uniquely theirs.  In any other time in history Turning Point would have made and stayed on the top of all the Smooth Jazz charts given the level of talent found in their creative collaboration.  Much like MLK Jr., Turning Point is still referenced by loyal jazz followers as the music to match in intensity, complexity, and sheer genious.  Their music will live on forever as new generations find these tracks timeless, and captivating.  Don't miss picking up all of their music or you will miss the greatest therapy session for your soul.
920583
After the mediocre Generations effort, it is nice to see a solid offering like Revelation come from the band that has been around for 33 years. The Augieri era never really got off the ground, although there were a few nice songs on those CDs. And now, right out of the gate, comes a towering homerun introducing the hopefully long tenure of Philipino singer Arnel Pineda. The CD kicks off with energy to the rockin' tune "Never Walk Away" and never lets up in either song quality or playmanship. Neil Schon's guitar-playing has never been better, with crisp solos and crunching power chords throughout, especially on "Change for the Better" and "Where Did I Lose Your Love." There are two nice ballads: the touching "After All These Years" and the potential number one adult comtemporary masterpiece "Turn Down The World Tonight." The re-recorded hits are okay, with seven adequate attempts and four that might make long-time fans cringe during certain parts. But at least the hits CD and the outstanding DVD of the current lineup playing live will give you an idea of what they'll sound like if you are considering attending one of their concerts. All in all, Revelation is a gem of a record.
3822534
This 2-CD set really rocks. No going out with a whimper. The Airplane finished their seven-year run in a blaze of glory. The great majority of tracks are from their last two studio albums, "Bark" (1971) and "Long John Silver" (1972).

I see that a number of reviewers here have knocked the concert for not having more of their songs from earlier albums. Well, at the time the band didn't know this would be the end (Jorma quit just days afterward to start recording "Quah"), and it was the grand conclusion of their tour to promote "Long John Silver," so what do you expect?

I am truly impressed at the material done here from that album. Songs that were lackluster in the studio recording - with a bad mix to boot - are performed with a riveting intensity. The title tract of "Long John Silver" has a makeover that is nothing short of a remarkable. Grace belts out its lyrics to a musical wall of sound driven by Jack Casady's bass guitar.

"Wooden Ships" from "Volunteers" is also nice, and Papa John Creach lends an added dimension not heard in any other Airplane recordings of that tune.

The concluding medley is also a real kicker.

I concur with a prior reviewer that if you are not familiar with the Airplane, this should not be your starting point. For that I would recommend "Surrelaistic Pillow" or "The Worst of Jefferson Airplane." This set is the icing on the cake for us longtime fans.
2855687
First off, this album is NOT merely an exercise in nostaglia. This IS the Soundgarden that fans know and love and will remember clearly. But personally, I cannot remember a "comeback" that has been more welcome and justified. In a day an age when there is very little real "music" being made out there, Soundgarden roars back, as vital, if not more, today than they ever were. This is a much needed example and specimen of real people, writing real songs, playing real instruments, and creating something far and well beyond the stagnant "product" that currently passes for music. Breathtaking and brilliant, this record reminds us what it should be all about, and what it should be now. Soundgarden is dead, long live Soundgarden!
1885131
this is perhaps  the best reuniting of this band  .

and impressive tie up of all livgren  / walsh kansas  periods  with musical  references  all over the place  even  seeds of change  hints  and A.D.  .  Livgren  has a wealth of material going all the way back to the pre-kansas  experimental prog  period  up to present  solo work

while Walsh's voice  has  worn with age  he still delivers  emotional  heart wrenching expression  .

great layered  vocal harmonies and  amazing musicianship.

With the exception of the  living room jam at the end this is a masterpiece  and a grand if not short return of most of the classic lineup  I highly recommend  it !
4435958
Two long years of waiting and it finally arrives, Co & Ca's follow-up to the SSTB, In Keeping Secrets if Silent Earth: 3. How does it stack up to the enormous precedent set by the last album? Quite nicely would be the resounding answer, and Coheed and Cambria continue to rock with their own unique style.
With this album, the band certainly expands their reach in the genre of rock music far more then the last album. While certain songs, notably "The Crowing" and "Favor House Atlantic" continue in the style of past works, songs like "Faint of Heart" with its Santana-esque vibe and "Blood Red Summer"'s almost overtly poppy beats are a refreshing change. Every song is worth listening to over and over again for the subtle nuances which have come to be expected from Coheed.
As well, the infamous "2113", an ode to Rush and other classic rock bands which somehow influenced coheed is included on the cd as song #23. As a nice bonus a little dvd package is included which contains the videos for "devil in jersey city" and "delirium trigger" from the SSTB. Also included is a variant video of devil which has to be seen to be believed.
To explain every great part of this album would take quite a long review, so I will leave it at this: Coheed is one of the great hopes for the continued evolution of rock and certainly a band no one should miss. You don't need to know the whole backstory associated with the band to simply the enjoy the beautiful music being created on this album and their previous.
2139016
I have been a huge fan of Taking Back Sunday for a long time now and have seen them come from being a band with little recognition to this hit craze that is shown on MTV. Their newest album "Where you Want to be" is an electrifying sophomore record and is very impressive considering that they had to replace two of their members. While "Where you Want to be" might not contain the same catchiness that many fell in love with on their first record "Tell All Your Friends", they make up for it with a sound that will punch you in the stomach, leave you gasping for air and wanting more. Songs like "Bonus Mosh, Pt. 2", "A Decade Under the Influence", and "One-Eighty by Summer" are only a few of the highlights that reside within this piece of work. A softer side that previously hasn't been seen is shown in "New American Classic" which shows just how versatile this band can be. Overall this cd is a huge step for Taking Back Sunday in further developing their music and creating the monster hits they were born to play.  Definitely a cd worth buying for any fan who has a passion for rock.
1940188
Unpretentious. Straightforward. While most of their contemporaries drifted away from their roots into extended oblivion, this group stuck with it. You can just hear their early roots, some echoes of early R/R, British, and rockabilly.  Then they turned a corner and evolved into a unique sound, a blend of swamp rock and solid Delta R/B rhythm even though they hailed from California.  The sound quality does them justice, the booklet is very informative and gives a lot of insight into the band members and their times.
  Each successful band carves out a niche for themselves, every good artist stands the test of time. John Fogerty had a talent for what he did and his brother and fellow band members remain one of the tightest rhythm sections of their time. Like any band they had their problems and egos, but the music STANDS!
  I'm grateful for the other reviewers and their insights. Like one remarked  The Chronicles/ Greatest Hits is just a taste of what's there.  He nailed it. Get this box set and enjoy!
  I just ripped the entire set to my computer so I can listen to it straight-through and it's been one great ride!