Just another honest review:
581207
I don't quite understand the amount of 1 to 2 stars this book is getting. I have read this book, and re-read this book, and re-read this book. I love it. It truly grounds me to primitive thought, or communal living. It is so short too, you can easily read it in one sitting.

Maybe the poor reviews stem from peoples nervousness with the discussion of "what comes after civilization?" Because we all know it isn't going to last much longer.

Anyways, Danial Quinn wrote an amaizing book about how people should communicate, and get along with eachother, all searching for the common good of the tribe. Tribal life is very important, and this amaizing book that Quinn wrote is called "Beyond Civilization". I couldn't give it anything but 5 stars.
2839420
Just want to add another 5 stars,  the other reviews do a good job describing the product
3997186
** See update below the review.

Based on all the "genius" and "masterpiece" reviews around here, I can only imagine the sort of flack I'm going to get, but I can't hold it in anymore.  I have NO idea what kind of Kool Aid you're all drinking to call this any good at all, let alone "genius."  I've listened to tons of this band over the years, simply because I enjoy how outside the box they are, how unpredictable they *were*... But I can't take it anymore.  I need SONGS.  And believe me, I'm using the term loosely.  I'm obviously not looking for verse-verse-chorus, etc. from these two, I go other directions for my pop.  But I'm tired of these guys simply being sound engineers with NO regard for melody at ALL (or even for listenable rhythms for that matter).  For the life of me, I can't imagine how this doesn't bother you others.

Obviously, I "got it" a while ago that they weren't interested in making Amber or Tri Repetae anymore, and for a while I signed on, finding elements within the songs I found interesting, and just enjoying the sounds they're able to draw from their software and algorithms and whatnot.  But for crying out loud, it's just one record after another with NOTHING to hold on to, nothing to ENGAGE a listener... just strange chord choices or note sequences that make neither a pleasant tunefulness nor a pleasant dissonance, but rather simply sound like randomly struck chords and unpleasantly chaotic rhythms.  Awful.  Honestly I feel like a sucker for having stayed on board THIS long.  I'd thought that given the two-hour length of Exai, maybe they'd use the extra time to explore tunefulness again, as they once did years ago with Amber, TR, LP5, etc., or at least SOMETHING aside from the usual.  But nope, it's just an extra hour of this bombastic nonsense.  No thanks, I'm done.  And good riddance.

** 8/5/16 .. I wanted to update my review above, because I must admit that even with the above complaints, I *still* have gone back and put Exai on a number of times.  Despite its challenges, some of it has gotten through to me to the point that I actually do like it.  Other parts of it I still don't enjoy, but I no longer have the vitriol for it I had when I wrote the review above.  Now I'd classify it as another late-Autechre release that offers some good and some not-so-good but at least always remains interesting enough to listen to again.

Having said this, I still hate Oversteps and am done playing that one. :-)  Conversely, I really like Move of Ten.  You just never know with these guys what you're going to get -- but therein lies why we keep coming back... for something that sounds interesting and will be hard to predict.

Don't get me wrong, I also recently listened to LP5, EP7, Tri Repetae, Amber, and I prefer what they did then.  But I still look forward to hearing what they'll do now.  I'll probably check out the recent Elseq 1-5.  Curious for thoughts from those who've heard those.
2886414
Oh Shank. You are just as evil, twisted, *bleeped* up as I imagined you were. But you are at best very honest about it all. Not sure if that makes up for it, but it is a positive.

I have been waiting your story since Animal. You left us hanging at the end of that. You did not disappoint in your own story, but still so many questions.

I was correct on some aspects, didn't have a clue on others and was just down right WTF on most.
144389
For those of you who read these reviews, let me explain how I operate.  If a product I purchased exceed my expectations it gets 5 stars.  If the product is as described by amazon, with NO exceptions, it gets 4 stars.  Also, note that any product I purchase a second time is at a minimum 4star+.  Any purchase I fail to review, I would not recommend, either because you can purchase it elsewhere at or below Amazons price.
4048545
And once again I am asked to write a review for a book I did not purchase or read.  I gave it five stars as it is not the author's fault.
3162394
Another nice quality product, I'm pleased with !!!
1965265
I'm downrating this a ONE only because of all the 5 star votes for a product that hasn't even been release yet.  Go away paid product trolls!  IF I decide to buy this, which is likely, I'll give an honest review.
3450086
Posting reviews for others (RE: Amazon) to make money off of sucks. They expect my pithy retorts to make others plop down their hard earned $$$$ and give me nothing in return for my time spent writing ---- well, almost nothing --- You give me your thumbs up saying "Yeah, Your opinion matters". I feel so warm and fuzzy inside now knowing that You've clicked your approval at me.

If you like the artist, just buy the album.... who ever bothers reading these dumb self-promoting, badly spelled, and grammatically incorrect reviews anyway? (Unless maybe it's to groan at how bad our English has become with the younger crowd.)

It's music. Either you like, love it, or hate it. My tastes aren't your tastes... and if you're really here trying to decide whether spending $5 to buy songs you already know by heart anyway... then you're simply wasting your time. Just buy it and enjoy what you've gained.

SImple as that.
527674
Maybe its just me (I expected more of this product). It works just like any other product you buy off the shelf (I paid 14.99 + about 6.24 for shipping) I could have paid a lot less and got the same performance buying from a local store. I am not saying it doesnt work but I am saying its not different and not super special
2241374
I'd post a review here, but Amazon has classified my last review as SPAM, so they can kiss my backside if they think I'm going to play nice. Instead, I'm going to complain about their instantly choosing to claim my review of a Rage Against The Machine song was spam, when it fit all criteria of a review, and indeed, if it was spam, so is EVERYTHING else I, and you, have posted ever, about any purchase made here.

So Amazon, you owe me an apology. Buttheads.
2367415
https://www.amazon.com/review/review-your-purchases/ref=pe_250480_201142950_cm_1_star5?_encoding=UTF8&asins=B017MTATNE%3A5%2C&channel=ec_dgt&crAuthToken=gI5CMdwgHyiO3wHEGeRaMbpDDGvxGiO5qJSZCTYAAAAJAAAAAFeUI2NyYXcAAAAA&customerId=A1K3YAS4UMKJXZ#
321043
Probably as good as any out there, which isn't really saying much.  It's obvious that this whole streaming/DLNA/etc paradigm is still a work in progress.

Random observations after about 10 days:

1.  WiFi works, but you definitely need a clear, strong signal - by that I mean 5 bars.  Otherwise, no connect.  You might want to invest in an extender, or else use ethernet exlusively.

2.  Disc playback - trying to fast forward, the system gets confused.  You can only go about twice real-time speed without some temporary freezing.  Never gets up to anything close to full FF  speed.

3.  Netflix app seems OK.  Good playback over WiFi.

4.  Streaming video files (MP4) over ethernet is way better than WiFi, but same issue with fast forward as above.  Reliable connection, though.

5.  For video media file playback, USB port off a thumb drive is absolutely the best.  Very smooth, and FF will go at top speed.

6.  Random lockups, requires unplugging.  Not often, but happens.  No clear idea as to cause.

7.  Have not tested other apps or add-ons.  There are a bunch.  Lack of Amazon seems to be a show-stopper for some, but I am not at that point yet.

8.  Does not play AVI, but then again few of the new ones do, regardless of brand.  I am keeping my old player for that.

9.  The included DLNA server Nero MediaHome on the CD seems flakey and unreliable.  Sometimes you can see the shares, sometimes not.  I removed it and downloaded the evaluation of the same product from Nero's website and it seems pretty solid.  I know it will expire after two weeks, but the actual file sharing capability might still remain, based on the nag screens it throws up.  I will know in a few days.  May actually buy it, but then again my router has a built-in DLNA app, so I may just forgo that.

Overall, not great, but not too bad either.  Hope some of this is useful.

Ed
2373396
Bethan Ryder,

I commend you for taking an active interest in the opinions of your readers/viewers.  However, I encourage you to not take offense to any of your readers opinions especially those which are clearly novice. I have yet to purchase your book, which I intend to, however as an artistic visionary you above all should know that one mans beauty is another mans troll.
1298034
Dude, I agree that this is a great album, but what are you smoking?  Did you read what you wrote, and if so, does it make sense to yourself?  Come to think of it, you sound like a proffessional CD reviewer...keep it up  :)
1929462
Reviews...So ok. Briefly:
The average person would be fine in making the assumption that the typical cdnow/amazon.com review is written with the simple purpose of either pursuading you to buy (or not) a product. Because the writer already knows what it is they are purchasing (the pros and cons), I think it's fair to say they write to share their opinion in order to help you.
Well this time, this one is different.
As is the case with any type of research, sometimes sources aren't credible. They shouldn't be used as a reliable means of information. For example, in a supposedly "objective" review, one particular individual claimed the $30 for this record is not worth it, when mere sentences earlier he also advised you to skip one of the most amazing forms of recorded self expression and percussion expertise ever laid down on a main stream record: the track otherwise known as Moby Dick.
For me, this song was one of the DEFINITE reasons for buying this cd. For 18 minutes, we as a listener....as a lover of music....get to experience a full fledged assault utilizing rhythmic improvisation (the moby dick version on the dvd is much different), drum precision, and musical talent altogether. At the end of the day, the fact remains that it doesn't matter WHO it is. The point isn't who did it, but rather...it was done. And amazingly so.
So while he may say "don't listen to it, it's not worth it, blah blah blah", I say please....do NOT heed the advice dished out in something writen by someone who seems to be more interested in deviating from the majority opinion than providing a REAL "objective" opinion. If one was really serious in their effort to be objective about this track: you may not like it or love it, but you'll definitely appreciate it. It should definitely NOT be skipped.
That said - The best parts of this album are certainly the longer medlys and the solos. While it is evident that yes, Plant's vocals are touchy at some parts (due to the rigors of touring no doubt), and yes, Jones' bass is not fully appreciated (and yet, was it ever truly displayed fully?), The Stairway to Heaven on disk one is without a doubt the best version of the song I've ever heard. I can't listen to the studio version anymore. The live song simply puts it to shame. It's THAT good. IF there is one real draw back to this album, it is not necessarily a great listen unless you have time on you hands because of the length of some tracks (moby dick roughly 20 mins is followed by a whole lotta love medly of 23 mins).
However, to give this cd anything less than 5 stars is ludicrous. Not because it's Zeppelin. No. Because here we have 4 of the best individual musical talents in rock history in full expression, free from the some of the confines that can come with production intended for distibution- capturing the true energy of these songs with live performance...and with it, comes new interpretations of old rock classics. To deny the greatness of it, despite small flaws that are more due to descrepancy with personal preferences than anything else, is simply shameful.
839588
This product is reviewed after paying for, receiving and using the product. It IS biased (my opinions), fair and honest (no manipulation or 'bribe' involved or accepted from the company). (I always give one star to any product that bribes customers with a 'free' evaluation model in exchange for an 'unbiased' review.)

Like another reviewer stated, this one fluctuates weight when the back light goes off. The company reply was to consider it a warranty issue. I believe it's a flaw and deserving of a refund. Also, the back-light does go off too fast. I want the accuracy to remain, not fluctuate and have to reweigh over and over. Otherwise, nicely built but accuracy issues.