Raw, honest...Steven Wilson at his best!
349703
I have nothing to add to the other reviews here except unlike The Raven That Refused to Sing and some of Grace For Drowning, Hand. Cannot. Erase is full of raw, honest, heartbreaking emotion. That makes it a winner for me. His best since Insurgentes.

Update: After multiple listens, I think this is SW's best solo work. It may even be better than all of his PT work. I would have to go back and listen to the PT catalog to be sure, though. Superb work!
3606209
Steven Wilson is a savant. Truly superhuman when it comes to mixing. You can literally swim in any surround mix I've heard him do.
4762489
I bought this album (in 1987) having never heard a Dead Milkmen song, and as soon as the music started I was hooked.  I've been a Dead Milkmen fan ever since. The music is raw, funny, and pure!  From Rodney's unique vocal style (this guy has one of the best-sounding punk voices you'll ever hear) to Joe's grungy, garage rock guitar to Dean's caffeine-charged drumming, Bucky Fellini has it all.  Best of all, this is one of the albums before they flip-flopped their format and ruined themselves; before Rodney, for some unknown reason, decided to hand over most of the vocal duties to Joe.  (Don't get me wrong - Joe was GREAT, and still is!  But the Dead Milkmen should never have tried to become Butterfly Joe in the midst of a great thing!!) Anyway...buy this CD!  You won't ever regret it.  It's as simple as that.
3597923
Neal Schon's creativity on this album can be summed up in one word: AWESOME! I have owned this CD for only 4 years, and I never tire of listening to its beauty. I'm mesmerised by Neal Schon's ability to change my attitude and mood about life in just 11 songs. "Steps" is without a doubt, the BEST song on the album...it's so good, it actually brings tears to my eyes, because it is so uplifting! Neal's blues roots REALLY come out in "Rain's Coming Down" and "Late Nite". "Inner Circles" and "I'll Cover You" are excellent songs that just make you want to dance. Any Journey fan should get this album, not just because of Neal Schon's tie to the band, but in order to understand Neal's creativity and appreciate his talents as a guitarist.
4450165
All that is best about 70's rock, with none of what is worst about 70's rock. In the end what comes through is the personality of Dennis Wilson: Beach Boy. bad boy, sensitive, misunderstood Dennis Wilson. This album is a tour de force, and while indulgent in places, is always earnest. While 70's rock is earnest to a fault at times, Wilson's ability to create hooks out of the flotsam and jetsam of his doo op roots combined with honest self-revelations, is what distinguishes this album from less ambitious (if more successful) albums of the same era.

Wilson is not confined to the past, musically. Numerous influences from the past and from the vibrant 70's scene sprinkle the tracks. Combined with spectacular mastering, this collection is a no-brainer and a must for any serious fan of rock music.
4504982
Just got my hands on this album last week and wow ! such a ride sonically.

Great songs on the album , what gets the listener the most is the diversity in the sounds. Wilson literally goes on from some really dark drone sound in "Index" all the way to some straight up alternative sounds like "Postcard" this album really has no dull moments. Not to forget wilsons trademark melodic vocals laced with harmonies in the right amounts. It feels like the songs on this album have been a collection of tunes wilson has written over a while , theres shades of the "Lightbulb Sun" sound on Post Card while the title song "Grace for Drowning" has traces of the dark stupid dream sound. The instrumentation on the album also stands out , done in the right quantities , there are no signs of showing off as many more other prog bands tend to do. Every song on the album has its own moments , and like most of wilsons other albums tend to generate a real good listening experience when heard as a whole. This album is a next step from wilsons previous solo effort insurgents , this is a double disc album , much like the same way porcupine tree evolved (Deadwing->FOABP->The Incident).

All in all , such a great album , if you have not heard any of wilsons solo stuff , this is a perfect place to start off. Here's to hoping for more similar great music form him , cannot wait to see the live shows in New York later this Fall!
757305
It's brilliant!!! some of the most relatable music out there today. Great melodies and hooks, and extremely well written choruses. But above all else, it's just so completely HONEST & truthful!  I put this album on when i've had a rough day, and sometimes it can change my mind set by just hitting play.  Knowing someone out there is feeling what I'm feeling is a really nice reminder! Sometimes when your just stuck, and feel lost people need music that they can connect to and Science & Faith does just that. This album gives you heartache, loneliness, and hope all in one! If you are looking for real talent, great music, and a reminder that you aren't the only one out there, do yourself a favor and buy this album! Instead of listening to some auto-tuned junk, with a chorus that repeats over and over again, listen to Science & Faith an album that tells a story in just 12 tracks. The Script have summed up some crazy feelings into beautiful music, that I didn't even think could be summed up into words.  This album is incredible, and I can't wait to see what's more to come! Well done!

~ Sarah
2897474
After years of personal struggle, storied Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson offically reemreged from his shell with "Live At The Roxy". This is by far Brian's best solo release, spanning 2 discs of his classic music, both solo and with The Beach Boys.
Disc 1 begins with a fiery take on "The Little Girl I Once Knew", one of the many obscure Beach Boys numbers featured here. What follows is a lare group of gems spanning nearly 40 years of music - "This Whole World", "Don't Worry Baby", "Kiss Me Baby", "California Girls", "Surfer Girl", "In My Room", "Add Some Music To Your Day", and "Please Let Me Wonder". Also, a new recording written in 1983 but not heard until now, "The First Time", is also included, and is one of Brain's all - time best compositions. Also, it's nice to hear him shy away from the ballads and rock out on "Do It Again" and "I Get Around". Also included is an interview with Brian that is short and sweet.
Disc 2 begins with Brain making a satire out of hunself, performing a cover of the Barenaked Ladies song "Brian Wilson". This immediately segues into the chillling "'Til I Die", perfomed so seriously that it makes one wonder if Brain really has recovered from his emotional problems. He bouncs back with a scorching rendition of "Darlin'". A few songs later, he does a heartwarming rendition of "God Only Knows". Then comes the heartbreaking "Lay Down Burden", his tribute to Carl Wilson. The mood swiftly changes with a cover of "Be My baby", to me the definitve version of the song. "Good Vibrations' bbrings the house down. It's almost as if you're there. "Caroline, No" endures thanks to his vocal work. "All Summer Long" glides along a caefree way with the blissful vibes. The haunting ballad "Love And Mercy" is also in its definitve version, shying aay from the technology used on the album version. Two bonus tracks add to the excitement of the album: an escapist rendition of "Sloop John B." and a thrilling "Barbara Ann" brings the set to an explosive close.
I think this cd shoudl be bought by anyone who likes music as much as I do. It's possibly the greatest live album ever made. Brian clearly is over his problems, and this cd shows his positive outlook on life.
3308099
I met Steve Silver 11 years ago in my barber shop. When he tells his stories, everyone in the shop listens intently.  He is the guy I always tell people, "His worst story is better than your best story." I, like other reviewers, was expecting a book filled with bar/punk/tour stories. I was blown away by the aspects of his life I knew nothing about. The stories are touching, yet raw. You get to see why (wether you know or not) he is both a tough guy and sensitive.
43137
I have had only a couple of listenings, but this continues to prove Steve Wilson knows how to make music that is original and thought provoking.  At this time I think "Grace for Drowning" was over all  a bit better, but I am sure as I get to know this album better, it will stand well with "Insurgentes" and "GfD" as outstanding albums.
3147866
Truly a lost masterpiece!  This is as great as any Beach Boys music outside of Pet Sounds.

What is Dennis Wilson known for?  Outside of the Beach Boys, probably not much.  But even fans of this great American band probably think of this decent drumming and harmonising with his brothers.  Many know that very briefly he hung our with Charles Manson.  But what's forgotten is this gem of an album that he released in the late 70s, where we hear his voice and keyboard playing throughout.

There are just some truly gorgeous pieces of music on this album.  Holy Man is probably my favourite.  It's kind of trippy and bluesy at the same time.  We also get a few pieces that rock, and several that are very laid back and quiet.  There is a very wide range of feelings over the 16 songs here.

This album really does deserve much more recognition than it gets.
1856538
I know Gerard McHugh personally, he was my music teacher in high school a few years back. I know how dedicated he is to something he loves doing, and it is evedent on this recording! "Forevever is Never Far Away" is a great uplifting song. "House of Dreams" has to be one of the best constructed songs I've heard in a long time. This record really captures the spirit of the indy rock scene in Atlanta during that time (early 90's)I really enjoy how raw this album's recording sound is...giving it a personal feel. To know Gerard is a real treat...and so is this cd!
4387020
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Aerosmith gives us pitifully few tunes by Aerosmith; the company then tries to pass this CD off on us as "The Best Of Aerosmith." Humph! That one won't get past me! Sure, what we do get is very high quality; but eleven or twelve tracks could never be enough to be called "The Best Of Aerosmith." What a disappointment!

"Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" really rocks and I always like this song! Aerosmith sounds strong and Steven Tyler sings this with all his might! "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" is a great number to start the track set; it's a solid Aerosmith hit and it sets the tone for the rest of what we do get. "Rag Doll" again features the band rockin' like the pros they still are; and Steven Tyler's voice never sounded better! The key modulations work very well and the electric guitars couldn't have been better, either.

"Love In An Elevator" features some fine harmonizing and the group does this up right. "Love In An Elevator" is an excellent rock song all these years later; it holds its own very well. "Janie's Got A Gun" is yet another huge Aerosmith hit with great drums and percussion.

"Livin' On The Edge" rocks really well with incredibly strong guitar work that few other rock bands could ever dream of matching; Steven Tyler sings this passionately, too. "Cryin'" is a love song type of rock ballad that leaves nothing to be desired--it's THAT good.

"Crazy" gets t my heart every time I hear it; this love rock song really works well and Steven Tyler sings this flawlessly. The CD ends with Aerosmith performing their classic hit, "Amazing." This tune tells the story of Steven's drug addiction and how there's hope for others just as there was still hope for him.

The liner notes don't give us tons of information but what we do get is OK. My main complaint about this album is that there's simply no way you can throw twelve tracks together and call them the "best" of Aerosmith. There's too much missing including many tracks from the Nine Lives album.
2973760
I was first introduced to Brian Courtney Wilson through the United Tenors CD with Fred Hammond.  Since then I have purchased Brian Wilsons other recordings.  He has a wonderful voice that seems to come straight from the heart!  This live recording is uplifting and encouraging.  Highly recommended!
2382913
If you like Porcupine Tree or have any appreciation for Steven Wilson, I highly recommend this DVD.  I have always wondered what went on in Wilson's mind and this documentary shows so many aspects of his thought and creative processes.

A must have for PT lovers.
1053943
The climax of Steven Wilson's solo career thus far.  A journey of classic and modern prog, hard rock, jazz, and too many influences to name,  Incredibly cohesive, it's an album that demands listening to start to finish, and multiple listens.  This is the album I keep coming back to.  Haven't heard anything like this in a long time.
2632720
By themselves, my eight least favorite tracks from this album would make it worthwhile. All display the passion and skill that you would expect in one of Stevie's recordings. However, the two most powerful tracks, "Little Wing" and "Life by the Drop," make this the one album I would keep if I could own only one. Not any one SRV album, but any album period. "Little Wing" touches my soul more powerfully than any other peice of artistic expression. Every time I listen, I feel like his guitar is plugged directly into my heart. I experience the entire range of human emotion in a little over seven minutes. The most remarkable thing about "Little Wing" and "Life by the Drop" is the way the seem to bring SRV into the room with you; close your eyes and listen to the buzzing amp in "Little Wing", or his haunting vocals in "Life by the Drop" (perhaps the most touching and heartfelt he ever recorded) and you may forget that he is gone. One warning, however: after listening to this, Hendrix's original version of "Little Wing" may sound hollow and passionless. The bells and mellow vocals detract from its poignancy.