Swollen [CD-single] [Import]

Swollen [CD-single] [Import]

Track Listings

1. Swollen (Radio Edit)

2. Swollen (Francois K Vocal Mix)

3. Swollen (Dusted Vocal Mix)

4. Swollen (Video)

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
New single lifted from their amazing debut 'Programmed To Love'. Now on a slew of chill out collections, they now opt to go with a commerical cd single for this hauntingly gorgeous slice of down-tempo melancholia. Recently nominated for 'Best New Act' by

Swollen,Bent,Ministry of Sound/Sport,5" CD Singles,Dance

Average customer rating:

Underrated group

CD Review: Swollen Members - Black Magic

Best overall SM album

Truly Excellent

production reaches far, album falls short

Black Magic
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Battle Axe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Monsters in the Closet

Bad Dreams

United We Fall

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ASIN: B000H7JA66
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Intro
Blackout
Swamp Water feat. Phil Da Agony & Planet Asia
Pressure
Press Fwd Interlude
Grind feat. Moka Only
Torture feat. Casual & DJ Revolution
So Deadly
Weight feat. Ghostface Killah & The Alchemist
Prisoner of Doom
Heart
Too Hot feat. Dj Babu
Dark Clouds
Ritual
Massacre
Go To Sleep feat. Barbie Hatch
Sinister feat. Jacken (Psycho Realm)
Dynamite feat. Mr. Vegas
Put Me On feat. Everlast
Black Magic feat. DJ Swamp
Brothers

Album Description

Over two years in the making, "Black Magic" sees Swollen Members returning to the dark signature sound they have become synonymous with since first busting out to become the best-selling hip hop group in Canadian history. "Black Magic" is a melting pot of introspective lyrics, bookworm intellectualism, aggressive beats and party-rocking jams, and features collaborations with Ghostface Killah (Wu-Tang Clan), Everlast, Dilated Peoples, Mr. Vegas, Hieroglyphics, The Alchemist, Mix Master Mike, Planet Asia, Phil Da Agony, and more. Storming out of hibernation with their sights firmly focused on the United States this time around, Swollen Members are poised to bring their renowned live show and sound to the masses on an endless tour.

Customer Reviews:

Underrated group.......2006-12-04

This album is fantastic, One of their best, I have all their albums and this one has so many standout tracks its sick. bottom line...Get this album

CD Review: Swollen Members - Black Magic .......2006-10-17

I first got into Swollen Members (Canada's illest hip hop export, all due respect to Canibus, Choclair & Kardinall Offishall) when I picked up 2003's Heavy. I enjoyed the album, thought there a few stand out tracks, but they were just missing the proverbial "something".

My first time through their newest release, Black Magic, I noticed three things: (1) Moka Only is no longer a member of the crew, although he is one two tracks (2) This album has a much higher quality of guests: Phil Da Agony, Planet Asia, Ghostface Killah, Evidence, Mr. Vegas & Everlast and (3) The Swollen Members have found that "something".

I really enjoyed this album. The production is great. Prevail is on point as always and Mad Child has some nice verses (once you get past his B-Real meets Cage voice). There is a great mix of songs on here, some serious, some commercial, some dark, some hype, some nerd rap. This variety keeps the album flowing and makes it a great listen start to finish.

I highly recommend this album to anyone who is a fan of non-commercial hip hop. It's by no means a perfect album, but it is one of the best CDs that I've purchased in a while. If you like commercial, mainstream hip hop, you might like a few of the songs like "Pressure", "Go To Sleep" & "Put Me On", but that's probably it.

The good:

Great beats; Strong album top to bottom; Most of the guests bring a lot to the able, especially Ghostface & Evidence; Some hot tracks like "Torture", "Weight", "Dark Clouds", "Black Magic" & "Brothers"; "Heart" is a great song; Even the commercial tracks are hot, especially "Pressure".

The bad:

Could have been a few tracks shorter; I don't like how the intros are part of the previous track.

The rating:

4.0/5.0

Best overall SM album.......2006-10-12

I love this album, possibly there best one. They went back to their roots for these songs. Mad and Prev bring in new artists which shake thigs up too. I think Pressure is the odd song out on this album. I listen to it all the time. Swollen Members are great on cd, but even better live.

Truly Excellent.......2006-09-27

This CD has among the best sets of beats I've ever heard. They're consistently infectious and the lyrics they're paired with complement them to make a fantastic collection of songs. In my experience, the best beats were those in 'Pressure,' 'Grind,' 'Too Hot,' 'Sinister,' and 'Black Magic.'

If you're looking for a rap CD that employs heavy lyrics and themes along with incredible beats, this is an album that will in no way disappoint.

production reaches far, album falls short.......2006-09-20

I appreciate Rob the Vikings production, it's creative, dark, and lasting. Unfortunately, I have always thought of SM as lyrically stale and suffering bad delivery. I agree with Constant's comments. I'd rather listen to the other S&M, Slug and Murs, that is. Both of their Tribute albums are fresh. Or Deep Puddle Dynamics for the dark sound and ultra intellectual lyrics (infused with a pretentious aire of grandeur, if you will - sorry I had to, I heard Bob Novak say it). Or Cannibal Ox, futuristic yet timeless production, lyrics from the streets. Or Deltron 3030, produced by Dan the Automator. Need more classic albums, talented producers need to team with talented MCs.

Average customer rating:

Close to perfect.
Balanced Greatness!
Real underground
cambat an entity when attacked reacts by absorbin ya energy
Ground Breaking!

Balance
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Battle Axe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

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Bad Dreams
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ASIN: B00001QEOJ
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

Ground Breaking
Strength
Lady Venom
Front Street
Bless + Destroy
Counter Parts
Circuit Breaker
Out Of Range
Bottle Rocket
Assault + Battery
Valentines Day Masacre
S + M On The Rocks
Committed
Left Field
Horrified Nights
Battle Axe Experiment
Consumption
Sinful Bliss

Customer Reviews:

Close to perfect........2005-03-13

Man, this is just tight. From start to finish. Not one bad song on here. I probably sound the same compared with my other reviews when I give it a five star rating, but that what I think of when I hear albums like this. Every song was tight. I hate to mention favorites, considering everysong was better than anything being played on the radio at that time, minus Pharoahe Monch's Simon Says, even that song isn't better than these. Production, A+. Lyrics A+. Lyrics of fire, lyrics of destruction. Beats that are all pure and just get my head nodding. A lot of them sound a little eerie, which is great. Some have that Dilated sound, since Ev is on the production, and Battle Axe Experiments, wow!!!, I play that song over and over and still keep noddin. The collabs was nice. From Everlast (before he totally fell off and became country), Evidence, Divine Styler, Del the Funky Homosapean, Son Doobie, aggh, the list goes on, it's that tight. Pick this up and there Bad Dreams Albums. THose are what this group was about. Not there new crap. Get this. This was when they had fire, this was when they were about hiphop.

Balanced Greatness!.......2004-01-22

During the late 90's-early 00's, Battle Axe Records has become the biggest independent Hip-Hop label in Canada and a pretty damn respectable label in all respects. It has released solid albums from the likes of Son Doobie of Funkdoobiest, Abstract Rude, LMNO of The Visionaries, Buc Fifty, Sweatshop Union, BrassMunk, Mr. Brady, Shabazz the Disciple, Moka Only (Swollen Members), Sunspot Jonz, Perfect Strangers, and more. Yet the disc that started it all was by MC Prevail 1 & MC/Label CEO Mad Child as the Swollen Members (later Moka & Rob The Viking would be added as well). Their debuts album features production from underground heavyweights like The Alchemist, Evidence of Dilated Peoples, Kool Dj. Eq, & Del Tha Funkee Homosapien as well as label stalwarts like Kemo, Zodak, Paul Nice and Joey Chavez. There was also cuts by some of the worlds best in Mix Master Mike & Kut Masta Kurt and others. As well as guests from Dilated Peoples, Everlast, Divine Styler, Saafir, Del, Aceyalone, as well as others. But above all that what about the group members? Well you have Prevail who has a mid-range tone not to deep and not too high or scratchy real nice to listen to, as well as being able to quicken his speed of flow during his duelling of fierce battle rhymes, with lyrical style for miles. Now Mad Child is another story he has a sort of a white-snoop delivery which sounds very creepy sometimes, which goes well with the over all eerie tone of this record, now lyric wise it's debated over which of the two is better but I have to say Mad Child comes with whack lines on occasion but makes up for it other times. They have crafted here an alt-rap album full of dark mythical imagery with a brooding feeling yet not hardcore like most dark rap albums which are horror core. What lacks a bit is the hook department which would be a little nicer on the ears to have better ones but they make up for it with the top notch production and interesting rhymes throughout with a solid vibe with no time wasted for filler just straight ahead quality hip hop. Now I'll talk about tracks songs I found to be the most interesting on the album....

Ground Breaking ~ This is the opening track to the album, produced by to me lesser known beatsmith in Kool Dj. EQ, it basically sets the setting for the rest of the album using quick start stopish percussion, a low-key rapid piano sample with the main "groove" created by some disembodied monkish chanting, for me Mad Child stands out using imagery like Witches, Labrynths and various dark otherworldly things and the hook is tight referring to nightmares which is the spooky effect this album leaves you with, great opener breaks the ground perfectly.

Strength ~ Then comes my second favourite track on the album, produced by The Alchemist it has fast more prominent keys and the drum and bass is more pounding along with some background atmospheric noises to flesh out the dark sound even more, I feel though on this track Prev comes nicer on the mic and his delivery suits the beat more than Mad Child.

Counter Parts ft/ Dilated Peoples ~ A nice posse cut with Swollen sharing the mic with Dilated Peoples, my favourite piano loop on the whole album due to it's simplicity, heavier bass than a lot of tracks on this disc compliments the background noises interjected well as well as the piano loop, All the Mcs work well but Dilated outshines Swollen on their own track, oh well still an awesome joint.

Left Field ft/ Del Tha Funkee Homosapien/Unicron ~ Changing up the dark pace of the album comes Del. Lending the beat which is a very fun/happy type beat with flutey sounding sample and some vocals I think and some grimy drums and liveish bass. Mix Master Mike does some nice work with distortion as well. Del, Mad Child & Prev all drop solid verses but what really makes this track stand out is it has Del performing a verse in a character called Unicron which is his voice sped up and he comes of extremely tight at first I thought it was a new rapper which got me a little more excited but Del is and always has been a master on the mic

Those were my personal fav's but the rest of the album has plenty more imaginative beats and fresh lyrics and flows. All in all a great alternative to mainstream hip hop and also an alternative to hardcore underground or more "soft" alt-rap artists so they bring a really unique flavour. 4 stars! So go out and support some Canadian boys!

Real underground.......2003-09-29

I know everyone else has just raved on about this disc, but its well deserved. I originally picked up the original powder blue/white version of the album, but that got jacked so i can't rock the original style anymore. This is hip hop. No matter what everyone says, this is the album to get. Deep End was Sic, slightly more rebuffed, MiC had moments of mainstream, and, unfortunately, Heavy, the newest one is straying even more from the path into the overworld. This album, however, has got strait up some of the tightest production and rapping ever. Prev 1 is one of the best MC's I've heard in awhile. Pair that with Madchilds writing converted to rap and you've got yourself a a disc you will not bring out of your player. I hate to end on a down note, but Shane and Jake have got to get back to this style, no offense, but drop Moka, he's got his own style, its different than S&M's, and keep rocking it live . Peace

cambat an entity when attacked reacts by absorbin ya energy.......2003-02-20

I can't even begin to say enough about this album. Prevail (the dread head of the contrasting pair) says it best. "My comparitive dissention from high is an intense description of why the valkyre i fly." And that's just a tiny lyrical smidgen of how you'll feel after listening to Balance. This is the first album of the group that was founded by Deltron. Madchild slept on the floor of a pizza parler, freestylin for money, and finally got paid off. I could say much more about this rap enomily except that i think it falls into some sort of "dungens and dragons" kinda horror rap. Madchilds lyrics are powerful and seem to just be shot at you at times, and prevail plays it cool and brushes rubix cube like lyrics offa his sholder. Both are equally excellent rhymers in their own respects. This is the 1st album, and no matter what anyone says, it is by far the best. Seemingly innumerable hours must have been put into the production of the beats and the intracasy of the flows. In summery, BUY THIS FREAKIN ALBUM!...i don't care who you are, if you don't like it you must be a freakin puff daddy or big tymers fan. Cause Swollen Members cuts out the bull! "I'm quadrophrentic mentally/not laughing at me but laughing with me accidentilly." - Madchild. Ponder that....IF YOU CAN!

Ground Breaking!.......2002-12-20

Maybe it's just that i'm from Vancouver and so are these guys, but i can't get enough of this cd. "Balance" is the original Dark underground sound of swollen. I believe it portrays the intrigue and overall feeling of Vancouver at night. Lyrically and production wize, you can't beat this album. S+M have been performing for years all over the world and gained respect in many cities from many top underground mc's. A small amount of them join forces with Mad Child and Prevail to add some finishing touches including Del and Dilated peoples. "Balance" is diverse and ground breaking for the hip hop scene. Don't Sleep on this!

Average customer rating:

COULD'VE BEEN BETTER
Swollen Members Rawest Album
A good underground rap album that isn't for everyone (most will like "Deep End") - kind've sissy sounding
Impressive
Great album

Bad Dreams
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Battle Axe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Monsters in the Closet
Balance
Heavy
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Heavy

ASIN: B00005R5DH
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

Intro
Killing Spree
Full Contact
Take It Back
RPM
Bad Dreams
Camouflage
Poker Face
Deep End
Anthrax Island
Snake Bite
Total Package
The Reflection
Ventilate
Burns And Scars
Dark Riders
Fuel Injected
High Road

Amazon.com

There's no shortage of bad dreams on this follow-up to Balance, Swollen Members' full-length debut (and indie-hip-hop success story). Take, for instance, "Anthrax Island," recorded pre-September 11, 2001. It's not enough that the narrator is on said island--he's a cannibal, too! The title track is just as scary, thanks to producer Alchemist and some spooky keyboards. But Bad Dreams isn't all doom and gloom, as the Vancouver act's Mad Child and Prevail take on such topics as cross-border rapping (in "RPM") and the virtues of late-night recording ("Deep End"). The two have plenty of help, particularly from the Dilated Peoples crew--MCs Evidence and Iriscience and DJ Babu contribute to a number of tracks, including "RPM" and "Full Contact." Other guests include DJ Revolution, who contributes some thrilling turntable action to the Snap!-sampling "Take It Back"; Rattlesnake Jones (you've gotta love that tag); and Chris Guy, who adds extra spice to the flamenco guitar stylings of "Snake Bite." But Mad Child and Prevail really prove their flow on "Ventilate," which finds the MCs trading insults in an electric, funny dialogue and the ultracatchy "Fuel Injected." The meditative "High Road" wraps things up with Zen-like calm, and hints at even better things to come from this rock-steady West Coast hip-hop crew. --Shawn Conner

Album Description

'Bad Dreams', the 2nd full-length album, showcasing the advancement and maturity of Swollen Members with conceptual songs such as 'Ventilation', 'Camouflage', and 'Temptation'. Beats on the album are courtesy of renowned producers such as Joey Chavez, Evidence (Dilated Peoples), The Alchemist, and Battleaxe's own Rob The Viking. Scratching on the album is handled by a number of talented DJs including DJ Revolution, DJ Babu and DJ J-Rocc (Beat Junkies). Available on CD or 2LP on Battleaxe Records.

Customer Reviews:

COULD'VE BEEN BETTER.......2006-05-19

lyricaly the album is on point,but the production is weak.there ARE songs that bang but the majority are tainted by grade B production.imo worth checking out if you listen for lyrics,but if you only check for beats then you might be disappointed.

Swollen Members Rawest Album.......2006-04-18

If you know anything about underground hip hop then you should of heard of these cats.When I first purchased this disc a few years ago I played it none stop.This is that Hip Hop that skateboarders can vibe off of.Its dark but not to the point that you have to be some gothic dude to feel.Its production along with the scratchin put it up there with that east coast feel.There isnt any weak material on the album but it will get 4 stars from me because 1.it doesnt bring anything new and 2.it will not go down as a classic but thats not important.With all these cats bringin cell phone ringtone beats and braga boast lyrics to the masses its nice to see someone do it for the true hip hop heads.I do not write these reviews because I lack that thing called a life.I write them to support the real and get the word out on bangin albums.I wish more people would do the same.In the mist of all the wackness I need some recommendations yall.

A good underground rap album that isn't for everyone (most will like "Deep End") - kind've sissy sounding.......2006-01-05

Swollen Members' "Bad Dreams" is a good rap album. Every track here is fun and catchy which certainly helps the flow of the album. The only complaints I think I could make here are that the rappers are a little "sissy" sounding (you'll see what I mean - it has the same problems that Sweatshop Union's "Natural Progression" has), the lyrics are pretty subpar and the album is uneven. The lyrics are sometimes fun (though they aren't really about anything), but the songs that MAKE this good are "Deep End" and to an extent "Anthrax Island". "Anthrax Island", but most notably "Deep End", are essentially lost underground rap classics that alone earn this a "4". Except for these two songs this is only for underground rap fans. Recommended for hip-hop heads (mainstream rap fans probably won't like this, though).

Highlights include:
"Killing Spree"
"Full Contact"
"Take It Back"
"Camouflage"
"Poker Face"
"Deep End"
"Anthrax Island"
"Burns And Scars"
"Dark Riders" (sort of)
"Fuel Injected"
"High Road"

Impressive.......2005-03-13

About 3 1/2 - 4 years ago I discovered Swollen Members. Being the typical 7th grader I was, I wasn't interested in music that much if at all. When I first heard Fuel Injected on the radio I was entranced. Let's just say music has been important to me since that moment.

Out of all SM's CDs, Bad Dreams has been definetly the most impressive they've built a solid fan base because of this recording.

They are also amazing live, mhm.

Pick up the CD, it's well worth it

Great album.......2004-11-07

This album is HOT!! Heavy was a bit better, but all the Swollen's stuff is worth picking up. Mad Child is fun to listen to, and Moka Only is a savage.
And for the record, Kevin Barker, you mentioned only on band with a person who can do anything except sing exceptionally well, that being Led Zeppelin with Jimmy Page. You neglected to mention bands with actually talented musicians, like The Pppers, RATM, and Dire Straits.

Average customer rating:

This is an awesome album
Monsters in the Closet ---> TOP STUFF
Goofy Rap From Guys Who Shouldn't Be Rapping
please skip
Terrible.

Monsters in the Closet
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Battle Axe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bad Dreams
Balance
Heavy
Black Magic
Heavy

ASIN: B00006RG7K
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Tracks:

Intro
Steppin Thru
Breath (featuring Nelly Furtado)
Fuel Injected (remix, featuring Saukrates)
Battle Axe Exclusive
Heavy Thinkers
English Breakfast
Red Dragon
Bring It Home
Zenith
Members Only
Act on It
Long Way Down
Temptation
The Capitol
Crunch
Northern Lights
Rockapella
Freak Fantastic
New Details

Album Description

2002 album from Swollen Members is set to take them to an even higher level. The album includes banging new singles & remixes taking the raw heavy substance of Balance (1999) and combining it with the polished maturity of Bad Dreams (2001). Battleaxe Records.

Customer Reviews:

This is an awesome album.......2007-02-22

it's actually hard to classify this album in any one particular group, the music is so different on most of the songs it's what I call a moody CD, a song for every mood:)

The songs with Nelly Furtado "breathe" and Sarah Mclaughlin "long way down", are amazing, almost trip hop feel to them, just amazing, and the song " act on it" has a smooth classy feel to it, like old school Roots stuff...it's just a great album..

=S=

Monsters in the Closet ---> TOP STUFF.......2006-08-27

Great group, great CD. Definitely a recommended buy. The single "Breath" is a nice little bonus with Nelly Furtado that sounds different to anything else out there.

Goofy Rap From Guys Who Shouldn't Be Rapping.......2005-11-23

A white skater guy and dredded mulatto from vancouver, Canada...right off the bat, they have no credibility. I saw them live, and they played songs off of this album - horribly mediocre and stupid, its nothing new and fresh - it may not be commercially oriented, but their music so bad that I would actually rather listen to an album from pop icons like nelly or lil' romeo (and that's saying something.) What was worse, when I saw them live they opened for GHOSTFACE KILLAH of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan..what an absolute embarassment to have these clowns opening for you abusing what ghostface and the Wu did to build and revolutionize hip hop music. They have all of this dark imagery, talk with a new york-ish accent, and try to craft a tough image; but the reality is that they belong at the X games grinding some handrails and rocking a crowd of 12 year olds.

please skip.......2005-04-03

Monsters in the closet is by far their worst album ever. It sounds like they took their old tracks, put them in a blender, and put them back together without the instructions. Please skip this album, but if you must have swollen members, which I think is a bad idea entirely, pick up balance or bad dreams.

Terrible........2005-03-13

I remember waiting months on end for the release of this album.

The day it was released, I bought it. Took it home. Put it in my CD player, and it was horrible right from the start.

Heavy
Average customer rating:

best

Teenybopper? I think not.

Going to the mainstream

Best Swollen Members CD Yet

HOLY SMOKES

Heavy
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Intergroove
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Monsters in the Closet

Bad Dreams

Balance

Black Magic

United We Fall

ASIN: B0000E6EIP
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

Intro
Block Party
Watch This
Bottom Line
Burn It Down
Remember the Name
Therapy
Concentrate
Adrenaline
Don't Know Why - Abstract Rude, Swollen Members
Paranoia
All Night
Heat
Ambush/Sensation Breed - Son Doobie, Swollen Members

Tracks:

Fuel Injected [DVD]
Burn It Down [DVD]
Watch This [DVD]
Steppin Thru [DVD]
Put Me On [DVD]
Red Dragon [DVD]
Lady Venom [DVD]

Album Description

Canadian exclusive limited edition of the Canadian rapper's 2003 album includes a free DVD (NTSC/Region 0) containing 6 Swollen Members music videos, live performances, & backstage footage. Battle Axe Records.

Album Details

Canadian-only Project from Canadian Rappers Swollen Members. Heavy is a CD and Dvd Package; The CD Includes Full Album of Material, and the Dvd (Ntsc/Rc-1) features Several Hit Videos, Live Footage, Interviews and More. This is Not Scheduled for Release in Any Other Market.

Customer Reviews:

best.......2006-07-07

This cd is ALSOME!! I bought this cd last year before i went on holidays and i could stop listing to it! It is one of my fav cds. Good beats,good lyrics and a alsome dvd. The dvd is just as good as the cd! BUY THIS CD!!

Teenybopper? I think not........2004-10-19

I read a review that said that "Heavy" was "teenybopper." EXCUSE ME? When I think teenybopper, I think Britney Spears, Spice Girls, and whoever the latest pop princess is. Heavy has some fun, upbeat tracks (Block Party), moody tracks (Don't Know Why), and some with lyrics that are by no means for teenyboppers ("You can f**k a farm animal!") Once again, each song has it's own vibe that'll suit whatever mood you may be in, whether you're getting hyped before a wild night, moody after a bad day or just want to say "F**K YOU" to the world because you can, Heavy will have a track for you.

Going to the mainstream.......2004-01-05

Swollen Members are one of the strongest rap groups out there today, coming up with original beats and deliciously dark rhymes to go along. "Heavy", the group's fourth album, continues to deliver for the band. They are making strives, albeit perhaps not in the right direction. This album is full of more eclectic beats, some with a more distinctive latin feel to them, and the lyrics seem to be much more radio-friendly, much more mainstream. Not that I blame these guys, because they have to be considered one of the hardest working groups in all of music with the constant touring and four strong albums in only a few years, so they deserve everything they have worked so hard to earn. But I have to admit that I miss the darkness that was so enjoyable on "Balance" and "Bad Dreams". Aside from that, this is a very good rap album, destroying everything else that is out there today.

I like the addition of Moka Only as a full-time member of the group, because he adds another distinct voice to the group, and he is an excellent rapper as well as engineer of the choruses. I am still most impressed with Mad Child, his lyrics can be as thoughtful as they are harsh and realistic.

I hope the Members continue their torrid recording pace, because I always love hearing their new material, because they are a band that manages to grow along with staying with the roots that got them to where they are today.

Best Swollen Members CD Yet.......2003-11-15

This CD is great! I have been a Swollen fan ever since Balance. I have all 4 of their CD's (Balance, Bad Dreams, Mosters In The Closet, and Heavy) and this new one is some of their best work yet. This album has 14 of the illest beats I've ever heard, sweet lyrics, and fat bass. The beats are somewhat different than their previous ones, but they are still great. Their lyrics are as good as ever and the addition of Moka Only has helped them out a lot in terms of his writing/singing abilities. Compared to Balance and Bad Dreams there are very few other rappers featured on this CD, but now that they have made more of a name for themselves, Swollen doesn't need to feature as many other rappers. However, the album does have Evidence, Abstract Rude, and Son Doobie. The Bonus DVD has some sweet backstage and live footage, interviews, and 6 kick-ass music videos. This is a must buy for any Swollen Members fan, or anyone else who wants to get into the stuff that Battle Axe Records has put out. Check out www.battleaxerecords.com for more info.

HOLY SMOKES.......2003-11-01

This album has got to be the #1 album in my collection of cd's. I have all four albums from Swollen Members, Balance; Bad Dreams; Monsters in the Closet; Heavy. And all of them are extremely good, but this certain album is mind blowing, everysong i can't keep my body still i just have to go with it. Buy this album, Swollen Members are incredible!!!

Average customer rating:

I have loved this man for years and years and ....
A Solid Sophomore Effort!

Swollen & Tender
Umajets
Manufacturer: Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Life Moves On
Inside
Congratulations
Hang Ten
Long Way Home

Album Description

1999 & second album by duo comprised of Jellyfish's TimSmith and Hollyfaith's Rob Aldridge. 11 tracks, including 'When I Wake Up', 'On The Moon' and 'Screen Kiss'. Digipak.

Album Details

CD features Tim Smith from Jellyfish and Sheryl Crow's Band.

Customer Reviews:

I have loved this man for years and years and ...........2006-02-21

After knowing Tim Smith for well over 20 years- I can guarantee that ANYthing he does will always be great!! Of that I have no doubt! He is a wonderful man and a totally incredible musician. Give it a shot- you will not be disappointed!

A Solid Sophomore Effort!.......1999-03-24

I'll cut to the chase: If you've listened to Rob and Tim's first album as the umajets and are were left begging for more (you should have been), this album won't let you down. It's more of the same great harmonies and hair traffic out-of-controllness!

Highlights include a serious cover of Thomas Dolby's Screen Kiss, When I Wake Up, On the Moon, and the comic relief of Boxes and Mr. Combination (big time shades of Demolotion). But they're all gems.

About 2/3rds of the album are songs without drums, which leads me to believe that they were writing songs in their spare time and they just met up and threw them down on CD. An obvious side project. This is not a negative, since these guys have tons of talent, and it all comes through on swollen and tender!

-2-

Tracks:

Ground Breaking
Strength
Lady Vemon
Front Street
Bless + Destroy
Counter Parts
Circuit Breaker
Out Of Range
Bottle Rocket
Assault + Battery
Valentines Day Massacre
S+M On The Rocks
Committed
Left Field
Brace Yourself
Horrified Nights
Battle Axe Experiment
Consumption

Customer Reviews:

CLASSIC.......2003-10-22

This here is a classic hip-hop album that gets very little praise. This is before the members dropped their horrible teeny bopper album ''heavy'' and sold out their art like trolls to the industry. Honest to christ i cant even beleive this is the same group. The beats on here are rugged, u cant hate on evidence, alchemist, and zodak production. Plus it was just mad child and prevail. Now rob the viking and MOKA [whos incredible when hes SOLO] is in the crew. They completely betrayed their loyal fans and sold out. Bad dreams wasnt a bad album, monsters in the closet were balance out takes with the exception of some additional new mainstream garbage but still was a solid release. THIS ALBUM HERE IS WHERE ITS AT! THIS IS THE CLASSIC SWOLLEN MEMBERS! it will always be mad child and prevail. NO TRASH LIKE YOU SEE ON TELEVISION! COME BACK SWOLLEN! underground for life daddy!

Some people..........2003-01-21

I really have no appreciation for those who think this album was eclipsed by Bad Dreams. Shame on you all! You are no better than those who would praise J-Live's "All of the Above" over "The Best Part". It should be all too clear to all you hip-hop enthusiasts that it's not what makes them famous that counts.

Balance was originally released in a very modest setting and distributed to few in a less attrative blue and white case minus a few songs contained on the better known black and red re-release. Before this they can be heard on another compilation disc as far back as 1997 (Bomb Hip Hop Records' "Bomb Worldwide"). The beauty of "Balance" is the same as "The Best Part". Both had been works in progress for a lot longer than "Bad Dreams" or "Monsters.." and thereby have a lot more variety and I would have to say more love into this first release. There are also a lot more hands involved in the creation of this project and the album cover (depending on who you are) can read like royalty and definitely adds to the album. The artists involved intertwine beautifully to produce a sound that is truly the embodiment of underground hip-hop.

As any SM fan can plainly see that this sort of effort is possible for Bad Dreams because most of Balance had been almost completely finished a long time before it's release. However, this is certainly not to say that this album has the assortment of flavours as balance and effort.

Not to say that I hate Bad Dreams or the new mainstay of that album (namely, Rob the Viking) but it is not as good as Balance. And if you say that you think "Monsters..." is their best CD then you really need your head examined.

All told, pick this one up first if you didnt already pick up Bad Dreams. If you already own Bad Dreams and think it is the
...then you must hear "Balance". Its different and you must certainly be aware of the context which results in this albums multi-facetedness.

Pretty Good.......2002-11-28

You gotta luv these guyz. Esp. if your from Vancovuer you hear about them alot. This wuz there first CD and it's still kickin... It's good, but the other two albums are better *Bad Dreams and Monsters in the Cloest* Still, they can rhyme and Moka can sing. Gotta luv them!! Any CD of there's is worth every peeny!!

It's cool.......2002-10-31

They're from Vancouver B.C. and wow, I didn't think them cupcakes could rap without saying "eh?" But they do. It's good. I like track 14 myself.

4.25 - Swollen Members represents.......2001-12-06

"Balance" is the debut offering from the canadian duo of Prevail and Madchild. This Swollen Members album has been released twice since its initial release in early 2000, and the latest release (strictly distributed by Battle Axe) has extra tracks on it, so thus its the better buy. Anyways, "Balance" boasts terrific production from stalwarts like Evidence, Kemo, Joey Chavez and the Alchemist, along with some very dope newcomers like Kodak, who in my opinion produces the best track on the album (the operatic "Out of Range).
The lyrical content of "Balance" is difficult to fully communicate, as Prevail's rhymes are boastful and straight-laced, while Madchild relies on material that is fantastical and thematic, like dungeons and dragons references and horror-flick villain shout-outs. The chemistry of the two, however, overcomes the verbal displacement for the most part. In short, Swollen Members are one of my most fave Canadian hip-hop acts, and this album will inexorably be declared a classic in due time, on the same scale as Rascalz' "Cash Crop"; if not surpassing it.

Average customer rating:

Monsters in the Closet
Swollen Members
Manufacturer: Battle Axe
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music

Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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Balance

ASIN: B00008X5BE
Release Date: 2007-01-08

Tracks:

Steppin Thru
Breath
Fuel Injected [Remix]
Battle Axe Exclusive
Heavy Thinkers
Red Dragon
Bring It Home
Zenith
Members Only
Act on It
Long Way Down
Temptation
Crunch
Northern Lights - Iriscience, Swollen Members
Freak Fantastic
New Details

Average customer rating:

What a comeback!

Handling Swollen Goods
Ivor Biggun
Manufacturer: Stiff Weapon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

The Fruity Bits of Ivor Biggun

ASIN: B000AQBA2Q
Release Date: 2005-01-01

Tracks:

Winking Caveman [Misprint] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
Dorothy Please Trim Your Hinge [Misprint] - Ivor Biggun, Clam-Divers, Lord Crabs
Premature Ejaculation Waltz - Big Jesse, Ivor Biggun, Cowpokes
Down by the Riverside - Ivor Biggun, Loose Stool Stompers
Yodelling Winker [Misprint] - Ivor Biggun, Five-Knuckle Shufflers
All of These Things Are Soul - Furtive Five, Gripper O'Toole
Ukulele Lady - Ivor Biggun, Blistered Palm Sevenaders
Two Thirds of Four Fifths - Ivor Biggun, Boys From The Boy
Son of John Thomas Allcock - Ivor Biggun, Pitshanger Posse, Ivan Yujedic
My Baby Loves My Yorkshire Pudding - Ivor Biggun, Cock of the North Band
Bonkola - Ivor Biggun, Judge Dread, Purity League, Wandsworth Light
You Can't Have a Shag with a Snowman - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
All I Want for Christmas (Is a Great Big Dong) - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
Sailors in the Gents (Humorous Monologue - Ivor Biggun, Pete The Professor
I Feel Like Winking [Misprint][Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
Ivor Biggun Is My Name [Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
Cats on the Rooftops [Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover [Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
Filthy Limerick Mambo [Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
I Have a Dog His Name Is Rover [Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band
[Rotten Version] [Misprint][Live][*] - Ivor Biggun, Vulgar Band

Customer Reviews:

What a comeback!.......2005-12-21

After an 18 years hiatus Ivor Biggun returns with an album of new recordings. The subject matter hasn't changed much and fans will be pleased to note the total absence of good taste - indeed, any form of taste. Future favourites include "Dorothy Please Trim Your Hinge", "All These Things Are Soul", "Two Thirds of Four Fifths" and "The Son Of John Thomas Allcock". There's a bonus of two Christmas songs, destined to liven up any office party, plus an additional bonus of seven live tracks - 21 cracking tunes in all. If you like Ivor's humour you won't be disappointed with this album. Guaranteed to disgust. [...]

Average customer rating:

Plays Bluegrass
The David Thom Band
Manufacturer: Swollen
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Bluegrass | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004RBOR
Release Date: 2000-02-03

Tracks:

Katy Daley
Calendars
On & On
Berkeley Bounce
Homestead On The Farm
Jordan
Separate Cars
If I Lose
Never See My Home Again
The Bitterroot Lullaby
Goldrush
All My Life
Under Skies Like These
The Ross Valley Ramble
Over In The Glory Land
Dark Hollow

Album Description

Traditional bluegrass from one of the West coast's hottest bands. Plays Bluegrass offers good old standards like Dark Hollow and On & On, as well as new inciteful orignal songs and tunes from David Thom & Jonathan Schiele.

This album is receiving immediate radio attention in the Bay area.

Music Review:

Music Review

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