Lives up to 'blue-sky'
591617
First of all, this CD is as big a departure from the past as a band can do in two years. You'll either love it or hate it. But in either case seeing how much a band can and dare to change should really put one in awe. Their hard work definitely pays off when they have written a ton of songs to pick from. The CD is generally softer and a lot more melodic than their first two CDs. It stands out being very dynamic with a lot of different sounds so you won't feel like you're listening to the same song over and over again. Just in case you haven't noticed, 'blue-sky' actually means idealistic or visionary or just random. See these guys didn't name this CD 'blue-sky research' without a reason. A lot of the songs, being diverse, are quite memorable, more memorable than most of the songs from Gift and Welcome. They get stuck in your head.
Also worth mentioning is that Stephen Richards can sing without being nasal after all. That's a good thing.
There's some letdowns though. Some of the songs sound a bit college-ish to me, such as the chorus of Birthday and the whole song of Lost in the Woods. And I don't care for the ca-ca-ca-calling at all. Sounds like Abba. That's gone a bit too far.
4304175
Al can sing and make the skies blue...love his music...brings me joy. Truly his is at one with the sounds.
2759974
Even today, more than ten years after it was first broadcast, Blue Planet remains unsurpassed as a pioneering exploration of the seas and oceans of planet Earth. Like most popular nature series, it is light on science, but makes up for it with amazing photography. Years in the making, the BBC dedicated huge amounts of time, $$, and people to make it happen. The result is unique, showing many new species for the first time, and delivering amazing close-ups of underwater biota from thermal vents to coral reefs. Just about everyone who appreciates the natural world will want to grab the latest version of this spectacular film for their personal libraries.
3881090
Diana DeGarmo's new CD "Blue Skies" is breathtaking.  She perfectly fills the void that many young teenage artists can only dream of doing (cough cough Hilary Duff). She pours her heart, soul, and strength into such mindblowing songs such as "Go on and Cry" (my personal favorite), "Cardboard Castles" and "Emotional". This CD is for everyone; it has some pop and some rock to it.  Surely, in years to come Diana DeGarmo will explode on the music scene; and make people yearn to buy her music.  I am greatly looking forward to her sophomore CD.
932209
I have to agree with one reviewer that the critic can't have listened to the album or just does not like blues cuz this is what it's all about. Willie Dixon wrote and performed more great blues over his lifetime, along with promoting up and coming blue musicians to the joy of all of us. This will be a well played favorite of mine for sure. My only complaint is that the liner notes, as noted, are from the original album and do not make mention of the individual artists playing except to say that they are "his hand picked crew of Chicago blue veterans". I really would like to know who the guitar player and especially the harp player, are? Anyway, if you love Willie Dixon, I think you'll love this album.
3016769
Long revered in Canada as a great live band and a dependable studio group, Blue Rodeo provides yet another example why Canada remains their best major market, while other territories have yet to catch on to this great band.  Though probably not going to get a great deal of recognition in the United  States because they straddle the line of rock/country/roots so finely, the  group serves up an offering that is right up there with their best  ("Five Days In July" and "Casino").  With more of a  rock edge than their last recording ("Five Days..."), Blue Rodeo  gives the listener more of the same type of material - rockers, ballads,  atmospheric experimentals (coutesy of Greg Keelor) and acoustic songs. This  is all good. "Girl In Green" is a great rocker. Ditto for the  trio of "Side Of The Road", "Get Through To You" and  "Better Off As We Are", which is as good as anything they have  recorded in the past. Jim Cuddy's "Sky" is a perfect compliment.  There is something very satisfying about "Blew It Again" - it's  down-to-earth tone, steady rhythms and countryish/roots feel. First rate.  In fact, that's what this entire CD is - first rate. This is one of those  albums when you don't wait for the greatest hits compliation - there's just  too much good stuff happening here. Even Greg Keelor's psychedelic sounds  are right at home here - the sound is just perfect from beginning to end.  This remains the best recording they have put together in the last 5 years,  one more reason to get this one. Satsify your Blue Rodeo curiousity with  this great CD.
1655850
The standard "Promised Land" launches the show high, as Weir enthusiastically delivers the lyrics with that energetic good humor and twinkle in the eye; Kieth's piano  very audibly sparkles and it becomes apparent this is another fine recording by Owsley Stanley: good bass/treble balance; instruments well spaced; audience and band coupled well; overall clear vocals and Bill's drums sounding very wholesome, giving the low-end a good helping of oomph. Bob's guitar cuts, slices and flourishes are a bit buried here and there, but this improves as the show goes on.

The "Sugaree" following is really well paced in contrast here, and it carries a good chunky weight, with a nicely sludgy and loose feel.
Phil issues a little friendly advice to the excited crowd about not getting pushy and then we're given a standard "Black-Throated Wind".
"Friend of the Devil" walks confidently in its full-electric incarnation and is quickly over before "El Paso" brings things back to earth, making way for a nice "Bird Song" with relaxed band improvisation and solid lead from Jerry.
"Big River" is quite bluesy here and is played at an interesting pace- something's running on the back-beat a little more than usual..or something...I'd be interested to know what you think about it. Anyway, always good to hear a particularly unique first-set standard.

"Tennessee Jed" is joyfully rendered and is a hoot, as usual.
"Mexicali Blues" is fired-up by Jerry's jaunty runs before "China Cat Sunflower>I Know You Rider" first meanders to existence at an easy gait, but becomes more compelling as the temperature builds, gently melting into an easy "Rider".
So far a solid, if sometimes relatively unremarkable, first set.

Disc 2:
Ah, "Playing In The Band": concise and tight, short but sweet in its '72 form; this version brings the highlights and is excellent- a quantum leap in intensity.
"Casey Jones" is in classic '72 style and..."We're gonna take a break and we'll be back in just a couple minutes, so hang loose."
"Truckin'"- starts soft, gradually becoming its fine, funky and boogieing self as it leaks into some good jamming.
"Loser" broods tight, and Bob Weir's guitar is turned up now, as his great rhythm strokes and complimentary licks really make this version.
"Jack Straw" starts quite fast, which gives it an unusually rushed feel, but it rounds out okay and brings forth a fine "Mississippi Half-Step" which, though only in its precocious infancy, and despite some wavering vocals at its end, is a good one and we burn through the sails into the sharp sunlight of "Me And My Uncle".

Disc 3:
"He's Gone" swaggers, glides and gracefully limps its way unsuspectingly into a very large beast indeed...One of the two monsters that were to take turns melting minds at shows during '72, "Dark Star" stays in the cave on this night in Baltimore, whilst "The Other One" spends just under forty minutes (longest on an official release) breathing varying degrees of fire into the ether...And this is without doubt, at least from my tiny view, one of the greatest Other Ones of any year, not just '72. The drum solo seems to have Bill channeling the absent Mickey Hart to join him; Jerry, Phil and Bob are phenomenal; Keith adds really fine, seamless piano, and...well, the dragon has many heads here. Stunning.
An exhausted, but elated psychedelic sigh is breathed out with a really sweet "Sing Me Back Home", but before stumbling into bed, "Sugar Magnolia" finds some quality energy in the vaults and "Uncle John's Band" finishes the Pick with head held high.
Highly recommended.

Note: an encore of "One More Saturday Night" was played but is the only part of the concert not included here.
1078088
I felt nothing but unconditional love for&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Sky-Used-to-be-Blue/dp/B00C0G25AA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Sky Used to be Blue</a>, and kept checking the Kindle store for the next installment. I read Cleaning Up on release day, in one sitting. It continues the story of Karma where Sky left off, and does so in a manner that takes both Wool and Sky seriously. Nothing to point out here, other than the following: If you loved Sky, whether you should read this one or not is a no-brainer.
3852229
Every new recording by John Hiatt is an event to celebrate. I mean can this guy write a song, or what?! The material on "Crossing Muddy Waters" can certainly be noted as an evolution of style for John, but what's new with that?  The question might be: "How BLUE do you want your grass?" This is by far the least Rock and Roll of Hiatt's works, if that matters to your listening taste. It bothers mine a bit, which is why I give it only four stars.  Regardless, for John's fans, this release will be a must have. Several of the new tracks are very strong, and worth the price of the CD by themselves: "What Do We Do Now" and "Take it Down" are so beautiful and so BLUE that if you're looking for music to cry to, these should be classics for you. "God's Golden Eyes" is also brilliant, and is my guess as to the one track that may get air play as a single. I found it difficult to get excited about the other cuts, but perhaps I held differnt expectations. Still, John Hiatt is so gifted, that this CD is not to be missed. BUY IT....Period.
2318741
A very strong and concise effort which flows beautifully from start to finish.  Excellent songwriting and execution.  Please don't be influenced by some of the nit-picky comments that several critics are putting out there about Sky Blue Sky.  Artists evolve, bands evolve.  Jeff Tweedy and company know what they're doing, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.  This recording is somewhat understated relative to Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost is Born.  That's not good or bad, just different.  Less is more with Sky Blue Sky, and every note counts on this recording.  If you can appreciate anything about Wilco, you will not be disappointed with this CD.  Like most art, it takes a little time to fully appreciate.  Spend the time, you won't be disappointed.
1270929
The first time I heard any of the tunes on this great cd was at the opening concert of his current tour. I could not wait to get the cd.
As you read in the other reviews, the makeup and sound of this cd is not the same as "Ten Thousand Days". In my opinion, it is an easier and more interesting listen. I love his "...Days" cd, but there isn't the diversity of styles and tempos on it like Big Blue Sky has! If you like the simple tunes showcasing Bebo's voice ---they are here. If you hunger for driving pop tunes----they are here. If you want love songs----they are here. The good thing is that HIS incredible lyrics are here as well!
All of this man's music is worth listening to. No matter what the style is, Bebo is still Bebo and he's still cranking out songs that make me long for more!!
If you have a chance to see him in concert and meet him, you will become even more of a fan, like I have!
~~BEBO ROCKS~~
4960881
Natasha is back, with a whole masterpiece of sunbeams and blue skies trailing behind her. Pocketful of Sunshine kicks off beautifully with "Put Your Arms Around Me," rhymthically jazzy and sunshine-brilliant. The rest of the tracks follow in the same format: Smooth Rhythm and Blues with optimism and romance lacing Bedingfield's words. The lyrics are well written, compassionate, and catchy, a splendid follow-up to unwritten.  It explores a variety of feelings, from the apphrehension of falling in love in "Who Knows," to the self-appreciation in "Freckles."

Sometimes the sunshine in the tracks gets a little overwhelming; moods change, and sometimes you need some different. Negative people may decide this album as unrealisticly sunny or sappy. However, I find this another excellent work from Bedingfield. I'll keep my sights optimistic for her next album!

Overall: 4.5
3039054
Its entirely possible that Blue Moon Swamp is not the greatest rock-and-roll album of all time, but its certainly one of my all time favorites.  Every cut is 5-star!
My only complaint is that I will  probably have to wait another 10 years before John Fogarty finishes his  next great album.
1501096
Hauntingly beautiful work by Zucchero Fornaciari.  The song Blue would be a huge hit in America if it had the right promotion--even if it weren't sung in English.  This is wonderful songwriting!
2125609
Although I can't in good conscience give it the 5 stars that I'd normally award to films by BBC's Natural History Unit, it is through no fault of their cinematographers.  The editing might have been better, but I can't even really complain.  Having previously purchased this team's "Water Life" trio of disks, I had a fairly good idea of what to expect, since their camera-work there was also comparable to BBC's, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anything better.  There are added graphics to "Wild Life" I could do without, but all in all, I feel it is a fine addition to my collection of nature Blu-rays, and I'm fairly pleased with it.  The parallels they explore with ecosystems of Central America and the Iberian Penninsula as bridges joining distinctly differing evolutionary environments is intriguing, interresting, and exceptionally beautiful.
1848045
This is (so far) my first Jon Anderson solo album. Beforehand I've heard him with Vangelis, Mike Oldfield and Kitaro, but never "alone". This lovely album really grew on me. Well, sure it's very poppy and sometimes too sweet, as for a progrock star, but still I love it. Lyrics are also exceptional - poetic, romantic, sometimes maybe a bit overdone, but very much in his style.  Songs like "It's on Fire", "Betcha", "Top of the World" and "New Civilization" are really great tunes. I can't help singing along with the energetic "Betcha" and the other aforementioned song, "Top of the World" is simply the best song here.

There are moments on this album, that are more experimental, like "Sundancing" or "Hurry Home" (which sounds like a pop meets scottish folk mixture), but the whole album is pleasant enough, good for driving music, I suppose. I rate it five stars, but bear in mind that I don't know his other releases.

It's now like a week that I've been listening to ths album. everyday. It's heaven. It's on fire - my soul.
4510347
My first purchase of New Age music was in the Ansel Adams gallery in Yosemite Valley.  A CD Called "San" by Deuter was playing, and just fit the time and place.  Since then, I have purchased many New Age CDs and this is my favorite.  One of the reasons it is my favorite is that all of the songs are great (all 5 stars), they all seem to belong together on this CD, but they all have their own distinct flavor.

To me, the sign of great music is when it instantly transports you back to a time and place where you listened to the music.  And this CD does that for me, for several places.  When I first bought it, I drove up to Yosemite and lay in the grass of El Cap meadow scouting out climbing routes on El Capitan.  The soaring and majestic harmonies of "The Far River" and "Stratos" reflect the grandeur of the big granite walls of Yosemite.  When I listen to this CD, I'm back in the meadow again.

I'm an avid amateur astronomer, and this is a great album to stargaze by.  I lived in Australia when I first purchased this album, so it also takes me back to stargazing in Australia, with fond memories of the Southern Cross, Coalsack, and Carina twinkling through the gum trees on a warm December evening!  The songs of this album have a soaring and infinite quality to them which goes naturally with the night sky...so the album is very appropriately titled.

Jonn Serrie layers his songs with interesting "soaring," and uplifting harmonies.  Listen to Stratos for the best example of this.  He also puts in tasteful "garnishes" that add depth to his music and breaks the monotony that is often present in some New Age Music. Listen to "Gentle, The Night" and "The Far River" samples for the garnishes, which remind me of twinkling stars...

As other reviewers have stated, this album can be very relaxing.  Put on headphones, turn down the volume, and it will help you relax (and/or fall asleep) after a stressful day.

Or, turn the music up and listen to the soaring harmonies and feel refreshed and uplifted.  And it's one of the best to listen to while stargazing and looking through your telescope...or laying in a beautiful meadow on a warm summer day.