Mint

Mint

Track Listings

1. Where

2. Come With Me

3. Fleur Bleue

4. Pick It Up

5. Mint

6. Turn It Round Again

7. Don't Hide It

8. Love We Have

9. Day 3

10. Palma

Editorial Reviews
DJ
All plinky sounds and fluxing electronics, it still has the sensuous edge that makes Alexkid tracks so special.

Product Description
MINT is the long awaited and greatly anticipated follow up to Alexkid's debut CD BIENVENIDA. Alexkid is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, re-mixer, DJ and experienced sound engineer. MINT is a beautiful compilation of songs that deem worthy of at home listening as well as the dance floor.

Mint

Tracks:

Jarhand
Dear Confessor
Roman Statues
Old Flame
Small Talk
Nothing Ever Happens
Northeastern Wind
C'mon Sea Legs
Pocket
Blinding Light

Amazon.com

The fourth album by Canada's Immaculate Machine continues their quest to craft memorable pop hooks in smartly mysterious settings. They can rock ferociously ("Dear Confessor") as well as create ethereal dreamscapes ("Northeastern Wind"). Their trio interplay is tightly interlocked, but loose enough to retain a sense of warmth and spontaneity, and their songs are judiciously embellished with additional players contributing strings, keyboards, and additional background vocals. The set's ten tracks each offer up a surprise of some sort, as they appear to be part of a familiar genre, but are then given a twist. "Old Flame" sports an opening New Wave-like organ part but then gives way to the band's harmonized male-female singing, which calls to mind X hopping through an amusement park. It's energizing to hear a band that understands the dynamics and flow of a full-album experience--moods shift, tempos pick up or slow down--it's a perfect little aural journey. --David Greenberger

Album Description

"The songs sound like the best of retro Canadian new wave." -- Bay Area Reporter

"Together for a scant three years, Victoria indie trio Immaculate Machine sounds remarkably cohesive and fearlessly energetic on their Mint debut. With guitarist Brooke Gallupe and drummer Luke Kozlowski switching off vocal duties with able-voiced keyboardist Kathryn Calder, the he said/she said dynamic makes for a charming listen." -- Eye Weekly

"Together they create dense layers of sound, three-part harmonies, and hooks where Calder's voice rings like a bell aimed at the heart." -- Bitch

Recorded at JC/DC Studios by Dave Carswell and John Collins, with Colin Stewart handling additional recording and mixing at Gallupe Manor and Vogville Studios, Fables shows another dimension to the Immaculate Machine sound. Warm reverb envelops the songs, capturing the feel of classic '60s recordings--a time when the source of the sound and the feel of the room exceeded the desire for the unnecessary overdubbing of so many of today's recordings.

These dulcet sounds represent Immaculate Machine at its best: intimate, personal, and urgent compositions with a focus on the interplay between a tightly knit trio of close friends. The members are adept at reading the next move within a song, creating subtle dynamics that are so rewardingly apparent to the listener.

Features string arrangements by Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy, Arcade Fire) as well as special guest vocals by UK group The Cribs and Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos.

Average customer rating:

Talented Band

Mint Condition Review

answer for Benny "999 classic"

Every bit as good as Jodeci, Boyz II Men, TTT and Dru Hill

The Collection: 1991-1998 Mint Condition

The Collection: 1991-1998
Mint Condition
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | R&B | Styles | Music
General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000007OIP
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

What You Bring To The Party
Deep In My Pockets
Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)
U Send Me Swingin'
10 Million Strong
Let Me Be The One
Someone To Love
You Don't Have To Hurt No More
What Kind Of A Man Would I Be
So Fine
The Never That You'll Never Know
Forever In Your Eyes
My Dear
Single To Mingle
Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)

Customer Reviews:

Talented Band.......2007-03-22

I did enjoy half of the songs on the CD but the other half were ok.
Even though this is a band, the lead singer has the potential to venture out on his own. He is a great singer. I always loved they way he sings.
I hope Mint Condition will be coming out with another album soon.

Mint Condition Review.......2007-01-11

A couple good songs from the past but that is about it.

answer for Benny "999 classic".......2006-07-02

If I am not mistaken, the cut you spoke of "you're all I need" is actually a verse from the song; "make me say it again girl," by the Isley Bros. It is available on the CD entitled: "The Heat Is On." You do not have an email address listed so I had to put the answer in the review section. Hope this was helpful.

Every bit as good as Jodeci, Boyz II Men, TTT and Dru Hill.......2006-03-20

Mint Condition was one of those groups of the '90s that played the background behind Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Tony Toni Tone, Dru Hill (and to a lesser extent, 112).

But technically, Mint Condition had better production and could hang with any of the aforementioned as singers, entertainers and musicians.

This Collection is a great listen for MC fans and a good introduction to potential new fans.

Their standout tracks were the radio hit singles "You're Breaking My Heart Pretty Brown Eyes" and "U Send Me Swingin'." They're both slow groove-kina songs with high energy and great sangin'.

I only gave this LP 4 Stars instead of 5 b/c it didn't have their last great radio hit from 1997-98 "If You Love Me (Like You Say You Do)."

I LOVED that song back in the day and really felt like that single would've made this album absolutely complete.

The Collection: 1991-1998 Mint Condition.......2006-03-16

I returned the product unopened. It was purchased in error.

Average customer rating:

Italian hits

Italian Greatest Hits
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Mint Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

International | Imports | Stores | Music
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All The Best From Italy: 40 Italian Favorites [2-CD SET]
The World of Italian Hits of the 60's
The World of Italian Hits of the 80's
Italian Love Songs
The World of Italian Hits of the 50's

ASIN: B0007GIZCW
Release Date: 2005-02-14

Tracks:

Ti Sento - Matia Bazar
Canzone [Fargetta Remix] - Lucio Dalla
Perdono
Laura Non C'
Salome' - Mario Castelnuovo
Casco Blu
Ragazzsa Di Miele - Pino Panduri
Voglio Una Donna
Una Cosa Importante
Adesso Tu - Mirko Guida
Chi - Paolo Mengoli
Non Ho l'Et Fabiola Paretti
TornerI Santo California
Amore Come Te - Isa Pola
Piccolissima Serenata - Walter Bassani
I Love You Man (LL Mare Piu' Grande Che C' - Fiordaliso

Tracks:

Storie Di Tutti I Giorni - Riccardo Fogli
Piccola E Fragile - Drupi
Nessun' Altra - Alessandro Mara
Un'emozione Per Sempre - Mirko Guida
Buona Domenica
Maledetta Primavera - Lorena Poggi
Napoli - Nino D'Angelo
Tutti Con Me
Bambole - Rita Forte
Cosia - Mario Castelnuovo
Azzurro
Attimo Per Attimo
Tu Sei L 'Unica Donna Per Me
Novalis - Angelo Branduardi, Edoardo de Angelis
Marina - Marino Marini
Mambo Italiano

Tracks:

Serenata - Toto Cutugno
Canzone Italiana - Angelo Fabiani
LL Miio Cuore Grande - Enrico Ruggeri
Non Succedera Piu - Dave Nives
Donna Felicit
Piccole Emozioni
Ti Cerchero' - Enzo Riolo
Domani - I Santo California
Ragione, l'Amore - Amedeo Minghi
Una Notte in Italia - Walter Bassani
Ancora - Eduardo de Crescenzo
Te Voglio Bene Assaje - Dario Sebastiani
Cavallo Bianco
Alle Porte del Sole - Gigliola Cinquetti
Bella Come Te - Drupi
Giorni Cantati - Riccardo Fogli

Customer Reviews:

Italian hits.......2006-08-27

A great variety of Italian songs and singers (if you like Italian music.) Good quality CD.

Average customer rating:

Minty, but not the total mint flavor...5 out of 11 good tracks
"Mint Condition is the best band in the land"
UNHERALDED CLASSIC R&B
Excellent!
AH! The Memories!

From the Mint Factory
Mint Condition
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

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Life's Aquarium
Meant to Be Mint
Livin' the Luxury Brown
House of Music
Live from the 9:30 Club

ASIN: B0000012SV
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Intro: Welcome To The Mint Factory
Nobody Does It Better
If The Feeling's Right
Devotion
Someone To Love
U Send Me Swingin'
10 Million Strong
Gumbo
Good For Your Heart
Harmony
So Fine
Back To Your Lovin'
Always
Baile De Febrere (For Asher)
My High
Fidelity

Customer Reviews:

Minty, but not the total mint flavor...5 out of 11 good tracks.......2007-05-21

Early r&b was the best and these guys were not like the rest, they were a band and played their own instruments. My five are, Someone To Love, U Send Me Swingin, So Fine, Back To Your Lovin' and Always.
We are not all the same so whatever I say, may or may not help you but, I think what someone has to do is find a review who has similar taste in music and check out their other reviews.

"Mint Condition is the best band in the land".......2007-01-26

What can you say about a group of fellas who is dedicated to the real definition of "music", and to one another called a "band". They take my breath away each time I see them perform live. The engery is so live,and my daddy always told me if a band sounds better live than they do on an album then they are truly muscians. And that is what MC is. Get this alblum, get them all, you will not be disappointed at all. I love Mint Condition forever.

UNHERALDED CLASSIC R&B .......2006-07-22

Much has been debated about the demise of the band within black music. From the mid-' 60s to the mid-'80s, packs of self contained singers, rhythm sections and horn players ruled the land. They were not only able to reproduce records exactly as you heard them on the radio, the amazing showmanship chops, dazzling choreography and charisma. Though their reputations were rarely staked upon it, most of these bands were well versed in all styles of music. Beyond R&B, they could usually hold their own in whatever vibe was called for. But as disco morphed into techno and hip hop strains, and records began to be more producer-powered than musician-driven, bands slowly faded from the landscape. One band had the fortitude, talent and multiplicity to keep the torch not just lit, but BLAZING. That band is Mint Condition.
"From The Mint Factory" is probably one of the BEST and yes I say BEST R&B/Soul albums in the last 25 years. It has everything from Afro-Carribean to Blues to Contemporary to Funk to Jazz to Rock and is held captive to no genre of music. Mint Condition is the only R&B act that can play to any vibe and do it at a superior level. Check out the dizzingly hooky "U Send Me Swingin'", or the searing guitars on the soaring ballad "So Fine" and the masterfully arranged "Someone To Love". Other standouts are the rock inspired "Fidelity" and the whisper smooth "Ten Million Strong". I would put Mint Condition in the same class as the Legendary Earth, Wind and Fire, Parliament, Frankie Beverly and Maze and Kool and the Gang.
Mint Condition is one of those better bands, but their biggest hurdle has always been that they were a R&B band with no outlet to be a R&B band. What's more, unlike the rock and country genres, there is almost no American infrastructure for live Soul music. I believe that is the reason this LP is so overlooked. Perhaps Mint Condition came too soon to the music business to truly be appreciated, trying to make their old school skills appreciated amidst a '90s scene that was deeply entrenched in the last days of New Jack Swing and the heyday of Puff Daddy's shiny suit rap. But as any good band does, they developed a strong and loyal fanbase.

Excellent!.......2006-05-03

Truly excellent! These guys are the best. And, deserve so much more credit. I can listen to "So Fine" on repeat all day.

AH! The Memories!.......2005-07-29

Mint Condition... this was a band that made their mark in the early 90's with two sensational albums. Of course they've made more sense but to me, the first two were the best and most notable. Especially this one - "From the Mint Factory".

What can I say? I get so many memories about this. What I loved about this album was the highlights on the actual music and melodies along with the crazy soul and funk in the cuts. Just check out the track "Swingin'". Talk about mixing ballads and beats! Or how about the climaxing in with "Fidelity". As I remember the cuts on this, I feel drawn to put this sweet album in again and remember some of the other hightlights of 2003... Chicago Bull's 3rd championship, North Carolina beats Michigan with Chris Webber and the infamous "time-out", Toronto wins the World Series, Beavis & Butt-head take hold of America. HEY... all of this is better than "Whoomp! There it is!" or the cheap knock-off that came later.

I highly recommend it. I look back to some of the bands that were also out at the time... Jodeci, Silk, Shai... and while those were good bands, Mint Condition was my band of choice because of just how ALIVE the music was, and how un-predictable they were. Then again I grew up with siblings significantly older that were into Marshall Jefferson on one side then Fishbone blasting on the other, so there you go! Check this out!

Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique, Vol. 2 { Various Artists }

Average customer rating:

Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique, Vol. 2 { Various Artists }
Kirsten Moseley
Manufacturer: Savoy Jazz
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

House | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique
Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique, Vol. 3
Re-Bop: The Savoy Remixes
Versions
Back Room Vol.1

ASIN: B000G75AIE
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

York Featuring Angelina -- Ice Flowers
DJ Bootsie -- Horseriders Toward the Abyss
Goldfish -- Times May Change You
Asheni -- Sweet Suffering
Hibiki Connection -- Sha-ka-fu (Sunset Mix)
The Funky Lowlives -- Sail Into the Sun
Moran Moretti -- New Jazz Nigeria
Larry -- Smile
Jeff Bennett's Lounge Experience featuring Alexandra -- Sympathy (Vocal version)
Bareman -- People
Iridium Project -- Refraction
Mint Royale -- The Effect on Me
Anima Sound System -- The End
Chris Palmer & Kirsten Mosley -- Aqua

Album Description

Palace Lounge Presents Cafe d'Afrique is the hottest chillout compilation in South Africa.

Average customer rating:

Very good album by this British Columbia group
Reminiscent of the 80's
Fun, but repetitive
Someone spent too much time in their basement as a teenager
Grab that gun

Grab That Gun
The Organ
Manufacturer: Mint Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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604
The L Word - The Complete Third Season
Show Your Bones
The Black Magic Show
betty3

ASIN: B0002DOCEK
Release Date: 2005-08-22

Tracks:

Brother
Steven Smith
Love, Love, Love
Basement Band Song
Sinking Hearts
A Sudden Death
There Is Nothing I Can Do
I Am Not Surprised
No One Has Ever Looked So Dead
Memorize The City
Hidden Track

Album Description

Up in the Great White North, the buzz is palpable. Knighted the latest Canadian "it" band, The Organ have been riding a wave of attention and acclaim revolving around the band's Mint/604 Records debut, 'Grab That Gun.' With cover stories in Canada's biggest music monthly (Exclaim) and myriad reviews and features from coast to coast — including unanticipated yet welcome coverage in American mags Fader and Venus — The Organ are ready to take on the U.S. with the release of 'Grab That Gun' on November 2, 2004.

Based around the warm, melancholic tones of Jenny Smyth's Hammond organ, Katie Sketch's Morrissey-meets-Alison Moyet vocals and Debora Cohen's guitar that alludes to Johnny Marr, the band has been consistently compared with the best songwriters of the early `80s new-wave, writing structured songs around minimal arrangements and creating a nuanced, textured sound that is brooding and catchy at the same time. The best of many bands can be found here — whether it is the weaving counterpoint melodies between organ and bass, the lean bell-like intonation of sparkling guitars, the charmed tenacity of the snare, or the suspended lamentation of Sketch's cascading vocals — and much excitement is borne out of the desire to name The Organ's sound in precise terms.

Customer Reviews:

Very good album by this British Columbia group.......2007-02-02

While they have their own unique style and sound,
* The Debbie Harry/Blondie influences are hard to ignore
* Joy Division undercurrents
* some Cranberries/O'Riardon similarities

If they sound or look a bit familiar, you have seen them perform in an earlier episode of Showtime's The L Word.

Grab this CD! :)

Reminiscent of the 80's.......2007-01-17

If you love 80's music such as the Smiths, The Cure, Depeche Mode, etc..then chances are you will love this CD! Surprisingly entertaining, and worth the $$$

Fun, but repetitive.......2006-08-10

The first song on this cd sets the standard for the rest of the songs- it is fun, interesting, and a remarkable copy of the sound of the 80's. However, the rest of the songs on the cd sound just about the same, only a little less interesting, so it gets repetitive and difficult to listen to as a whole album.

Someone spent too much time in their basement as a teenager.......2006-05-25

Well, first off it's refreshing to hear a newer band NOT trying to recycle Joy Division/ Iggy Pop riffs. Instead, The Organ draws their influence from The Cure and The Smiths.

Sonically, the guitar work is reminscent of "Japanese Whispers" -era Cure. Vocally, the lead singer reminds me of Pat Benatar singing Morrissey covers all day - the phrasing is very Moz-like.

Like the Cure's earliest albums, Grab That Gun stays put in a very limited range, which makes it tough to listen to the whole album at a go (much like Seventeen Seconds/Faith/Pornography, all of which contain great songs, but get a bit monotonous as a album).

Grab that gun.......2006-02-25

I was reminded of Morrissey while listening to this. A female version that is. Definitely a good cd musically - lyrically it blows starting with song three. The first two songs are absolutely amazing. It's a short CD (I think it's around 30-35 minutes) but worth the money if you're into depressing and morose music. I would definitely purchase another album by them.

Average customer rating:

Neko is amazing!
awww shucks...
Wish I had been there!
Very glad I finally got this one.
haunting and hilarious

The Other Women
The Corn Sisters , Neko Case , and Carolyn Mark
Manufacturer: Mint Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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The Tigers Have Spoken

ASIN: B000051TSM
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Tracks:

Too Many Pills
Not a Doll
No More for You
She's Leaving Town
Fist City
Matineed
Love Me
Long Black Veil
Howling at Midnight
High on Cruel
90 Miles an Hour
Don't Let Me Cross Over
Endless Grey Ribbon
Corn on the Cob
This Little Light
Bonus Track

Amazon.com

With her Boyfriends, Neko Case blurs the line between rock and country, but when playing the rare gig as one-half of the Corn Sisters, she's all roots. Here, along with Sister Carolyn Mark, you'll find 16 laid-back and unpolished acoustic tunes (some covers, some originals) recorded one fateful night in 1998 at Seattle diner/bar Hattie's Hat. The songs vary in spunk, but most of Case's influences are exposed here--stripped-down covers of Loretta Lynn's "Fist City," Lucinda Williams's "Howlin' at Midnight," and one standard, "This Little Light of Mine," are all impressive. Everly Brothers-inspired harmonies abound, and, on the handful of folksy originals, Mark steals the show. From the lovesick ballad "Matinéed" to the more-upbeat "Not a Doll" (sounding slightly like Mary Lou Lord's better material), these are great tunes. Neko Case completists will want to hear this project (and Neko's work with power-popsters the New Pornographers), and alt-country fans won't be disappointed by this low-key, fun hootenanny. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Neko is amazing!.......2006-05-08

First saw Neko at EMP in Seattle 3 years ago. Her voice is amazingly versatile, eery just doesn't begin to describe the goosebumps her music gifts. The cornsisters is a fabulous teaming with Carolyn Mark, yet another unique and beautiful voice. I don't know why, but the Corn on the Cob song just makes me grin every single time I hear it!

awww shucks..........2005-09-23

i was lucky enough to have seen the Corn Sisters live quite a few years back and it was an absolutely stellar show. Neko and Carolyn were in fine form and when they weren't sending chills up your spine with their songs, they had you laughing so hard it hurt with their inbetween song banter. it's great to see how much fun these two girls have when they get together and it shows on this disc of live recordings. their natural chemistry spills over in every note. my favorite songs are "Not A Doll", "Don't Let Me Cross Over", and "She's Leaving Town" (a different version of that song is featured as a bonus track on here in which Carolyn sarcastically (?) describes the tune's author as a "weed-gobbling cheater" to much laughter). if you are a fan of Neko Case or Carolyn Mark's solo work, then you need the Corn Sisters in your life.

Wish I had been there!.......2005-08-28

I bought this cd before I really knew Neko Case's music. It was the kind of purchase where I listened to the cd for 5 seconds in the store and immediately bought it. I don't regret it, in the least. Case & Mark's harmonies are tight without being cheesy. Their voices and playing sounds great together, and I even like the spontaneous "office party" sound that other reviewers complain about. Every time I hear it I imagine myself in that Seattle diner. The recording captures the rough edges and intimacy of the best live performances. "Too Many Pills" and "Fist City" are divine--two of my favorite tracks of all time.

Very glad I finally got this one........2003-09-03

Even though I am a big Neko Case fan (and Carolyn Mark fan to a lesser degree), I held off getting this CD for a long time because the reviews were so iffy. I'm sorry I waited - it's great. Even the sound quality is pretty decent - certainly not bad enough to detract from the songs. If you're not a big fan of either of these women, this may not be the CD to start with. But if you're holding off like I was because you're not sure it's worth it, you're missing out.

haunting and hilarious.......2002-04-10

i bought this album blind (or maybe deaf) on the strength of neko case's strikingly haunting voice and it immediately became one of my favorites. its stripped-down acoustic approach allows both case and mark's luminous vocals to shine unemcumbered. by turns funny (corn on the cob), and heartbreaking (don't let me cross over and long black veil), this is an album for the lovesick in need of a little cartharsis. Buy it.

Average customer rating:

From Rusholme With Love
Ursula 1000 + The Wiseguys = Mint Royale!
A feel good, summer blend
3 1/2 stars. I'm here to do the job that you respect of me.
If you liked "Start the Commotion" by the Wiseguys...

On the Ropes
Mint Royale
Manufacturer: Fontana Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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Get Carter: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture (2000 Film)

ASIN: B00005J9U4
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

From Rusholme With Love
Don't Falter
Show Me
Interlude 1
Because I'm Worth It
Take It Easy
Shake Me
Trickshot
Diagonal Girl
Rock and Roll Bar
Space Farm
Deadbeat
Lonely Girl
Interlude 2
Blow your Cool

Customer Reviews:

From Rusholme With Love.......2006-03-07

I have not heard the whole cd yet, but i first heard of this group from seeing the movie "Get Carter"... I loved the music in that movie so i went searching for the soundtrack and bought it... I was greatly disappointed when i saw that the song "From Rusholme With Love" WAS NOT on there!! I hate it when movies do that... you'll hear a song in a movie and it will most likely be the best song of the movie, and yet it won't be on the soundtrack... so i went hunting for the cd and found it... i can't wait to hear it all... especially the whole song of "From Rusholme With Love"... the song reminds me of the group Supreme Beings of Leisure and their song "Sublime"... it's got some of the same instruments in Mint Royale's song... and i love the instruments they use... i just can't wait to hear the cd, am awaiting it in the mail... I'll write a better review once i recieve it..

Ursula 1000 + The Wiseguys = Mint Royale!.......2004-08-19

I first heard the song "From Rusholme With Love" on an italian commercial music CD compilation, and loved it...the rest of this CD is absolutely *BRILLIANT* as well. The beats are fantastic and each song is so different from the others that it's like a mixed bag of audiocandy. The overall vibe of this CD is just so ~happy~! It's perfect for summer driving music or just listening to before going to work. HIGHLY recommended!

A feel good, summer blend.......2004-07-22

On the Ropes is probably one of the best CD's in my car. For the first three weeks I had it, it never left the player. This CD is for anyone looking for an easy first step into broadening their musical tastes to include electronic pop.
This CD by Mint Royale aslo does an INCREDIBLE job of leaving you overwhelmingly happy, no matter how you might have been feeling.
Best Tracks:

1. If you've ever seen the movie Kung Pow, this is the opening theme song. Great Song.
2. Very summery, American Eagle-esque sound
3. The undeniable BEST song on the disc, and definately one of my favorites of all time. Without having even heard the rest of the cd, I've had three friends go and buy the disc just for this one song. Needs to be listened to at HIGH VOLUMES to achieve songs full celebratorial feel.
7,8,9,10. All GREAT tracks, just take a little more time to get into

My Rrecommendation? If you are getting tired of hip-hop, but are looking to expand musically, BUY THIS CD!

3 1/2 stars. I'm here to do the job that you respect of me........2002-03-11

I decided to check out Mint Royale because they were mentioned in the same sentence as The Avalanches and Solex as "pop-pastiche" artists. What could be better? I love Solex and The Avalanches, and the idea of building pop songs from samples is very appealing. The comparison is misleading however. Mint Royale has a lot more in common with Fatboy Slim than the other two. Not that I'll hold that against them, but calling this "pop-pastiche" isn't correct. Mint Royale are more concerning with beating you over the head with giant beats than with crafting new pop songs. These are collages or DJ mixes, while The Avalanches and Solex are songwriters. There, now that that's cleared up...

I nearly winced the first time I heard "From Rusholme With Love." If you've seen Vanilla Sky, you know the song because it played in the unbelievable scene with Tom Cruise running through an empty Times Square. The song has a constantly repeating tabla melody, and if there's one thing that post-modern dance artists don't need now is another tabla beat. Countless R&B and hip-hop artists have used it, and I figure Missy Elliot's "Get Ur Freak On" should be the end-all tabla dance track. Strange how it got so cliche that fast. Anyway, things get better from there.

"Don't Falter" is one of the songs that feature vocals, and as such, comes closer to pop-pastiche sound. It's summer-y, and has some bubblegum lyrics, but since most of the music repeats, it still comes across as dance. Same goes for "Show Me," the best song on the album which features Pos from De La Soul. The music in this one is infectious. It features what sounds like a sample of chorus women singing, and that gives it an almost church-like quality. It's easy to picture Pos on the alter rapping to the parishners, "Here comes my boys, Plug 3 and 2 / My name's Plug 1, I'm here to do / The job that you respect of me." I've read some people comments that the music sounds "Latin" and mixes "the old with the new," but I don't hear any of that. More likely, they just chose the samples that best served the beat.

Sadly, a lot of what Mint Royale does is simply add instruments, take them away, and put them back like countless others do (Basement Jaxx?) . They do have their quirks though, and that's what stops them from being cookie-cutter. This is the type of thing you hear in car commercials where all the people sing along to it in the cars. You know what I'm talking about. If "Because I'm Worth It" isn't playing in a Gap store somewhere already, I'll be surprised. This is what Rachel Leigh Cook and her friends dance to wackily during the prom at the end of the movie. It outdoes anything Fatboy Slim's done in a while. (Does anyone really like that "Weapon of Choice" song, or is it just that video with Christopher Walken?) So if you *do* need some big beat music for whatever reason, make the sensible choice and put down the Fatboy CD and get this one.

If you liked "Start the Commotion" by the Wiseguys..........2001-11-01

I first heard Mint Royale's music on a dance mix CD -- the song was called "Don't Falter", and to this day I do not understand why this wasn't a huge hit during the summer of 2000; this bright, breezy, guitar-laced jam is the reason I bought this album. Luckily, there's a lot more on here. Here are my favorite songs on the album, in order:

Track #2: Don't Falter (I already discussed this one)

Track #1: From Rusholme With Love - this one is great. Has that 'Fatboy Slim' retro-bounce to it. Love it!

Track #4: Because I'm Worth It - More of that Big-Beat, Fatboy sound. Bouncy and hip.

Track #3: Show Me - Celebratory sounding. Samples a Bertha Egnos (South Africa) song called "Sesiya Hamba" and it shows. A member from De La Soul raps here. I want to hear the original song now...

Track #6: Take It Easy - Great song...nonstop dancing.

Track #9: Diagonal Girl - the fastest of all my faves...has a "chase" sound to it, like something BT would have composed for the movie "Go".

Hmm...need more convincin, eh? Alright. I am by no means an electronica expert...but I do dig the happier, fun stuff like Daft Punk's "Digital Love", Fatboy Slim's fun stuff -- especially "Gangster Trippin", and Groove Armada's "I See You Baby". If you like those too, you're in the clear. If you don't, you might want to listen to the audio samples (that is if your computer will let you!) first. But all things considered (seriously), if you like dance music with leanings towards 'Big Beat' ala the Wiseguys or Fatboy Slim, by all means -- proceed. Give 'On The Ropes' by Mint Royale a chance. You'll probably like it.

Thanks for reading!

Tracks:

The Tempest
Swole
You Don't Have To Hurt No More
Is This Pain Our Pleasure
Whoaa
So Fine
Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)
Mintal / Drums
Mintal / Instrumental
I'm Ready
Funky Weekend
Call Me
What You Bring To The Party
What Kind Of Man Would I Be

Description

Mint Condition stands for excellence in music; this is LIVE music at its very best. "We gonna do some new stuff, we gonna do some old stuff. Y'all down with it, right?," Stokley Williams, the magnificent lead singer of Mint Condition, the quintessential R&B band of the `90s, teasingly asks an audience that lets him know the answer. Now back with this slammin' live CD, Mint Condition proves the band's bigger and better than ever as the quintet (lead vocalist Stokley, guitarist Homer O'Dell, keyboardist Larry Waddell, saxophonist Jeff Allen and bassist Rick Kinchen) takes its incomparable grooves to the next level on stage at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. Growing stronger over the band's ten years together, Mint Condition has developed a hot, seductive sound, irresistibly combining soul, jazz and gospel. The set features all of Mint Condition's top hits, including the blazing "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)," "What Kind of Man Would I Be?," "So Fine" and "Is This Pain Our Pleasure?," as well as songs from their latest album Livin' the Luxury Brown including "I'm Ready," and the summery smooth "Whoaa". For live music at its best, you've got to get it in Mint Condition!

Customer Reviews:

This live show of the fellas is "fiyah".......2007-01-26

If you have never seen these guys live before, here is your chance listen at this live recording, raw and uncut of a Mint Condition concert. I absolutly love it and you will also. I love Mint Condition forever.

An Underrated BAND at their best.......2007-01-13

Mint Conditio is without a doubt one of the best R&B BANDS of their time. I remeber back when I was eleven and first heard Pretty Brown Eyes which is still a timeless slow jam. All of the classic slow jams are on the CD from You Don't Have To Hurt, Is This Pain or Pleasure, I'm Ready ,What Kind Of Man Would I Be and my personal favorite Whoaa which echos back to Earth, Wind & Fire's Reasons. If you want to hear some real R&B then check this CD out.

The Nint.......2007-01-05

It's a great cd,But all the tracks will not play,And it's one of the hits
That made me alittle upset,cause am not just a fan I'm a Musician

Mint Condition Shines On Da Stage!.......2006-03-26

Mint Condition's 'Live From The 9:30 Club' is their 1st Live CD, and it's a must have for fans of real music. These Brothers are PLAYING instruments & writing great songs, not using samples to get cheap hits. It's a shame that the market wont stand behind talent like this. At any rate, Stokely & Co. performs most of their major hits, as well as some choice cuts from the previous 'Living The Luxury Brown' CD. There's also a DVD for this same concert, so pick that up if you have some extra cash. You won't be sorry.

Pros - Great sound, songlist, these Brothers are the REAL DEAL!
Cons - There's fading between some tracks...takes away from the continuity.

pretty good.......2006-03-19

I have respected some of the things that Mint Condition has done over the years.I ain't feeling the past couple of albums too much&I feel they are just playing it safe.but Live they still pack a Mean Puch. Stokley Williams the Leader&Drummer of the Band is a talented cat,who just didn't have that right song to truly showcase all he could be. Mint Condition is One of those bands that should have been better than what they put out. this album shows there skills as Musicians. Hit&Miss Songwriting. but this is a cool Album.

Average customer rating:

Life's Aquarium
SWIMMING IN LIFE'S AQUARIUM
Satisfied Customer
Never Disapoints
They JUST Missed The Mark...

Life's Aquarium
Mint Condition
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

New Jack | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Livin' the Luxury Brown
Meant to Be Mint
Live from the 9:30 Club
Sons of Soul
20th Century Masters - Millennium Collection

ASIN: B00000K3GR
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

Touch That Body
Be Like That Sometimes
Pretty Lady
Who Can You Trust
If You Love Me
Spanish Eyes
Is This Pain Our Pleasure
Call Me
This Day, This Minute, Right Now
Just The Man For You
Tonight
Leave Me Alone

Amazon.com

The world has plenty of R&B vocalists, but when it comes to actual R&B bands--you know, the ones with actual musicians playing actual instruments--the pickings are on the slim side. With Tony Toni Tone AWOL, Mint Condition are not only the template for contemporary R&B bands but practically the only contenders in the category. Yet the lack of competition hasn't made them any less eager or hungry. In fact, the band's fifth CD, its first on Elektra, is its most focused to date. Written and produced by the band, Life's Aquarium finds Mint Condition in a more sexually aggressive mood than on their previous CDs. That assertiveness is evident on cuts such as the rugged "Touch That Body," the jittery bump-and-grind of "Who Can You Trust," and the soft wet kisses of "Pretty Lady" (the latter featuring a cameo from the Gap Band's Charlie Wilson). Where once Mint Condition showed off their chops by launching into extended but aimless jazz-fusion riffs, or tried to impress the listener with chord changes and arpeggios straight out of a music-comp course, they now bypass the showboating and stick to simple but effective songs. All of which makes Life's Aquarium satisfying, soulful, and the best music to date from a band that has earned its stripes. --Amy Linden

Customer Reviews:

Life's Aquarium.......2007-01-05

Mint condition does everything so well and this CD proves to be added to their outstanding musical abilities. Don't let this one slip you by!

SWIMMING IN LIFE'S AQUARIUM.......2006-05-11

I hear a lot of griping from fans of classic R&B artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye that the new class of R&B singers aren't real. They say they're studio-enhanced, backed up by all electronic instruments, and no one plays their own instruments or is backed by a live band anymore.

Mint Condition makes these folks eat their words. With 4 of the best records to bless R&B in the 90's and beyond, Mint Condition is a multi-talented group of men who can have anyone who loves the classics vibing to their tracks.

"Life's Aquarium" is their fourth offering (there first on Elektra Records), and it comes through just as lovely as everything they've put out before. The first single, "If You Love Me" is a beautiful track showcasing the feelings of a man who needs reassurance of the affections his woman says she has for him. "This Day, This Minute, Right Now" is another beautiful ballad, this time with Stokeley (MC's lead singer) professing his undying love, beginning right now. Other tracks that are unbeatable are "Pretty Lady", featuring the legendary Charlie Wilson, of Gap Band fame. The uptempo "Be Like That Sometimes" deals with life's trials and tribulations, and "Just The Man For You" is yet another sweet ballad, this time with Stokley attempting to convince a woman that they're made for each other.

If you've never listened to a Mint Condition album, this would be a good one to introduce you to their style. I would recommend this for any R&B fan, especially those fed up with all the "digitized" artists that are out there now.

Satisfied Customer.......2006-02-28

I enjoyed the cd of Mint Condition very much because I was able to share it with my sister who is a BIG Mint Condition fan. She was unable to get a copy of it until I ordered it from you. She was soo happy.
Thanks again. Thumbs up!

Never Disapoints.......2004-12-02

With Life's Aquarium, Mint Condition add another CD full of sensual grooves to their reporite. Standout tracks include Pretty Lady, If You Love Me,Pain or Pleasure and Tonight.

They JUST Missed The Mark..........2002-08-26

When I first picked up this album, I would've never guessed how close Mint Condition were to coming up with their first 5-star effort in their entire recording history. I'm serious, the only gripe I had with Life's Aquarium which also continues to drive me up the wall with this band is the fact that THEY DON'T PLAY AS A BAND OFTEN ENOUGH! As a result the few cuts that sound like they were mainly done with the aid of studio gimmickry made for some unnecessary filler. Shoot, I was feelin' Mint ALL THE WAY on Be Like That Sometimes (was hoping Chris "Daddy" Dave would handle the drumming on this one and not some state-of-the-art beat machine though), Pretty Lady, If You Love Me, Spanish Eyes, Is This Pain Our Pleasure (live drums would've been PERFECT on this cut as well!), This Day This Minute Right Now, Just The Man For You, and Leave Me Alone (ending to this one should've been done properly IMHO) because those were the songs I truly felt they would be able to pull off on stage. Even the bonus tracks were hittin' it with the island-flavored instrumental DeCuervo's Revenge and the downright funky If We Play Our Cards Right (my favorite cut on the whole album!). I was left wondering why those two weren't included on the original track sequence in the first place.

Other songs like Touch That Body, Who Can You Trust (despite engaging lyrical content), Call Me, and Tonight sound so inferior to the Mint's overall musical talents that they were better off being shelved for the integrity of the album. That said, Life's Aquarium still remains a good listen for the most part. I just wish the band was able to keep the live vibe going throughout this time around. Maybe they will on their next project, if that happens anytime soon...

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