Messenger

messenger

Track Listings
1. Wish in This World
2. Beautiful Life
3. Promise of You
4. Ghosts of Jackson Square
5. I Could Not Ask for More
6. Do Your Thing
7. Prayer to St. Peter
8. Go Be Young
9. Anything Good About Me
10. I'll Be [Acoustic Version]
11. Sign on the Door
12. See off This Mountain

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Edwin McCain struck gold with his 1997 release, Misguided Roses, which sold half a million copies and spawned the Dawson's Creek-driven hit single "I'll Be," so he's probably earned the right to think big. That's what he does on Messenger, attacking his new set of songs with fleshed-out arrangements, several of which involve string sections and horns. Fans of McCain's more stripped-down fare will be disappointed by his rather bold-faced move toward the middle of the road, the most egregious example being the Diane Warren-penned ballad "I Could Not Ask for More," which is typically syrupy and overwrought. McCain's acoustic-driven "Ghosts of Jackson Square" is more on target, as is the soulful "Wish on the World" and the bouncy "Beautiful Life." Fans of "I'll Be" will enjoy hearing it again here, this time in a hushed vocals-guitar-sax version that's even more direct and affecting than the original. --Daniel Durchholz

Messenger,Edwin McCain Band,Atlantic / Wea,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,American Trad Rock,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Singer/Songwriter

Messenger
Happy Trails
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • wonderful
  • If you liked "Live Dead", You'll love this
  • A musical experience like no other....
  • Severely Overrated!!!
  • Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service
 Happy Trails
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Quicksilver Messenger Service
  2. It's a Beautiful Day
  3. Classic Masters
  4. Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus
  5. Electric Music for the Mind and Body

ASIN: B000002UTY
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Who Do You Love Part 1
  2. When Do You Love
  3. Where Do You Love
  4. How Do You Love
  5. Which Do You Love
  6. Who Do You Love Part 2
  7. Mona
  8. Maiden Of The Cancer Moon
  9. Calvary
  10. Happy Trails

Album Details

Digitally Remastered. Includes Extensive Booklet.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars wonderful.......2007-06-24

I went in expecting an album with an old, lackluster guitar sound and uninteresting guitar playing because, let me be honest, there's a lot of guitar playing from the 60's that doesn't sound good to me. Let me take that back- it SOUNDS good, but the notes aren't inspiring me to continue listening because it's mostly a guitar playing over simple blues rhythms and whatnot. It's alright in small doses, but not in great quantities for me.

However, Happy Trails is just the opposite. The reviewer below is right- if you like the Grateful Dead's "Live/Dead" album or even some of the spookier Doors moments when they are letting loose and jamming out, this album won't disappoint. Throw in some melodic guitar jams with lots of delicious licks and really good and unpredictable bass work, and you got yourself a quality album.

Even if you don't care for the versions of "Who Do You Love" that you may have heard, you can ignore all those versions because this is a VERY different song. It takes the theme of that song and expands and builds on the melody in various ways. An album created to satisfy all the guitar jam fans out there. It's awesome. A must buy.

5 out of 5 stars If you liked "Live Dead", You'll love this.......2007-05-15

A few have labeled this a dull or booring, I'd assume that they don't have a background in other aspects of improvizational music - jazz, ragas... If you're used to the pop format (frequently associated with comercialized drivel from my perspective) - don't buy this unless you are wanting to expand your musical horizons.

These were musicians playing music for the music, not for major $$$s.

By the way, for those who like the dual lead format, Wishbone Ash was and still is dual lead - check out Argus for starters (from around the same era - esp the cuts "The King will Come" and "Warrior"). The re-issue CD has some bonus live tracks, with an extended version of Phoenix.

Also, back around that time, Fleetwood Mac was also dual lead - check out "Then Play On", esp the cuts "Rattlesnake Shake" and the two cuts about "Madge".

Also, regarding Dino V, I heard QMS live at the Ampitheator twice in Chicago, once pre-Dino and once after - definately liked them better With John C.

Hope this helps,

Scott

5 out of 5 stars A musical experience like no other...........2007-04-22

When I'd discovered this album in the early 80s (I'm a very late baby boomer), I thought it was "different," but interesting. I wasn't sure what to think of it. Shortly thereafter, when I listened to it "experienced" (hopefully you pick up what I mean), it blew me away to the point that I thought it was one of the greatest recordings ever made. I still do (and I stopped dropping over 20 years ago). It goes beyond rock & roll (matter of fact, to dub this these tunes/performances mere rock is doing it an injustice) - it was like every note played and every beat stroked by the band was so tight and intricate - as well as the timing - it just took you on a ride I can't even describe. From the beginning twang to the last drum beat, including the incredible solos from each of the four members, as well as how each of them complemented each other, it is something beyond words. I mean time just completely stood still until the very last note was played and the needle in the groove lifted off the vinyl.

The hard part was to get enough strength to get up and turn the record over to side 2! Then that whole 2nd side just took you on a completely different journey. All I know is, whenever we dropped, Happy Trails was ALWAYS played. A night wasn't complete without jamming out to this album (Hendrix's 'Axis: Bold As Love' was another favorite).

I saw John Cipollina perform with a group called The Dinosaurs in a small rock hall in Denver, back in 1983. It was probably one of the best performances I ever saw, completely blew me away. That's what turned me onto Quicksilver, later coming across this album. By the way....some of you may recall that the front cover art (depicting the man riding away on the horse) morphed into something completely different (as the artist intended it), while dropping. I mean this whole album - inside & out - was an experience in itself.

2 out of 5 stars Severely Overrated!!!.......2007-03-20

It seems that a lot of the folks reviewing this CD still spend a lot of time with with their bongs. Yes, it's a pretty good record. But a little of the Bo Diddley beat goes a long way, and 30 plus minutes of it overstays its welcome. And for my money, Gary Duncan cuts John Cipollina to shreds; John's OVERUSE of the whammy bar takes a lot away from his playing. The cd's "Quicksilver" and "Comin' Thru" are much better than this one. I recommend this for completists only......

5 out of 5 stars Happy Trails by Quicksilver Messenger Service.......2007-03-09

Classic Filmore West Rock. Just as good as as it was on vinyl years ago (too many). Has the longest recorded version of "Who Do You Love" that I have ever heard.
At the Kabuki Theatre
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Don't Waste Your Money
  • An Important Relic
  • Performance pretty inspired, recording primitive......
  • A very enjoyable recording
  • For Die-Hard Fans Only
 At the Kabuki Theatre
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Snapper UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
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Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Last Flight
  2. Sweeping Up the Spotlight: Jefferson Airplane Live at the Fillmore East 1969
  3. Return to Silverado
  4. At Golden Gate Park
  5. High Flying Bird: Live at the Monterey Festival

ASIN: B000MMLMYO
Release Date: 2007-02-26

Tracks:

  1. Fresh Air
  2. New Year's Jam
  3. Baby, Baby
  4. Too Far
  5. Truth
  6. You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond
  7. Doctor Feelgood
  8. Cobra
  9. Song for Frisco
  10. Mona
  11. Subway

Tracks:

  1. What About Me
  2. Call on Me
  3. Pride of Man
  4. Local Colour
  5. Not Fade Away
  6. Mojo
  7. Freeway Flyer
  8. Subway [Studio Rehersal][*]
  9. Castles in the Sand [Studio Rehersal][*]
  10. Look Over Yonder Wall/State Farm [Studio Rehersal][*]
  11. SeBlues [Studio Rehersal][*]

Album Details

Recorded in December of 1970 in San Francisco, this is the Last Show Recorded with Members John Cipollina and Dino Valenti. Includes 18 Live Tracks and a Bonus Four Studio Tracks Recorded in 1969 with Nicky Hopkins.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Money.......2007-07-06

I'm a fan of Quicksilver and saw them many times, but this recording is just horrible. Big dropouts where everyone's playing and then, blam, just a vocal and a tinny guitar, then it will switch back to the full band. Almost like someone was going "what's this switch do?".
This recording is just horrible and should never have been commerically released.

4 out of 5 stars An Important Relic.......2007-06-18

I was fortunate to see Quicksilver Messenger Service in concert on two occasions, and this welcome release is a terrific souvenir of a great band. The sound quality is hardly state of the art, but that's a minor quibble. Of primary importance is the fact that this is the only live document (except for bootleg recordings) of QMS with both John Cippolina and Dino Valenti in the line-up. And as David Crosby once declared, Valenti "does his level best to stir up your guts with a spoon!" I prefer Dino's ballads (check out his 1968 solo album), but here he's obviously "up" for a largely high voltage gig. Even if one finds his voice an acquired taste, the double leads by Cippolina and Gary Duncan are not to be missed. In the final analysis, well over half of what's presented here is essential Quicksilver.

3 out of 5 stars Performance pretty inspired, recording primitive.............2007-06-18

Back around the time this was recorded, Stereo Review magazine was publishing some fabulous monthly reviews of contemporary music, written by Mr. Steve Simels. Back in that analog age, it was necessary to divide the review into two pieces, the quality of the music and the quality of the actual recording. The recording here, most of the time, sounds like it was done on a battery powered mini reel to reel, and occasionally spliced together from different source tapes! Jarring changes in volume and tone, muffles, etc. As to the music, the first CD is pretty doggone inspired, rocks on very well, maybe the liveliest version of "You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond" (mis-typed as "Band") I ever heard. Dino Valente's distinct high lonesome vocals, solid drumming, driving guitars, etc. The second disc is generally painful with a few bright moments, but mostly dispensable.

5 out of 5 stars A very enjoyable recording.......2007-06-08

This is a most enjoyable recording which benefits from being played repeatedly, loud, in a car with a good stereo with at leat four speakers. Initially,indoors, I was disappointed because I thought John Cipollina was too far back in the mix and I wasn't sure about the sound quality. But, like many live recordings, it improves the more you listen to it. There is improvisation and atmosphere in the performance, which is not present in the studio material of this period. When you know what to listen for, you will hear John playing on the left and Gary on the right, "duelling" wonderfully, with probably the best live vocal permormances I have heard by the band. As someone who is too young to have seen the band live, this is a delight. I wish some more recordings would be released.

3 out of 5 stars For Die-Hard Fans Only.......2007-06-02

I'm a sucker when it comes to Quicksilver Messenger Service. I fell in love with Happy Trails, and really enjoyed their first album. Everything else after that was always a hit and miss proposition. Each subsequent album had it's glorious moments, but were interspersed with sub-par, almost amateur songs. And... I hate Dino's voice. But... this album had the dual guitar attack of John and Gary, and the set-list didn't sound half bad, so I plunked down the money to buy it. As mentioned before, this is from a radio broadcast so the quality of the song is good, but not great (and sometimes bad). The performances, again, are hit and miss. And... no one in the band seems to know how to end a song! So many flubs. But... there are some great guitar solos, and for the most part John and Gary are sounding great.

If you don't know who QMS is, then get Happy Trails. You won't be disappointed. If you are a "completist", then add this to your collection. Just be forewarned the quality of the recording is just so-so. There are a few gems in here, but also a lot of mediocre stuff as well.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quicksilver
  • Actually, I like these guys
  • Quicksilver Messenger Service - Classic Filmore West Rock
  • Who Do You Love?
  • Wonderful album provided you are not too choosy about sound quality
 Quicksilver Messenger Service
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Psychedelic RockPsychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Happy Trails
  2. Electric Music for the Mind and Body
  3. It's a Beautiful Day
  4. Moby Grape
  5. Just for Love

ASIN: B000002UTX
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

  1. Pride Of Man
  2. Light Your Windows
  3. Dino's Song
  4. Gold And Silver
  5. Too Long
  6. The Fool

Amazon.com

Prior to this album's release, Quicksilver contributed two fine songs to the soundtrack of the film Revolution. Vocalist Dino Valente's subsequent drug bust and incarceration didn't prevent them from playing live, but it did delay the completion of their first album. Quicksilver's debut was consequently more mature than those of their late-1960s San Francisco Sound brethren--Big Brother, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. Quicksilver's first outing offers long instrumental passages and a communal attitude toward vocals and solos. Overall, however, QMS, while enjoyable and historically important, pales next to the band's innovative second release, Happy Trails. --James Swift

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Quicksilver.......2007-06-03

I forgot how good it is. Infact unlike some old things revisited this music was even better than I remembered it to be. A friend had told me how difficult it had been to find this band's work. I was so pleased to see Amazon had listed it. It is classic rock at it's best and made this old guy feel 18. Far out!

2 out of 5 stars Actually, I like these guys.......2007-03-12

They had a swagger at Monterey 67 and were in the right place at the right time. I like about 3 tracks on this album (their first and best). I can't recommend it to the masses, I purchased this mainly for historical purposes. You MUST listen to Jefferson Airplane (first 2 albums only), Peanut Butter Conspiracy (first 2 albums only), Grateful Dead (skip first 2 ablums) before you dig this deep for lost nuggets.

5 out of 5 stars Quicksilver Messenger Service - Classic Filmore West Rock.......2007-03-09

Just as good as it ever was on vinyl, more years ago than I really want to admit.

5 out of 5 stars Who Do You Love?.......2006-11-10

One of the best, if not the best from this band. A must have for all fans of QMS

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful album provided you are not too choosy about sound quality.......2006-10-28

The first, eponymous LP released in 1968 by Quicksilver Messenger Service remains one of the truly essential records that came out of the of the San Francisco psychedelic music scene.
Although already enjoying a huge reputation for their extended live improvisations, the band favours a more restrained approach here, with only "Gold and Silver" and "The Fool" clocking in at more than four minutes. The accent is put evenly on melodic content and instrumental guitar prowess.

This album can be considered as the best of their studio output. Apart from manager Ron Polte's "Too Long", which is pleasant but not outstanding, each track is a highlight! The cover of folksinger Hamilton Camp's "Pride of Man" is excellent with their hard rock folk structure; "Light Your Windows" is a fine original lazy, bluesy rock piece; Dino Valenti's "Dino's Song" proves very catchy, with quite poppy overtones; "Gold and Silver" is a fabulous and very rhythmic instrumental jam based on the wonderful Paul Desmond's composition titled "Take Five" (try to hear this piece played by the Dave Brubeck Quarter). Finally, the 12-minute "The Fool" is marked by the judicious use of improvised classical overtones, of controlled electronic feedback and of wah wah pedal.

The vocals are ably competent, rather than great. However, the twin guitars of John Cippolina and Gary Duncan, which keep on bringing out flashes of awesome sonic dreamscapes, more than compensate.
Although Cippolina's highly melodic, twangy, vibrato laden, individualistic lead guitar style dominates the proceedings, Gary Duncan should not be considered a second gun; his interest in Jazz as well as his guitar interplay with Cippolina were crucial to the Quicksilver sound as a whole.

This early CD reissue can be bought from Amazon at a very attractive price with only one caveat : the remastering is not very good and the sound suffers accordingly if you happen to use a good hi-fi rig. There is also no booklet to speak of: just one piece of paper. If you are addicted enough and want first rate sound, buy the Japanese Toshiba 2005 remaster, ASIN: B000AA7FG2 available from this site (at a price!). The latter comes in a cardboard mini-LP sleeve. You pays your money and you picks your choice. Enjoy!
Messenger [ENHANCED CD]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Proving the Indie Rock Movement can be a Commercial Success
  • A BEST EVER
  • Everyone should own this cd
  • Heartbreaking but awesome!
  • The best of the best
 Messenger [ENHANCED CD]
Edwin McCain Band
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Misguided Roses
  2. Honor Among Thieves
  3. Far From Over
  4. Lost in America
  5. The Austin Sessions

ASIN: B00000J7SV
Release Date: 1999-06-15

Tracks:

  1. Wish In This World
  2. Beautiful Life
  3. Promise Of You
  4. Ghosts Of Jackson Square
  5. I Could Not Ask For More
  6. Do Your Thing
  7. Prayer To St. Peter
  8. Go Be Young
  9. Anything Good About Me
  10. I'll Be (Acoustic Version)
  11. Sign On The Door
  12. See Off This Mountain

Amazon.com

Edwin McCain struck gold with his 1997 release, Misguided Roses, which sold half a million copies and spawned the Dawson's Creek-driven hit single "I'll Be," so he's probably earned the right to think big. That's what he does on Messenger, attacking his new set of songs with fleshed-out arrangements, several of which involve string sections and horns. Fans of McCain's more stripped-down fare will be disappointed by his rather bold-faced move toward the middle of the road, the most egregious example being the Diane Warren-penned ballad "I Could Not Ask for More," which is typically syrupy and overwrought. McCain's acoustic-driven "Ghosts of Jackson Square" is more on target, as is the soulful "Wish on the World" and the bouncy "Beautiful Life." Fans of "I'll Be" will enjoy hearing it again here, this time in a hushed vocals-guitar-sax version that's even more direct and affecting than the original. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Proving the Indie Rock Movement can be a Commercial Success.......2005-08-31

The 1990s music landscape saw Alternative Rock begin to basically become part of the mainstream music fold. However, Alternative Rock also began to produce many other off-shoots. This was because there was a perception that groups such as "Nirvana" and "Gin Blossoms" would "sell out" to commercial culture. As a result, a sub-movement within Alternative Rock began to form called "Indie Rock". The "Indie" stands for independent. It is a style of music that often covers a wide variety of genres, often working on independent record labels, but most importantly the artist maintains complete control of the music and their careers. However as Indie Rock stars gained popularity, even this term began to blur a bit. One artist who rose to popularity in the Indie Rock movement was Edwin McCain. Edwin McCain's second album "Misguided Roses" produced one of the biggest hits of 1997 and 1998 called "I'll Be". While I always felt that this was an overrated song, it did give McCain's career the boost it needed. While McCain's commercial success might have put his "Indie Rock" status in question, his style would still remain true to the "Indie Rock" roots. It would be McCain's third album, "Messenger" that would show his "Indie Rock" roots. Surprisingly, this album didn't garner the critical acclaim that I would have expected.

As mentioned, a key facet to the "Indie Rock" movement is maintaining complete control of the music - in other words, doing things your own way. For the most part, with McCain, this is not an issue. The sound on "Messenger" by McCain is as "Coffee House" as you can get. There is a lot of use of acoustic (even if it is electric acoustic) guitars. McCain supplements this sound very nicely with the use of saxophones and horns. He also makes a stronger use of drums and percussions than most "Coffee House" style artists.

McCain is also one very talented songwriter. As for doing things "his own way", this is very evident on "Messenger". McCain penned 11 of the 12 tracks. One might give him some criticism for using a song ("I Could Not Ask For More") written by a very "commercial songwriter" like Diane Warren, but McCain puts his own spin on that track. After all, part of Indie Rock is doing things your own way - and that is very evident on that track.

McCain's songwriting includes a wide variety of topics. Most notably, McCain's spirituality surfaces in the song "A Prayer to St. Peter". This is an acoustic sounding song that I'm shocked didn't garner more attention on the Christian Contemporary circuit. While McCain does include other spiritual/religious references on "Messenger" (such as "Ghost of Jackson Square", "Sign on the Door", "Beautiful Life", and even on Warren's "I Could Not Ask For More"). I would say it's safe to say that McCain is a Christian influenced musician. McCain also sings on other topics - such as a tribute to his grandmother ("See Off This Mountain"); Alcoholism ("Sign on the Door" and "Go Be Young"); and of course love and romance ("Wish In This World", "Promise of You", I'll Be")

As far as McCain's songwriting goes, it is his use of metaphors that really hits home. While I did feel "I'll Be" was an overrated song, this was a song that did use metaphors very well (i.e. "Emeralds from mountains thrust from the sky", "Rain falls angry on the tin roof"). McCain carries this trademark over to "Messenger". This is seen on several tracks such as: "Wish in this World" ("Running to grass so green; Dangerous road, but it's not going to change"); "Ghost of Jackson Square" ("But fall from the height; my personal ledges; afraid to look down; my crepe paper bridges; enough water to drawn"); "Prayer to St. Peter" ("The taste of summer; and a ripened pear; and girls sweet as meadow wind"); and Sign on the Door ("With a Sign on the Door; Saying sorry we're closed").

Throughout the album, the balance between McCain's haunting vocals and the outstanding work done by his band are really done well. There isn't a bad track on this collection. Perhaps the best example of the balance between the vocals and band work is on "Go Be Young". This song got a lot of airplay and deserved it - it is the best track on the album. "I Could Not Ask for More" also get some attention as well - and also well deserved. There are many other tracks that I'm surprised didn't garner more airplay or attention - such as "Wish In This World", "Beautiful Life", "Prayer to St. Peter", "Ghosts of Jackson Square", and "Do Your Thing". "Sign on the Door" is another standout track that takes on almost a gospel-like feel toward the end of the track.

My only criticism of "Messenger" is the inclusion of the "acoustic" version "I'll Be". I almost feel that this was included to capitalize on the big success of "I'll Be". Ok, it was a popular song and there may be a market to hear a more "acoustic" sound, but I think this would have been better suited for a greatest hits album. I had mentioned that McCain did things his own way "for the most part". Perhaps the record company put some pressure to include this. While you can say this violates the spirit of the Indie Rock movement, you can also say that perhaps McCain wanted to include this - and did things his own way.

The liner notes contain all of the lyrics to all of the songs as well as the musician and production credits. While "Messenger" would be a commercial success, that would be the last album that McCain would have commercial success. McCain would return to his Indie roots of touring and word of mouth music. But "Messenger" proved that Indie Music can be good even it does sell well. Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars A BEST EVER.......2005-08-30

This is simply one of my top 20 favorite CD's of all-time. I'm 40 years old, and have heard a lot of 'albums' and trust me, this one is right in there.
If you like Edwin at all, you will love this album.

5 out of 5 stars Everyone should own this cd.......2004-08-06

This is one of my very favorite cds. By far the best by Edwin McCain, and among the best albums I've ever heard. Buy it. Get an extra copy for a friend.

4 out of 5 stars Heartbreaking but awesome!.......2003-05-24

Edwin Mcwinain. what can I say about him? I'm 17 years old and when I went to a concert of his, because his following is not all that large (what a shame) most people were surprised to see a person so young, there. they asked me how I knew about him. I said that I had heard him on the show "Dawson's Creek" a few years before and fell in love with his music. I have this CD ("Messenger") and I highly recommend it. Edwin's lyrics are so beautiful and meaninful and his voice is sooo sooothing. Edwin has that great combo of Pop, Blues, Jazz, Country and Rock, ALL INTO ONE! it's hard to explain but I love it. I met him once a few months ago and I'm going to see him again next week.

5 out of 5 stars The best of the best.......2002-02-27

This is my personal favorite. It's a shame McCain doesn't have a greater following. Everything on this album is poetic in every sense. The instrumentation is fantastic and the lyrics, the true brilliance of the music, are amazing. There is a fantastic acoustic version of "I'll Be" that is quieter, tamer and features the lyrics, though it loses the wonderful saxophone pieces that are that song's trademark. True to that, this album is quieter all around, with the noteable exception of "Anything Good About Me," which is really the only 'rock' song here. "Beautiful Life" and "Just Do Your Thing" are eloquent commentaries on life today. Though this album doesn't have much of the upbeat tunes like "Guinevere" or "Alive" common to Edwin McCain's earlier albums, it is poetic an moving. Edwin McCain's best songs are rarely released on the radio waves and anyone who misses them is really missing out.
Anthology
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Buy this for Spindrifter
  • Quicksilver Rocks
  • QMS Continues !!!
  • Old Stuff
  • Excellent Collection of Some Great Songs
 Anthology
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: Bgo - Beat Goes on
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Happy Trails
  2. It's a Beautiful Day
  3. Just for Love
  4. Classic Masters
  5. Quicksilver Messenger Service

ASIN: B0000011O6
Release Date: 2002-02-15

Tracks:

  1. Pride Of Man
  2. Dino's Song
  3. The Fool
  4. Bears
  5. Mona
  6. Edward The Mad Shirt Grinder
  7. Three Or Four Feet From Home
  8. Fresh Air
  9. Just For Love
  10. Spindrifter
  11. Local Color
  12. What About Me
  13. Don't Cry My Lady Love
  14. Hope
  15. Fire Brothers
  16. I Found Love

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Buy this for Spindrifter.......2006-01-11

This anthology, rather than Sons of Mercury, is the one to purchase if you're new to QMS. I won't dispute with some reviewers who prefer the live energy of Happy Trails for the original albums, but Anthology delivers all of the top songs for QMS including Spindrifter, a solo piano piece that showed why both the Who and the Stones wanted his talents. This version of Mona is also better than the one on Sons of Mercury, which is cut short for some awful reason.
QMS was quirky, talented, and a unique but accessible sound in an era of trippy San Francisco bands. This anthology gives you the absolute best of their studio music.

5 out of 5 stars Quicksilver Rocks.......2005-09-19

I saw these guys in Denver back in the 70's, in a little bar, with Nicky Hopkins playing piano...nothing more needs to be said!

5 out of 5 stars QMS Continues !!!.......2003-12-06

May I add that Gary Duncan is
carrying on the QMS name,
and is producing new
Quicksilver music.
Check it out at
Shady Grove.
Number 9 Trvlr...

3 out of 5 stars Old Stuff.......2002-10-30

When this lp first came out I wore out the grooves and bought it again but that was a different time in our American lives. It's about sex, drugs and rock-and-roll. It's too slow for my more-modern taste. Some of the tunes still stand; but you can find those tunes at a modest price. This cd should be retired.

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Collection of Some Great Songs.......2002-07-14

I had this on vinyl back when it was released as a double-album in the 1970s, and was glad to see it made available on CD.

Quicksilver Messenger Service, as you may or may not know, was one of the many bands that originated in and around the San Francisco area in the middle to late 1960s. Though not as well known nor as successful as some of the others would go on to be (Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, The Steve Miller Band), Quicksilver established itself as a band with first-rate musicianship, even though the band's lineup would regularly change. (Original guitarist John Cippolina would later go on to establish Copperhead; Gary Duncan was the other guitarist and occasional vocalist; bassist/vocalist David Freiberg would end up playing in the Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship band; pianist Nicky Hopkins would come for a while but then leave, to be replaced by Mark Naftalin from the Butterfield Blues Band; vocalist Dino Valenti, although technically slated to be part of the band from the beginning, didn't actually join the group until it had been around for four or five years due to his incarceration on drug possession and his vocals are reminiscent of Marty Balin from Jefferson Starship.)

Despite the changing lineups, the band recorded a number of outstanding songs as collected on this CD. The CD opens up with their cover of Hamilton Camp's "Pride of Man", followed up by "Dino's Song" (written by the aforementioned Dino Valenti, who was by the time this was recorded spending time in jail), and then the masterful 12-minute "The Fool". Cippolina's trembling electric guitar work stands out on these, particularly the mostly instrumental "The Fool" (a few verses are sung in its later minutes).

The next song "Bears" is a light-hearted, short song; a cover of "Mona" (a bluesy, but somewhat forgettable song, previously recorded by Bo Diddley) and "Edward the Mad Shirt Grinder" (an instrumental piece written by Nicky Hopkins) follow it. "Three or Four Feet from Home," written by Cippolina, sounds like something The Grateful Dead might have done. Following it are a couple of songs for which Dino Valenti finally joined the group and sang -- "Fresh Air" (which has two instrumental breaks, one featuring guitar work and the other piano) and "Just for Love". Both songs marked somewhat of a turning point, as the band turned away from longer, less commercial songs to more radio-friendly fare. "Spindrifter," another Nicky Hopkins piece, is an instrumental piano-laden song with an exquisite melody. "Local Color" is an instrumental, slide-guitar, bluesy piece written by Cippolina; it is the last song on this collection on which he plays. "What About Me" introduced Mark Naftalin on piano to the band (replacing Nicky Hopkins) and while it is a pretty much standard protest type of song from 1970, the following Dino Valenti-penned "Don't Cry My Lady Love" is a terrific romantic pop ballad with outstanding piano work from Mr. Naftalin. "Hope," a pretty good electric lead guitar-driven piece, the acoustic guitar and piano "Fire Brothers," and "I Found Love" close out the CD. For "Fire Brothers" and "I Found Love," Greg Duncan, who at this time was the only original member from the band still around, provides the vocals.

Overall the CD earns 5 stars on the strength of some outstanding arrangements and musicianship, even though a few songs are rather forgettable themselves. This CD is an excellent introduction to and overview of Quicksilver in its most productive and creative phase (1967 - 1971); although the band would continue (again with lineup changes) for some additional years, none of the later output holds up to what is on this CD. If you like the San Francisco style of music, with its extended musical interplays and occasional psychedelic excursions, this CD won't disappoint.
Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future
 Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future
Guru
Manufacturer: V2
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
SoulSoul | Compilations | R&B | Styles | Music
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  4. Desire
  5. I Am

ASIN: B000O7665M
Release Date: 2007-06-04

Tracks:

  1. Cuz I'm Jazzy - Slum Village
  2. State of Clarity
  3. Stand Up - Damian "Junior Gong" Marley
  4. Look to the Sun
  5. Connection
  6. Fine and Free - Vivian Green
  7. Wait on Me - Raheem DeVaughn
  8. International - Bobby Valentino
  9. This Is Art
  10. Fly Magnetic - Dionne Farris
  11. Jazz Style
  12. Follow the Signs
  13. Universal Struggle
  14. Infinite - Blackalicious
  15. Kissed the World - Caron Wheeler
  16. Living Legend - David Sanborn

Album Description

Jazzmatazz Volume Four gives you all that goodness you've come to expect from the stellar partnership of Guru with "SuperProducer" and fellow New Yorker, Solar. Many talented friends also come through on Jazzmatazz Volume Four to bless the record and be a part of its tradition including Slum Village, Common, Blackalicious and many others who lend their unique voices and styles to the album. V2. 2007.

Album Details

2007 Release of the Fourth Volume of the Revered DJ'S "Jazzmatazz", Titled "The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: "Back to the Future" that Includes "Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change)" featuring Damian Marley, One of the Joint's Stand Out Tracks that Helps to Set the Whole Project Ablaze. Other Artists Appearing Include Vivian Green, Blackalicious, the Returns of Caron Wheeler (Soul Ii Soul) and Dionne Farris and Saxophonist David Sanborn. Always Pushing the Envelope, the Set was Entirely Produced by Solar and Co-produced by Guru. Gushing Over the Recording Sessions, Guru Laments: "Since the Inception of "Jazzmatazz", One of the Main Focuses Has Been that it Has Something for Every Generation and Music Lover. It's Timeless. When We Enter Into These Projects We're Working with Artists that Are Relevant and it Provides for that Fresh New Territory. The Tracks Solar and I have Laid Down Are Incredible!".

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future.......2007-06-20

Guru (A.K.A. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, Keith Edward Elam) returns with "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future" (2007) a sixteen track release which features guest appearances from Slum Village, Common, Bob James, Damian Marley, Kem, Vivian Green, Raheem DeVaughn, Bobby Valentino, Ronnie Laws, Dionne Farris, Omar, Shelly Harland, Brownman, Blackalicious, Caron Wheeler & David Sanborn. As one half of the groundbreaking group Gangstarr, Guru released many memorable albums, he has also succeeded in delivering memorable solo releases in the Jazzmatazz series. At fourty year's old, Guru is one of the Rap game's veteran's who continues to deliver relevant music, that old and new fans alike can enjoy. This release opens up with "Cuz I'm Jazzy" which has Guru teaming up with T3 & Elzhi of Slum Village. Next up is a highlight track in the single "State of Clarity" - Guru, Common and Bob James (Jazz Keyboards) deliver a substantial track about being true to ones self and avoiding the trife life. Guru tag teams "Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change) with Damian Marley who provides the chorus. Guru rhymes about change and creating a better future on "Look To The Sun". Guru shines on the introspective "Connection" feat. Kem- delivering more substantial lyrics like "Its so real when it comes from the heart, from deep down inside". Guru flipts the script some and slows things down with "Fine and Free" which features some soulful vocals from Vivian Green, rhyming with confidence - Guru show's his love for Hip Hop and the ladies while repping himself and giving his opinion on sell out MC's. Up and coming soul singer Raheem DeVaughn makes an appearance on "Wait On Me", while Bobby Valentino & Guru travel worldwide on "International". Guru kicks some on point rhymes backed by the sounds of Jazz, Funk & Blues musician Ronnie Laws on "This Is Art". Guru rhymes about a woman whos after him on "Fly Magnetic" backed by some vocals from Dionne Farris, then colloborates with British Singer Omar on "The Jazz Style". Guru takes a trip looking for a special lady on "Follow The Signs" backed by smooth vocals from Shelly Harland. My favourite track at the moment is the deep "The Universal Struggle" feat. Brownman, Guru delivers some excellent lyrics on this conscious track about how people worldwide face the same struggles, talking about showing resilience in the face of danger and overcoming. Guru then collabs with Rap duo Blackalicious on "Infinite" - letting it be known he won't be leaving the game anytime soon and that the music he delivers goes beyond simple rhymes to deep thoughts. Guru provides another international collaboration this time with female British Singer Caron Wheeler (hook) on "Kissed The World" a track about George Bush and the War. Guru closes off the album with "Living Legend" backed by the sounds of Saxophonist David Sanborn. It's refreshing to listen to a grounded MC who has a significant social conscious, and drops positive on point rhymes. "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future" is a strong release worth checking out.
Classic Masters
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Better Remembered
  • 60's revisited
  • Return to the origin of modern music
  • Disappointing - sounds muffled and flat
  • great remix
 Classic Masters
Quicksilver Messenger Service
Manufacturer: EMI Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Happy Trails
  2. Quicksilver Messenger Service
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ASIN: B00005V5Q3
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

  1. Pride Of Man
  2. Light Your Windows
  3. Who Do You Love (part 1)
  4. Stand By Me
  5. Dino's Song
  6. Shady Grove
  7. Joseph's Coat
  8. Flute Song
  9. Fresh Air
  10. What About Me
  11. Just For Love
  12. Hope

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Better Remembered.......2007-03-10

This album/CD was only a few dollars, thankfully! It had, perhaps, two cuts that were worth remembering. Too bad I didn't remember that when I took the offer (like a hungry trout).

It's better left in the dust bin.

4 out of 5 stars 60's revisited.......2007-01-09

Great walk down memory lane. I had forgotten their unique sound, and I enjoyed listening to it once again. You can hear the band grow and change as they moved from rock and roll to their Quicksilver sound.

4 out of 5 stars Return to the origin of modern music.......2007-01-03

Few gen X or Y people know that Quicksilver Messenger Service was another vital piece of the musical pie that came out of the 60's/early 70's..........for those of you who don't know them.....pickup this 'best of' and connect the dots to modern jam bands........good stuff. bcp

2 out of 5 stars Disappointing - sounds muffled and flat.......2006-12-12

I have to disagree strongly with the review below which says that the sound quality on this disc is "superb." It's not. In fact, it's one of the worst sounding discs I've purchased in a long time. On many of the cuts the higher frequencies are missing; this is probably because over long periods of time, recordings on tape (i.e. the master tapes used to produce this CD) deteriorate. As a result, the music sounds dull and muffled. Also, I was surprised how dated many of these songs are, both in musical style and the lyrics. I was a big fan of QMS "back in the day," but this disc is a loser.

4 out of 5 stars great remix.......2006-07-10

I have the orginal quicksilver messenger service albums on vinyl, and I finally broke down and got the remastered cd . I really like the sound, they cleaned it up and made it sound like it originally sounded in the studio. If you are looking for a good mix of what the band was all about this is the album for you.
War Crime Blues
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Where do we go from here....
  • Chris at his best
  • War Crime Blues
  • Another great blues album
  • compelling
 War Crime Blues
Chris Whitley
Manufacturer: Messenger Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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  1. Weed
  2. Soft Dangerous Shores
  3. Reiter In
  4. Dirt Floor
  5. Hotel Vast Horizon

ASIN: B00024I2KY
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Tracks:

  1. Made From Dirt
  2. Her Furious Angels
  3. Ghost Dance
  4. War Crime Blues
  5. Invisible Day
  6. I Can't Stand It
  7. White Rider
  8. Dead Cowboy Song
  9. The Call Up
  10. God Left Town
  11. Nature Boy

Product Description

1 Made From Dirt 2 Her Furious Angels 3 Ghost Dance 4 War Crime Blues 5 Invisible Day 6 I Can't Stand It 7 White Rider 8 Dead Cowboy Song 9 The Call Up 10 God Left Town 11 Nature Boy

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Where do we go from here...........2006-02-04

This is an emotionally raw album of beautiful songs recorded in a makeshift/casual environment. As can be expected from Chris Whitley, the songs do not suffer for a lack of production. In fact, the organic style of the recording brings the audience closer to him, the gravity of the songs permeating deeper than if they had been studio-produced. The unique beauty of his music reamins subtle here, but somehow more intimate and direct.

The energetic highlights of the album draw from the artist's keen aptitude in musicianship, unfolding here more agressively than usual. Chris has somehow captured a vital creative essence in many of these uptempo songs. "Made From Dirt," "Dead Cowboy Song," and "God Left Town" are all excellent songs. All three are clearly a release, or rather, a forfeiture of his emotional outrages. So many artists resort to hitting their instruments more loudly or being too lyrically blunt. Other artists might be too subtle, nebulous or cryptic. Chris carefully lands on the rare poetic island somewhere between the two. "I Can't Stand It" is perhaps the most outright of the loud songs, though he did not write it, but he sure does reinvision it. It fits the album perfectly.

Quiter songs such as "Her Furious Angels," "War Crime Blues," "Invisible Day," "White Rider," and "The Call Up" shape the album into a dance between a despairing catharsis and hope with a sense of future wonderment. The wonderful song "Her Furious Angels" appears on a proceeding album in studio-produced form, however this original appearance is the stronger of the two. One of the album's most touching songs, "Invisible Day" was recorded live in a park. You can faintly hear birds in the background. That particular setting somehow makes the song utterly magical.

The album ends calmly with an a-capella version of "Nature Boy," which I feel is sung more for the meaning in the lyrics than for any sonic enjoyment. Chris' light, slippery voice merely embraces them, but does not exaggerate. It is all very fitting.

It is important to keep in mind that this album goes hand-in-hand with it's companion CD "Weed." Together, these two albums constitute a landmark in Chris Whitley's stripped-down catalog which began with the 1998's "Dirt Floor." We are wittnessing in these 2004 releases a profound ability to practically become one with the listener. It really seems otherworldly at times how far this music can sink in. This is one irreplacable artist who will be profoundly missed.

Key Songs: "Invisible Day," "Made From Dirt," "Her Furious Angels", "I Can't Stand It"

5 out of 5 stars Chris at his best.......2005-04-18

Chris Whitley's War Crime Blues shows the talented songwriter in his best setting, his voice and his acoustic guitar. The songs here don't show Whitley reenacting the blues but rather reinventing them. The opening "Made From Dirt" is both furious and haunting as Whitley's voice wails over the chaotic setting comprised solely by his guitar. Other songs such as "God Left Town" and "Dead Cowboy Song" continue in this vein where the fury just takes the listener in and doesn't let go. "Ghost Dance" finds Whitley sounding like our generation's John Lee Hooker, just riding one chord and letting the emotion carry the song. The quieter but just as passionate tracks "Her Furious Angels", "Invisible Day", and "White Rider", which shows Whitley's voice sounding like an old 78 record, are also great tracks. There are also 3 cover songs here, all done completely different. The version of "I Can't Stand It" is more fiery than Lou Reed's version while Chris' version of The Clash's "The Call Up" is more laid back, emphasizing the importance of the lyrics. Finally, the a capella read on the jazz classic "Nature Boy" is a great albeit unusual way to end the album. Like many of his last few albums, it's quite short at 33 minutes long, but like those releases it's designed to be listened to one sitting, in essence letting the songs take you to another place. Quite simply, this is Chris is at his best. Better than Din of Ecstasy or Living With the Law? Yes.

5 out of 5 stars War Crime Blues.......2005-01-06

Chris Whitley follows up last years low-key, but solid HOTEL VAST HORIZON, with what may be his best release since his staggering debut over twelve years ago.

Whitley has covered alot of ground sucessfully over the years, but I feel that his strongest work is when mines solo acoustic blues. Rather than using the blues as an excercise in nostolgia, he uses it as a springboard for explorig his personal demons in a modern context. He also manages to put his personal stamp on every composition including covers, such as the Velvet Underground's I CAN'T STAND IT and the Clash's THE CALL UP, which are included here.

WAR CRIME BLUES is an excellent album showcasing Whitley's talents as a guitarist, vocalist, composer and interpreter. There is not a weak track included. Those new to his work may be better advised to try his debut, LIVING WITH THE LAW or his excellent compilation LONG WAY AROUND first. Those that like what they hear there, or are already familiar with his work are then well advised to invest in this album.

5 out of 5 stars Another great blues album.......2004-11-12

This album is another great work by Whitley, and it is a great complement to Dirt Floor. The most objective way to describe this album in comparison with Dirt Floor is that if they were a two-disc set (they're similar enough to be), then War Crime Blues would be the loud part of his acoustic blues work and the cd set. I really enjoy this album because it veers off from Whitley's previous acoustic work and is a lot louder and really brings variety to his discography. Besides it being louder, louder in the sense that he strums harder and is playing his music forte on about half of his tracks (not necessarily singing forte), i find that what attracts me is his vocal melodies blend together very well with the dobro he plays and, for the artist, this is an inspiring work to listen to because as a blues record, it is orignal, which says something in itself about the work.

5 out of 5 stars compelling.......2004-07-30

after recording the quiet, ballad-based record Hotel Vast Horizon in 2003, Chris wanted to do something more urgent, more raw, and War Crime Blues is exactly that. From the first note, there is an aggressive sense of desperation that permeates the record, some kind of pissed-off melancholia. while not an overtly political record, "made from dirt", "war crime blues", and a cover of the clash's "london calling" among others comment on the shaky state of affairs in the world today. although this is a solo acoustic record like Dirt Floor, the production is very in your face and the songs are loud and noisy, so be warned. highly recommended.
Cosmic Messenger
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • My Favorite Musician
  • Jean-Luc's best?
  • JLP's last really good disc
  • Atmospheric textures
  • Right Up There With the Big Guys
 Cosmic Messenger
Jean-Luc Ponty
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Enigmatic Ocean
  2. Imaginary Voyage
  3. Civilized Evil
  4. Mystical Adventures
  5. A Taste for Passion

ASIN: B000002I9J
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Cosmic Messenger
  2. The Art Of Happiness
  3. Don't Let The World Pass You By
  4. I Only Feel Good With You
  5. Puppets' Dance
  6. Fake Paradise
  7. Ethereal Mood
  8. Egocentric Molecules

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars My Favorite Musician.......2007-03-13

Jean Luc Ponty has been my favorite musician since I was fifteen. At that time, I was fascinated about how Jean took a symphonic instrument and made it jazzy. I have almost everything he made on vinyl, so now that I am finally upgrading to a mp3 player, I have to get new CD's. Jean Luc sounds just as good today as he did when I first started collecting him back in 1975. I almost have the complete collection now and it sounds outstanding, probably better now than back then.

5 out of 5 stars Jean-Luc's best?.......2006-04-30

This CD has spellbinding rhythms in the more ethereal tracks - the kind of relatively slow-paced tracks that artfully establish early on that 'moment of connection to the music' that somehow liberates the listeners's soul as the artist's vision behind the musical track comes to life and we are transported to another place. On the whole it's a unique blend of the familiar and the exotic - the ethereally exotic rhythms wedded to the lucidly logical melodic lines. This often-tried experiment is, here, quite successful. Other tracks are high energy - very inspired, and all are infused with a brilliant, pleasingly-structured, readily-identifiable sense of jazz fusion. Stylistically this may be Ponty's singularly most cohesive work. Given his output, that spans well beyond his most prolific stint during the 1970's and '80's, that may well be saying something. I haven't heard everything by him, but, if your looking for something else that, IMHO, gives "Cosmic Messenger" a run for it's money, may I suggest "Mystical Adventures" - another knockout of his. If you look at it like I do, an unresolved toss-up of this magnitude is nothing but a blessing for music fans in general, fans of Jazz fusion in particular or anyone curious to know just what a five string electrified violin can do. I also enjoy "A Taste For Passion", "Civilized Evil" and "Enigmatic Ocean". In any case, Ponty is arguably THE world champion of the five string electrified violin. Not that this instrument is the only feature of merit on the album. Ponty, in this time frame, surrounds himself with truly comparable talent on percussion, an incredible electric bassist and, here, two superb lead guitarists. I don't truly know for myself yet if this is Jean-Luc Ponty's best album, but, so far, I can say it's my favorite. Highly, highly recommended.

4 out of 5 stars JLP's last really good disc.......2004-09-22

1977's "Enigmatic Ocean" was indeed a tough act to follow, given the improvisational and sonic brilliance of one Allan Holdsworth on guitar. So, instead of trying to replicate that disc, Ponty wisely leaned more in a rockier/funky direction for "Cosmic Messenger", knowing that NOBODY could match Holdsworth's unique contributions or even get close.

What results is a collection of songs that retain a lot of the characteristics of Ponty's earlier efforts but a bit leaner and meaner sounding. Of the 2 guitarists, Peter Maunu definitely comes up the most distinct sounding with his soaring melodic bluesy rock sound. What I really enjoyed though was the huge punchy sounding rhythm section of drummer Casey Schurrel and bassist Ralphe Armstrong (I especially loved Ralphe's huge thick growling fretless tone here, deeeeeelicious!). Allan Zavod provides all the appropriately spacey textures with a bank of synths. Have to admit though I would've loved to hear more acoustic instruments as well to balance it out, as it was a bit synth/electronics heavy.

As for the highlights, "Ethereal Mood" is beautifully hypnotic with not much more than acoustic violin, chiming acoustic guitars, fretless bass and tablas, very beautiful haunting melody. On the funkier/rocky side, "Art of Happiness", "Don't Let The World Pass You By" and "Fake Paradise" come out swinging.

The one low point for me is the ending tune "Egocentric Molecules" (corny title BTW!), which sounds more like a mathematical exercise more than it does music. Not one of Ponty's better compositional moments in this Owl's opinion.

Overall, a solid album worth having, but not groundbreaking by any stretch. After this, JLP would seem to just keep making the same record over and over again.

4 out of 5 stars Atmospheric textures.......2004-07-02

These enchanting sounds are made up of electric base, guitars, piano and violin, plus organ, drums, percussion, synthesizers and acoustic guitars. The sound ranges from orchestral and ambient to funky and jazzy.

The music impresses with its varied textures, like the bubbly, rhythmic track The Art Of Happiness that is followed by the more ethereal Don't Let The World Pass You By with its urgent rhythm against a mellow background of synths, or the gentle, evocative I Only Feel Good With You. Puppet's Dance has a jazzy texture, whilst the gentle Ethereal Mood creates just that with its beautiful melody.

The album concludes with Egocentric Molecules which has a full and powerful rock sound driven by electric guitar. The virtuosity of the players is breathtaking. Ponty and team successfully explore various musical avenues on this highly enjoyable album that should appeal to all lovers of ambient and intelligent electronic music.

4 out of 5 stars Right Up There With the Big Guys.......2004-01-21

Of course I've only heard a small fraction of all the music that exists,but of what has come my way,the phenomenal ensemble playing here 'avec mélodie',I find rarely to be equalled[off the top of my head I can only think of 'Earth,Wind & Fire',but of course their respective 'genres' differ]."Great Album"status right close to the very top of my whole humble 120-odd collection.It motors along at a great rate of knots but never strays far from the/a melody...perhaps the musicians being Gallic accounts for there being something refreshing about it too [after a virtually unremitting diet of Anglo-American musical inputs]...
Koala Motel
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent!
  • Damn Good
  • Anne's Best Yet
 Koala Motel
Anne McCue
Manufacturer: Messenger Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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  1. Roll
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ASIN: B000HIP4F6
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Tracks:

  1. Driving Down Alvarado
  2. From Bakersfield To Saigon
  3. Bright Light Of Day
  4. Hellfire Raiser
  5. Sweet Burden of Youth
  6. Coming To You
  7. Any Minute Now
  8. Jesus' Blood
  9. Shivers
  10. As the Crow Flies
  11. Lay Me Down
  12. Koala Motel

Amazon.com

It's easy to hear why Lucinda Williams (who contributes harmonies here to the haunting "Hellfire Raiser") is such a fan of Australian transplant Annie McCue. Both draw inspiration from country, blues, folk, and classic rock in material that can have a hard edge and a tender heart, with lyrics that show a writerly eye for detail. Yet McCue isn't simply a Lucinda knockoff, but a triple-threat artist--as a singer, songwriter, and electrifying guitarist--who shows considerable command, range, and promise. With vocal support on various tracks from X's John Doe, Heart's Nancy Wilson (who also contributes mandolin), and Jim Lauderdale, highlights include the cinematic opener "Driving Down Alvarado" (with its echoes of the Doors' "Riders on the Storm"), the stripped-down acoustic intimacy of "Sweet Burden of Youth" and "Coming to You," the propulsive urgency of the apocalyptic "Any Minute Now," and a down-and-dirty cover of Tony Joe White's "As the Crow Flies." By the time the twangy atmospherics of the instrumental title track close the album, McCue has covered a considerable expanse of musical territory and made it all her own. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent!.......2007-04-28

She is an excellent guitar player and an accomplished songwriter. Get your copy right now.

5 out of 5 stars Damn Good.......2006-11-23

Koala Motel is a powerful album that blends masterful musicianship, gorgeous vocals, enchanting harmonies, and thought provoking lyrics. There are no fillers on this album and every repeat listening experience makes me appreciate the craftsmanship and specialness of each song more and more. Anne McCue's style is accessible to most everyone while at the same time none of the songs on Koala Motal can be considered formulaic. This is a damn good album that deserves heavy rotation treatment.

Anne skillfully pulls many different styles together on this album and she demonstrates them all masterfully. She flat out rocks and kicks a** on tunes like "Driving Down Alvarado," "As the Crow Flies," and "Any Minute Now." "Coming to You" is an intensely passionate ballad that can even the most jaded of listeners will be moved by. "Bright Light of Day" and "Sweet Burden of Youth" have delicious harmonies, with Nancy Wilson (of Heart fame) contributing background vocals on the latter, creating an ethereal experience.

Anne McCue is one of the most gifted and talented songwriter/musicians currently making music today. Her last album, "Roll," was a revelation that set an extremely high bar...and Koala Motel clears it. As good as she comes across on vinyl, she is that much better in concert, and I can't wait to hear these songs live.

This album is a must buy.

5 out of 5 stars Anne's Best Yet.......2006-09-20

This is Anne McCue's best work yet, and that's saying a lot since her previous albums are all outstanding in their own right. Koala Motel features lyrics that alternate between thought-provoking and just plain beautiful. The music is well crafted, and played with supurb musicianship. Anne's guitar playing just gets better and better, and she's always been one of the best. If you're already a fan of Anne's you'll love this and need it for your collection. If you're not familiar with her yet, Koala Motel is a good place to start.

Music:

  1. Mony Mony [Import]
  2. M.Y.O.B. [Import]
  3. Newborn Pt. 2 [Import]
  4. Nos Annees Punk 1977-80 [Import]
  5. Nowhere to Here
  6. O [Limited Edition] [Import]
  7. Plays Andrew Lloyd Webber [Import]
  8. Quadra
  9. Radio Dream [Import]
  10. Righteous Love

Music

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