This album fully captures Tree's raw power and talent...
595014
River from Tree gave me this album in cassette form back in 1996 at a show at the old Axis on Landsdowne Street back in 1996 because I was wearing a Tree shirt. This album (which was a radio bootleg for the MIT radio station) fully captures Tree's raw power and talent. I was very excited to find this album in mp3 form on Amazon. I can't believe it's almost been 20 years since I first listened to this album because the music is carries over to 2015... it is timeless; one of my top 10 albums of all time.
1984432
Crystal clear vocals ... powerful, thoughtful lyrics ... a huge variety of different moods ... this is an absolutely amazing album.  The sheer accessibility of the lyrics and the strength of the musicianship combine to  make this album a must-have.
2643023
This is an album full of detailed musical textures and great depth. It also plays like a true album of work with both instrumental and lyrical connections between the songs. It's great to have an entire album you want to re-explore immediately after listening to it, and I'm certain I'll be doing that for quite a while with this one.
4081853
I love to hear how effortlessly Ms. Warwick knocks out all of her songs.  The "Hits Medley" is incredible. This album is a tribute to the talents of Ms. Warwick the songwriters (Bacharach and David, Barry Manilow, Will Jennings), and the music that we were blessed to have become a part of our lives.  Her voice is amazing. Her timing, phrasing, and runs....wow.  Listen to how she holds those notes, caresses those lyrics, and belts out those songs. At times she is soft as a kitten and then she roars to a song's climax like a lioness.  She uses every part of her register. Anyone who thinks about being a concert singer should buy this album. Whitney, Cissy, Dee Dee and all the others God surely gave  this family of the best female singers to us.
361126
I wanted to give this album 10 stars, but they wouldn't let me. The first time I listened to 'This Christmas,' I was away at college (feeling lonely that I could not be with my family for the holidays) and it completely brightened my spirit (I truly mean that). Patti LaBelle is one of a handful of musical artists (because she is so genuine and warm, both on and off stage) that can literally send surges of adrenaline throughout your body when you watch her perform. There is something so unusual and cataclysmic about her voice and the way she delivers a song. Patti doesn't just sing a song, like a competitive race car driver, she steers it, she controls it, she makes you feel trimumphant afterwards, like she is by your side every step of the way to the finish line. 'This Christmas' like all of Ms. LaBelle's albums is packed with musical selections that speak to the heart. The title cut, This Christmas, is by far the best rendition of the song that has ever been recorded, what with the magnificant orchestration and wonderful use of deep bass drums in the background (I love that!), This Christmas, very nicely demonstrates Ms. LaBelle's vocal power and unmatched lyrical phrasing (her unique way of delivering individual words or groups of words in any given song and is what sets her squarely apart from other vocalist and where she has no rivals.) Something else I love about this christmas album is it's wide-range of musical styles. From love songs like 'Twas Love,' to country-laden selections like 'Country Christmas, to the contemporary and my FAVORITE selection on the album 'If Everyday Could Be Like Christmas,' The album 'This Christmas' has something for every listener, black or white, young and old.  -Everytime I listen to 'If Everyday Could Be Like Christmas' I just want to get up and start singing. I love the message of the song, the contagious beat and those raucous, over the top Patti vocals, and if you turn up the song loud enough, her vocals could clear out your sinuses, forget about the need for cold medicine! All in all, 'This Christmas' is a 10-star compilation of wonderful holiday songs performed in that familiar and fabulous style that is pure Patti LaBelle. Go out and buy a copy, invite a few friends over and have a very Merry Christmas!
522176
A masterful work of lyrical potency- both in technical expertise and Biblical conviction.  Canon's excellence with words harmoniously works with his unique voice, clever rhyme schemes and mic presence. The album is diverse and the production delivers just as much.  I can't stop playing "grow up".. A powerfull well executed song about being discipled. Splendid! !
2053209
At first I was "Huh" and very skeptical on Tori doing a seasonal album. But owning everything of hers I was bound to purchase it and was/am completely in love with this album. musically it is very powerful and has many layers in its' organization of it. Her voice is very strong and she is sounding her absolute best here. I think the thing I love best about it is how she took a verse or chorus from an old traditional piece and built a new song and story around it. I have to admit that "Pink and Glitter" is my  favorite song on here with its' big band era sound and wonderfully infectious feeling
1363405
This album seems to, more than any other,  encapsulate Marisa's truly remarkable career. Her voice is magical, evoking so much deep and passionate feelings in her songs. The song "Arrepio" summarizes what I came away feeling after listening to this album (tingling with pleasure). The songs really make you feel connected and drawn in. These songs are not strictly for dancing, you can sit down and listen to them or dance, the choice is yours. One thing is certain you will be refreshed and energized by this music.
1183312
I am an absolutely fanatic Mariah fan, but this is probably the album for music lovers in general, probably one of the greatest albums ever written. Mixing soul, RnB and pop, adding ballads and more up-tempo numbers with one or two adult contemporary numbers, this album has it all. The emotion felt put into this album is undeniable and inspiring. Whether a fan or not, buy this album as it is both sophisticated and lyrically complete. A true classic
2410090
You know how you can just love an album, then somehoe, for some reason, it get buried under others and you sort of forget about it? Well I did this to JLS. I rediscovered it and honestly, I think I have been listening to it practically non stop,now for two months. It's amazing how I leap in the air and sway, laugh in one song, then the next, especially Dear Father renders me nearly in tears in reflection of my life and those I have love, and sometimes those lost. Of course soaring and finding your own way with courage is the theme. Neil Diamond's voice with his unique way of pleading and vulnerability gets right into the deepest recesses of your brain and heart. This is a truly magical album. The musicianship is incredible. Oh, those strings! That piano, the drums, just every single instrument is flawless. Please, I can't  encourage you enough to buy this music!
3156714
This is a wonderful album by a very talented artist.
4289614
This Album is the truth!! Truely worth the wait.. Marsha is an impeccable artist with raw vocal talent who also writes her own songs and produced her album!!
2014063
"On My Way Here" shows growth and maturity of this artist since his "Measure of a Man".  The title track shows off his vocal showcase as the lyrics detail one's journey--the emotions and experiences that shape us into the people that we are.  Every track emotes an emotion whether it be that of surviving  out of "Ashes" or questioning love all part of a young person growing up.  The main attraction is undeniably his superb voice, with the support of great songwriting,and talented band and production crew to create this outstanding album.  It's eclectic, it's passionate, it's intimate ("The Real Me", it's unquestionably marks his best work thus far.  BRAVO, Mr. Aiken!
4852309
"Victor Jara" is a true story that is so powerful it can drive the listener to tears.  "Patriot's Dream" is also a fine effort.  Nothing else on this album rises to the level of quality displayed by those two songs.
3445035
Most people should be so lucky as to make albums as fine as those of Neko Case, and she has now outdone herself. "Fox Confessor..." is her most fully-realized work to date, and her previous efforts are first-rate as well. This album's arrangements are a little more intricate and textured, continuing the reverby sound of the live "The Tigers Have Spoken". If there were true justice in the world radio stations would make "Hold On, Hold On" a hit single. "Star Winess", "John Saw That Number, and the title track also are standouts on an album with no weaknesses, other than its short running time. Neko's singing gets better, as have her lyrics. She is a truly special performer who will enrich you, if you check her out. In anticipation of this album's release, I have listened to virtually no one else for a week; when I have managed to put someone else in my cd player her songs still course through my brain. She's a special one, all right, and I think we should all prepare to be dazzled by her for a long time.
2383771
This album represents a step forward in If These Trees Could Talk's musical carrier.  It paints an overall mystical vibe while layering heavy guitars throughout.  Each listen through the album reveals more layers and beauty.

Red Forest opens with a quiet chord and feedback, setting a scene of a desolate and mysterious forest.  The second track continues this vibe, with a bit of heavy passages thrown in throughout.  It finally explodes to a climax at 4:58 and give you a sense of the fog lifting, really driving the ending of the song.

The third song, "Barren Lands of the Modern Dinosaur," is one of my two favorites on this album.  It starts with a light and ethereal feel, making me feel like I'm floating.  It then breaks open in their heavy and full distorted guitar sound to provide a beautiful but heavy close to the track.

The rest of the album truly does shine, but I'm having a hard time reviewing each track because I would rather listen than write at this time!  As I've mentioned before, the overall feel is mysterious and beautiful, but is taken to a different realm by the heavy, driving guitars.  ITTCT do a great job of using the lead guitar to lay a dancing, winding, haunting line over the distorted guitars that truly shines without being over-complicated.

The last track (and the second of my favorites) "When the Big Hand Buries the Twelve" is how bands should close an album.  Brooding, power, intensity, brooding, more intensity, a final climax, and the slow fade as you are lost in the forest that they built around you throughout the album.  The bass guitar in this track truly stands out to me, and provides a crucial foundation to the song.  Just the bass line alone at 2:12 and how it reinforces the rhythm guitar sells me on this track.  This line is repeated a few times, but over clean guitars, throughout the track, providing a tension that builds throughout the brooding of the song.

Overall, a superb album, a logical evolution in IFFCT's songwriting, and a must-have for any fan of rock, metal, post-rock, or a fan of beautifully constructed dynamics.
4340712
It took me a while to adapt to this album but now that I've been listening to just this for the past four days, I can tell you that the whole album is like any other major trip. The sound is not as contemporary as I initially took it to but the artist has an amazing voice and the music production only makes it sounds like she knows what she is doing. DO NOT be mistaken by the album cover. Neko Case sounds like she was meant to do just this. The album perfectly syncs with my early morning loneliness and is also a great listen during times of irritability.

Can I now talk about some songs that moved me? Tornado Loves You is a bold opener and gives one no idea about what's going to happen next. Track 2 is riveting, her voice sounds like an epiphany and the storytelling is beautiful.  Another favourite of mine is Polar Nettles because it holds you by the throat from the very first second.

MIDDLE CYCLONE requires compulsive listening and because of just how varied and charming each and every track seems, the album requires a lot of devotion which many a listener will thankfully give in to.

Although this album reminds me a lot of Extraordinary Machine, I have to say it I like it more than Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine. The title track, Middle Cyclone, is absolutely beautiful. A rhythmic mixture of acoustic blues with some twilight hope and heavenly vocals with meaningful lyrics....a music listener's dream.

I would have given this album five stars but it would be a little contrived to do so within four to five days of addiction to it. Do not be fooled by the album cover, Neko Case is no Lady Gaga and I thank mother earth for that. The music is thoughtful, moving, passionate, the lyrics are tearjerking at times while uplifting all the time. Albums of such caliber is hard to find and Neko Case has a fan for life in me.