Chemistry

Chemistry

Track Listings

1. Chemistry

2. My Thing to Do

3. Truth

4. Tender

5. Visit You

6. Lost & Found

7. Open Up Your Eyes

8. Race

9. Soul Collateral

10. Pain & Pleasure

Tracks:

The Hindu Times
Force Of Nature
Hung In A Bad Place
Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Songbird
Little By Little
A Quick Peep
(Probably) All In The Mind
She Is Love
Born On A Different Cloud
Better Man

Amazon.com

At their career zenith, Oasis were lauded as the best band in the world. They were actually never the greatest rock & roll band at any time, but for a few years they were the biggest. While they offered the '90s two of its most defining albums, and a resurgence of '60s-influenced Manchester rock, Oasis tumbled off the top of the mountain in the last half of the decade. Heathen Chemistry is their first step back up the ascent, albeit a small step. The album opens with "The Hindu Times," which will certainly be listed among Oasis's best anthems, and it closes with "Better Man," a distorted-guitar-driven thrill that revs up to 60 mph in second gear. But between the strongest songs on the disc, Noel "Walrus" and Liam "Eggman" Gallagher exploit the Beatles references almost to the breaking point. It's no secret that the Gallaghers worship the Beatles (who doesn't?), but here they've gone beyond obvious influences and stepped right into infringement territory. On "Born on a Different Cloud," Noel's guitar weeps a little too gently, and Liam's signature rasp now sounds like a deliberate imitation of Lennon with a cold. Further, Liam shares the mic with Noel, who sings lead on several tracks, the best being "Force of Nature." Unlike on Beatles albums, however, the switch back and forth is jarring (Liam might be the biggest troublemaker, but he is also the better singer). Nonetheless, if a band is going to unapologetically rip off what was unquestionably the best band in the world, no one does it better than Oasis. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews:

Defintion of average.......2007-04-02

Some good tracks including Gem Archers magnificant if unoriginal Hung In A Bad Place but some very tedious ones, born on a different cloud makes me want to shoot myself in the face it's that boring and repetitive.

Overall pretty good and I do feel the need to play it through over but hold no hesitation in skipping one or two tracks.

The MacDonalds of Rock Music.......2007-03-09

Oasis sound more and more like a Beatles tribute band who never heard anything past 1967. For people who like their music unchallanging, easy to digest, and predictable. "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" is a Big Mac.

Unfortunately underrated.......2006-04-19

For the most part, this is a rock-n-roll album with big guitars. In spots, it's a bit overproduced. Like all its predecessors, this Oasis album has that air of familiarity and gives you that, "I've heard this before" feeling. I think it's quite fresh, though. Oasis is a paradox: they beg, steal and borrow from the Who, the Beatles, the Stones, the Stone Roses, Slade, T. Rex, Bowie, etc, but still come out sounding like Oasis. With the exception of one or two songs that are blatant rip-offs, the worst that can be said for its originality is that it's "derivative" in places.

This is also the first Oasis album with songs written by the non-Gallagher members of the band, and the first album to feature more than one song by Liam (three, in fact).

"The Hindu Times" (Noel) - Neo-psychedelic. Big guitars with raga-sounding lead guitar licks and Liam's braying vocals. In the rhythm guitar you'll hear a smidgeon of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." This is a song (apparently) about nothing ("I get so I high I just can't feel it."). It's one of the better songs on the album and a good one to crank with the windows down.

"Force of Nature" (Noel) - This song floated around for a year or two before HC as Noel solo song (he's the singer.) Noel's vocals are great; he really screams it out. There's a healthy dose of anger and cynicism in this one, rare for Oasis. The best line: "I betcha knew right away/It's all over town that the sun's going down/on the days of your easy life." The ghost of Marc Bolan has certainly possessed this tune.

"Hung in a Bad Place" (Gem Archer) - Though not written by a Gallagher, "Hung" sounds like it would have fit right in on Definitely Maybe. It's another big guitar song with Liam's nasally snarl. The more I hear it the more I dig it! Lyrically, it's in the vein of "Free" by Jagger/Richards: "I can go where I wanna/be where I wanna be now . . ." This has the makings of a great live tune.

"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" (Noel) - When I hear this song all I can think of is "Dear Friend" off of Wings' Wild Life. After the slowly plodding piano intro, it turns into a power ballad. The lyrics are weak and cliche. Sample: "`Cuz all of the stars are fading away/just try not to worry/you'll see them someday . . ." This is one of the more disappointing songs on the album and, unfortunately, it ended up being a single.

"Songbird" (Liam) - Liam, with typical braggadocio, declared this one, "Better than anything on Revolver." The only Beatles song this tune might be better than is "Mister Moonlight" or "Revolution # 9," and even that would be a stretch. The guitar and rhythm sound like they're taken directly from "Lyin' Eyes" by the Eagles. It's a throw away and shouldn't be on the album.

"Little by Little" (Noel) - Noel sings this one and does a great job on vocals. The verses sound like many a Pink Floyd tune. The chorus makes this a good pop-rock tune. It has a nice guitar solo. It's basically about a relationship and inner searching ("Why am I really here?") There's nothing new in it, musically or lyrically, but it's a pretty good track, nonetheless.

"A Quick Peep" (Andy Bell) - Instrumental. I can't decide whether this is Pink Floyd doing The Pogues or The Pogues doing Pink Floyd. Either way, it should have been saved for an EP or a B-side.

"(Probably) All in the Mind" (Noel) - Perhaps a bit of a twist on the whole neo-psychedelic thing. Instead of dealing with personal exploration, it's about wanting to run away with someone else to another "life" that may only exist in his imagination. Not bad.

"She is Love" (Noel) - Has a folk-rock-pseudo-soul feel. Definitely pot-laced. I think the Black Crowes rubbed off on Noel when they toured together last year. It's Oasis doing a stripped-down version of "Soul Singing" on Lions. Very catchy.

"Born on a Different Cloud" (Liam) - A blatant Lennon rip off, this song is drenched in "I'm Losing You"from Double Fantasy. I swear Noel dug up George Harrison up and got him to replay the guitar solo from "How Do You Sleep?" The lyrics are even more of an obvious theft, ala "living on borrowed time" and "It's no surprise to me/that you're classless, clever and free." Yoko should sue have sued Liam for this one. There's a kind of clever . . . er . . . interesting line: "Talking to myself again/this time I think I'm getting through." If you like covers of John Lennon's solo work, you'll love this one.

"Better Man" (Liam) - The younger Gallagher takes his turn with a slightly Crowes-esque blues based rocker. Don't get me wrong, it's not a rip off. Very good song, certainly Liam's best. Positive lyrics from Liam who, by all accounts, is a drunken lout. Very, very subtly, it ends like "Nineteen Hundred Eighty Five" by Paul McCartney/Wings, which probably is no accident. This track is something like 38 minutes long. I thought something was wrong with my CD or the player because there was almost a ? hour of silence. Fast forward to minute 33 and there's a nice little surprise.

Heathen Chemistry falls squarely in the middle of the pack of Oasis albums. It's better than some but worse than others. It is a nice transition album between Standing on the Shoulders of Giants and Don't Believe the Truth. 3.5 stars would be a more than fair rating for it, but I'm rounding up rather than down, and giving it 4 stars.

Two stars is generous!.......2006-03-11

Perhaps its the fact that "Owen Morris" is not producing their albums anymore, or the fact that they need a producer, because Oasis produced this album themselves, and while thats all well and good. Noel Gallaghar (singer/songwriter/lead guitarist)said in a interview around the time of this release that the band should take responsibilty for their own records, its actually very dissapointing even compared to "Standing on the Shoulder of Giants" and "Be Here Now" both which got more flak than they deserved because they were by no means bad albums at all, they were just unfoccussed.

Heathen Chemistry is pretty watered down and weak, it does not stand up well as a entire listen and too much of the tracks sound more filler than anyhting else.
"The Hindu Times" "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" "Little By Little" would make you think that Oasis are back with a vengeance, to re claim their status, but they just don't cut it with their best songs, and in their own way lack alot of life.

Whats worse is that "Don't Beleive the Truth" is even worse, much worse, and unfortunatly saw Oasis previewing their entire album, miming to the album on TV, just before its release.

If Oasis want to pull out a stunner they need to get out the electric guitars, crank up the amps and get Owen Morris who produced their first three albums to make them sound "live" and "loud again." Oasis are a live band, thats the sound thats missing from this album.

Weak.......2006-01-30

Really 2.5 stars. People who have read my other reviews know I am a big Oasis fan. No other rock band of the past 15 years has put out such a huge volume of high quality music. Oasis' first two albums are straight up classics. I also think "Be Here Now" is one of the most underrated albums of the 90's and will be recognized as a classic in time. Oasis' newest, "Don't Believe the Truth," is great as well-- as good as anything they've ever done. I am sure they have a lot more in them as well.

That said, "Heathen Chemistry" is a really weak performance. It's slightly better than "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants," but that's not saying much. In all, there are really only three decent songs here-- "The Hindu Times," "Hung In a Bad Place," and "Better Man."

The production sucks too. The production on "Be Here Now" was big and loud, but so were the songs. The songs on "Heathen Chemistry" just can't stand up to all of this clutter. Noel was smart to hand over the production reigns to someone else for "Don't Believe the Truth."

Like "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants," "Heathen Chemistry" is an album that only hardcore fans will want. Still, the fact that Oasis put out two crappy albums doesn't mean they're not a great band. Out of their 7 major releases, 5 have been great. Look at how many awful albums the Stones and Bob Dylan have put out

Average customer rating:

a good dance album
Musically weak - later work is far stronger
Norman Cook Becomes Fatboy Slim
Better Get Better Living Through Chemistry
Classic Slim

Better Living Through Chemistry
Fatboy Slim
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Palookaville

ASIN: B000003RZ0
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Song For Lindy
Santa Cruz
Going Out Of My Head
The Weekend Starts Here
Everybody Needs A 303
Give The Po' Man A Break
10th & Crenshaw
First Down
Punk To Funk
The Sound Of Milwaukee
Michael Jackson
Next To Nothing

Amazon.com

Fatboy Slim (also known as Norman Cook, formally of the Housemartins) has composed a collection of tracks so dependent on samples that they'll keep "Name That Tune" fans busy for hours. The single "Going out of My Head" is crafted with funky beats thrown down on top of the guitar riff from the Who's classic "I Can't Explain." Mr. Slim borrows, begs, and steals from some of the best. You'll hear obvious influences from every genre from industrial to house. But these songs do not mimic; rather, Cook takes the established and reinvents it, mixes it up, rearranges it. The result is an energized, motivating, even endearing big-beat album that feels, grooves, and moves from beginning to end. --Beth Bessmer

Album Description

U.S. debut for the first album by this ex-Housemartins and ex-Beats International instrumental act with two bonus cuts, 'Michael Jackson' and 'Next To Nothing', both previously only available as B-sides on the U.K. CD single for 'Going Out My Head'. 12 tracks total, also featuring 'Going Out Of My Head', 'Song For Lindy' and 'Everybody Needs A 303'. The album's full title is 'Better Living Through Chemistry'. 1997 Astralwerks release.

Album Details

Finally issued domestically, including 2 tracks not available on the previous import version.

Customer Reviews:

a good dance album.......2007-06-12

This is Fatboy Slim's first american debut, before he made it big. It's a good solid techo/dance album and can make anybody move around at your next party. It's full of samples and funky beats.

Musically weak - later work is far stronger.......2007-01-14

Having really enjoyed 'You've come a long way baby' - one of my favorite albums - I had high hopes for this work, after all, they are just a year or two apart. Oh, was I disappointed.

Perhaps if one were thrashing around at a rave party while out of their gourd on X, then this album would sound a little better, but stone cold sober I really had a hard time with this ensemble. The constant looped samples just repeat and repeat seemingly, in some instances, for ever. I see this album almost as a test case for Cook's later - and musically far better - work. One can really see the roots here of how this style and sound was massaged and refined into something much more musically coherent with 'You've come a long way baby'.

Song For Lindy stands out as one of the more tolerable tracks along with Going Out of My Head, Everybody Needs a 303 and Michael Jackson. The guitar riff in Santa Cruz never seems to stop and gives me a headache while the lyrics in Give a Po' Man a Break could do exactly that. The rest of the tracks are evidently an exercise in how to use a sequencer and are apparently written to cram as many repeated samples into each song as possible.

I really wanted to like this album, but it offers little of redeeming quality; quite simply it's dull. Ultimately, there is just not enough here to warrant its purchase.

Norman Cook Becomes Fatboy Slim.......2006-09-30

Fatboy Slim AKA Norman Cook had been part of many projects though the years like Beats International, Housemartins, Pizzaman etc. But it was as Fatboy Slim he was going to become most succesful. "You've Come a Long Way Baby" became one of the most popular dance albums of the 90's and Norman Cook both had hit singles and won awards for his music. The music was fun, catchy and very commericial. "Better Living Through Chemistry" was where the Fatboy Slim experience started though, released in 1996 (two years prior to the big break) it was a fresh new dance album from an artist full of odd ideas. He does sample alot, The Who's riff from "I Can't Explain" is sampled on "What Goes Out Of My Head" and Negativeland's self titled song on his "Michael Jackson". But this is far from a commercial album, it's more of a underground big beat album like early Chemical Brothers or Propellerheads. It doesn't use many vocals either, it's mostly a mix between dance and Trip Hop with riff or beat oriented music. Not too surprising either, it didn't result in many hitsingles. "Everybody Needs a 303" whatever that is suppost to mean? was only a minor hit in UK in 1996 and that was the biggest hit from his debut album also. For those of you that think this will be a forgotten classic in the lines of his latter albums will be dissapointed. "Better Living Through Chemistry" is a bluprint for latter work but not commercial, it's very exprimental, funky and I bet if he would have added some more lyrics on these songs they could have been hit singles too. While some songs get a little repetitive, it's fun to see that Norman Cook wasn't always a sell out, he recorded music from the heart and it's quite fun to listen through his first outcast and realizing it's damn good without being particularry radio friendly. If you like dance music with big beats, like early Chemical Brothers, I defenitely recommend this.

Better Get Better Living Through Chemistry.......2005-09-09

Great CD. Great to listen to when working out or working through traffic.

Classic Slim.......2005-03-30

Within the musical niche he's creating, he did a very good job. This was Norman's first big album, and I think he solidified his style with it. The sound of Better Living through Chemistry is synth-rock house with a very American, westward-looking feel to it. This album is for those who want thumping, rock-oriented, synthetic, energized, and inherently loud music. For people who criticize great tunes like "Everybody Needs a 303" and "Give the Po' Man a Break" as repetitive, I say that they're not listening to the way the song is developing over time. My favorite track is "Santa Cruz." It conjures great imagery and contains one of the longest and best builds I've ever heard from a song.

Average customer rating:

it's fantastic...
Real Headz Wreckonize
accurate chemistry
No chemistry
Ludacris88 - Completely Right - 4.5 stars

Chemistry
Buckshot & 9th Wonder
Manufacturer: Duck Down Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009OL91Q
Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

Intro
Chemistry 101
He's Back
Now A Dayz (That's What's Up)
Slippin
Side Talk
The Ghetto
Food For Thought
No Comparison
Birdz (Fly The Coup)
U Wonderin
Out Of Town
I Don't Know Why
Money Makes The World Go Round

Customer Reviews:

it's fantastic..........2007-06-05

had jaydee not passed, it would've been nice to see buckshot push it all the way to the both of them collaborating...his flow on a few of these beats are remniscent of slum v...i hope he brings it around and get madlib or doom to create with him - that would be so dope.

Real Headz Wreckonize.......2006-11-07

Money who gave this album 2 starz is totally insane. I'm so excited just to hear some real hip hop comin back around. This is one of the first projects I can honestly say I would have rpepresented back before '97 (the bad years). If you're a BCC fan get it, if you are a young buck tryna catch that feelin from the golden era-scoop this. My man has Enta'd da Stage all over again.

accurate chemistry.......2006-08-21

9th is awesome and rapping was also good .this the best buck i have ever heard.all i can say go get it i you don t have .this album is classic.great producer + great mc =dynamite album

No chemistry.......2006-06-12

as much as I have been a lifelong fan of black moon and buckshot in general this album just lacked the ironically titled "chemistry"between buckshot and 9th Wonder. The beats were a bit lackluster and boring and rides that razor thin line of boring and laid back with most of the beats raiding the boredom zone. they are working on a part two so I hope they take their times to create something permament rather than something disposable as this album was.

Ludacris88 - Completely Right - 4.5 stars.......2006-01-03

Firstly, i would just like to say that Ludacris88 has hit the nail on the metaphorical head. Exactly what they said i was thinking. I don't feel any need at all to copy ou twhat they wrote or what i thought, coz they would be the exact same.

But these are my personal favourite songs (in order):-

1. Side Talk

2. Money Makes The World Go Round

3. U Wonderin

4. The Ghetto

5. Now A Dayz (That's Whats Up)

Average customer rating:

You Can't Mistake Their Biology!
Chemistry
Another Great Album
Poor lyrics, boring tunes and sad titles
Girls Aloud's Greatest Album Yet

Chemistry
Girls Aloud
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BR657Y
Release Date: 2005-12-12

Tracks:

Intro
Models
Biology
Wild Horses
See The Day
Watch Me Go
Waiting
Whole Lotta History
Long Hot Summer
Swinging London Town
It's Magic
No Regrets
Racy Lacey

Album Description

With "Chemistry" Sarah, Nicola, Nadine, Kimberley and Cheryl have made a quirky British pop album. In a genre where girl bands dream of being Destiny's Vogue, Girls Aloud have made an album that reflects what its like to be a 20-something girl living in the UK. Polydor. 2005.

Album Details

With "Chemistry" Sarah, Nicola, Nadine, Kimberley and Cheryl have Made a Quirky British Pop Album. In a Genre Where Girl Bands Dream of Being Destiny¿s Vogue, Girls Aloud have Made an Album that Reflects What It¿s Like to Be a 20-something Girl Living in the UK. There's Attitude ("Models") There's Heartbreak ("Whole Lotta History") and There's Sauciness ("Watch Me Go"). Make No Mistake this is a 24-carot Solid Gold Pop Album but Thrown Into the Mix Are Snatches of Rock, House, Electro, Salsa, Rap and Ska. The Album Has Been Made by Breaking the Rules on What You Can Do with Pop. Who Said You Can't have Two Choruses in One Song Or Three Different Sounds in Another?

Customer Reviews:

You Can't Mistake Their Biology!.......2006-06-19

this album is great! i love every song, and whole lotta history has to be their best single! go girls!

Chemistry.......2006-06-16

It's a shame that the finest pop act of this decade by far is not even known here in the States. After twelve consecutive top 10 singles in Britain and the unlikely praise of respectable rock critics who normally wouldn't even consider TV-made music groups as a sloppy after-thought, it's near rude to say that the UK's Girls Aloud deserve to go unnoticed. Their third album, Chemistry, is their finest effort yet, and no other record on the current pop map better illustrates a group with more personality and more edginess. The tracks here defy the rules of your typical pop song, and Girls Aloud's producers, the acclaimed production house Xenomania, do anything they possibly can to toss every concievable musical genre into the mix. And they succeed on all accounts. Everything from sultry electro ballads ("It's Magic") and snappy numbers that sound like they came straight from the '60s ("Waiting)", to the A-Ha-esque bounce of "Models" and the jangly guitars on "Long Hot Summer" make this a tour de force of how genius pop is made when it is both accessible and experimental. The crowning achievement, by far, is lead single "Biology". An unprecedented combo of three different songs packed into one furious package, it vamps, glides, and sasses along like no other mainstream pop track in recent memory. That track alone is well worth the purchase, but another surprising element of the Girls Aloud formula is the overwhelming lack of filler material. The ballads, as to be expected, are well worth skipping, but when it's back to the uptempo numbers and the musical mayhem begins to ensue all over again, you'll be sorely disappointed that they have yet to make their mark on America.

Another Great Album.......2006-05-08

Yet another fantastic album from Girls Aloud. Definitely Pop music at it's greatest. Although "Chemistry" admittedly doesn't live up to their second album, "What Will the Neighbours Say", it's definitely worth your buy.

1. "Intro" - 9/10 Short, but upbeat, catchy, and a great way to start off the album

2. "Models" - 5/10 Arguably the weakest track on this album. The melody and lyrics would be utterly forgettable if they weren't so bad. I was actually disappointed with this one.

3. "Biology" - 10/10 Absolutely wonderful, probably my favourite song on this album. The melody's a sort conglomeration of pop and a million other styles, while the lyrics I thought were very catchy and clever.

4. "Wild Horses" - 7/10 I'm sort of indifferent about this one. I suppose it takes some warming up to. Not the best on that album, and a little lackluster.

5. "See the Day" - 8.5/10 I always enjoy it when Girls Aloud slows down there songs, and this ballad is done very well. The lyrics could use a little bit more oomph, but I'm not complaining.

6. "Watch Me Go" - 10/10 If "Biology"'s not my favourite track, than this one certainly is. It took a little warming up to at first, but the grunge/rap/hip-hop part in the middle is absolutely get-up-and-dance AWESOME. The lyrics are a little risque, but that only contributes to the song. (Especially the last few stanzas)

7. "Waiting" - 8.5/10 Fast-paced, good beat.

8. "Whole Lotta History" - 10/10 I love this song. The ballad style is better done with this song than with "See The Day". The lyrics were pleasant surprise to me, and the melody is overall fabulous.

9. "Long Hot Summer" - 9/10 The first song I listened to from this album, and the one that got me hooked. Another up-tempo song that makes you want to get up and dance. (Or, at least me).

10. "Its Magic" - 8/10 Not the best that this album has to offer, but still pretty good. Pop song with a softcore techno accompaniment.

11. "No Regrets" - 9/10 Another great slower song. A little departure from the norm, with almost Spanish undertones. Interesting lyrics. Excellent vocals.

12. "Racey Lacey" - Great song to end it on. Bubblegum pop, energetic, great beat. Implied risque lyrics always make it more fun.

Poor lyrics, boring tunes and sad titles.......2006-04-20

I'm not surprised to read a lot of kid reviews on this CD.
This reminds me of what I used to listen to when I was 13 and didn't have much expectations for my music. These are 5 girls who a producer to make them a hit single which made them superstars overnight. They make music for the masses and probably will rank high as they already have accomplished a fanbase (consisting mostly of young girls I would assume) as they choose safe songs, but if you're looking for quality music with well-written and meaningful ("good love will always come from me" "we're in fashion don't you know" "summer in the city and the sun is high") lyrics you should be listening to something else. This is also the reason they will not break throgh in the US with this album.

The CD starts off with a cool intro, followed by an up-tempo tune (which will get stuck on your brain after enough listens)about the shallow girls on the street (referred to as MODELS, but the lyrics are amazingly poor. Next is the mid-tempo much-raved-about BIOLOGY (about their act/appearance/biology), but I can't see why; other than the fact that if you listen to a song enough you will end up liking it. Wild horses follow in the same lead.. (a past relationship which was hard to get out of, but now wild horses can't make her go back) it's just OK. SEE THE DAY is a catchy mid-tempo ballad about trying to convince a guy she's worth a try and not like everyone else he's dated before. WATCH ME GO is a naughty up-beat tune about doing her thing and giving it all to her man. The tune reminds a lot of something that could be on a Sugababe album which means you can dance to it; one of the better songs on the album. WAITING is (!) about a girl waiting for the boy she wants and the pain she had to go through. The song is mid-tempo, but there's no catchy tune and is basically just an album filler. WHOLE LOTTA HISTORY is IMO the best track on this CD. It's a catchy, heartbreaking ballad ("is she really that beautiful?") about breaking up and the boy finding a new love. LONG HOT SUMMER is a poor up-tempo track about a (!) long hot summer and that's pretty much it. SWINGING LONDON TOWN is not really a song; it sounds so electronica with loud music and some weird vocals in the background about the queen of england and other london stuff that make no sense. IT'S MAGIC is a (very) boring mid-tempo tune about love that you've heard a dozen times before "you're in my thoughts all the time". NO REGRETS is a safe ballad that you have heard a million times before, this time with a spanish feel to it, but yet again no lyrics to back it up. To finish off the CD they've chosen RACY LACY; a mid-tempo song with lyrics about this girl who makes spreading her legs into a sport. This is 10th grade locker-room chatter, but seems a bit too childish to have on this CD and the melody does not do the lyrics any justice. This would only work as a power song and sadly it isn't.

I will give it two stars for Whole Lotta History and Watch Me Go.

Girls Aloud's Greatest Album Yet.......2006-04-05

What is it with the water across the big pond? While USA may dominate the world with hip-hop-inflected mainstream music, UK and Europe have something the US can never quite master as cunningly as they do (their own secret weapon, per se): awesome pop music. Even though pop's been in a state of decline since the waning of the teen pop boom of the early '00s, ironically there have been acts that have pushed the boundaries of pop even more. Sugababes are one of them. Another great UK act is Girls Aloud. A sort of anomaly not only in pop world but also in reality TV, having been a totally manufactured girl group that rose to the ranks to become of UK's most credible and most successful mainstream acts today.

The scary thing is that within every new release, they only keep on getting better, as evidenced by this latest, greatest release. What makes "Chemistry" so amazing? Everything: it's an all-around good album. Even the ballads, Girls Aloud's main weakness, sound decent this time around. The Girls themselves have grown as entertainers, somehow magically gaining a boatload of charisma all of a sudden to back up their already explosive brand of day-glo pop. With stronger, more unpredictable dance-pop, "Chemistry" puts many recent pop releases to shame and dares to challenge the legitimacy of even the year's most praised albums. Here's a track-by-track review of the awesomeness that is "Chemistry":

1. "Intro" - Best intro I've heard in a while. Sounds like it could have been taken from Sugababes' "Red Dress," which only shows how much more awesome it could have been had it been a full-on rockin' dance-pop track.

2. "Models" - Very '80s, yet very contemporary-sounding quirky pop masterpiece. Off-kilter mainstream pop doesn't get as delectably sweet, yet as sassy and devious as this. Frenetic, bombastic, and unstoppable, and this is only the beginning.

3. "Biology" - Now THIS is what a 21st century pop track should sound like. It was recognized as one of the most critically acclaimed singles of 2005 not because it introduced a totally new sound. It actually borrows from A LOT of things, but that's what makes it extra special. The fact that it takes influences from jazz, ragtime, punk-pop, electro-pop, and bubblegum pop and mixes it all together into an awesome sonic orgy makes this one of the most ingenious pop tracks to grace the Earth in a while. Its unconventional multi-chorus song structure also helps with the unpredictability factor, making this stylistic evolution an even worthier one. Where else can you find a chorus this rousing (even though it takes nearly 2 minutes to finally explode to it) in 2005?

4. "Wild Horses" - After a few brilliant tracks past, why stop here? "Wild Horses" takes from a past hit, "Love Machine," and turns it upside down, adding chamber chorus vocals, train noise adlibs ("woo, woo"), extremely busy drumming, country Western noises, and even a slight videogame-esque feel to it all in another amazing track of pure pop brilliance.

5. "See The Day" - Okay, so after 4 extremely addictive uptempo tracks, it's time to take a breather with "See The Day." You can't help but take deep breaths with this one because even this slow track has overdramatic production: it's got crashing drums and a full backing vocal ensemble for a chorus. Now who would contest the fact that this track is a perfect, darker Christmas hit? Girls Aloud may still have a long way to go until they match Sugababes with being truly all-around pop greats, but for now their improvement in ballads is always welcomed.

6. "Watch Me Go" - A very naughty and cheeky pop track, aside from its lyrics, its feel is raw due to the clanking of the drums in the background. The quirky production in this makes this track even sassier and raunchier than it seems.

7. "Waiting" - More straightforward punk-pop track, but its a breath of fresh air coming from a totally manufactured dance-pop act. The Girls sing this with unmatched sass and attitude: a testament to their invincible camaraderie.

8. "Whole Lotta History" - Sweet-sounding, almost retro pop track from the juke joint eras. Probably a stronger ballad than "See The Day" just because it doesn't try to be sassy: in fact, its the opposite, showing that its out to melt hearts everywhere and be as gushy as anything being sent out to adult contemporary radio.

9. "Long Hot Summer" - Underrated lead single from the album, this sounds even better when grouped with a consistently strong batch of songs. The Bangles-esque feel to it mixed with the trademark crunchy electro-pop the Girls are so praised for makes this sound as addictive as ever. It's never too late to start liking a track this good all over again.

10. "Swinging London Town" - Probably one of the edgiest tracks on the album, if the other tracks only hinted at their attempts to be sexy, sultry, and sassy (try saying that 10 times in a row!), this one seals the deal by building itself all around those themes. The crunchy electro of the track sounds like if their past hit "Wake Me Up" would be more suited to a snobby socialite club atmosphere.

11. "It's Magic" - One of the most devilish tracks from the album ironically comes from one of its supposedly most innocent, quiet members, Nicola. Fronting the track, she proves that its the quiet ones that might be the naughtiest. With her soft, vulnerable, breathy vocals sashaying on top of an addictive skittering bubblegum beat, it all makes it sound almost too coy and lolita-ish: so bad, yet so good.

12. "No Regrets" - Probably the weakest ballad, it's pretty much seen as Nadine going solo. A Latin-esque feel combined with ambient atmospherics add a sense of wonder, romance, and mystery, and Nadine's strong vocals handle it pretty solidly. It's good, but it just doesn't stand out among the other innovative pop tracks that cram the album.

13. "Racy Lacey" - To end an album with a quick bang, Girls Aloud decide to bring out one more stomper. Just as though we thought the album was losing steam by the end, they bring this fun, bubbly, even naughtier track about a girl who's good at nothing but sex (hence the provocative lyrics - you gotta listen to them for yourself). A fun, extremely fast pop track that'll stay in your head until it stops abruptly, ending what is one of the best pop albums of 2005.

Every time I talk about this album, I get so worked up. I'm not alone: many UK critics have already put this album in the top spots of their favorite albums lists because it's just that damn good. Don't believe the hype? Go get it from yourself. If you truly love pop because of ability to be unabashedly anything it wants to be, then get this album. The world needs acts as vivacious and as interesting as Girls Aloud, even when they are this contrived and manufactured.

Average customer rating:

The title is right, in a way...
Different, but still effective
just buy all three MONEY WELL SPENT
Excellent - though a different sound...
Semisonicýs Best

All About Chemistry
Semisonic
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Great Divide
Feeling Strangely Fine
Pleasure
Pleasure EP
So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star: How I Machine-Gunned a Roomful Of Record Executives and Other True Tales from a Drummer's Life

ASIN: B0000589RB
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Chemistry
Bed
Act Naturally
She's Got My Number
Follow
Sunshine and Chocolate
Who's Stopping You?
I Wish
One True Love
Get A Grip
Surprise
El Matador

Amazon.com

Semisonic struck a chord with barflies all over the world in 1998 with the breezy, free-flowing hit "Closing Time." The song was hard to resist, but with their third time out, the Minneapolis trio fails to capitalize on the chemistry that elevated earlier efforts. Instead, the majority of the 12-song CD is forced and humorless, lacking even the merest hint of irony that would have elevated "Get a Grip" (a paean to masturbation), to campus-classic status. Rather, the band weighs down their songs with earnestness. With "Act Naturally" and "She's Got My Number," singer-songwriter Dan Wilson cautions against his secrets being revealed. He disregards his own advice with "One True Love," which features the soaring vocals of '70s chanteuse Carole King, who elevates the track above everything else on All About Chemistry. --Jaan Uhelszki

Album Description

UK edition of their third full length release includes two bonus tracks, 'Ordinary Life' & 'Girlfriend'. 14 tracks in all including the hit single, 'Chemistry'. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Album Details

Includes Two Bonus Tracks: 'girlfriend' and 'ordinary Life'.

Customer Reviews:

The title is right, in a way..........2005-11-21

...that is, there is little chemistry between this album and me, and without that chemistry I can't give this CD a good review. I loved Feeling Strangely Fine and The Great Divide sounds like a promising purchase in lieu of any *new* releases, but this album sucks overall. It's missing that essential edginess that their earlier albums had, and without that element all that's left is quiet ballads.

That said, I gave this album an extra star because it does have three really good songs: the title track Chemistry, Sunshine and Chocolate, and El Matador. The last of the three is a good example of how the rest of the album sounds, but it is the best of the slow and quiet tracks that this album is populated with.

My recommendation is to buy the three songs I listed online if you can, or another option is to buy a used copy of the CD, rip the three songs, and sell it back for the next guy to do the same with.

Different, but still effective.......2004-07-08

Semisonic has always made albums which grow on you, and Chemistry is no exception. The band has undergone another major change of sound, much as they did between Great Divide and Feeling Strangely Fine, and thus it may be a bit of an adjustment for long-time fans of the band. This album is marked jointly by what I feel is the best musicianship by the band and by songwriting and production which lacks some of the edginess and intimacy that distinguished many earlier Semisonic songs. Songs like the title track and Follow get a little sugary for my tastes, but other songs like I Wish, Surprise, and She's Got My Number create a warm soundscape without coming off as overly pop. Other songs like El Matador and One True Love would be too sweet if they weren't so good. If you don't generally find anything involving guitars to be too sweet, you will love this album from first listen. If you liked the more electric pop of Singing in My Sleep, buy Great Divide before you buy Chemistry; it's lived in my CD player for 8 years. In any event, Chemistry is an excellent album worth owning.

just buy all three MONEY WELL SPENT.......2004-05-15

its hard to tell which of semisonic's CDs gets forst prize. This band is known around my house to lift spirits and make you feel like a better person. Not one song on here dissapoints, but that can also be said about their other two CDs. Pick up all three its money well spent. The lyrics will inspire you to be a better person, and help you feel better on the harder days.

Excellent - though a different sound..........2003-08-23

Closing Time will no doubt be the pinnacle of Semisonic's creative powers, but this album comes pretty close to matching it. Sonically, the music has taken new twists and turns along with some pleasant suprises. I have always loved the lush orchestration and deep, layered, atmospheric music that this group produces, along with Dan Wilson's very boyish and Californian voice, creating a very unique pop/rock sound. "She's Got My Number" is a steady, almost techno-ish rocker with some great vocal work and layered sound. "All About Chemistry" is straightfoward, light-aired pop. Though admittedly the rest of the songs fail to impress me as much as these two, the CD's highlight is "El Matador", which for me, is Semisonic's best song since Closing Time. The soft, lush acoustic guitar and the muted drumbeats really make this the kind of song you'd listen to lying on the hammock watching the summer sunset go down. It's beautiful. If you like U2, Oasis, The Verve, Radiohead or any atmospheric rock, you'll find good "chemistry" with Semisonic. If not, it doesn't matter. This is pop rock - evolved.

Semisonicýs Best.......2003-08-18

Very interesting vibe. In just five tracks: 3, 4, 5, 8 & 9 you'll taste Semisonic's musical flexibility, and enjoy the genius of their lyrics. As alt-rock albums go, All About Chemistry is a refreshingly new flavor.

Average customer rating:

Eden Regained

Gambling Eden
Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem
Manufacturer: Signature Sounds
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cocktail Swing
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Migrations

ASIN: B00009IB26
Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

Stewball
Finland
Turtle Dove
Closer
Oh Death
Big Black Bird
Sparrow
Eve
The Farmer Is The Man
Red Rocking Chair
Road to Heaven
Farewell To Saint Dolores

Customer Reviews:

Eden Regained.......2004-07-10

After Salamander Crossing's breakup, Rani Arbo and her band Daisy Mayhem went their own way. "Gambling Eden" takes a different approach than 2001's "Cocktail Swing." Whereas the previous disc focused on 20's & 30's jazz, "Gambling Eden" is more in the folk-rock-country territory of a band like Nickel Creek. One of the first records I bought as a boy in the early 60's was "Stewball" by Lonnie Donnegan. At Arbo's hands the track pulses with energy with Arbo's violin giving it a traditional feel, particularly compared with Donnegan's earlier rockabilly take, "Way out in California where Stewball was born, all the jockeys in the country say he blew there in a storm." This set contains some fine originals such as the slow melodic "Finland," "Is it raining in Finland? I want to know; It's covered up with snow & I want to see you if you're ever coming home." "Turtle Dove" is a traditional tune traced to 1835, given a great energetic rendition that will be embraced by "O Brother" enthusiasts. John McGann & Chris Moore's "Closer" is such a lovely haunting slow song polished to a shine by the Mayhem band, "The answer always came back in a tangle like vines climbing up the side of a hollow tree, Now I think that looking up & wondering is just the place I really want to be." "O Death" that appeared on the "O Brother" soundtrack by Ralph Stanley is given a haunting arrangement and impassioned Arbo vocal. "Sparrow" is a country-swing original that brings to mind some of Toni Price's great recordings. The CD takes its title from "Eve" that traces the fall in the garden, "Paradise is only what you feel, everything else is so real, Who told us we had this power? I gambled Eden in an hour." "The Farmer Is the Man" is another familiar tune given another sterling rendition. My favorite track is the uproariously energetic "Road to Heaven," "I'm gonna find my own road to heaven, I'm gonna find me mine." The CD concludes with Dave Carter's "Farewell to Saint Dolores," a turgid lament. Arbo may have felt that she was "Gambling Eden" with the new direction she's taken on this disc, but the level of success here encountered might better be termed "Eden Regained." Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

"Chemistry" is what they are
fabulous
A better Beta Band
Big Bill's #25 of 2001
Thank you record store clerks....

Chemistry Is What We Are
Simian
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Knife

ASIN: B00005O6B4
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

drop and roll
the Wisp
doba
you set off my brain
how could i be right
one dimension
tree in a corner
orange glow
mr. crow
round and around
chamber
the tale of willow hill (U.S. only bonus track)
grey (U.S. only bonus track)

Album Description

Mining the same fields as Beta Band, Badly Drawn Boy & Lemon Jelly, Simian's music is an amalgam of styles, painting Beatlesque harmonies over Aphex tones, polishing creaky Britfolk to modernist sheen and taking all manner of found noises and molding blissed-out pop thrills out of them. This U.S. Astralwerks/Source release comes with 2 U.S. only bonus tracks - 'The Tale Of Willow Hill' and 'Grey'.

Customer Reviews:

"Chemistry" is what they are.......2005-03-01

If the Beta Band took some acid and lay out in the sun with the Beach Boys they might sound a bit like this. The four lads of Simian -- who claim to have kidnapped a A&R guy to get their record made -- create trippy, charming pop in their debut, "Chemistry Is What We Are." Who knew chemistry was so fun?

"I see the world in one dimension/I only see through my dementia/and I want to tell you this/feelings seem to run my mind/clarity is bliss/but chemistry is what we are..." croons Simon Lord over a catchy psychedelic tune. That can pretty much sum up the entire album -- enchanting, summery psychedelica and swooning, airy ballads.

The songs don't vary too much, but what there is has little hints of other musical styles, woven in so you barely recognize them: acoustic grit, country, doo-wop, electronic tinkles, and blippy bubbly space-rock. And songs such as "Round and Around" are smooth, enchanting ballads that even out all the psychedelic pop.

I don't know if Simian really kidnapped a record exec to get their first record out, but from the sound of their debut's music, they didn't need to. While they have the occasional odd song bombs -- what is "Three in the Corner," plodding psychedelic country? -- most of them are absolutely impeccable in structure, while not losing the "fun" aspect.

There are some echoes of Aphex Twin and Stereolab lurking under the bright melodies. Simian uses plenty of pianos and synth, keyboards all over the place. It sounds surprisingly organic, though. The melodica does the best job of all, with a wavery majesty that keeps the sound from being TOO poppy.

Simon Lord sounds like a quiet, naive choirboy who decided he wanted to be a rock star. His voice is a bit high, but very sweet. At times he gets buried under the music, but in songs like the eerie, minimalist "Chamber" he gets to shine front-and-center.

"Chemistry Is What We Are" is capturing lightning in a bottle, in a sense -- without being derivative, it has what made the best of 60s psychedelic pop so good. Enchanting and original.

fabulous.......2003-09-28

Anyone who is not dominated by simplistic boring music that has taken over the airwaves will love this album. This band has definitely learned how to make proper music and they will not forget.
I would highly recomend this album. If you enjoy the radio, you most likely will not enjoy this album.

A better Beta Band.......2002-01-12

To clear the air, I don't find Beta Band to be all that great. I know this is blasphemy to some but it is my feeling that the Beta's best work is yet to come. In the meantime you can listen to Simian.

When I played this the first time I thought I had made a terrible mistake. The beginnings of "Drop and Roll" and some of the other songs sound like pre-school children playing toy instruments. Luckily it doesn't last. After about a minute "Drop and Roll" shifts to dense trip-hoppish psychedelia - the songs sounds like MBV playing with synthesizers instead of wah and distortion pedals, or Broadcast as 90s psychedelic electro-poppers instead of 60s revisionists. "Drop and Roll" is the fastest 6 miutes of your life despite the sluggish pace of the music, and just try to get the chanting chorus out of your head.

Many of the songs follow in the same vein. "The Wisp," "You Set off My Brain," and "One Dimension" being notable standouts. The songs are not necessarily very diverse but this is a great set of songs nonetheless. The second half of the album shines as Simian deftly mixes dense and ethereal psychedelic songs with some winsomely atmospheric, floating ballads. As a bonus the CD is ultra-enhanced and guides you to the quirky Simian webpage.

There is a rumor that Simian got signed when they kidnapped a record executive, blidfolded him and played these demos while the band drove him around in their van. That's the perfect setting for this album - in the dark with all your senses tuned to the music. Just don't try driving blindfolded.

Big Bill's #25 of 2001.......2002-01-03

Electro. Retro. Warped. And Weird. Musically, this disc contains the freshest electronica around. Vocally, the songs are harmonious and catchy. Equal parts Beach Boys, Pavement, and To Rococo Rot. Best songs are Mr. Crow, One Dimension, and The Wisp.

Thank you record store clerks...........2001-11-28

So I'm standing in the record store the other day with my want list in hand. I couldn't find anything on my list because the store I was in is notorious for being "out of stock" on most of their stuff. I do, however, generally respect the tastes of the workers there. As I'm looking for a cd on my list I hear two of the clerks talking about and describing a band. They were saying that it was "sorta dreamy and trippy", but that it had good beats. They also said it reminded them of Aphex Twin meets The Beta Band. Now I know that this combination has been thrown all over the place so I'll add it one more time. However, Simian really do sorta have their own sound. It's great I might add. The first two songs are my favorites. "The Wisp" being the first single off the album. The whole album is great. Just when you think you've got the album down, the next song changes course to give you a completely different feeling.

Is this recommended? Yep. I think you'll be pretty surprised at what you hear when you listen to this album. I enjoy it a lot. Thank you record store clerks.

Average customer rating:

Buy This.....

Very Ordinary

good stuff here

The Chemistry

The Chemistry
The Chemistry
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Daylight

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Truthless Heroes

ASIN: B0007TFH7K
Release Date: 2005-04-19

Tracks:

From Within
About You
Deja Vous
The Same
Hopeless
She TakesYou
At A Glance
Jones
Still Alive
Fear Of Falling
Stable
Last Impression

Amazon.com

The debut by this quintet was aptly helmed by Kevin Cadogan of Third Eye Blind, a band who exerted a huge influence on guitarist Thomas Scriven when he first encountered them live, as a young teenager. Having also all grown up under the spell of Green Day, it's not surprising that the band mixes impassioned yet controlled vocals with monumental guitar and drum sounds for irresistible hooks. Big and chest-thumpingly loud, it's also crystal clear, making for a warmth in the towering scale of it all. They also vary the proceedings with the relative gentility of "She Takes you" and the flat-out balladry of "Hopeless." In short, this is no grab bag of songs, but a perfectly honed, full album experience. - David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Buy This............2006-06-07

I purchased this at a local Christian bookstore.
I would like to hear the name Jesus,
or the title Lord once in a while.
But, These guys are Great!!!
From the first track my feet start to kick and my hands start tapping.
As with any album there are a couple of songs that I skip, but you can't please everyone all the time.
It's definately worth the money.
I love it so I recommend that you buy it too. Now!

Very Ordinary.......2005-05-04

I wanted to like this band and album...we live in the same town. However, I found the album to be very generic. The vocals were very uninspired and strained. With all the comparisons to Third Eye Blind (which is very misguided, I might add) I'd rather listen to Third Eye Blind's first album than this.

With every new band sounding like this, it's going to be hard for bands of this style to stand out. These guys are just another generic face in the crowd.

good stuff here.......2005-04-24

i found out about these guys because there on tour with anberlin the greatest band ever and i will say this is definetly worth the money

The Chemistry.......2005-04-21

This highly anticipated debut from the Southern Californian quintet does not fail to impress. Singer Dany Mitchell's vocals clearly pours his heart out into this record which is clearly showcased on tracks such as "Last Impression" and "Hopeless". The band manages to keep things interesting while still maitaining a familiar theme throughout the record. There is so much raw emotion and honesty here that we havent seen since Third Eye Blind's first record and strangely enough this Chemistry debut was produced by Kevin Cadogan (ex Third Eye Blind guitarist). The future looks promising for these boys, and i am sure we still haven't seen a glimpse of their full potential.

Average customer rating:

A rough mix, but c'mon, it's the Beatminerz!
no chemistry

Alter the Chemistry
Black Moon
Manufacturer: Bucktown Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hi-Teknology, Vol. 2: The Chip

ASIN: B000I2KQQI
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Tracks:

Lessons from Buttah L
Chemistry 201
He's Back with Evil Dee
Now a Dayz: Walt What's Up
Slipped
Side Talk "With E and Walt"
Ghetto [Evil Dee Extended Mix]
Beatminerz Food for Thought
Make the Comparison
Chicks out the Pen - Black Moon,
E and Walt Wonderin - Black Moon,
Back in Town - Black Moon,
Evil Dee and Walt Know Why - Black Moon, Keisha Shontelle

Product Description

Legendary super-producers DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt (Da Beatminerz) re-make 9th Wonder & Buckshots Chemistry LP, with classic beats that all Black Moon fans will enjoy. Hear Buckshots lyrics laced over 13 beats from DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, the way many thought it should have always been. Sean Price and Little Brother stop by for some cameos to spice things up a bit. With a track record like Black Moon, it is no stretch to say the chemistry on this disc is undeniable.

Album Description

Legendary super-producers DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt (Da Beatminerz) re-make 9th Wonder & Buckshot's Chemistry LP, with classic beats that all Black Moon fans will enjoy. Hear Buckshot's lyrics laced over 13 beats from DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, the way many thought it should have always been. Sean Price and Little Brother stop by for some cameos to spice things up a bit. With a track record like Black Moon, it is no stretch to say the chemistry on this disc is undeniable.

Customer Reviews:

A rough mix, but c'mon, it's the Beatminerz!.......2007-01-01

Listen, I don't wanna hear about how the production on 'Alter the Chemistry' is murky, poorly mixed and all that. A remix album that is basically a de facto Black Moon record? Gimme more of that.

One thing I don't really like is that they retitled all of the songs, but oh well. Not a problem, especially with beats like 'He's Back,' the soul-infused 'The Ghetto,' and the deeeep bass hit of 'Chicks Out the Pen."

If you don't like it, send me your copy. I'm gonna wear mine out pretty soon.

no chemistry.......2006-12-01

Dissapointment. Da Beatminerz are one of my biggest inspirations production wise and Blackmoon was one of my favorite groups to emerge from the early/mid 90s'... but unfortunately this product fell flat.

I throughly enjoyed Buck & 9th's LP and when I heard Evil Dee and Mr. Walt were going to remix it, I was first in line. But... the ish doesn't bang like it should. I know Da Beatminerz make dope beats, but like what people have said reguarding both Beatminerz efforts, they fall flat.

Don't get me wrong, there are some tracks that bang on this effort, but if this was a TRUE BLACK MOON LP... people would say it was a brick. The problem with remixes, is that they almost never eclipse the original track and that's what the problem is here. There are a few exceptions, but with this LP, the orignal versions of almost all the songs are better.

I really want to dig this disc, but it honestly could have been WAY better.

Average customer rating:

Tight Mixtape
Alchemist - Vol. 1. - The Chemistry Files

Vol. 1-Chemistry Files
The Alchemist
Manufacturer: ALC
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Format

ASIN: B000EZ911U
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Tracks:

Intro = Em Speaks
Reppin ALC = The Alchemist
The Infamous = Mobb Deep
Wet Wipes = Camron
G-Type = Scarface + The Product
Poppin Bottles = Mobb Deep
All I Do = Bobby Creekwater
We Got This = The Alchemist
Professional Style = AZ
Im Back = Obie Trice
Body Something = B-Real
Whats Poppin Thun = Prodigy
Fall Back = Havoc
Thats That = The Alchemist
Gunz Is Razors = Tony Yayo
Whats The Word = Mobb Deep + Alchemist
When Youre Dying = 40 Glocc + Prodigy
Bloody Mess = Poet

Product Description

According to myth, an Alchemist has the power to transform something common into something special. So is the case with Californias own, The Alchemist. His tendency to transform a common sample into audio emotion has quickly made him one of the most sought after producers in Hip Hop. Now you might be saying, "I don't know much about The Alchemist, who is he?" He's a white boy from the right side of the tracks. The side of the tracks where male offspring live long past 25, attend Ivy League schools, and build successful law practices. Our boy Al turned his back on that life; as music fans, we should be grateful. The Alchemist got his start in 1993, as one-half of the duo Whooliganz. He laced Cypress Hill, House of Pain, and Funkdoobiest with beats before unleashing his sound on Dilated Peoples' Platform. When Dilated debuted in 1998, they were an underground sensation creating a huge buzz about the man behind those incredible beats. In 1999, DJ Muggs from Cypress Hill introduced Al to his good friends, the popular hip-hop group Mobb Deep. Al produced two songs for their "Murda Muzik" album. Impressed by his production skills and street smarts, Mobb Deep took him under their wing, using his beats on all their subsequent albums. As Alchemist's profile increased, he went on to for many of Hip Hop's most successful and prominent artists, such as Nas, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg. He has also remixed songs for bands and artists in other genres such as Linkin Park and Morcheeba. Al stayed loyal to continuing to produce for Dilated, Cypress Hill, Everlast (formerly of House Of Pain) and Crazy Town. He also enjoys producing for lesser-known underground rappers, often giving them some of his best beats. In 2004, 11 years after his rapping career folded, The Alchemist returned with his long-awaited debut album, "1st Infantry." The album yielded the hit single "Hold You Down" (featuring Prodigy, Illa Ghee, and Nina Sky), which hit #95 in 2005. The Alchemist is back once again. His hot new album is called The Chemistry Files and it features all his old rap pals and even a few new ones, spitting fire over the same type of beats that made The Alchemist the big name producer he is today.

Customer Reviews:

Tight Mixtape.......2006-07-17

Alchemist puts out another great cd. The production on it is flawless and the rapping is nice to. Definelty buy it if you like underground sounding rap.

Alchemist - Vol. 1. - The Chemistry Files .......2006-04-29

Rap Producer Alchemist (AKA Alan Maman) returns with his second album "The Chemistry Files" (2006). This release quietly dropped without much of a buzz, Alchemist's first album the solid "1st Infantry" received and deserved a lot more attention. On "Em Speaks", an emotional Eminem recalls Alchemist's near fatal tour bus accident. Alchemist lets his listeners know he's still around on "Reppin' ALC". Mobb Deep then drops in for the "The Infamous" feat. 50 Cent, a halfhearted cut that has the Mobb dropping some forgettable rhymes about themselves. Cam'Ron doesn't any do any better on "Wet Wipes". Scarface and The Product provide "G-Type" a good track, which was on the product's debut album "One Hunnid" I have enjoyed music from Mobb Deep for many years but have recently noticed a downward spiral in their music, they return with "Poppin' Bottles" and fair no better. On this release the only artist I had never heard of was Bobby Creekwater, he makes an appearance on the bland "All I Do". Az provides a solid cut with the short "Professional Style", I can't say the same for Obie Trice and B-Real's additions. Prodigy and Havoc then provide semi-decent solo tracks with "What's Poppin Thun" and "Fall Back". Alchemist rhymes with Mobb Deep on "What's The World", then 40 Glocc talks about growing up while Prodigy drops the chorus on "When Your Dying". One of the lesser-known artists on this release Poet closes the album off with "Bloody Mess". And to be real honest that's what I consider this release, a bloody mess. Uninspired rappers, rhyming over disappointing production. Alchemist has laced way better beats then these over the years. And though I have enjoyed music from many of these rappers in the past I am not impressed by their contributions on this release. It's almost like they all did a quick token track. Alchemist is best as a producer, not feeling his rhymes on this release, though he has on occasion stepped up, his collabration with Twin Gambino on his first album was one of my favourite tracks. Track's like "The Infamous" and "Wet Wipes" will probably end up on upcoming albums, but have little if any replay value to this reviewer. I am a fan of Alchemist's work, but cannot recommend adding "The Chemistry Files" to the collection.

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