Loud & Proud: Ultimate Gay Anthems

Loud & Proud: Ultimate Gay Anthems

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Hinrg Anthems from One of the Most Popular Labels to Ever Enter the Dance Market from Jam and Spoon, Abbacadabra, Alabama 3, Rochelle, and Many More.

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Average customer rating:

*A good buy*
Niiice
Bloody and bruising and fun
know the feeling of eating too much sour candy?
From pub rock to stadium schlock...

Sing Loud, Sing Proud
Dropkick Murphys
Manufacturer: Hellcat Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Do or Die
The Warrior's Code
Blackout
The Gang's All Here
The Singles Collection

ASIN: B0000584TY
Release Date: 2001-02-06

Tracks:

For Boston
The Legend of Fin MacCumhail
Which Side Are You On?
The Rocky Road to Dublin
Heroes From Our Past
Forever
The Gauntlet
Good Rats
The New American Way
The Torch
The Fortunes of War
A Few Good Men
Ramble and Roll
Caps and Bottles
The Wild Rover
The Spicey McHaggis Jig

Amazon.com

Though possessing a heavy-duty indie history featuring such luminaries as the Pixies, Mission of Burma, and Throwing Muses, Boston is also famed for its booze-sodden Irish exile rock. And the Dropkick Murphys--clearly influenced by the Pogues at their most uproarious--are the cream of the present crop. Yet this is not simple jigging traditionalism. Despite employing bagpipes, mandolins, and tin whistles to add Celtic flavor to their sound, these guys are full-blown punks, harking back to the immediate post-Pistols era of the Angelic Upstarts. The riffs here are fast, heavy, and purposefully uncomplicated. The vocals are an impassioned gabble, usually building to terrace chants, while the lyrics are consumed by the plight of the working class in modern-day America and the need to keep a tight grip on Irish history. The Pogues' Shane MacGowan contributes a garbled but charismatic rap on the racy "Good Rats." The Murphys are also capable of heartfelt acoustic numbers, as evinced by the melancholic and impressively melodic "The Torch." --Amazon.co.uk

Album Details

New Album from the Boston Punk Band which Sees them Touch Folk in a Pogues Style Whilst Still Incorporating their Street Punk Style. The Miraculously Still Alive Ex-pogue Shane Macgowan Guests on the Song 'good Rats'.

Customer Reviews:

*A good buy*.......2007-03-30

Its a great CD. I play it all the time. Definitely a must buy

Niiice.......2006-08-09

What an awesome cd... i bought a flogging molly cd as well but dropkick murphy's are better by FAR!!

Bloody and bruising and fun.......2005-10-15

As I write this review, I'm still nursing myriad bruises and minor injuries from spending the entire Dropkick show in the pit two days ago. This band is one of the rare few that's just as good live, not to mention an incredible amount of fun.

I have owned four copies of "Sing Loud, Sing Proud" and given them all away. I ought to start buying it in bulk. When I try to describe Dropkick to the uninitiated, I end up with "They're an Irish punk band outta Boston." But that doesn't come close to covering their unique energy and hard-core yet feelgood sound.

At their show, I made friends with a bunch of guys in their forties wearing Boston ballcaps, a punker couple in their early twenties, and people of all other ages and tastes. Loving Dropkick transcends all else, really - they're like a cult without the Koolaid.

Buy this album, memorize this album, play this album while partying, drinking, fighting, and everything else. It's a very good soundtrack to one's life. Enjoy.

know the feeling of eating too much sour candy?.......2005-07-11

thats exactly how this album feels! you know, some irish songs and influences are good, but this is ridiculous. when 95% of your lyrical content is irish at least keep it interesting.(spicy mchaggis jig??? what the....?) so i say if your even interested in this cd or something 95% irish, get drunken lullabies or swagger by flogging molly instead, if you dont already have them. id also recommend the new murphys cd "the warriors code" if you want faster irish music done good. i give it 2 stars because its not nearly as bad as some of the other stuff out there. oh yeah rocky road to dublin kicks arse....thats about the only reason to even put this cd on. easily the worst DKM album

From pub rock to stadium schlock..........2005-05-10

Disappointed in this one. Too much noise and not enough punk guitars pounding. I'd say to the Murphys: please leave the "anthems" up to the Pogues. Get DO OR DIE instead.

Average customer rating:

Despite the consensus, actually a hair better than the last
devoid of the Talking Heads and The Clean clichés.
A step back.
Brilliant
Could have been so much better

Some Loud Thunder
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Manufacturer: Clap Your Hands Say
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
The Good, the Bad & the Queen
Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?
The Crane Wife
Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks)

ASIN: B000LPR4YY
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

Some Loud Thunder
Emily Jean Stock
Mama, Won't You Keep Them Castles in the Air and Burning?
Love Song No. 7
Satan Said Dance
Upon Encountering the Crippled Elephant
Goodbye to Mother and the Cove
Arm and Hammer
Yankee Go Home
Underwater (You and Me)
Five Easy Pieces

Album Description

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah decided not to wait the perfunctory two years in between records to release their sophomore effort "Some Loud Thunder," but to to release it as soon as it was ready. Eager to prove there's more to the band than just a business story, "Some Loud Thunder" demonstrates just how far this band has come since the release of their debut. This is not CYHSY Part II - this is a departure record, a record that will stand the test of time and critics alike.

Customer Reviews:

Despite the consensus, actually a hair better than the last.......2007-07-05

The second album for the indie heroes from Brooklyn/Philadelphia was received rather tepidly by most critics and audiences...and I can't understand why. In fact, Some Loud Thunder is by far a more consistent and engaging effort than their self-titled debut. The only potential flaw is the lack of truly great individual songs; nothing on here approaches the greatness of "Details of the War" or "The Skin of My Yellow Country Teeth." But there's also no "Clap Your Hands," either, even though some have complained about the so-called ugly distortion on the opener of this set (personally, I liked it as an intro quite a bit).

But who can resist the wonderful refrain lines of "Yankee Go Home," or the eccentric 60s pop of "Emily Jean Stock," or the goofy dance junk of "Satan Said Dance?" Apparently, more than I would have expected. Even the most oddball and offbeat moments have charm and style: "Arm and Hammer" is a positively wonderful little throwaway. True, the energy has waned a bit on this album, and the overall tone is more dark and atmospheric, but those are the sorts of changes that turn good singles bands into good album bands. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah will never be considered a singles band, but after the low points of their debut, it seems that they're now maturing towards more cohesive records in the future. Good for them.

Best cuts: "Yankee Go Home," "Emily Jean Stock," "Love Song No. 7," "Satan Said Dance," "Underwater (You and Me)," "Mama, Won't You Keep Those Castles in the Air and Burning," "Arm and Hammer," "Some Loud Thunder," "Goodbye to the Mother and the Cove"

devoid of the Talking Heads and The Clean clichés........2007-06-28

Other than the (intentional) faux pas with the distorted first track, I prefer this CD to their first one. With the exception of the rapidly strummed guitar on "Satan Said Dance" it is devoid of the Talking Heads and The Clean clichés. This album has a folk feel to it (in the mode of Beirut) along with slightly more adventurous moments that shakes the overall slightly saccharin pop ambiance of the initial release.

A step back........2007-05-16

Now that I've listened to this album a few more times I'd probably put it on par with the first one. I didn't like it much at first but after a few listens it really grew on me. I still hate the distortion and random noise that are present in a few of the songs but aside from that it's all good. Definitely sounds different than the first album, which is probably why I didn't like it initially, but it's still amazing nonetheless. I know it says 3 stars but if I could change to it 5 I would. Here's my original comments on the album:

If their first album earns a five star rating, and I think it does, then this second effort is nothing more than a three. It's not terrible, but it's simply not as good as their first album. The distortion sounds like absolute crap. I don't care if it was an artistic choice or whatever, the fact remains that it makes the song hard to listen to. It's noise not music. Then just when you get into the second song and think perhaps it was just a bunch of dicking around on the opening track they throw a bunch of noise into the instrumental portions of the song between the verses. It sounds like someone just randomly banging on a drum(and I'm sure that's exactly what it is). How they listened to this and thought it sounded good is beyond me.

But it's not all bad. Thankfully they didn't mess up the entire album with terrible "artistic choices". There's some good stuff on the album and anybody that was a fan of the first should find something to like here as well. Definitely pick it up if your a fan but don't expect to like it as much as the first album because you won't. It's just not as good.

Brilliant.......2007-05-05

This album is brilliant. Yea, the sound is a little distorted/weird on the first song, but don't let that stop you--it's like listening to a far away radio station late at night. But other than that one song--which is actually a great song-- the sound is OK. These guys are brilliant. Don't shy away from this CD.

Could have been so much better.......2007-04-21

Like most of the complaints here, mine centers around the production of the album. Some of the best tracks are absolutely ruined by distortion. And, not the cool kinda distortion you might find on a Neil Young album... but the kind that is just grinds on you more with every listen.

Otherwise good tracks like like Some Loud Thunder, Emily Jean Stock and Arm & Hammer are vitually unlistenable because of the production of them. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Flaming Lips-esque bleeps & blips that are scattered through "Satan Said Dance" either. But maybe you are.

On the upside, The album finishes strong with the last 3 tracks. "Yankee Go Home" & "Underwater (You & Me)" and the haunting "Five Easy Pieces". They showcase what the band is capable of.

If not for the (assuming intentional) lousy production, we'd have a pretty good album on our hands here.

Average customer rating:

Intelligent and musical fun.-
The Genius of Anna Russell
If you enjoy laughing..
Anna Russell strikes again!
Anna Russell is a SCREAM!

The Anna Russell Album

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Encore?
Anna Russell Again?
Anna Russell Takes On... Nabucco & The Magic Flute
Anna Russell - The (First) Farewell Concert
Anna Russell - Crown Princess of Musical Parody: Her Television Appearances 1964, 1976, 1977

ASIN: B0000027JD
Release Date: 1991-07-26

Tracks:

Introduction To The Concert (By the Women's Club President)
How to Write Your Own Gilbert And Sullivan Opera
Coloratura Aria 'Canto Dolciamente Pipo'
British - Pure But Dull: 'I Love The Spring'
Russian Folk Song: 'Da, Nyet, Da, Nyet'
For Loud Singers With No Brains: 'Ah, Lover!'
For Singers With Tremendous Artistry But No Voice: 'Schlumph; Je N'ai Pas La Plume De Ma Tante'
For The Dramatic Soprano: 'Schreechenrauf'
The Ring Of The Nibellungs (An Analysis)

Amazon.com

This set of Anna Russell's inspired satirical monologues should be labeled with a warning notice. Why? Because after listening to her whirlwind explication of Wagner's Ring Cycle, even the most confirmed Wagnerite will be unable to listen to the Ring for weeks to come. Just listening to Russell declare in an incredulous voice: "I'm not making this up, y'know" is enough to induce you to shed bucketloads of laughter-induced tears. Gilbert and Sullivan fans will find their heroes savaged in her concoction of a typical G&S product, complete with a soprano lead who "loves below her station." Other targets include "the nymphs and shepherds" style of quavery English singing, complete with "hey-nonny-nonny's," coloratura mad scenes, and much else, including Russian folk songs, like her "Da, nyet, da, nyet." This disc is packed with laughs, chuckles, smiles, and everything. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Intelligent and musical fun.-.......2007-01-13

Due to the recent passing away of the legenday Anna Russell I bought this record and certainly did not regret it.- Inspite of having been originally recorded in 1952 and 1953 the sound is very good.- Ms. Russell combines a great sense of humour with profound musical knowledge, a wonderful timing of her jokes, and the talent of a gifted and very musical singer.- She captures the essence of the German lied, the French mélodie, the efforts of a dramatic soprano to make herself heard over the huge Wagnerian orchestra, culminating in her famous, already classic, 22 minutes long analysis of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelungs.- I listened to this recording three times in a row and had great fun.- Only Victor Borge can be compared to her with respect to this rare combination of deep musicianship with a real gift for comedy.- If you don't know yet these numbers, don't hesitate - buy the record, you will not be sorry.-

The Genius of Anna Russell.......2006-03-15

If you love music, but are happy to see the funny side of even the great composers, then this album is for you. Anna Russell is a singer of note but a comedian of greatness. She finds the pivotal styles of composers and caricatures them to great effect. The explanations she gives of the basics of Gilbert and Sullivan comic operas and the way she dissects Wagners Ring Cycle bring tears to the eyes with laughter. I recommend this album to all music lovers with a twinkle in their eyes. Truly a great comic experience.

If you enjoy laughing.........2006-02-23

I love opera, but I also enjoy spoofs of opera. Anna Russell was a classic "spoofer" of operatic stories and conventions. Nobody does it better. My favorite on this album is her take-off on Wagner's "Ring."

This CD can probably also be enjoyed by those who have only a nodding acquaintance with opera, but may not be enjoyed by those who take opera with 100% seriousness.

Anna Russell strikes again!.......2005-10-14

I have heard all of these Anna Russell selections at one time or another, but having them all together in one place, and on a CD, is a real plus. She is absolutely riotously funny. I teach a course in "Introduction to opera" and use her segments on Gilbert and Sullivan and on the Ring Cycle in class, just to lighten things up a bit for the students.

Anna Russell is a SCREAM!.......2005-08-05

I've had the vinyl of this album for over 20 years; the CD purchase was to update my system. For anyone who loves classical vocal music, and in particular the Wagner Ring Cycle and Gilbert and Sullivan, this album is a MUST. You will split your sides laughing; Ms. Russell is so very accurate in her comedy. Also, truth to tell, her Ring synopsis gave me, a newcomer to Wagner (years ago) a solid understanding of the musical plot and story line.

Average customer rating:

A favorite...
Truly kings of convenience, and my personal favorites.
Beautiful and Original
acoustic alchemy
Kings of Convenience

Quiet Is the New Loud
Kings of Convenience
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Riot on an Empty Street
Versus
Unrest
DJ-Kicks
Let It Die

ASIN: B000056MYN
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

Winning A Battle, Losing The War
Toxic Girl
Singing Softly To Me
I Don't Know What I Can Save You From
Failure
The Weight Of My Words
The Girl From Back Then
Leaning Against The Wall
Little Kids
Summer On The Westhill
The Passenger
Parallel Lines

Amazon.com

Although Kings of Convenience are keen to play down any blatantly self-evident similarities to Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, and Belle and Sebastian, the winsome and placidity-favoring Norwegian duo of Erlend Oye and Eirik Glambek Boe have probably already got the subway buskers of tomorrow lining up to lend an ear. Studentlike in appearance (one of them has a duffel coat and John Major specs) and unashamed to softly impart such nonrock lyrics as "put the kettle on" and "using The Guardian as a shield to cover my thighs against the rain," the weightless and airy acoustic guitar muse of Quiet Is the New Loud isn't a million miles from Radiohead's "Nice Dream" or Pink Floyd's "If" with a subliminal swish of bossa-nova rhythm. A contentedly purring cello, a plaintive touch of piano, and the muffled sound of a trumpet add necessary sonic depth, and the results are as pleasant and civilized as a little light conversation over tea in the drawing room. But what a shame they chose to name themselves after a lavatory. --Kevin Maidment

Album Description

Recently signed by the UK office of Parisian label Source (Air,Phoenix), Kings Of Convenience are Erik Glambek Boe and Erland Oye from Bergen, Norway. Favoring simplicity and melody over big production, they write emotive, intimate music that will connect instantly with fans of Nick Drake and Belle and Sebastian. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

A favorite..........2006-12-21

"Quiet is the New Loud" was my first exposure to the Kings of Convenience. A few summers ago I was subletting a room in Iowa City, and found the disc carelessly left out and exposed on top of the stereo. As a music director in college I am familiar with various record labels and the general quality of music they tend to release. So it's no surprise that I immediately noticed the Astralwerks logo on the bare CD. For those of you unfamiliar with the label, they've published the music of great bands such as: Phoenix, Sondre Lerche, Air, and many others. I was later excited to learn that somehow I had overlooked the fact that Erlend Øye-- front man for Kings of Convenience-- was also the mastermind behind the DJ Kicks album and his solo dance-tronica debut "Unrest", which was host to some great guest collaborations including Prefuse 73.

Naturally I was curious and so I popped the CD in, expecting to hear some kind of electronica or IDM. This was during the day and I was trying to get myself motivated to be productive. I must say I was disappointed upon first listen. Here was these two Norwegian guys, singing soft melodies about the future, experiences, people, etc, and I couldn't wrap my head around it, and it certainly wasn't getting me up moving around. I decided to give it a second listen later that evening while relaxing with a book.

And then I fell in love.

This is a beautifully complex album. By the second listen, I was hooked. Each time I hear it, I pick up new subtleties, and the album itself is produced in such a way that the tracks really transition seamlessly into one experience. The songs can stand alone, but the album is really best enjoyed in one listen.

This album is especially refreshing amidst today's pop music, chock full of fashion-whoring, emo kids, pop-punkers who've lost touch with their roots (The Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols), boy bands... and all of the other over-produced garbage that floods our senses out there. To find something so simple that it can be enjoyed effortlessly, but still so intricate that it's good through and through and time after time is exceptional. It's a rare album these days that you will find yourself wanting to play straight through from first track to last. I can only think of a few that come to mind ("OK Computer" being one of them).

This is a thinker's album. Great for Sunday mornings in bed, relaxing with books or crossword puzzles, or just general lazing around. Whenever I play this album for a friend, it's an immediate hit.

Recommended if you like: Simon and Garfunkel, Phoenix, Nick Drake, Belle and Sebastian, Yo La Tengo, L'Altra, the One AM Radio, Ben & Jason, the American Analog Set.

Truly kings of convenience, and my personal favorites........2006-10-31

As a music producer myself, I've turned wholeheartedly to Kings of Convenience for inspiration over the last few years. Seeing their video "Misread" on TV while on a trip to Italy started it all. The only album available to me at the time was Quiet is the New Loud ("Misread" is on their second album, "Riot on an Empty Street"), their first album, and I thought I'd give it a shot. Off the plane from Milan, I dug in and became a fan over the next week. Here were two guys (similar to me in appearance/demeanor) from Norway performing what should be a rather dated style of acoustic music, but doing it with such relevance, rhythm and soul that I was hooked instantly. The bossanova elements and convenient chordal progressions on "Quiet is the New Loud" are modestly produced yet accented perfectly by the vocal harmonies of Eirik and Erland, two casual Norwegian pals in their early thirties. Comparisons to other 'similar' groups don't hold much water as I've tried to find similar artists (hungry for more!) and haven't found the same exotic quality in any other to date.

Other Guitarists have created somewhat complex tablature for their songs but often overlook obvious ways of playing their songs rather credibly; Truly "Kings of Convenience," this duo often find the easiest yet most fulfilling way of performing their progressions, revitalizing acoustic guitar music with layers of understated strumming, fingerpicking, and soft Gilberto-esque vocals. Understated is the key word here; nothing about KOC is over the top. And the sheer simplicity (a phrase used in their second album in harmony with guest vocalist Feist) of their songs is deceiving. These two know how to play guitar but they want you to pay more attention to the emotion than the production.

While some may take the softness of KOC's music at face value, it is important to look past it to an almost ironic strength hidden in the layers. Very rarely do such beautifully blended melodies offer this level of relevance, carried between the notes in the tone of the voice and the words they sing. I've never been much of a fan of acoustic guitar but Kings of Convenience speak to me as a peer. Their songs are easy to remember, fun to play, and packed with subtleties that will keep your musical tastebuds busy for a very, very long time.

Quiet is the New Loud and KOC's second album (Riot on an Empty Street) hold a joint slot in my top 10 favorite albums of all time. And I can't say that for any other folk/acoustic group. Buy this album; you won't regret it.

Beautiful and Original.......2006-05-27

Firstly I would like to disagree, with both amazon and some of the other reviewers on here claiming their sound to be unoriginal and comparable to Belle & Sebastian. I have an enormous music collection that is beyond excessive and yet I have declared Kings of Convenience as my favorite band of all; and rightly so with the most play counts in iTunes. I never write music reviews, but I've made an exception for this.

No matter what mood I'm in Kings of Convenience feels right. Whether going to sleep, feeling low, chilling with friends, or doing homework it doesn't matter, once you put their album on you are automatically in a relaxed and reflective mood. You will think of past loves, you will think of your cat, curled up in a ball on the couch, you will think of happy times, sad times, you will think of how much longer that candle will burn for, you will think.

Now I do not say all this out of a biased worship, I am simply sharing my own personal experience with this music, everyday I listen to new music, and I have yet to find anything comparable. It may take a while to grow on you, but once you realize what you've been missing, you too will be glad you added it to your collection.

Out of all three albums my favorite is "Quiet is the New Loud", and if you do become a fan the "Versus" cd is a must, while I didn't appreciate it at first it is essential and actually quite good after a few listens.

acoustic alchemy.......2006-03-13

From the guitar intro and vocals of 'Winning A Battle, Losing The War' from their debut album 'Quiet Is The New Loud', I knew Kings Of Convenience was the band for me. I haven't listened to a record this good since Belle & Sebastian's first 3 recordings, and that's saying a lot. Jangly, acoustic folk guitars combined with heartfelt lyrics delivered from angelic, fey vocals are the perfect formula for Erlend Oye and Eirik Boe. Think early Red House Painters or Simon & Garfunkel circa 'Bookends.'

'Quiet' is filled with both slow and upbeat tempo tracks, with some of them accompanied by drums, piano, electric guitar and muted trumpet. 'Toxic Girl' is a good example of upbeat and 'Leaning Against The Wall' has a Brazilian vibe to it, but by way of Norway. However, it's the 'quiet' tracks that pull the listener in. Probably the best example would be the last track, 'Parallel Lines'. The way that Eirik Boe sings the lyric 'I awake in tangled covers/to a sash of snow, you dream in a cartoon garden,/I could never know' evokes an image of him waking up to the beauty of some snow-covered landscape on a white Norwegian morning as his significant other continues to slumber and dream on without him. It's beautiful songwriting that you just don't find anymore in today's music , sorry to say.

If you're looking for a record to relax to, to write in your journal to, to sip a cup of coffee to, to listen to on those long rides home, or to even reflect upon, then listen to 'Quiet Is The New Loud' by Kings Of Convenience. You won't go wrong.

Kings of Convenience.......2006-02-28

A work of art that will be in my speakers for years to come.

Back to Tulsa: Live and Loud at Cain's Ballroom

Average customer rating:

Jesse
Great Collection of My Favorites
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Simply the Best
Rock and Roll is alive and well

Back to Tulsa: Live and Loud at Cain's Ballroom
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Manufacturer: Universal South
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

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General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music

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Back to Tulsa: Live and Loud at Cain's Ballroom
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Cross Canadian Ragweed

ASIN: B000J2344S
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Dimebag
Number
Lonely Girl
Late Last Night
Final Curtain
Sister
Constantly
Don't Need You
Fightin' For
When It All Goes Down
Anywhere But Here
Daddy's At Home
The Needle And The Damage Done
When Will It End
Back Around
Brooklyn Kid

Tracks:

Cold Hearted Woman
Jimmy And Annie
Wanna Rock & Roll
17
Hammer Down
Alabama
Blues For You
Lonely Feeling

Customer Reviews:

Jesse.......2007-05-13

What can you say about CCR. Absolutly amazing. I own over 40,000 songs and this is one of my top 5 bands being that they are so original and you can tell they love their music. I love punk rock, grunge, and classic rock and these guys really are in their own genre. I love their remake of "Wanna rock'n'roll" This is really the CD you need to check out if you haven't heard these guys before... Its just to bad there is no "Boys from Oklahoma" ...

Great Collection of My Favorites.......2007-02-15

This double disc live CD includes all my favorite CCR songs, and also pulls up some of their friends to sing with them. Unlike most live CD's there is not a lot of talking, just a lot of great music. This live compilation is a vital for all CCR fans.

Cross Canadian Ragweed.......2007-01-10

If you like Cross Canadian Ragweed, buy this cd. It is a two disc set, with mostly previously recorded tracks, but also some new ones. We are really enjoying it!

Simply the Best.......2006-12-10

Finding out where some of the songs came from (inspiration) was great! I hope everyone read the thank yous...that was just as great as the cd itself. These guys and their families are some of the best people.

Rock and Roll is alive and well.......2006-12-06

If you think the days of true rock and roll are dead and gone, check out this CD. As someone who can barely stand to listen to rock radio anymore, Ragweed is a welcome sign that good music is still being made, whether the mainstream wants us to hear it or not. Cody Canada has really turned into a shredder on the electric guitar, and this CD is worth buying just for the sake of listening to his solos. Canada's playing makes Robert Earl Keen's "Lonely Feeling" into one of the most powerful rock ballads I've heard. All of the tracks show off the skills of this band, and it's amazing how far they have come since "Live at the Wormy Dog" (which is another great CD if you want to hear the early days). The last few songs on the first CD are acoustic, which gives you a chance to hear a side of Ragweed that you maybe haven't heard before. Canada's cover of Neil Young's "Needle and the Damage Done" really shows off his voice and acoustic guitar skills.

If I have one complaint about this CD, it might be that the CD is a true live CD (no remixing), and sometimes it's hard to hear the awesome musicianship or Canada's vocals over the noise of the crowd. A lot of people will probably love it for the same reason though. All in all, anyone who loves good old fashioned rock and roll will love this CD.

Living Out Loud: Original Soundtrack Recording

Average customer rating:

L-O-L Soundtrack
This is a great soundtrack
Yes 5 stars
Mediocrity at it's Best....
Awesome!

Living Out Loud: Original Soundtrack Recording
George Fenton , and Mervyn Warren
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Living Out Loud
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Bossa Nova: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1999 Film)

ASIN: B00000FCBB
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Tracks:

Lush Life - Queen Latifah
Give Me Something Real - Clark Anderson
Goin' Out Of My Head - Queen Latifah
At Last - Etta James
If You Love Me - Brownstone
Be Anything (But Be Mine) - Queen Latifah
They Can't Take That Away From Me - Danny DeVito
Born To Be Blue - Mel Torme
You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You - Dean Martin
Low Key Lightly - George Fenton
Hot Fun In The Summertime - Sly & The Family Stone
She's 34 - George Fenton
I'm The Gutter Type - George Fenton
Ecstasy - George Fenton
Okay To You Paying My Debts - George Fenton

Amazon.com

The burning question for this soundtrack is, Can rapper Queen Latifah handle the vocal demands a Pearl Bailey-ish character singing standards by Billy Strayhorn, Irving Gordon, and Randazzo & Weinstein? The answer is yes. Her rendering of Strayhorn's "Lush Life" is particularly pleasant, and is produced and arranged beautifully by Mervyn Warren, who did most of the work on the album. Danny DeVito takes a stab at the Gershwins' "They Can't Take That Away from Me" and delivers it adequately, with a touch of charm. The disc also includes originals by Sly & the Family Stone, Dean Martin, and Mel Tormé. The only drawback is the slightly Muzak-like smooth-jazz score by George Fenton, presented in snippets at the end. --Aaron Tassano

Customer Reviews:

L-O-L Soundtrack.......2007-06-29

If you love the movie this soundtrack is a must have. I'm listening to the CD right now. If you enjoy cool jazz and smooth vocals you will not be disappointed.

This is a great soundtrack.......2007-01-28

This is a little known but good movie with a great soundtrack. Queen should put out a CD of american standards and blues. The instrumentals are great and you get to hear wonderful classics from Dean Martin and Mel Torme. A little something for everyone. If you love me is a really good dance song. I love this CD.

Yes 5 stars.......2006-10-02

If you like jazz and easy listening this album is for you. And who really blew me away was Queen Latifa. I had no idea she could sing like that. She should be doing more jazz songs, she has such a pure voice. I play this over and over in my car I can't get enough. She's up there with Lena Horne in my book. Also, Danny DeVito sings on this, too, he is not a singer but it works! Enjoy!

Mediocrity at it's Best...........2005-03-06

It's beyond me how people can give this cd 4 and 5 stars and not mention the great Etta James, Mel Torme, or Dean Martin in favor of the greatest mediocricy since oleo became margarine: Queen Latifah. If it weren't for the aforementioned superstars and Brownstone, this cd would be as exciting to listen to as watching paint dry. I know Latifah is all popular and things, but has musical taste gone out the window?? She is NO Pearl Bailey and that comparison is growing thinner than Oprah! Latifah's singing at best is on the high end of karaoke. Now, I really like to see the Queen acting it up all over the screen, she does have talent. And I'm not hating, but there's no way in heck the Queens vocals help this cd along. Sure, the songs here are better than her solo effort of jazz standards, but they do not stand out by any stretch of the imagination. Oy!!

Awesome!.......2004-10-16

Queen Latifah as Liz Bailey I think didn't get as much play as it should have. "Lush Life" is magnificent and it has everything to do with the confidence and also vulnerability her voice displays. Brownstone's "If You Love Me" was played at the most magical scene in the film. Judith taking that ecstacy hit and then dancing in unison in that sensual Sapphic dance put you at "The Confessional". One of the greatest scenes in cinema.

Average customer rating:

Kevin Fowler is the REAL Deal....
BUY IT NOW
Real McCoy honky tonk . . .
Good, old-fashioned Texas drinking music
Honk Tonk Lives

Loose, Loud & Crazy
Kevin Fowler
Manufacturer: Equity Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

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Beer, Bait and Ammo
Beer, Bait and Ammo
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High on the Hog

ASIN: B0002IQJYG
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Tracks:

Loose, Loud & Crazy
Get Along
Hard Man To Love
Ain't Drinkin' Anymore
Political Incorrectness
A Matter Of When
Long Neckin' (Makes For Short Memories)
Triple Crown
Half
I'll Try Anything Twice
Lord Loves The Drinkin' Man
Don't Touch My Willie

Product Description

1. Loose, Loud & Crazy
2. Get Along
3. Hard Man To Love
4. Ain't Drinkin' Anymore
5. Political Incorrectness (Duet w/ Mark Chesnutt)
6. A Matter Of When
7. Long Neckin' (Makes For Short Memories)
8. Triple Crown
9. Half
10. I'll Try Anything Twice
11. Lord Loves The Drinkin' Man
12. Don't Touch My Willie

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Kevin Fowler is the REAL Deal...........2007-03-30

If you enjoy "Real" Country music, look no further...Kevin deserves any success that comes his way....Something a lot of country fans don't know is that Kevin used to be a long haired rocker! He played guitar for a hard rock band from Austin,TX. called Dangerous Toys in the early 90's...I got to see them live Halloween night 1993 at Austin's legendary (now defunct) Back Room. After Dangerous Toys, Kevin formed his own Southern Hard Rock band called Hellhounds, which later changed to Thunderfoot. They released 1 cd called Southern Discomfort (if you like Southern rock, look for it, it's out of print and hard to find, but worth the trouble!).

BUY IT NOW.......2006-10-06

WARNING! This album will have you singing to yourself day and night. Good 'ol honky tonk music don't get any better than this. BUY NOW.

Real McCoy honky tonk . . ........2005-01-01

If you like country that's grittier than what comes out of Nashville, you'll get a big kick out of singer and songwriter Kevin Fowler. He sings about hard work, hard drinking, and hard luck with women, and makes no apologies for being politically incorrect about everything else. The opening song, "Loose, Loud & Crazy," is a Friday night, tear-it-up anthem and sets the tone for the whole CD.

"Get Along" declares the end of a bad romance; then "Hard Man to Love" turns around and professes soulful gratitude for a long-suffering woman. A heart-on-the-sleeve tearjerker, "I'll Try Anything Twice," confesses a hopeless obsession for a long-gone sweetheart. There's also a series of drinking songs celebrating long necks and good times. And the two themes of love and drink converge in "Triple Crown" where it's belly up to the bar again for a broken heart.

The rough, good-ole-boy sensibility in these songs ends the CD with a sly crowd-pleaser, "Don't Touch My Willie," recorded live at Coupland Dancehall in Coupland, Texas. Its allusions to Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and George Jones show this singer squarely in the country tradition. If you like honky tonk, this is the real thing. (Also recommended: Ed Burleson, Aaron Watson, and Moot Davis.)

Good, old-fashioned Texas drinking music.......2004-12-31

Rough-edged and fully steeped in the independent spirit of Texas outlaw country, songwriter Kevin Fowler (whose "Beer, Bait & Ammo" has become a modern day comedic country anthem) makes the leap from microscopic Lone Star labels to a maverick would-be major. Kudos to Clint Black for signing Fowler up on his newly-launched Equity label, and for giving raw-boned, goofball novelty honkytonk a new place in today's super-sanitized Country charts... Having heard Fowler's last couple of albums, I was psyched and more than a little surprised to see him popping up on the Billboard Top 40... But imagine how much more surprised I was to get the album and hear that Fowler hadn't changed a thing about his sound... No slick keyboards or chessy power ballads here, just a fine, fun set of dopey drinking songs and love-a-loser lyrics. If anything, he might be trying a little too hard to be hard-country and "outlaw," but hey, I ain't complaining. I'm just glad to hear some real twang coming out of Nashville. If you like George Strait, Waylon Jennings or Ed Burleson, you're gonna love Kevin Fowler.

Honk Tonk Lives.......2004-11-20

Kevin never lets me down and his new cd Loose, Loud & Crazy is right on the money His song are stright to the point with no sappy, sweet or gooey lyrics. With this cd you get a good mix of Honky Tonkin, Drinking etc.
The tounge in cheek humor of "Don't Touch My Willie" (as in Willie Nelson) should make you grin. Other cuts that shine are his duet with Mark Chesnutt who lends his vocals to "Political Incorrectness" To bad Nashville is more intrested just selling hugh numbers with their cookie cutters. Instead of an artist of this calaber.

Average customer rating:

Cant live without
Can't live without it!
Get it if you have a toddler at home.
Life saver!
Wonderful!

For Crying Out Loud!

Manufacturer: Perpetual Cow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Sound Effects | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

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Soothing Sounds for Sleep
Transitions: Soothing Music for Crying Infants(Transitions Music)

ASIN: B00000DAN0
Release Date: 1998-09-08

Tracks:

Chamber Music: Maternal Heartbeat
Low-Commotion: Car, Wipers & Rain
Hair Tonic: Blowdryer
The Rugsucker Proxy: Vacuum Cleaner
Give It A Restaurant: Restaurant Ambiance
Gentle Cycle: Washing Machine
The Storm Before The Calm: Rain On Roof
Surf And Sandman: Waves On Beach

Customer Reviews:

Cant live without.......2007-03-14

our baby wore our vacuum out by the time i heard about this cd. this cd works like a charm, the same way our vacuum cleaner did, and my husband is even addicted to it! he always had to run our bathroom fan to sleep (hes a light sleeper, and jumps at every noise, and i snore lol) the only one that bothers us is the restaurant ambience track, its too much talking going on, makes us nervous at night. but otherwise, it really helped us calm our little one! its awesome, another MUST HAVE for every new parent!

Can't live without it!.......2007-02-02

I bought this based on a recommendation from a friend when my son was born six years ago. I passed it on after a few years and now that I'm about to have another baby I MUST have it! My son was completely soothed by the vacuum cleaner sound. We looped it on the cd player and he just slept so peacefully!

Get it if you have a toddler at home........2006-12-17

I am so glad I bought this one when my second son was born. I bought it based on the reviews on Amazon. I have a 4 year old as well and this CD has been a blessing. I turn it on in my little one's room and it keeps all the loud thuds/screams/noise that the big brother makes out of his room so that he can continue to sleep. My little one likes #4 - vaccum cleaner track. Buy it!

Life saver!.......2006-10-25

This cd is fabulous. It soothes my 8 week old son right to sleep. He especially loves the vacuum and the washing machine. Thank goodness I dont have to use the real vacuum or hairdryer any longer!! Next step is taking it in the car (which my son hates) Highly recommended!

Wonderful!.......2006-08-28

This is a great CD! Each track fades up to full volume at the start and fades down to silence at the end. This makes it nice to just play the entire CD or to loop one track since there are no sharp changes from one noise to another. So far the Car and Washing machine tracks seem to be our baby's favorites. When she outgrows the need for this white noise CD, we'll transition her to lullaby or classical music. For now though, this CD helps us keep her on a schedule and well rested by helping keep her relaxed and usually asleep during her nap times. As a bonus, the Waves and Rain on the Roof tracks are soothing for grown-ups needing to drown out noise while they sleep.

Average customer rating:

SONG LIST
Live and Loud at Billy Bobs
Cross just being Cross
Cross Canadian Ragweed
100 Stars!

Live & Loud at Billy Bob's Texas
Cross Canadian Ragweed
Manufacturer: Smith Music Group
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Live and Loud at the Wormy Dog

ASIN: B00006FIAQ
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Customer Reviews:

SONG LIST.......2007-06-20

1. LONG WAY HOME
2. 42 MILES
3. HEY HEY
4. ON YOUR OWN
5. RUN TO ME
6. LOOK AT ME
7. TIME TO MOVE ON
8. CRAZY EDDIE'S LAST HURRAH
9. MEXICAN SKY
10. IF I WERE PRESIDENT
11. ALRIGHT
12. JOHNNY'S SONG
13. BANG MY HEAD
14. CARNEY MAN
15. BOYS FROM OKLAHOMA

Live and Loud at Billy Bobs.......2007-01-05

Good album. Got it for 1 song and liked most of the album.

Cross just being Cross.......2005-04-11

If you like any sort of Texas Country, this is the album/band for you. Cross is one of the best bands to see live and have amazing energy and lyrics you can't help but love! This album captures just how amazing a live show from Cody and the boys truely is. All the other reviews are true with each song, but the one song they all miss is "Crazy Eddie's Last Hurrah". This song is AWESOME! It starts with Cody sayin' ,"this is a song about killin' a woman because she pisses you off!" Its a great song to dedicate to any woman who has done you wrong! Gotta give 'The Boys From Oklahoma' props on more great work!

Cross Canadian Ragweed.......2004-11-09

A friend from Texas introduced me to this band... Fell in love with them!!!!! Alabama was the first song I heard and loved it!!! Its the best IMO!!!!!! Cant go wrong with this band!!! Wish you had more stars to give to this band.

100 Stars!.......2004-07-23

ALL cd's by Cross Canadian Ragweed are Excellent and worth more than 5 stars!.. If you are unfamiliar, I would suggest and reccomend getting all of them a listen!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review