Universal Language, Vol. 3 [Import]

Universal Language, Vol. 3 [Import]

Track Listings

1. Tea in the Sahara

2. Once in a Lifetime [Dub Mix]

3. These Are the Days - Quivver

4. Slinger [Mv's Tribal Fusion Mix]

5. Zürich 6 Am [Extended Mix]

6. Radio Galaxy

7. Hear an Echo [Dub Mix] - Fred NuMF, Etienne Overdijk

8. Contended Gastronome

9. Swanky - Steve Porter

10. Colombia [Original Tranquilandia Mix]

11. Sign I

12. Spiagia

Tracks:

Buried Alive By Love
Rendezvous With Anus
Sigillum Diaboli
I Love You (Prelude To Tragedy)
The Beginning Of the End
Again
Wicked Game
Soul On Fire
Beautiful
Endless Dark
Hand Of Doom
Right Here In My Arms
Sailin' On
Pretending

Customer Reviews:

pretty good .......2007-06-22

this is just a sample complation cd but its not bad its way better tthen the last uneasy listin cd it has alot more unrealesd stuff to if you are a him fan by it but if not then download it or something

sweet relief.......2007-06-07

Some people think it's a cop-out to release CDs of remixed songs, but I think it's legit as long as it sounds good and gives a different flavor than the original, and this CD delivers. A lot of these mixes would not really work in a live performance setting, and that's probably why they were not released initially. Anyway, it's sweet relief for the ears to have new HIM sounds to listen to!

Love Metal At Its Best.......2007-05-24

I ordered this cd early from Finland on the original release date in april and i can't stop listening to it. The 616 versions of "Buried Alive By Love" and "Endless Dark" are amazing, my favorites by far; the live material is great, "Hand of Doom" and "Sailin' On" are the best live covers i've heard. A Must Have. BUY THIS CD NOW! Can't wait for Venus Doom in July, its going to be the best ever!

Average customer rating:

A Real Winner
Top quality Salsa in an unforgettable selection
Outstanding!!!
DEFINITELY A MUST-HAVE!

The Greatest Salsa Ever, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Universal Latino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Greatest Salsa Ever, Vol. 2
Very Best of Salsa
Salsahits 2007
Salsa Fresca! Dance Hits of the '90s
Salsa, Merengue, Mambo!

ASIN: B000FGG6K2
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

Pedro Navaja - Ruben Blades
Anacaona - Cheo Feliciano
Calle Luna, Calle Sol - Willie Colon
Mi Gente - Hector Lavoe
Un Sonido Bestial - Richie Ray/Bobby Cruz
Asi Se Compone Un Son - Ismael Miranda
Vasos En Colores - Marvin Santiago
La Mitad - Willie Rosario
La Cura - Frankie Ruiz
Payaso - Andy Montanez
La Rueda - Orquesta La Solucion
Lobo Domesticado - Tommy Olivencia
La Critica - Jose 'El Canario' Alberto
Dejame Sonar - Tito Puente/Tony Vega
Lloraras (En Vivo) - Oscar D'Leon

Customer Reviews:

A Real Winner.......2007-06-02

The title says it all. Every song is a winner and this CD contains the best.

Top quality Salsa in an unforgettable selection.......2007-05-25

As you can see, it would result unuseful any speech about the quality and historical significance of all these top songs and also about the artists (all of them stars around the world). Everyone is a must-have song in any collection of this kind of music. It is a lovely selection recorded with original sound and in a very danceable sequence. Very difficult to say what is better than other but the only song a little bit "out-of-focus" is "Lloraras" because of that it has been recorded live and the sound is not original (but excellently interpreted by Oscar de Leon, as well). Strongly recommended!!!

Outstanding!!!.......2007-04-25

This is a release that has got to be heard...a smoker front to back. Every single track included is among the best salsa ever, every single track is on the mark. All of the songs were top hits on their own and are now included here in one cd. The line-up alone is testament to it's dancing power. The songs in this cd have both Puerto Rico's grooving criollo style of salsa and New York's funkier, jazzy style. From New York City: Ruben Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Hector Lavoe; Jose 'El Canario' Alberto; Tito Puente/Tony Vega; Richie Ray; Larry Harlow; Ismael Miranda. From Puerto Rico, Marvin Santiago; Willie Rosario; Frankie Ruiz; Andy Montanez; Orquesta La Solucion; Tommy Olivencia. Lastly, from Venezuela the great, Oscar D'Leon makes an appearance to round out the cast to get "your feet a poppin and da booty hoppin". You owe to yourself to check this one out. Highly recommended.

DEFINITELY A MUST-HAVE!.......2006-06-22

This is one of the best salsa cd's. It has the best artists and the best songs all in one album, which is hard to find now days. Compared to other salsa cd's I have bought this is the most complete by far.....

Average customer rating:

All The Hits
A Smoker!!!
Truly Great Salsa

The Greatest Salsa Ever, Vol. 2
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Universal Latino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | International | Styles | Music

Mexico | International | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Salsa | Latin Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Greatest Salsa Ever, Vol. 1
Salsahits 2007
Very Best of Salsa
Salsa Fresca! Dance Hits of the '90s
Merenhits 2007

ASIN: B000HEZBX0
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

El Gran Varon - Willie Colon
Las Caras Lindas - Ismael Rivera
La Murga De Panama - Willie Colon
Plastico - Ruben Blades
La Rueda - Orquesta La Solucion
Fuego A La Jicotea - Marvin Santiago
Casi Te Envidio - Andy Montanez
El Flamboyan - Willie Rosario
Me Voy Pa' Cali - Oscar D'Leon
Periquito Pin Pin - Tommy Olivencia
El Mas Buscado - Domingo Quinones
Trayectoria - Ismael Miranda
A La Hora Que Me Llamen Voy - Jose Alberto 'El Canario'
No Vale La Pena - Johnny Rivera
Quimbara - Celia Cruz

Customer Reviews:

All The Hits.......2007-06-02

A continuation from Vol I of the all-time greats. Every song is a winner!

A Smoker!!!.......2007-05-12

The companion cd to volume 1 and every bit as good. This release has the top cream of old school salsa in it. Not one bad track in the lot. Of all the salsa compilations I have come across, this and vol. 1 are as good as it gets. Wheter you are a hard core Latino or are just a lover of great music, I highly recommend this. You just can't go wrong here. Bon appetit.

Truly Great Salsa.......2007-01-12

Although the title may seem a bit smug, this truly is great salsa from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. This is an ideal collection not only for a genuine salsaholic but also someone who is looking for an overview of the genre. There is not a single lame groove on this disc, and some of my favorites are songs I had never even heard when I bought it. Some of these songs also have things to say, like the heartbreaking story of "El Gran Varon" (The Great Male) and the scathing social commentary of "Plastico." For real old-school salsa, check out "Las Caras Lindas" (Beautiful Faces) or The Queen of Salsa herself, Celia Cruz, on "Quimbara." Another great tune is "A la Hora que Me Llamen Voy" (At the moment they call me, I go) by Jose Alberto "El Canario": It starts with a crowd scene like Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," then the intoxicating chorus begins, the beat kicks in, and El Canario starts singing in a voice so sensual that it could melt iron. This is the rare CD on which you will find yourself listening to every song and not skipping over a single one!

Average customer rating:

pretty jazzy
Warm Rainfall
Brilliant
Sublime
A New Refreshing Album With A New DJ

Café del Mar, Vol. 9
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Universal International
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Dance & DJ | Imports | Stores | Music
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Café del Mar, Vol. 10
Café del Mar, Vol. 5
Café del Mar, Vol. 4
Cafe Del Mar - Volume 7
Cafe Del Mar: Volume 6

ASIN: B00005B9OJ
Release Date: 2002-05-27

Tracks:

Beyond The Sunset - Jo Manji
Island Memories (Original Mix) - Lovers Lane
Desire (Ambient Mix) - Blank & Jones
Lunar Landings - Kalliope
A Day In The Sun - So Fine
The Cure (Sunshine Mix) - Miro
Troya - Rue Du Soleil
Plentiude Part 2 - Soft Wave
Many Rivers To Cross - CDM
Time Is The Enemy - Quantic
Quente - Trio Mafua
8.00 AM - Lazybatusu
Morning Light (Coffee Shop Remix) - Mr. Swen G

Album Description

2002 edition compiled by resident DJ Bruno Lepetre. 14 tracks, Jo Manji 'Beyond The Sunset', Lovers Lane 'Island Memories', Blank & Jones 'Desire' (Ambient Mix) Kalliope 'Lunar Landings', So Fine 'A Day In The Sun', Miro 'The Cure' (Sunshine Mix), Rue Du Soleil 'Troya', Soft Wave 'Plenitude Part 2', CDM 'Many Rivers To Cross', Time Is The Enemy 'Quantic', Trio Mafua 'Quente', Lazybatusu '8.00 AM', Mr. Swen G. feat. Inusa 'Morning Light' (Coffee Shop Remix) & Digitano & CDM 'Rajamanta'. This CD includes one interactive track, where you will see pictures from Ibiza, Cafe Del Mar & his famous sunset sessions. Digipak.

Album Details

The Ninth Volume of Tracks Specifically Assembled for Ibiza-ayia Napia-bahia Mar-style Chillers.

Customer Reviews:

pretty jazzy.......2006-04-18

This is an excellent CD. Every song belongs on the disc (except
"time is the enemy" by Quantic, although an excellent song, it is too upbeat for this CD and could have been replaced by something from the Knighthawks. This song can be found also on Private Lounge 3, of which I own, and the song by Quantic was a purchasing point for me to buy the CD, so don't take this opinion in the wrong way or out of context.). All of these songs keep a tight knit from one song to the other - this has made it into my top 3 CD's out of 50 something.

If you like this album, or haven't purchased it, you should check out some albums by Praful at the same time, you're sure to enjoy.

Again, this is a great disc.

Warm Rainfall.......2005-04-07

I recommend you buy this CD. It feels like a warm rainfall while sitting out on the roof watching the colours of the moving traffic below.
Buy it!

Brilliant.......2004-12-10

This compilation is so soothing. you can just sit down with a drink in your hand and let your mind wander as you listen to the blissful tunes coming from this cd. Its simply brilliant, a perfect way to spend a chilled out evening as you maybe watch the sun set on a golden beach. If you dont have a beach, dont worry, listening to this cd will make you think you were on a sunset beach in Ibiza.

Sublime.......2003-08-29

This is chill music for the soul, music to live by. One beautiful track after another. It has played non-stop on my various CD players since I got it 5 months ago...and I am not even close to growing tired of it. Rather, it has become like oxygen. I can't live without.

Every CD in the del Mar series is worth its weight in gold, but this one can be weighted with a far more precious metal. I would need to be a poet to say more about this wonderful compilation. But I must mention track 5: it is a highlight among bright stars. Never have I heard such smooth and darkly elegant guitar work, all of course backed by a first-class chill groove.

Plug your soul into this CD...you will be transported to a lovely place.

A New Refreshing Album With A New DJ.......2003-07-08

Well, I first heard their music from their album VOLUMEN OCHO. Though I really hate the cover, still, the music is wonderful. Then, when this new album arrives, I wonder whether I can buy it or not ( NB : See the prize and you'll know what I mean ). Finally I buy it and I really enjoy it. Everything is nice, the music, the booklet, and mostly, the video they put on this CD. But very unfortunately, the track that is perhaps the best one, Rajamanta ( i.e. last track ), can't play except you turn the video. I really wonder why such an unfortunate thing can happen.
But don't be so dissapointed, the tracks are wonderful. My favorites are :
- Jo Manji : Beyond The Sunset
- Kalioppe : Lunar Landings
- ? : Desire
The others are nice but, for me, not the best. If you are a CAFE DEL MAR's fan, better buy this one.

Average customer rating:

Very nice
Melaza

Flow la Discoteka, Vol. 2
DJ Nelson
Manufacturer: Universal Latino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Mexico | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music

General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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Presenta: El Pentagono
El Cartel: The Big Boss
Los Benjamins: La Continuacion
Residente o Visitante
The Bad Boy

ASIN: B000MTOLTU
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

Intro: Bienvenido A Mi Discoteka - DJ Nelson
Chica Virtual - Arcangel
Pasarela - Dalmata
Que Pasara - Zion
Mal De Amores - Nejo
La Soledad - Jowel & Randy
Dale Miami Damelo - Voltio
Anoche - Huey Dunbar & De La Ghetto
Bambula - Abrante & Teco Calderon
Mami Que Tu Necesitas - Andy Boy
Love Sex & Disco - AJ
Peligrosa - Dalmata & Nejo
Mami Getlow - Chillin
Club Bango - Gringo 'El Independiente'
Dime Si Tu Quieres Mas - Gello Star
Guayandote - Guanabanas & Noriega
Me Enamore De Mi Prima - Eliot
Algo De Ti Me Llama - O'Neil
Muevela Muevela - Andy Boy
Depende - Jo
Como Estas - Nejo & Heuy Dunbar
Gracias Mama - El Nino

Customer Reviews:

Very nice.......2007-05-12

It was about time. We needed some new rythms in Reggaeton. Cd is pretty clasic... but DJ Nerlson was not afraid to experiment with other rythms and fussions. Nice peace.

Melaza.......2007-04-17

This Cd is really good i recomended to everyone who likes reggaeton a different styles of music

Average customer rating:

Not what I expected
Not worth it
Decepcionante ! Es esto lo mejor de la musica latina ????

Now Latino, Vol. 2
Various
Manufacturer: Universal Latino
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Latin Pop | Latin Music | Styles | Music

Mexico | International | Styles | Music

General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
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Now Latino
Now, Vol. 24
From KK To Kumbia All-Starz / Ayer Fue Kumbia Kings, Hoy Es Kumbia All Starz
Now, Vol. 23
Pasado

ASIN: B000JJRWXA
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

Lo Que Me Gusta A Mi - Juanes
Machucando - Daddy Yankee
Down - Ken-Y
Este Corazon - RBD
Me Voy - Julieta Venegas
Angelito - Don Omar
Paso A Paso - Luis Fonsi
La Botella - Macy & Daddy
Se Vale To To - Calle 13
Calle - Tito El Bambino
Chevere - Voltio
Noche De Sexo - Wisin & Yandel
No, No, No - Thalia
Muneca De Trapo - La Oreja De Van Gogh
Se Esfuma Tu Amor - Marc Anthony
Pensando En Ti - Frankie J
Levemente - Reik
Cha Cha - Chelo
Por Ti - Belanova
Te Mando Flores - Fonseca

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2007-02-10

This CD is only pop and a few reggaeton songs. How does that represent the best of Latin? There is no salsa, merengue, bachata, or anything. I was hoping for a nice mix, of top songs from the year in every latin music style. You WILL NOT get much out of this CD. The only reason I gave it a rating of 2 is because I do like 5-6 songs on it. But there should be 20 #1s!!

Not worth it.......2007-01-26

There are maybe 2 or 3 songs that are good the rest #@(*&^W&^$@!# (get it).

Decepcionante ! Es esto lo mejor de la musica latina ????.......2006-12-02

Que lastima que esto sea lo mejor de la musica latina ...
Donde estan Mana , Alejandro Sanz , Paulina Rubio , Laura Pausini , David Bisbal y tantos otros ....?????

Al CD le sobran la mitad de las canciones.

Average customer rating:

Diary of a Band, Vol. 1 and 2
John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers
Manufacturer: Universal/Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Harmonica Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Crusade
Strange Brew: Eric Clapton and the British Blues Boom: 1965-1970
Paul Butterfield Blues Band/East West

ASIN: B000RHKAS8
Release Date: 2007-09-10

Tracks:

Gimme Some Lovin' (Spoken Introduction - The Train)
Crying Shame
Local Boy Makes Good (Speech Only - Impromptu)
Help Me
Blues In B Flat
Soul Of A Short Fat Man
Blood On The Night
Edmonton - Cooks Ferry Inn (Speech Only - Impromptu)
I Can't Quit You Baby
Medley
My Own Fault
God Save The Queen

Album Details

2007 Digitally Remastered Edition of the Two Live Albums by Sir John and his Magic Band of Bluesmen that were Originally Released in 1968.

Average customer rating:

Live at the BBC, Vol. 1
Lloyd Cole & the Commotions
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
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Time on Earth

ASIN: B000QJLP3G
Release Date: 2007-08-06

Tracks:

Glory (Saturday Live Bbc Radio 1 Session 26/05/84)
Patience (Saturday Live Bbc Radio 1 Session 26/05/84)
Perfect Skin (Saturday Live Bbc Radio 1 Session 26/05/84)
Rattlesnakes (Richard Skinner Session Bbc Radio 1 05/07/84)
Speedboat (Richard Skinner Session Bbc Radio 1 05/07/84)
Forest Fire (Richard Skinner Session Bbc Radio 1 05/07/84)
Andy's Babies (Richard Skinner Session Bbc Radio 1 05/07/84)
Forest Fire (Bbc Session 1984)
Four Flights Up (Bbc Session 1984)
Down On Mission Street (Bbc Session 1984)
Charlotte Street (Bbc Session 1984)
Sweetness (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
Perfect (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
Down On Mission Street (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
2cv (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
Four Flights Up (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
Rattlesnakes (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
Speedboat (Bbc In Concert Hammersmith Palais 13/12/1984)
Forest Fire (Richard Skinner Session Bbc Radio 1 05/07/84)

Album Description

First volume of rare BBC Radio recordings of Lloyd Cole & The Commotions, the Scottish '80s Rock/Pop outfit who could have been the next Smiths if only Morrissey and Co. weren't around at the same time! Lloyd's suave, cool and collected vocals and intelligent and personal lyrics plus a great band behind him inevitably brought comparisons to The Smiths, but The Commotions were far from copyists...they were the real deal. This volume covers the band's heavy promotion of their first album Rattlesnakes in 1984 and features classic Pop nuggets like 'Perfect Skin', 'Four Flights Up', 'Forest Fire', 'Rattlesnakes' and many more. Universal. 2007.

Average customer rating:

12 Gold Bars, Vol. 1
Status Quo
Manufacturer: Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000007432
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Tracks:

Rockin' All Over The World
Down Down
Caroline
Paper Plane
Break The Rules
Again And Again
Mystery Song
Roll Over Lay Down
Rain
Wild Side Of Life
Whatever You Want
Living On An Island

Album Description

1980 compilation for one of Britain's longest-lived rock bands. 12 tracks, 'Again And Again', 'Break The Rules', 'Caroline', 'Down Down', 'Living On An Island', 'Mystery Song', 'Paper Plane', 'Rain', 'Rockin' All Over The World', 'Roll Over Lay Down', 'Whatever You Want' & 'Wild Side Of Life'.

Average customer rating:

The Mages Did it Again
The sweeping collision of poignance and thrash.
Excellent second effort; creative arrangements
Pretty Damn Good
Incredible Sophomore Album

Black Mages, Vol. 2: The Skies Above
Original Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Universal Japan
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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The Black Mages: Final Fantasy
The Black Mages: Battle Music of Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children
Final Fantasy: Symphonic Suite
20020220: Final Fantasy Orchestra Concert

ASIN: B0006GAXU0
Release Date: 2005-01-03

Tracks:

Rocking Grounds
Zeromus
Vamo' Alla Flamenco
Hunter's Chance
Otherworld
Matoya's Cave
Man with the MacHine Gun
Maybe I'm a Lion
Battle with the Four Fiends
Skies Above
Blue Blast

Customer Reviews:

The Mages Did it Again.......2007-07-11

I only recently discovered the Black Mages but their infusing of Final Fantasy music and rock is just plain great. This album is no exception either. I won't go through every song in detail, but I'll talk about the most noteworthy ones.

The Rocking Grounds is a great song to start off with. When you hear it you automatically know what the Mages are about and how they play their music.

Otherworld is an odd change from the original. Usually the Mages rock up a slower FF song, but here they took a hard/scream rock song and turned it into almost pop music. It's not bad, I actually like it, but it's different for sure. I like the original better, actually, but only by a little.

Maybe I'm a Lion is just an amazing song--it's fast and loud and just plain great.

The Skies Above is... well... apparently some people don't like it and I can't tell why. I think it's really amazing. The slow piano tune for Zanarkand plays first, then jumps into rock and keeps going until the unexpected, deep, male opera voice cuts through. At first it seems strange, but when the song really picks up and he gets going it's an experience. Make sure you turn up the volume, though, or the effect is lost. It's like driving a racecar slowly--what's the point? I think this is the best song on the album.

It's a shame the CD isn't cheaper, but being an import I guess it's expected to be expensive. Still an amazing album and a great buy.

The sweeping collision of poignance and thrash........2005-12-17

As a fan of The Black Mages' debut album, I knew I wouldn't have any difficulty loving another LP if they used the exact same structure and formula as the first. Unsurprisingly, this was not the case, and The Black Mages have taken everything that made their eponymous debut special, while adding a significant number of innovations to the table.

1. The Rocking Grounds

...although you wouldn't think so from the first track. This song is very reminiscient of their previous material. Solid, but a bit unmemorable.

2. Zeromus

On the contrary, this song is excellently layered with signature Black Mages guitar sound and extra quirks that make it unique. A very recognizable tune from FFIV, interpreted excellently here.

3. Vamo' Alla Flamenco

Surprisingly yes, this is the same band, juxtaposing near-salsa music with acoustic guitar, infused with the usual hard rock, to make an extremely memorable- arguably danceable track. A highlight.

4. Hunter's Chance

This is a very quality song, dark in tone and driving in its nature. It seems to be one of the more underrated songs on the album.

5. Otherworld

When I first realised this song would be included, I wondered just how they'd pull it off. The band had proven they could reinterpret classical scores into rock anthems such as Dancing Mad, but how could they reinterpret this stunning metal piece from FFX?

The answer, of course, is that instead of "rocking it up", they toned it down. This song is much, much more melodic than its FFX counterpart, with a very competent female vocalist in KAZCO. Another highlight of the album, and very memorable, it will of course draw comparisons with the original, even though these comparisons are fairly undue. As a reviewer, I would say that both songs stand very highly on their own merits.

Now a note on the vocals on this album....there are two songs that feature them- this track, and The Skies Above, which I'll cover later. Speaking frankly, neither of the songs have vocals that the average radio listener would call "good". I note that they are unorthodox and extremely unique, standing out from the music on several levels. Your mileage may vary, but then again the "average radio listener" probably isn't even reading this review, are they?

6. Matoya's Cave

A lovely song, providing a "break" of sorts without ruining the flow of the album. Extremely impressive, and it really showcases the versatility of the band.

7. The Man With The Machine Gun

This song is instantly recognizable and highly enjoyable. One of my favourites off of the album, very-fast paced.

8. Maybe I'm A Lion

I must agree with another reviewer and say that FFVIII features some of the best music in the series, and this reinterpretation is no different. Extremely impressive.

9. Battle With The Four Fiends

An intense track, reminiscient of the work on their first album.

10. The Skies Above

This song in particular seems to draw the most fire from those I've spoken to...and I can't help but disagree. This song is the absolute highest moment of the album, and comparable with Dancing Mad in its brilliance. From the opening piano intro that brings back the stirring emotions of sadness prevalent whenever it appeared in FFX, the song suddenly leaps into intensity with a fast, driving buildup and breakdown. Out of nowhere, vocalist "mr. goo" soars above and beyond all of the instruments with his voice unlike anything I've ever heard. The song continues, with vocal melodies complimenting the ever-surging music impeccably, until the end where the song explodes and calms down to a slow anthem, followed shortly by an outro on keys, bringing the song full circle. The vocals on this track seem to be the main point of contention when it comes to "song sucks" or "song does not suck" arguments, and all I can suggest is that you listen to the song and decide on your own. If you're open-minded and the phrase "loud, accented, operatic male singer" doesn't make you cringe, then you may just end up loving this song as much as I do.

11. Blue Blast- Winning The Rainbow

I'm of the belief that this song is an original composition by the band, but there are obviously those that say otherwise. Nonetheless, it is a quality, fitting ending to a very quality album.

So an underview- this album overall flows better, sounds better, and is more unique than its predecessor, but I still highly recommend listening to their debut first. Nonetheless, if you enjoy Final Fantasy, rock music, and any combination of the two, you're sure to find a satisfying listening experience in The Skies Above.

Excellent second effort; creative arrangements.......2005-08-02

This is The Black Mages' second offering. Their sound in this collection is far more mature than their first offering. Apparently this is partly due to the fact that a great deal of the first album was pre-programmed, and most of the music on this disc was actually performed. The tracks on this disc have a wide variety of styles, more creative arrangements, and fewer gaps in consistency to detract from the listening experience. There are a few real gems on here. The guitarwork is more Satriani-like and less Van-Halen, meaning less crunch and more soaring melody. That's not to say that the crunch is gone; it's here in spades, but there's a lot more variety now. There's also a great deal of virtuosic acoustic guitar. We're not talking classical or anything, but it's pretty darn good for a rock album. Here's my track-by-track breakdown which might be a bit laborious for some, so skip it if you want.

Track 1: The Rocking Grounds (FF III)
-------------------------------------
Right off the bat, we hear a much richer, more mature rock-and-roll style from the Mages. The drums are a little less thrashing, and the music just drives. While this track isn't exactly special, it's a nice intro as to what's to come.

Track 2: Zeromus (FF IV)
------------------------
I love this track. The music just glides. Fans of FF IV (FF II in the U.S.) will recognize the main theme in the middle of the song all of a sudden. Really cool stuff. (Right at 1:08, if you're curious.) It's not the best track on the album, but it's heavily nostalgic for me.

Track 3: Vamo' Alla Flamenco (FF IX)
------------------------------------
This is probably the best track on the album, and is worth the price of the disc alone. Apparently a fan favorite in their concerts, they carry it off beautifully here and build a truly remarkable rock-and-roll piece. Great acoustic guitar inserted in the middle.

Track 4: Hunter's Chance (FF IX)
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This is a totally transformed version of the tune from FF IX. Quirky little tune. They've added some really Satriani-like guitar along with some video-game like synth scales that add nostalgic value to the track. They even threw in a great little piano solo in the middle. Really, everything but the kitchen sink in this tune. Good stuff.

Track 5: Otherworld (FF X)
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What's that? Vocals??! Yup, they got a singer for this one. She's pretty good, too. Not exactly Joan Jett, but she rocks enough for this one. Not bad.

Track 6: Matoya's Cave (FF I)
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Very clever little rock ballad with some deceptively simple acoustic guitar. This track probably best displays their new maturity as a band, as it's no longer just heavy-metal; at one moment it's a little folk tune, then it's down and dirty blues, and just for good measure they put in a really cool section in the middle where it's just a synth that sounds like a video game. It doesn't break the flow and it adds some nostalgia. Really terrific work here. Fans of the album Celtic Moon will probably really like the light touch on this particular track.

Track 7: The Man with the Machine Gun (FF VIII)
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I find it really interesting to listen to this one back-to-back with the version on Fithos Lusec Wecos Vinosec. Really, totally different take on the same subject matter. Some great guitar on this track; we're back to Van Halen territory.

Track 8: Maybe I'm a Lion (FF VIII)
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More FF VIII. FF VIII probably had the best music in the series, but most of the stuff that was available before was orchestral; this takes the final battle music and makes it rock. This is probably how it was supposed to sound on the console, but it didn't work quite as well as it does now. This is probably the "hardest" rock on the disc, and it really does rock. Awesome guitar, especially towards the end.

Track 9: Battle with the Four Fiends (FF IV)
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Another quirky rock and roll piece. Nothing special here.

Track 10: The Skies Above (FF X)
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This COULD have been a great, anthemic track. This aims to be this album's "Dancing Mad" (see their first album for info on that track), and it works okay, but a couple things just aren't quite right: First, going from solo piano to straight-out rock just didn't work for me, and second, their choice of a singer was a bit oddball. This is a sort of heavy-metal ballad, but this guy is more of a Broadway-ish baritenor. This should have been sung by more of a rock singer with a more expressive range. He hits the notes (which are really high), but his style is totally at odds with the music around him. The track is still listenable, but I just can't help thinking what it could have been. This track is the only reason I don't give this album five stars.

Track 11: Blue Blast - Winning the Rainbow
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There's some mystery surrounding this track. It appears to be Final Fantasy related, but noone seems to know where it's from. I found a reference to "Village Beach Soldier Western Team Entrance Theme Song" on one site, but I have no idea whether this is a FF reference or something else. Other folks seem to think it's an original piece by the band. Either way, it's a good tune and it fits well with the rest of the album.

Pretty Damn Good.......2005-04-10

The style they approcahed with this album
is a little more guitar heavy which is
definately a plus. Matoya's Cave if you
remember from FF1 they turned into such
a masterpiece.

The whole album is great. The only flaws
I kind of see are the strange people they
had sing for The Skies Above and Otherworld.
You'd have to listen for yourself. Get this Album!!

Incredible Sophomore Album.......2005-04-08

I bought the first album a while ago and loved almost every song. Especially the Boss Battle theme from FFVII (which to this day I still think is Nobuo's best song ever written) and was exciting to see he created a sequal album. I'm happy they put songs from IX which weren't in the first album (especially Vamo' Alla Flamenco), but am saddened that he didn't put any more of the awesome tracks from FFVII. The guitars are crunchy as hell and have incredible melody. My only beef with this album.. which was my only beef with the old album.. is the synth sound just gets so cheezy and annoying sometimes.. but it's easy to get over.

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