The Bangles Were More Than Just a GlamRock Band to Me
352184
The 80s were a rough time for me in many ways. I was trying to grasp feminism when separatist feminist radicals like Andrea Dworkin were saying that all sexual contact between men and women was rape. At the time I had no idea how widespread her views were and it was a horrific thing to consider. Just about that time I heard the music of The Bangles. The first song I heard made me cry because it reaffirmed my gut feeling that Ms Dworkin was more than a bit looney. As their music flowed out of my radio and stereo, it was healing. I will always be grateful to The Bangles for coming along at just the right time to undo the damage inflicted by a few radical fringe feminists on men who respect, admire and love women. I wrote a letter expressing my gratitude and received an autographed photo in short order. It remains a cherished memento.
1048235
This was not what I was expecting and I loved it.  It is not necessarily slow tempo or mellow but I liked the mood of it a lot.  I am not sure if I would compare their sounds but if you like Bastille, The Naked and Famous, or the mellower AWOLNation songs I think you would enjoy this album I have listened through the album several times now and I enjoy it each time.  My favorite songs are probably "Hell and Back" and "Chains".

The vinyl quality is very good.  I had no issues with noise.  (I do wash all albums before playing them.)
4705282
Its not easy to describe every band that I listen to. Sure, some bands are far easier than others but still, the effort and indecisiveness are still there for them. However, with The World is a Beautiful Place, its just like that, I love some of their songs but then I don't understand others, I cant wait to see them live but I don't think Ill be able to get into their music as much as my friends do. Its confusing but what isn't confusing is how great this album is.

Theres always going to be something that I dislike about an album, always. Maybe not at first but always soon after and with Whenever, If Ever, that something are the vocals but mostly the back-up vocals. They sound extremely off-key and sloppily done compared to the lead vocalist and hearing them both together just shows that.

What I did like about this album is how some songs start and other songs finish on the same note as well as the fact that all the songs have a great build-up, especially in Getting Sodas. The emotion and tone that this album gives off as a whole is great and gives off that actual gig life feeling that every teenager wants to experience at least once.

The World is a Beautiful Place handed me a slow album that I was expecting yet I appreciate it either way because it sounds great. The drumming and bass pieces and executed lovely with just the right amount of strength and build-up that makes each song better. I recommend this album to anyone who enjoys the post-rock genre and don't mind a few slow songs that have tremendous build-ups. My favourite songs are-Gig Life, Getting Sodas, You Will Never Go to Space, and Ultimate Steve.
1193295
As a heavy metal/hard rock musician, sometime I just need a change of pace while listening to music. Amongst all of my Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Motley Crue cd's, you'll find very few non-metal/rock albums. But once every ten years or so, I'll pick up a disc that makes my wife and friends shake their heads in disbelief that I would ever consider listening to it. Once, it was Duran Duran, another time Fleetwood Mac, and now, Hall & Oates.

I only really remember Hall & Oates from their MTV videos, and hearing their music at nightclubs back in the 80's. Never a fan, but as a musician, I am able to appreciate great musicianship regardless of the genre. Fast forward 30 years to present day, and after catching a few episodes of Live From Daryl's House on Palladia, I became aware of just how many huge hits they'd had in their heyday, and realized how my musical taste must have matured as I'd catch myself humming 'Kiss on My List', 'I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)', 'Maneater', and 'Private Eyes' more often that I cared to admit.

So, after perusing the vast catalogue of H&O albums here on Amazon, I decided on this one. It arrived at my door yesterday, and it's been playing repeatedly over the past 24 hours. All songs were big hits for the duo, and even the two songs that I couldn't place the name were easily recognized within a few seconds into the track. Very well mixed and produced, the songs still are lively after 30 years, and sound as if they were recorded yesterday. Fourteen tracks of catchy, hook-laden rock & soul that the boys were known for are all here in one excellent collection.
3623409
What surprised me first was the overall great sounding quality of this cd. With that said, the thing that you notice after listening through to all of the songs, just how exciting that time was for the music industry.  The british scene was exploding on its own, and Winwood and the Spencer Davis Group, along with many other great British acts, were clearly influenced by American R&B.  The song selections are great and the group gets the comprehensive listen that they deserve.
3137983
In this review I will try to describe how the music on Better Days affects you and stays with you. However, I'll just say at the outset that my first impression of Better Days was wondering exactly how many times RSB had listened to Coldplay's "Parachutes" while writing this record.  It is full of laid back tempos,acoustic guitar, atmospheric delay-ridden electric guitar, and falsetto vocals.  Though RSB owes a whole lot to Coldplay, there are some more upbeat tracks that give them a slightly different identity.  For example, "Faith of Our Fathers" and "Hallelujah, God is Near" actually rock in their own laid back way.
  Now, onto the impressions.  After listening to Better Days over and over I've come to the conclusion that the songs take time to sink in, but after they do they almost become a part of who you are.  The music and lyrics really get under your skin (in a good way).  And though the music and lyrics are great, what I feel after I listen to Better Days is an amazing sense of peace and wonder.  It really leaves an impression on me, which is no small thing.  There is some music that you enjoy listening to and when walk away from it, you don't take anything with you.  Robbie Seay Band create songs that will leave a "soul picture" on your heart long after you're done listening.  My favorite songs are "Breathing Air Again" and "Come Ye Sinners" which both open up worlds in my soul.  The themes of God's nearness, the beauty of nature, rest, peace and faith permeate Better Days.
  There is also the sense that RSB knows that this world can beat the tar out of you and we sometimes get weary.  This music is the soundtrack to Isaiah 40:30-31.  It really does heal and strengthen you.  In closing, I know I've done an imperfect job describing this record.  It's like trying to convey the taste of vanilla ice cream to someone who has never tried it.  You can only describe it in subjective terms, but when it comes down to it you just have to try it for yourself.  I highly recommend Better Days as well as RSB's other record, Give Yourself Away.  Very good stuff.
2352999
In early August, 1968, I arrived in London for a year's stay.  The day that I arrived, I made sure to go to the famous Marquee Club that I had heard so much about in the US during the previous 3 to 4 years.

When I arrived at the club, I found out that the headline act was the Spencer Davis Group (with Ray Fenwick, Eddie Hardin and Pete York).  I went inside to listen to the opening act and I was very impressed.  The band did some really amazing Beatles and Byrds covers, and their original material was excellent as well.  When I asked someone next to me the name of the band, they replied "Yes."  According to what I've been able to track down online, this was one of their very first public appearances!

Fast forward to almost a year later - July 25, 1969...
Three important LPs were released on that day:  Jethro Tull's "Stand Up", Blodwyn Pig's "Ahead Rings Out", and the very 1st album by Yes.  I went to the local record shop and asked to listen to the Yes LP in one of the audition booths.  From the opening notes of the first track, I knew that I was listening to something very special.  Also, it was exciting to listen to the cover songs ("Every Little Thing" and "I See You") that I had heard them perform at the Marquee the previous year.  Within the hour, I had purchased the LP and walked out of the shop clutching my prize under my arm.
828169
Not just brilliant rock music, these guys have fun doing it and that comes accross through out their music. The first time I can honestly say that there simply isn't a single track they have recorded that I haven't thought is pure brilliance.

Can't think of another way to put it. These guys are quite a step up beyond brilliant and I have no idea why they haven't got greater recognition. I'm still waiting for a UK tour though, but when they come I'll be going to more than just one night.

Pure brilliance, fantastic music and fun too.
3332565
Being a massive fan of The Bangles' music since the early '80s, "Doll Revolution" was a long time coming for me, especially after the "Behind the Music" episode on them. I have been waiting for this cd for two years, let alone the past decade for new music from them in general. Now that I have the cd in my hands, it was so well worth the money and wait for the cd to arrive in my mailbox. "Doll Revolution" did not fail to disappoint me. There really isn't an artist or band that harmonizes as well as The Bangles do. "Doll Revolution" is a great reminder how well Susanna, Vicky, Debbi, and Michael's vocals sounds together. "Mixed Messages" is a great example the band's abilities to harmonize. On the VH1's "Behind the Music" episode on The Bangles, at the end the viewer was introduced to a sampling of "Ride the Ride" and "Lost At Sea" which are found on the cd, much to my delight. Overall, "Doll Revolution" is a mixture of "All Over the Place" and "Everything", the raw production of "All Over the Place" with the sweet melodies of "Everything". The best of both worlds if anything. Susanna, Vicky, Debbi, and Michael all sound as if the band never broke up in the late '80s. I loved every single song on the album. Not a single dud on the album. I sure hope it sees the light of day over on my side of the Atlantic. This is one cd I don't want to see swept under the rug.
2950162
When I first heard this band, I couldn't help but notice the fact that this was a type of music that I found myself listening to every day. The CD itself is a great addition to any music library that needs something new. And, anyone who dare call themself "musically educated" should give this cd a listen. With songs like "Cowpunkin" and "Aquafizz", they add to the complexity and distinctiveness of the CD. After giving this CD a listen, I have to say that it is one of my favorites and goes without saying that I know that this group is going to be huge if they can create a Sophomore record that is even half as good as "Aural Sex". The reason, however, for the 5-star review is due to the polished sound, vocals comparable to that of any great metal act, past or present, and the montrous guitar riffs from them present to me and any other listener an enjoyable listen, unlike many attempts by countless other bands/groups.
4100790
I heard this band for the first time July 2nd on the Tonight Show.  I thought they were amazing and I'm a 67-year-old grandma and great grandma.  I knew there was something special about them and then it was confirmed when I read they are faith based.  I'm looking forward to receiving The Reckoning.
3242873
I was a 12 year old with my allowance money burning a hole in my pocket when the alluring strains of "Do It Again" tempted me into buying this on sale for $2.99. (gasp..I'm so old...) Up till that date, my record collection consisted of some teen-pop stuff my mom had given me and some Beatles 45's that my Aunt gave me as hand me downs. Pardon me for waxing nostalgic, but I doubt if I could have possibly picked a finer record to introduce me to seventies rock and roll.
This was a band that took pride in their eccentricities, and still be musically forward enough that even my pre-teen brain could find a way to absorb the quirks. Songs like "Fire In The Hole" and "Kings" were enigmatic enough for me to understand the coolness of it all, and the still stunning guitar solos spiking "Reeling In The Years" satisfied my craving for loudness. Still, at whatever volume this was played at, "Can't Buy A Thrill" held a mysterous appeal that few other bands could match. Blues workouts, jazz influences, and a certain leering know-it-all rock and roll quality laid the groundwork for all the songs here.
"Can't Buy A Thrill" is a stunningly original album, and given where the Dan would eventually lead us, that says a lot.
1195191
I was lucky enough to get introduced to Harriet this summer by one of my friends. Ever since, I've been in love with their music. They have such an unique sound I haven't really heard before listening to them. 10/10 would recommend. The lyrics are surprisingly deep and filled with emotion!
987980
Either you like how they sound or not so I suggest you try the samples before you decided to buy.

You probably heard of them from their radio hit "I've Got Friends" but you'll be amazed to see how great their other songs are as well.

It's definitely worth at least one listen through once or twice and you'll find plenty of songs which will make your favorites list.
3935084
I was taken in by "Forever", loved "Don't Save Me", and love the strange sound of "My Song 5". I was even more convinced after an amazing live show at Bonnaroo 2013. A band with tremendous skill and charm that is definitely growing into something more, a band to watch for sure!
3874983
Was directed to this band on Facebook, and was quite impressed, I checked a couple of other tunes of theirs and I was surprised at their range. Actually the word I used was 'awesomated'. If you like rock or blues or ballads this band can play it and play it well.
994141
Being an avid music fan and working in the music business it has made me very critical. Rarely do I take an immediately liking to a new band. This band has the rare gift of being appealing to many listeners. They are traditionally talented with radio appeal, without selling-out. They have the musicality and skill of Led Zeppelin, the commercial appeal to be a labels dream, and the rock-god vibe with just enough sex appeal making the 30 plus generation an approved fan as well as today's youth. "Judge me" is my personal favorite having a rebellious, seductive, Jim Morrison appeal, yet I surprised some Movie production has not yet swept up "You cant sleep at night". My second favorite, I feel it is a perfect soundtrack piece.
I am just waiting for this band to explode nation wide. Laura Rizzi