If you only buy one release from this band, buy this one
932635
The band has had numerous compilations over the years, but this one definitely had the most effort put into it. The songs are more or less in reverse chronological order, letting you hear how their diverse sounds have changed over the years. The first CD ("Unum") covers 1981-96, while the second CD ("Pluribus") covers the "Classic" album years of 1980-1972. One thing that makes this particlar compilations special are the several "concentrates" -- medlies created from several or all songs from a particular album.  They concentrates aren't just space fillers though; they flow really well for the albums they were selected for.
Even if you do have most of the major releases from The Residents, this compilation includes a good number of rarities and general non-album songs. You don't have to get them just for the sake of completion though: in all honesty, they're really good songs!  The booklet was also very well done, including an informative biography, tons of great photos, and track-by-track descriptions of the songs and their sources.  The booklet has two cover photos, so you can display either one on the front by flippling the booklet over.
There was also a 4-CD version of this release, but I don't think it's still in print. It included everything from the 2-CD version, plus tons of more rarities, and more concentrates for albums not covered at all in the 2-CD release (Meet The Residents, Not Available, the albums for the Cube E and Mark of the Mole tours, the Hunters soundtrack, etc.)  So for those of you wondering "why didn't they include material from album so-and-so", that's the reason why.
This is the very first release I ever bought from The Residents. Music has always been one of my passions, but just when I thought I had heard every style and genre, The Residents came into my life and turned my perceptions upside-down. They're incredibly weird and dissonant at a first listen, but once you aquire the taste...wow, you can't get enough.
889539
Whether you love this band, or don't really know them.. I am sure that you will enjoy this album.  Buy it.
1986117
Before I give you my opinion of the album, I am writing this album as a fan who really liked "angel's son" and then subsequently bought "Animosity" and was blown away. I am not someone who was a fan of theirs right from the start and if you are reading this review to buy the album, chances are, you are not a longtime fan either. In June I saw them in concert and I went from being a fan to being obsessed. At the time I only owned "Animosity" and "Seasons." But now i have bought this album as well as their self-titled and "Southside Doublewide."
 Based on the average customer rating I was expecting their self-titled to be a better album than this one, but for those of you new sevendust fans who really like their melodic side, you will like this album better. This album is almost is good as "Animosity" and is a lot better than "Seasons" if you give it time (plus you'll get sick of "Seasons" soon after you hear this baby) and "Southside Doublewide" and is a cut above their self-titled debut in my opinion. This album has the feel of "Animosity", the consistency of "Seasons" and the raw edge of the debut, making this album the transformation album from their old to their new. Songs like "Denial" and "Waffle" which all sevendust fans most likely know are some of the most powerful songs sevendust has ever made. And the rest of the album has that same energy. This is the album that makes me want to jump up and down more than any of their others. Whether you are a fan of either their new stuff or their old, this album most likely will not disappoint you, though "Animosity" is the album to get when it comes to guaranteed satisfaction.
 This album rhythmically is also their most complex in many ways. Most rock songs are either in 4/4 or 6/8 time signatures, but "Grasp" is in 3/4 and parts of "Feel So" and "Bender" are in 6/4. This is because sevendust is a very rhythmically oriented band, due in part to the excellence of their drummer, Morgan Rose. And if you haven't heard the song "Rumble Fish" yet...oh man you are in for a delight (make sure you don't d/l the acoustic version though cuz that absolutely sucks). If you are looking to add to your collection of sevendust albums, this is definitely a good one to go for, but if you are a new fan, either start with "Animosity" or if you like their newer, more commercial sound go for "Seasons" (maybe a little too commercial.) Anyway yeah, the 4 star rating shown is too low, so don't hesitate to buy this album.
1642857
So glad these guys came back with another album, even though it's only an mp3 download and not a physical cd. It stinks that this album/band isn't more well known - I don't want to wait another 4 years for their next album after listening to this one. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.  This album exceeds the terrific job done on their first release "Welcome to the Fall" and grows/builds on the unique sound that was established.  This is one of those albums that truly is an album in every sense - you need to buy and experience the whole album not just individual songs. This album has a tremendous mood to it and fills a certain space that so few albums can lay claim to, especially in this day and age.
4725655
Very little letdown for Knoxville artists, 10 Years, in this release. Similar style to their first two label releases, but there are some new touches. The artsy flair of "Division" is gone here, no cerebral interludes. (which I quite liked, btw, but don't think their absence hurts this record)

"Fix Me", "Waking up the Ghost", and "One More Day" are right up there with their best songs, and the rest of the album is solid as well. The band continues to mine thoughtful, non mainstream lyrical themes, and the force of the music accents the urgency of their messages. Hasek has a very unique yet very melodic vocal quality, which helps set this group's music apart. They are one of the better acts out there in today's alternative rock scene.

So, if you're already loving 10 Years, you should love this. If you don't know these guys, you owe it to yourself to get to know them. You can't go wrong in their catalog. Every album is good. I'd still give "The Autumn Effect" the nod, out of the 3, but that'll be different from listener to listener. This is a great band. Lyrically, they make you think. Musically, they kick your ass around the room. Great stuff. People like to compare them to Tool, which I get because the talent and originality is at a very high level, but they are much more melodic and accessible than Tool, without feeling like a sell out in the least.

By the way, they are even better live. The sound is perfect, and they are one of the most appreciative bands I've seen on a stage. Totally into their audience, and pouring every ounce of sweat into their music. If they come close to you, go.
2970701
When I first ordered all their available albums, their songs weren't featured in a gazillion commercials, etc yet but now they are. How you like me now? Especially. But truth be told, that's only one of their so many awesome songs. This is not their best record though, The House that dirt built would be my fav probably and second place would have to go to The Glorious Dead. But this is still an awesome band and a very good album.
4836657
After being ecstatic to learn that they were coming out with a new record, I patrolled their myspace religiously to hear new tunes as soon as they came out.

Of the three songs they released, I only liked one.  I was so disappointed, they had always had a grunge influenced sound, but always kept it indie and melodic enough to hold it at bay.  Those two songs I didn't like were almost entirely grunge, and I was apprehensive that the whole album would be in that direction, seeing as those were the songs that the band decided to promote.

But after tentatively deciding to buy the album, I was VERY surprised and quite stoked at the entirety of the collection of songs.  They haven't changed much, only grown.  The production is great, the melodies are all still there, and the vocals are better than ever.

Perhaps not as good as Everything Starts Where It Ends or Pretend You're Alive, but still a great record.
So many songs to fall in love with, only a couple I feel like skipping.  The end of the album returns to a very piano-based feel, while the rest keeps it a bit more uptempo.

Still Lovedrug.
4837275
Emerson Lake & Palmer's material defies reduction to a single disc, but if a single disc you must have, this is the one to get. The old Atlantic best of released in 1979 only included about 45 minutes worth of material because it had to fit on an LP, and "The Very Best of Emerson, Lake & Palmer" is anything but, wasting time with "Pirates" and "Peter Gunn" and a live version of "C'est la Vie" (why a live version?).

If you're going to give running time over to a long epic, then it really should be "Tarkus," their defining piece from their second album, and this collection does so. Karn Evil 9 isn't really necessary beyond 1st impression part 2 ("Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends...") and indeed wears thin when played in its entirety.

You might say that "The Barbarian" from the debut deserves inclusion, and it probably does. You could object that there's nothing from "Pictures at an Exhibition," but with limited space, it's better to defer to a wholly original work like "Tarkus." You might point out there are two or three tracks off "Black Moon" that are stronger than the title track, and you'd be right. You could express disappointment that yet again nothing from the Emerson Lake & Powell album has been included. You might say that "Canario" from "Love Beach" isn't so bad. Personally, I find their honky tonk crap irritating and wouldn't have included "Honky Tonk Train Blues."

But despite all that, this compilation achieves in a single disc both goals a good compilation must achieve. It must include the best known songs, and it must be representative. Considering that Rhino managed to include tracks representing all their different sounds while still covering their greatest hits, this is as perfect a compilation as you could ask.

Those who want to scratch the surface a bit more might try the two-disc Atlantic compilation (now out of print), the import "Ultimate Collection," or the "Return of the Manticore" box set. But really, if you're going to buy the box set or more of the endless series of available compilations, you may as well spend your money on the first four studio albums. They're cheap and they're far stronger than anything else ELP ever released.
1010472
I thought their first album was excellent...every song had a high level of quality to it and I feel the same way about this follow up. There are a lot of bands in this genre that are well established putting out albums that completely stink. So considering most new bands tend to flop with their follow up, I'd say My Darkest Days has done the opposite. Bottom line is, if you liked their first album then you'll probably like this one.
766309
Live Undead is Slayer's first live album. It was recorded with 50 of their best friends in the audience, which explains why you can hear them so clearly. Despite the lack in decent sound quality, the band itself is in tip-top shape, especially Tom Araya; his voice sounds amazing here.

For a seven-song EP, I could not have chosen better tracks to be on this CD. The standouts are Evil Has No Boundaries, Show No Mercy, and Die by the Sword, but all of these songs sound great and are actually performed a little better than on Show No Mercy/Haunting The Chapel due to a faster tempo and Araya's sharper vocals.

I am taking one star off for the price offered by Metal Blade here. $17 for a seven-song EP? No new songs? Sorry, but you might as well buy this used and make sure it's in good condition; I bought my copy used for $10 and everything's in pristine condition.

If you should get one live Slayer album, get the double-disc Decade Of Aggression that spans throughout their best years musically and features far more songs in better sound quality for only a slightly higher price. But if you are a fan of their early works and want to hear them live near the top of their game, go ahead and pick this up. Recommended.
787114
After owning this one for nearly three years, it still gets better every time I listen.
Get it.  And get "Good Grief."  Now.
Go see them live... if there is order in the universe, they will be selling out nosebleed seats in stadiums sooner than you think.

P.S. I'm not usually a music video person, but production values on theirs are amazing...
For starters, look up "Behind the Scenes: Making Of 'Gone Insane'."
2973849
If you buy only one CM album, make it this one, but once you do you'll just want all their other music too. The musicianship is incredible; the lyrics smart, the vocals are simply perfect. Have not heard a band this talented in years and years.
3675494
Just a little more time! That is all this band needs to fill a CD full of some thing really new. They have a great sound. It rocks and then some. Vocals are creative and they are begining to show a polish many seasoned  bands have missed. This album is not noise cranked loud. One song blends  into another and will wear you out. If they lengthen the tracks and work on  a few nice guitar riffs I cannot wait for the next release. Take this one  for a test drive, see if Carolines Spine does not make you sit up straight!
124324
Ricochet, released at the end of 1975 was Tangerine Dream's first ever live album and it's not like other live albums you might own where a group concentrates on the hits and fan favorites and maybe throw in a surprise or two. This was brand new material. Fresh on the heels of Rubycon (one of the highlights of electronic music, as far as I'm concerned), the band delivers yet another album certain not to disappoint. The music still concentrates on sequencers, relying heavily on rhythm, and it proves these guys were able to pull it off live. The album is basically one piece divided by part one and two (thanks to the album being originally released on vinyl). The Mellotron has been cut back a bit on this recording, but it's used some. The album is less atmospheric than Phaedra or Rubycon, but that shouldn't matter with the top quality material the band was presenting us. Listening to this album, I really can't help but think this had a huge impact on Radio Massacre International, a British trio that's released a ton of CDs in the past nearly 15 years (1995's Frozen North being their debut CD). Go listen to something like Emissaries (2005) and you'll hear a lot of Ricochet rubbing off on those guys (RMI are also big time Mellotron users and seems Edgar Froese in general rubbed off on them in regards to tron use, and I understand they actually bought Tangerine Dream's tron tape frame for their use).

Really, Ricochet is totally essential to your electronic collection, proving to everyone that the lineup of Edgar Froese, Chris Franke, and Peter Baumann is not only the finest lineups of TD, but probably electronic music's finest, period.
4606189
First of all: all the songs here are great, no doubt. But the disc has only one new song, which wasn't released on single (I wonder why:( ) There are quite some good songs out there that haven't been available to most fans previously, like Oh the guilt, Sappy or D-7, that SHOULD have made it to this album, but didn't. Yes, you are being ripped off. Get the original albums and don't touch this one with a ten foot pole. Five stars for the songs, one for relevance or the release.
1313182
There are a lot of reviews already and basically if you don't want to read them all just buy the damn thing and if you like it maybe check out the bands history and the ultimate fate of its leader.

With this many positive and negative reviews(and a lot of haters too!) that should tell you this album is worth trying out, although you've proably already heard most of it.
2868684
Woah!  Where the HELL did this come from?  I've loved this band since 1999 and this is the strongest release they're put out since I first got into them.  If you've ever wanted a band to really, TRULY return to their "roots," then this is the disc for you.  Honestly this is self titled volume 2 with bits of their first two albums, and maybe a small amount of reactionary thrown in as well.  25 years into their career, face to face might have made their next career-defining album.  Unreal!