Another Top Notch Offering from the D-R-E
589132
Alright, I've gotta admit that I wasn't expecting that much from Chronic 2001. Still D-R-E the video seemed slow and sort of sad versus when Snoop and Dre were really tearing **it up back in the original Chronic days. But,  this CD is great. Dre definitely has some serious producing skills and is  still one of the best in the industry, and he flexes his mustle on this.  The CD flows from top to bottom, highlighted by Still D-R-E (for whatever  reason I think the video took away from my enjoyment of the song, which is  great) and What's The Difference, featuring Eminem at his best. You should  definitely not forget to check this out before the December bombardment  from Tupac, Biggie, Nas, DMX and Jay-Z.
4833177
If `Hi-Infidelity` is Reo Speedwagon`s high point, then I would suggest that `You can tune..` comes a very close second! I think it`s the first album where the contrasting styles of Gary Richrath and Kevin Cronin really work together. Listen to `Roll with the Changes` and `Time to..Fly` and you hear a band at the top of their game. This album is more than just the hits of course, and there is no filler here, just great rock n roll, always guaranteed to put you in a good mood! If you`re new to the band, then this album is a great introduction!
2720336
The Dead kick off the holiday season early this year by releasing this 4 disc gem.  It serves as a perfect compliment to last year's "So Many Roads". "Ladies and Gentlemen" fills in SMR's biggest weakness, that being too little Pigpen.  He is here in force with many killer reditions of his most beloved songs.  Everything from Good Lovin, to Ain't It Crazy (aka The Rub), to I'm a King Bee, to the omnipresent Lovelight, Hurts Me too, Hard to Handle, Alligator, and Midnight Hour.  He is truely in fine form, as are the rest of his band mates.
Another great aspect to these discs are the inclusions of many hard to find and rare songs.  (see: Dark Hollow (electric), Second that Emotion, and Ripple (electric, but you can see why the boys scapped the electrified version and returned it to acoustic, but it is still a welcome rarity!), along with some of the before mention Pigpen tunes.
The focus here seems to pack as many songs as they can onto each disc (as opposed to SMR's emphasis on prolific jams).  However, each album features at least one nice extended improv.  Disc one has Good Lovin, Two has Uncle John Band>Lovelight, Three features Tom Constanten adding keyboards to Dark Star>St Steven>Not Fade Away>Goin DOwn the Road Feeling Bad>NFA.  Four includes an astonishing version of Alligator>Drums/Jam>GDTRFB>Cold Rain and Snow.  Wow!!  Each of these is worth the purchase price alone.  There really are no duds here (with the possible exeption of Ripple, but again it is nice to here it in an alternate form!)
I only wish this set included some of the other performances from the stand at the Fillmore.  It would have been great to hear Duane Allman and the Beach Boys playing along side with the Dead.  (oh well, have to go back to my fuzzy sounding bootlegs for that!)
4886372
I spent a lot of time waiting to review this newest offering from the the David Crowder Band, because I wanted to make sure that I gave it enough time to let the hype die and the music set in.

For those who have been following Crowder's work like I have, I truly believe that you will be blown away by how much this band has truly grown. After listening to it all the way through for the first time I found myself wanting to go back and listen with the kind of intensity a student would read a great work.

The opening of the album starts with an almost "O Brother Where Art Thou" feel to it, until it immediately shifts into a clip of "the lark ascending" by Vaughn Williams. And it's from there that Crowder takes you through what is meant to be an entire thought process, instead of you're average skip to your favorite track CD.

This Album is the kind of total package that Pink Floyd's Dark side of the moon brings (one example that seems almost Floyd inspired would be the track "alarm" that intro's with a quiet alarm buzzer going off). Fine individually, but really meant to be enjoyed as a whole.

But please don't worry those of you who are fans of "Illuminate." Crowder and the boys don't drift too far with the excellent and bound for your church's praise team "Wholly Yours."
He also brings on a great collection of driving fun songs with tracks like "foreverandever Etc." and "Beautiful Collision."

Many years ago, when the band was still playing at DC/LA I emailed one the guitarists of the band and asked him what the purpose of being a Christian musician. He answered me within the day (a courtesy I'll not soon forget) with "My purpose is to aspire closer to my God and to develop the craft that He has given for His purposes."

This album is certainly a piece of brilliance and a great step for this group of artists who are in pursuit of the heart of their God.

May you think of our God and "wake up" as the band calls out and think only of our God's glory.

This is a must have.
4682314
I HAVE BEEN A FAN SINCE RICOCHET (1975), AND THIS IS A VERY PLEASANT SUPRISE. WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT THIS ALBUM IS NOTHING LESS THAN AWESOME! THIS IS IN MY TOP FIVE FAVORITE TD ALBUMS. IF IT'S POSSIBLE TO WEAR OUT A CD, I WILL FIND OUT WITH THIS ONE. I LISTEN TO THIS THE MOST WHEN I AM OUT CRUISING AROUND IN THE CAR OR WHEN ON THE COMPUTER FOR AN HOUR OR TWO. I HAVE YET TO LISTEN TO IT WITH HEADPHONES OR CRANKING IT UP ON THE HOME STERIO. I IMAGINE ANY OF THOSE WAYS WOULD MAKE THE HAIR ON YOUR HEAD STAND STAIGHT UP. JUST BUY IT!
3962309
A lot of bands have their own signature sound that no one can duplicate. REM is one of them. And now they are back with Reveal, an upbeat collection of melodic tunes similar to most of the recent albums, but now they come complete with a dreamy electronic backdrop. The electronic component is slightly new to REM, but fits in beautifully with their still amazing songs.
Don't worry, REM did not go the way of U2's "Zooropa" and "Pop" albums by going too far into the depths of electronica, but instead they find a perfect balance. The first track "The Lifting" is a prime example. It opens with a dreamy electronic soundscape which blends perfectly seconds later with the vocals of Michael Stipe and the piano sounds of a mellow REM tune. Following is "I've Been High," which also starts with an unmistakeably electronic effect before becoming one of the better mellow tracks on the disc.
Track 3, "All the Way to Reno" starts with a laid back country sound before morphing into a great Beck-esque sound. "Disappear" opens with a cachophonous electronic intro, and is then back to classic REM again. "Saturn Return" does the same thing before becomeing a softer lyrical piece backed by a depressing piano and a dark electronic scraping beat, and is probably my favorite track on the disc. We've all heard "Imitation of Life" and if the radio stops playing it soon then it will continue to be a good song. "I'll Take the Rain" is a great mellow, yet powerful song, and should have been the last track on the disc rather than "Beachball" which doesn't have the same denoument effect as "Rain," but rather has more of a laid back Disco-on-Valium sound to it.
The bottom line is that this CD should not disappoint. It introduces a new electronic element to REM but doesn't betray the fans or the group by drastically changing the sound of the band. If anything, REM has simply incorporated new styles and sounds into their already excellent sound without ruining what they already have. This one is worth buying!
1035002
I've bought every release by Default since their debut, and this latest one is yet another great album by one of this generation's most underrated bands. If you like Collective Soul, Oleander, Our Lady Peace, or just good guitar driven rock and roll with clean vocals, you can't go wrong with Default. Their music leans a bit towards pop/grunge, which might be a turnoff for some, but for me they're awesome. I'm always on the lookout for good rock and roll, and Default always delivers.

This album is a bit heavy on the "power ballads" and doesn't rock quite as much as some of their earlier stuff. For that, it only gets 4 stars rather than 5. I think if they drop some of the pop/ballad style from their sound and get a bit more progressive and heavy for their next album, they'll nail it. Here's hoping Default keeps going!
3829344
Love this CD!  I've been a fan since I picked up Foiled (a few years back), and this one does not disappoint.  Even when the band and Justin Furstenfeld are expressing darker emotions (like on the Any Man in America CD, 2011) I still love the song structures and production/musicianship.  On 'Sway" everything comes together in a beautiful way - production is lush and detailed, with awesome musicianship (as always), and the subject matter is more positive which lifts this up for a bit lighter experience.  Even so, the lyrics are still very moving and there is still some of the signature dark matter, which makes their music all the more rewarding.  If you are a fan, I'm sure you will enjoy, but if you have yet to listed to Blue October, this would be as good a place to start as Foiled, IMHO.
1871858
We know that D.T.'s work is great.  We each have our favorite CDs and each has it merits.  From start to finish, this blows my mind and I can't say this for his other stuff which has (for me at least) the intermittent low points. In other words, it's the only one I play all the way through and don't skip tracks on.  I'm really sad the MP3 version doesn't have the hidden track on it because the hidden track is pretty stellar too.

If you're arriving here from Epicloud or Addicted or Ocean Machine then buy this.  You'll be floored.
2403027
Just when you thought Airdrawndagger could not be outdone, Sasha and his team have done it again!  No beating around the bush, the album commences with an atmospheric build into the Grandnational tune and quickly launches into some fantastic guitar stabs.  Once the bass line kicks, you feel as if the best of New Order's Substance was just reincarnated and subtly lined into the track. As the track progresses, you'll quickly become emotionally involved in the melody and begin to really feel the depth of the album.

Midway through the album, you'll stumble into the likes of some unprecedented sliced chord progressions.  I've never heard anything like this before, but I can imagine others will follow this lead and you'll hear more of this sound in the future.  True creative genius!

Also, as Propellerhead - Reason has made its way to the forefront of music creation, Sasha is clearly using the tool as well.  You'll have an opportunity to listen to his layered sounds completely mastered under this record.

Some of the best offerings include the Grandnational and Lostep tunes and of course, the U.N.K.L.E. remixes.  You'll be challenged to find a mediocre song on this album as each song was already great, now delicately remixed to perfection.  If you are a fan of electronic music, you cannot afford to pass up this best-seller.
1259629
I've been listening to this album all day, just can't get enough of it. Too True continues Dum Dum Girls evolution from a noisy unpolished girl band into a mature rock band with great hooks and vocals. Dee Dee's vocals are outstanding, she is one of the best vocalists in rock and her voice really has a sexy quality especially on Lost Boys & Girls Club and Too True. The guitar has a bit more of a "less is more" type of thing going for it on this album than older punkish sounding songs and I think it works to very good effect. There still plenty of reverby goodness on the album but when they do start letting the guitar really rip like on the chorus of Cult of Love or the ends of Little Minx and Lost Boys & Girls Club it sounds great and has more of an impact.

I hate reading someone describe this band as a cross between the Cocteau Twins and Go-Go's. Way off the mark. Dee Dee herself has cited "Suede, Siouxsie, Cold-wave Patti, Madonna, Cure, Velvet and Paisley Undergrounds and Stone Roses" as the influences you should be hearing on this record. Fortunately, I can't find anything resembling "Papa Don't Preach" on this album but the other influences seem fairly evident. Dee Dee is obviously a big fan of the cooler music that came out of 80s/early 90s and it comes through in her music. My only complaint about this album is that it's short, it really leaves you wanting more.
3857776
This is just an insanely great collection of songs.  You've got the original don dada of dancehall mixing it up with some of your more recent, hip-hop-style-delivery, dancehall artists like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Cutty Ranks, etc.

Jah Screw produced, and the studio musicians are absolutely great, so you have some batty-bumpin' maga riddims bouncing along real tight, and then Barrington's intoxicating voice just soars right across every track, weaving in and out with the more ragga-type deliveries of his collaborators.

You'd kind of expect this to be one of those corny collaboration type albums, but this thing is just tight as all he11 all the way thru.
4087722
The Inevitable End epitomizes the best of the electronic music genre and shows Ryksopp at their songwriting peak. As the title alludes, this is ostensibly their last studio album which would be a sad thing if true. It is a cohesive unit that begs to be heard end to end, not as a collection of individual tracks, which is a rare thing in today's single driven pop music scene.

Ryksopp has always been adept at seamlessly integrating guest vocalists into their music, all while maintaining their identity and cohesiveness as a group and this album shows that skill off well. The Robyn fronted tracks are great, especially the updated version of Monument, which has a much more hard driving edge than the original which appeared on Do It Again. Save Me featuring Susanne Sundfr is a tightly produced, emotionally charged piece that harkens back to Junior.

Sordid Affair featuring Man Without Country has a great story to tell with a a richly textured backdrop of pads and a driving rhythm. I Had This Thing Here and She Comes Again featuring Jamie McDermott are further examples of guest artists showcasing a unique lyrical and vocal style while conforming to the overall theme of an album, for which Ryksopp is renowned.

The Inevitable End is a well crafted long player - let's hope it isn't really their last!
4870598
Paul really makes a pointed effort to reveal the various hypocrisies that define prejudice, racism, and even territoriality on his latest release, P'dice.
P'dice offers a rich musical experience; each song is unique and quite different in feel.  In short, all songs do not sound the same, which is a very welcomed departure from the mainstreamed garbage that is pounding the airwaves today.
P'dice is a very dynamic audio experience, seamlessly melding quieter ambient passages (like "Hindsight") with hypnotically rhythmic, percussion-based pieces such as "God, Paper, Scissors" (my personal favorite) as well as driving upbeat rock exemplified on the first track, "Everything".
Beat changes and key changes are prevalent, which are always appreciated by any discerning musician/audiophile - lyrical content is sung clearly, and is therefore more easily understandable.  This is intelligent rock.
As has been mentioned by several others, there is definitely a Pink Floyd / Porcupine Tree feel to Paul Cusick's sound; and the featured guest musicians (Marco Minnemann, Gavin Harrison and Sammi Lee) truly enhance this work.
P'dice is infectious, and quickly grows on you - so beware!  I am constantly being asked, "who is that - they're great!" by friends and associates - and so P'dice is now on heavy rotation at my workplace, my vehicle and at home.
3243780
1) D FLAVOR IS ON - This is an amazing introduction to a great album. Here, Decibel swims through the inner soul of human colour and the flavors of endless love and passion. A great hip-hop lounge cut. Totally Sexy... ***100/100***
2) DANCE TOGETHER - This is a very happy anthem tune. Loved the sounds and the overall beat of the song. Its like dancing on top of an ocean of blue harmonies and sweet vibrations. ***100/100***
3) NEVER SAID - Its mysterious and big. Sometimes reminds me of Depeche Mode and other bands like New Order and Public Image. The song comes out very strong and straight-up to your face. This one is a classic. ***100/100***
4) FRAGANCIA MAREOSONICA - Its funky and global. Its the fusion of Brazil and Global House Music. Loved the vocals and the magic flute that spins around your head while dancing on the floor of your living room. ***100/100***
5) UNDERWATER DISCO - Jamiroquai meets Underworld. Its one of the longest songs of the album. Its pure progressive underwater disco experience. ***100/100***
2658318
Ryn-D definitely delivers with his solo "Die when I Die". Production is top notch by Kieng. IDP keeps putting out that fire. If you're tired of the same ole same ole, BUMP THIS!! Not a single dud on the album
4376341
1st things first. SOLID PRODUCTION!! Its not easy to provide a soundscape to showcase Em's lyrics, but here you get as close to it as a Dr. Dre beat. Witty wordplay and balanced sounds are a result of this Mash-Up/Blend Cd that has an underground feel to it, but enough flare to push it over the top. Very much enjoyed this.