Matter & Form

Matter & Form

Track Listings

1. Intro

2. Chrome

3. Arena

4. Colours Of Rain

5. Strata

6. Interceptor

7. Entropy

8. Endless Skies

9. Homeward

10. Lightwave

11. Perpetual

Matter + Form,Vnv Nation,Anachron Sounds,Rock

Just A Matter Of Time
Average customer rating:

Fantastic!

Best effort yet!!!

Randy Rogers Rocks

A new Randy Rogers

Passionate Music from the Heart of Texas

Just A Matter Of Time
Randy Rogers Band
Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Country | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rollercoaster

Like It Used to Be

Reckless Kelly Was Here

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

The Red Dirt Album

ASIN: B000H4VVCK
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Better Off Wrong
Kiss Me In The Dark
One More Goodbye
Just A Matter Of Time
You Could've Left Me
You Could Change My Mind
Before I Believe It's True
You Start Over Your Way
If Anyone Asks
You Don't Know Me
If I Told You The Truth
Whiskey's Got A Hold On Me

Amazon.com

On this Texas group's first major-label release, which debuted in the Top Ten of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, frontman Rogers and Americana star Randy Foster reprise the songwriting strength that marked the band's last album, Rollercoaster. But here, Foster--who again handles producer's duties--takes the quartet in a different direction, particularly on "Kiss Me in the Dark," a tune he cowrote with former hitmaker George Ducas. It's a sexy, radio-friendly song of skin-and-sheets surrender, and like several other efforts on Just a Matter of Time, delivers a libidinous afterglow. What it doesn't do is keep enough of the band's essential renegade character at its core, despite a smattering of Southern rock underpinnings. While Rogers is an affecting lead singer, and his wounded baritone excels at conveying the heat of obsession and fevered longing, in the end this all comes off reminiscent of a Firefall album from the late '70s--a bit too mellow, too AC pop, and too unsure of what it really wants to be, except successful. --Alanna Nash

Album Description

"We were really conscious about not letting the fact that this was going to be our major-label debut mess with our heads" says Rogers, "Because to us, this record is really just the next step. For many folks who don't know about the movement that's going on down here, it'll be their first look at us. But we approached this like we were making our fifth record, not our first. And there was a lot of trust from the label in terms of, `You guys go out there and make a record and turn it in, and we'll leave you alone and let you do your thing.'"

In exchange for that creative freedom (and the luxury of a considerably bigger budget than they'd ever had before), the band and Foster delivered on their end of the bargain. Like Rollercoaster before it, Just a Matter of Time plays like a rock 'n' roll album with a country heart as big as Texas, or a straight-up country record played by a killer rock 'n' roll band. But in fine country tradition, it's the uniform quality of the songs that really steals the show. All but two were co-written by Rogers (four with Foster himself, a potent combo that yielded many of Rollercoaster's brightest moments, including the single and "Somebody Take Me Home," later covered by Kenny Chesney for his The Road and the Radio album); the other two were contributed by bassist Richardson (a former front man in his own right) and Foster and George Ducas, who first struck gold co-writing Foster's first big solo hit, "Just Call Me Lonesome." Here, they contribute the irresistible "Kiss Me in the Dark! ," which was pretty much destined to be the lead single from the very first time the band heard it. "If we were going to cut an outside song, it had to be such a great song that you couldn't pass on it," says Rogers, smiling. "It would have to be a single."

"We just wanted this record to be an honest representation of where we were at when we signed our first major-label deal," says Rogers. "I think it's the best thing we've ever done, but … we're going to make another record pretty soon, and hopefully we'll feel like that's the best record we've ever done, too. The idea is to just continue to raise the bar."

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic!.......2007-05-29

I stumbled onto RRB through pandora.com and have just been absolutely thrilled. After hearing songs from both Rollercoaster and Just A Matter of Time, I bought both CD's and love them both from beginning to end. As far as the Radney Foster influence, well, I don't know a single Radney Foster song. What's the deal here? It seems people are getting caught up in what they expected the album to be and the fear of what it wouldn't be instead of appreciating what it is.

Best effort yet!!!.......2006-12-06

I can't believe the bad reviews that some have posted about this album. Overall, the cd is solid top to bottom. There isn't a weak track on the entire cd. If you like the other albums by RRB, you'll like this one, as well. A lot of Texans get ticked that they've gone mainstream, but they are still the same.

Randy Rogers Rocks.......2006-11-10

Have you been to their shows? This album is like a show! Randy's voice sounds great and Brady's fiddle is amazing. The cd fits every mood, listen you will be addicted!

A new Randy Rogers.......2006-10-12

I must admit, I was very skeptical about the new Randy Rogers Band release, with there first major record label release I was worried that they would become just another Nashville sounding band. Well I was right, they were different, don't get me wrong I still like there music but it just isn't the Randy Rogers that I know and love, they have lost some of the sound that was so characteristically Randy Rogers Band. Obviously everyone is going to be talking about there latest single "Kiss Me In The Dark," while I do like the song its just so unlike any Randy Rogers song I have ever listened to. I also like the song "You don't know me," to me this is the most like any old song written by him, when people first listen to the new album in my truck this was the first song I played for them! The lyrics on this album are far different than anything the band has done before, its easy to pick up the outside influences, which I wish weren't there. I'm still drawn to these guys, you cant replace Randy Rogers voice, its one of the most unique voices in country music, I hope everybody at least gives there new album a chance, its still Randy Rogers and its still good, just a little different. If you are just now getting into the Randy Rogers Band then I would recommend "Like It Used To Be" and "Rollercoaster" from there previous albums, you wont be disappointed!

Passionate Music from the Heart of Texas .......2006-09-30

If you've ever met Randy you will know that he is the Will Rogers of Texas Country Music. He never met a man he didn't like, but has met at least one woman who has broken his heart. Nights on the road playing and partying with some of the most talented artists on the Texas music scene have spawned some incredibly passionate songwriting partnerships on Randy Rogers Band's new CD. Anyone who has done any livin at all can't help but have memories stirred up from this collection of hard hitting songs. From true heart breakers like Whiskey's Got A Hold On Me and If Anyone Asks to sexy songs like You Could Change My Mind and the bedroom ballad Kiss Me In The Dark RRB really gets the blood flowing. Randy belts them out with a haunting honesty that hits deep inside you. The band's awsome insrumental talents aren't hidden by the over-engineering that clutters many Nashville produced CDs. You Don't Know Me written by bass player Jon Richardson highlights each musician's incredible talent as the music drifts from one solo to the next. I can listen to RRBs music over and over, it just doesn't get old. Think this aint true Texas music? Don't just listen to the music, go see Randy and the guys when they come to town. Get close and let it sink into your skin like mesquite smoke from a campfire on a hot Hill Country night.

Average customer rating:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits
The Gold By Andrew
The best of Webber
THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES
Super good CD

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Greatest Songs from the Musicals
Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: Original Soundtracks

ASIN: B0000657XY
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Superstar - Murray Head w/ the Trinidad Singers (Jesus Christ Superstar)
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand (Sunset Boulevard)
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
You Must Love Me - Madonna (Evita)
Any Dream Will Do-Donny Osmond (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)
Memory - Betty Buckley (Cats)
Pie Jesus - Charlotte Church (Requiem)
The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Don't Cry For Me Argentina -Patti Lupone (Evita)
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball (Aspects Of Love)
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman (The Phantom Of The Opera)
The Perfect Year - Glenn Close & Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones & Sounds Of Blackness (Whistle Down The Wind)
No Matter What - Boyzone (Whistle Down The Wind)
Oh What A Circus - Mandy Patinkin (Evita)
Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman (Whistle Down The Wind)
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman & Jose Carrerras (1992 Olympics Theme)

Amazon.com

The critical debate over Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical legacy will no doubt rage for decades. Is he the shrewd populist composer who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical--or a crass, Barnum-esque showman (who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical)? This 18-track anthology chronicles the high points of Sir Andrew's enduring songcraft and the irrefutable impact it's made across a remarkably disparate swath of tastes and genres, from Broadway to Top 40 radio and even the classical repertoire.

If some have accused Lloyd Webber's songs--like "The Music of the Night" (from Phantom of the Opera) and the title tune from Whistle Down the Wind, included here--of having all the melodic and lyrical sophistication of a children's lullaby, that's likely the very element that's made them so appealing to a mass audience. If nothing else, it's a compelling argument for that old notion about it being "the singer, not the song." Indeed, there are few contemporary composers whose music could entice divas from Streisand ("As If We'd Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Blvd.) to Madonna (Evita's "You Must Love Me") and Charlotte Church ("Pie Jesu" from Requiem) to cover it, let alone forge the very careers of artists like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. And if there's any substance to that other criticism of Lloyd Webber lifting the melodic ideas of composers from Verdi to John Williams (we swear that's the theme to Jurassic Park bubbling up in Tom Jones's camped-up take on Whistle's "The Vaults of Heaven"), at least, like virtually every major composer, he's stolen--er, borrowed--from the best. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13

I sent this CD to my parents and they love it! It is nice to preview the songs on-line instead of with greasy headphones in a music store! The shipping is always speedy and makes sending gifts across the country so much easier.

The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23

This cd is a must have for any Webber fan. It has many great songs from his most sucsessful musicals. But something I don't like about this cd is that some of the singer how sings some of the songs arn't the onse that sings the originals. Like "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Love Changes Everything". Witch is so sad. Couse the original songs are so much better.
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.

The best of Webber.......2005-09-12

Although I like Andrew Llloyd Webber and his music very much, this collection earns only 4 stars and it's not because of the quality of the music but the level of performers. If a best of collection is made it should contain the best version ever done and this time it's not true. I could write the same review for the European edition (labeled import here) because the blend of the two would be a perfect best of.

Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.

What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.

I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.

THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31

There are numerous compilations out on the market full of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. As most people know, Lloyd Webber is the most successful musical composer of all time and many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. This compilation captures some of the best songs he has ever written, he personally supervised it and it is the best thing to have if you can't afford his five-CD compilation called "Now and forever", which was selected and supervised by him as well. You should bear in mind, however, that there are two compilations called Gold out there: The one made for the European and the British market, and this one, made for the American buyers. Some of the songs on both of them are the same, the others are performed by different artists and some can be found only in one of the two. This one here was issued later and it is digitally remastered. Therefore you should check your favourites and buy accordingly, or, if you can, buy them both, since both of them contain interesting songs and performers.

So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:

1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.

2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.

3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".

4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.

5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.

6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.

7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.

8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.

9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.

10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.

11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.

Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.

Super good CD.......2004-12-31

The songs on this CD are great. If you also play piano, the book of the same title goes perfectly with the CD. You can following along with the music and learn the songs on the piano.

Average customer rating:

The Songs are Too Long, But the Album Is Worth Checking Out.
Blown Away
Best Maiden album in years but hard to review
Maiden releases best effort since Brave New World
This is a good CD

A Matter of Life and Death
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Brave New World
Dance of Death
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
Somewhere in Time
Piece of Mind

ASIN: B000H7JD4A
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns
The Pilgrim
The Longest Day
Out Of The Shadows
The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
For The Greater Good Of God
Lord Of Light
The Legacy

Amazon.com

You've got to hand it to Iron Maiden. After two decades of recording and releasing albums, the British sextet still has its share of fresh ideas, something it proves once more on A Matter of Life and Death. The opening tracks "Different World" and "Brighter than a Thousand Suns" show, more clearly than ever, the group's progressive rock roots and its affinity for upsetting expectations about what a heavy record should sound like. But some of the material--"These Colours Don't Run" and the epics "Lord of Light," "The Legacy," and "The Longest Day"--also suggests that the band could stand to expand outside its comfort zone a little more often. By now we know what to expect even from the most unusual Maiden album and that familiarity ultimately sinks A Matter of Life and Death faster than any fad at the forefront of the heavy rock scene. At best the record shows the band is still vital, at worst it shows us that Steve Harris and company are coming up a little bit winded these days. --Jedd Beaudoin

Customer Reviews:

The Songs are Too Long, But the Album Is Worth Checking Out........2007-05-11

I love Iron Maiden, but I'm hardly a BIG Iron Maiden fan. This is only the third CD I've heard by the band (the other two being "Piece of Mind" and "The Number of the Beast") and considering that most bands from the '80s are has-beens and wannabes by now, it's nice to see that Iron Maiden are not only surving, but thriving. This is a 10-song album and I liked all of the songs. Loved 9 out of 10 of them really, but I'm giving it 4-stars for one major reason. The songs are way too long! I've always been a guy who likes his songs short and to the point. But there are some exceptions. I love Rush and The Doors, but if you're going to write a song that almost hits the 10-minute mark, it better be that long for a reason. Some of the songs on this album have no reason for being that long. The shortest track on the album is the first track "Different World" (4: 18); The longest track is "For the Greater Good of God" (9: 24). The only track under 5 minutes is the aforementioned first track. Anyway, onto more things. Singers voices naturally mature over the years. Listen to Chris Cornell when Soundgarden first started and then listen to him now. Sounds different doesn't he? This has occured with several artists with long careers such as Geddy Lee, Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder, Robert Plant, etc. Since Bruce Dickinson is a vocal God, I was nervous to hear how he'd sound. Guess what? He sounds great! His voice sounds almost exactly the same, just a bit more nasally...But he still rocks! The opening track (despite being a little "cheesy" lyrically) is a great way to start the album. It's a great song, that could easily be a radio staple. The next track "These Colours Don't Run" is a very political song with a great guitar and vocal performance. Up until "The Longest Day" and "Out of the Shadows," it's a five-star album. These are the weakest tracks, but Maiden quickly regains momentum with "The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" which is a little too long, but still is great. The next song, the longest, would be a 5-star song if not for it's 9-minute run time. It's a song that seems to be nine minutes long only so they can prove that they can write a song that long. They could have easily shaved off 3 to 4 minutes off of it. The next two tracks are good (except, also very long), especially the closer "The Legacy." Hardcore Maiden fans will be very pleased no doubt and so will newcomers, but this is a 10-song album. It should be 35 to 45 minutes. This album is 2 seconds shy of being 72 minutes long! You have to set aside a certain time of your day to listen to this album. It's got some great songs on it and I'd recommend you check it out. If Iron Maiden can still rock this hard all these years later, they could put out a masterpiece with their next album (if the songs are shorter). "Number of the Beast" is commonly considered their best album...They still have a chance to improve upon that one.

GRADE: B

Blown Away.......2007-05-01

Just when I'd written Maiden off, thinking there was no way they could come back after the somewhat disappointing Dance Of Death, they release A Matter Of Life And Death. Not only that, but the album has the same feel as Dance Of Death, but they actually accomplish the progressive feel without getting repetitive. This is the best album since Bruce rejoined the band, perhaps the best Maiden release since Powerslave.

The album kicks off with what at first seems to be a standard Maiden starter, with a fast metal riff and a verse reminiscent to that of "The Wicker Man." The chorus of "Different World" shows that this is a different world indeed, where Bruce throws away his trademark shriek for a more melodic tone. And somehow it works.

"These Colours Don't Run" has a verse that sounds like a chorus. Very catchy in that Maiden way we've come to know. Also has the accomplished progressive feel the band seemed to be aiming for on Dance of Death without losing the epic edge the band had on previous releases.

"Brighter Than A Thousand Suns" has a cool riff, but unfortunately goes on for a tad bit too long for my tastes. Also sounds a bit like a redone version of "Paschendale," except I like "Paschendale" better. Still a good track.

"The Pilgrim" is another good track that falls short of the excellent standard set by the rest of the album. Unfortunately, it gets swallowed up by the other tunes, so is not as memorable as it could have been.

"The Longest Day" begins with Harris' classic slow gallop and a haunting guitar riff. Dickinson proves yet again that his voice is as good as it ever was. "The Longest Day" is thankfully not too long. About five minutes into the song, the guitar takes off, leading into a solo reminiscent of early Maiden but still with the modern vibe.

"Out Of The Shadows" reminds me of "Children Of The Damned," and is a great song although the chorus does get a little repetitive. This time, however, the band keeps it relatively short (my main gripe about Dance Of Death is that the songs are long with the chorus being repeated over and over again).

"The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg" kicks off the epic four set at the end of this album. All songs at this point are over 7 minutes long. I really like the way the song starts, and when Bruce starts singing, you already feel like you've started on his journey. Then the Sabbath-like riff kicks in. Wonderful song.

"For The Greater Good Of God" is the longest song on the album, clocking in at 9:24. This song starts out sounding like it belonged back on the X Factor. Thankfully, Bruce and not Blayze comes in, and all is well. Bruce once again shows why he belongs with the mike. His vocal range absolutely destroys on this song.

Following that, there is "Lord Of Light," and on this track, Bruce actually sounds a bit like Blayze. But not for long. He starts screaming in true Dickinson fashion. This song could easily have been on Number of the Beast without sounding out of place.

The closing track, "The Legacy," is probably my favorite on the album.

Best Maiden album in years but hard to review.......2007-04-18

This is the album Maiden fans have been expecting since Seventh Son, but it's also the hardest one to review in the band's history. On the plus side, we see a unique and strong concept for the songs and cover (war and religion), a distinct never-seen-before-in-Maiden prog sound, inspired songs and an end to that repeating the same chorus to exhaustion that we saw in BNW and DOD. On the con side, the slowstart-getsheavy-endsslow throughout the whole album can get in the nerves and if the mood is not right you can't stand listening to it.

Xcept for the pseudo ballad Out Of Shadows, all songs are individually outstanding and capable of featuring on any Maiden album. And you have the impression that they will be even better and more powerful when played alive. But you end up wishing that some were shortened and started with a heavy riff for a change. On the musician side, stars are Bruce singing like The Prisoner with new tricks and Nicko drumming like Neil Peart. The rest of the band sounds strong as ever, but you wonder when they will do triple solos, since they have 3 G-men now, and why they did not allow Adrian to use the "commercial" inspiration that gave us Prisoner, Run To The Hills, Flight Of Icarus, Aces High, Two Minutes, Wasted Years, Evil That Men Do and The Wickerman.

Don't get me wrong, I love the album, but I end up listening to it less than BNW and DOD, because it depends so much on my mood (and a long commute) for me to really appreciate it. Well, here are the songs for a detailed look in:

DIFFERENT WORLD - one of the best openers for Maiden, joins the hard rock feeling of DOD's Wildest Dreams with the quality of BNW's Wickerman and a chorus from Thin Lizzy. 9/10
THESE COLOURS DONT RUN - starts the long prog pieces, great chorus, aggressive singing, the bridges between solos could be less dull. 8/10
BRIGHTER... - absurdly heavy riff from Adrian, will scare off some Black Metal fans, great lyrics, again agressive singing, a little repetitive chorus though. 8/10
PILGRIM - Egypt meets Maiden adds complexity , great guitar intro, second shortest song, Bruce kicks a**. 9/10
LONGEST DAY - you feel right into Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan's first 15 Minutes. This is awesome, a long proggy song, with emotional lyrics and singing that will send shivers through your spine. 10/10
OUT OF SHADOWS - downfall here. Joins Tears Of The Dragon with Wasting Love to a worse result than any of them. Not bad, but not on Maiden level. 6/10
REINCARNATION... - the most original single ever, and a great one. A slow deathly start with "enigmatic" lyrics, heavy and hooky guitar riffs, awesome Brucelike chorus and catchy simple solos. Need more? Personally, I believe that Benjamin Breeg is an alias for Eddie, ie, the band -> check the lyrics. 10/10
GREATER GOOD... - Best song in the album, a classic right now. Epic, singalong bridges, hammeringc chorus, you can't make it better no matter how you try. 10/10
LORD OF LIGHT - Again a great song. Slow and dark start, a heavy rock'n'roll riff starts a journey into the dark side of God, aggressive singing, solos all around and some guitar bending and vibratoes never sae in Maiden before. 9/10
LEGACY - mix of Medieval acoustic guitars, bombastic keyboard moments and some aggressive singings, but electric guitars are a little downplayed here. Great ending for the album and a nice innovation from Maiden, like DOD's Journeyman. 8/10

PS: check Saxon's new Inner Sanctum album, it's absurdly good.

Maiden releases best effort since Brave New World.......2007-04-11

Iron Maiden released their best studio effort since 2000's Brave New World, and their first studio effort since 2003's Dance of Death, entitled A Matter of Life and Death in September of 2006.
I, having been a Maiden fan since the release of Seventh Son of a Seventh Son in 1988, have been looking forward to anything new the band releases. Although 1990's No Prayer for the Dying and 1992's Fear of the Dark had their moments (guitarist Adrian Smith had left in 1990), the two Blaze Bayley albums The X-Factor and Virtual XI on the other hand were deplorable. Blaze sounded to me like Bruce Dickinson come David Lee Roth and not in a good way. I was relieved when Dickinson and Smith rejoined in 1999 and have since released three killer studio efforts.
This album once again features bass player Steve Harris, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers, drummer Nicko McBrain and the Air Raid Siren himself lead singer Bruce Dickinson. Also, the band reunites with co-producer Kevin Shirley who co-produced the album with Harris.
A Matter of Life and Death I liked right off the bat (like Brave New World in 2000) and immediately caught on to the songs and go away air drumming to them. The album has its war theme through out and the guys really have caught the emotions and feel of being in one I think.
The opening Harris/Smith penned rocker Different World is just smokin' hot and Smith can still play leads and Bruce wails like the singer he is. Next is the piece These Colours Don't Run and is going to be a Maiden staple along Brave New World, Hallowed Be Thy Name and many others. Brighter Than a Thousand Suns is next and is a powerful and well written epic length rocker (these two previously aforementioned rockers were penned by Harris/Smith/Dickinson). The Pilgrim follows, and no it's not about John Wayne, but about settlers and Gers co-wrote this track with Harris. The Longest Day is next and is a superb rocker penned by Smith/Harris/Dickinson with an opening you want to hear over and over again.
Out of the Shadows, penned by Dickinson/Harris, is next and is as close to a ballad that Maiden will ever get although it is still heavy. The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg (penned by Murray/Harris) is a killer track and the reason why I got the album. For the Greater Good of God, penned by Harris himself, follows and is another great rocker which just flat out rocks. Next is Lord of Light, penned by Smith/Harris/Dickinson, which is another great song and fans will love this off the bat. The closing nine plus minute epic The Legacy which was penned by Gers/Harris. The epic is a masterwork and doesn't bore you at all. The song will be another Iron Maiden fan favorite!
The Limited Edition of the album came with a bonus DVD which features a making of featurette which is over 30 minutes and also two videos for The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg and Different World and finally a photo gallery.
I acquired the album at Circuit City for $8.99 and got a cool poster which has the album's cover on it.
The album became the band's first album to hit the US Top 10 (peaking at #9) despite the fact the album had little to no promotion.
RECOMMENDED!

This is a good CD.......2007-03-27

Bruce is sounding a little hoarse, and the songs are a little too repetative for my taste. I don't think it has the spark of Iron Maiden or Killers. But I listen to this CD more than any Maiden release since Live After Death, and I like it better than Somewhere in Time or Seventh Son. Its consistent all the way through, unlike many Maiden albums that to my taste have 4 or 5 good songs and then filler. The songs are mature, well written, and fairly interesting for the most part.

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason

Average customer rating:

It's Dreamy
My Favorite Composer of all time
An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears
OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!
It's simply lovely

American Dreamer: Songs of Stephen Foster; Thomas Hampson; Jay Unger; Molly Mason
Thomas Hampson , Jay Ungar , Molly Mason , Garrison Keillor , David Alpher , Mark Rust , Michael Parloff , Peter Ecklund , John Kirk , Arnold Kinsella , and Stephen Foster
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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Song of Home
Song of America
Harvest Home
Civil War Classics
Stephen Foster Song Book

ASIN: B000002SK7
Release Date: 1992-10-20

Tracks:

Opening Solo Violin
Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair
Hard Times Come Again No More
The Voice Of Bygone Days
Foster Favorites Medley (Ring, Ring The Banjo (1851) Oh! Susanna (1848) Camptown Races (1850)
Open Thy Lattice, Love (1844)
Beautiful Dreamer (1864)
That's What's The Matter
Old Home Medley (Old Folks at Home (1851) My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night (1853)
Molly! Do You Love Me? (1850)
Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair (1851)
Comrades, Fill No Glass For Me (1855)
Dancing On The River (Nelly Bly (1850) The Glendy Burk (1860) Angelina Baker (1850)
My Wife Is A Most Knowing Woman (1863)
Gentle Annie (1856)
Linger In Blissful Repose (1858)
Ah! May The Red Rose Live Alway (1850)

Customer Reviews:

It's Dreamy.......2007-01-10

This is a very wonderful recording of Stephen Foster by a master singer.
Foster's songs are of a more innocent and naive time in the American psyche, a time that it would not hurt us to remember, given the wretched brutality of American culture today (something you'll appreciate after listening to this recording).

The songs are beautifully sung by Mr. Hamspon, and the musical accompaniment with piano, mandolin, tuba, banjo, etc. seems a perfect setting for this period music. I enjoyed the musical interludes of Foster songs (not sung by Mr. Hampson), such as "Oh, Suzanna", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Camptown Races." They are foot-stompin' and finger-snappin' good in a non-syncopated way.

Mr. Hampson's voice is so beautiful, and he has done such a wonderful job with these song's you'll just have to hear it, and when you do, tell me that you're not dreaming.

I remember reading a quote by John Phillip Sousa that decried the use of syncopation in American popular music. I never understood it until listening to this recording. The richness and intensity of American popular music (as experienced in the work of Stephen Foster) has been lost.
Everything has to be so cool today, thanks to syncopation, and "cool" really means no emotion.

If emotion is what you want, emotion is what you'll get with Stephen Foster's songs. It was a time when the death of loved ones (especially those who died in their youth) was experienced more often (see "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair" and "Gentle Annie"). And we were not protected from the vicissitudes of fate by myriad government programs, modern medicine and universal prosperity (see "Hard Times").
Husbands and wives had their differences then, as today, (see the amusing song "My Wife is a Most Knowin' Woman") The passion of the Civil War (Foster was a Unionist),is reflected in a wonderful, fun song, "That's What's the Matter."

If you love good music, and you have heart which can be stirred, and you love your country, this is for you.

I love this recording. It has opened up the door to my "beautiful dreams," dreams of bygone days, lost love, and whatever else we pine for.

I wanted to buy several copies for my friends, but somehow I felt that the impact of this recording was so personal, that it could not be shared with others. Not that they couldn't enjoy it, but that I could not begin to share the intense emotion and reverie stirred in my heart by these beautiful songs.

My Favorite Composer of all time.......2006-08-20

Growing up playing his stuff on piano, I love the instrumentality of this CD..the violins give off that wail that he speaks of..I am not sure what it is about Stephen Foster but these verses..grab me like no other..there is so much sensitivity to it..

I dream of Jeannie with the light brown hair
Born like a vapor on the summer air
I see her tripping where the bright streams play
Happy as the daisies that dance on her way
Many were the wild notes her merry voice would pour

but the violins in this CD make this CD the best out there..
FYI should you be into astrology Stephen Foster is definition of Cancer...Sun and Moon conjunct in Cancer with mars in Scorpio..i love his lyrics..almost to the point of obsession..

An American classic from Hampson that brings smiles and tears.......2006-07-17

Stephen Foster was the greatest American composer of sentimental parlor ballads--he so perfectly imitated folk songs that his music wound up turning into them. In an age of home music-making and later of families sitting around the radio, Foster's songs were a staple, often performed by crossover artists from opera like Lawrence Tibbett. Those were plump, ripe styles of singing, highly flavored by church hymns.

In this 1992 collection of 17 Foster favorites, plus a few rareties, Hampson drops the platform manner and goes straight for heartfelt sincerity. His tone is plain yet sweet, his expression intimate. He is accompanied by instruments redolent of the Victorian drawing room (guitar, fiddle, upright piano), and the mood they create brings tears and smiles of remembrance. This music is embedded in America's genes, and it's wonderful to realize that every note is still alive and throbbing with feeling.

OMG!!! More than 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars, one of the best album in the world!!!.......2005-11-25

Simply one word, WOW!!!
Thomas Hampson's voice is simply fantasic. His voice is very different from regular operatic baritone voice, very sweet, and rich. I really cant believe an operatic baritone can sing folk song like THIS good, in my opinion he sounds even better than his opera works in this album. His voice and the background music matches perfectly, the outcome would move u to tears, and u can feel the origin of MUSIC. This album really shows what the word MUSIC means, and the songs simply just ALL beautiful. I like his "beautiful dreamer", "my life is well knowing woman", and "jeanie with the light brown hair" the most. When I listen the songs I would just imagine that I am in the world of past USA, and I can feel the life of the ppl in the past USA~ just like watching an old classic movie, it would touch ur heart and fall in love with this album.

It's simply lovely.......2004-12-14

I didn't know Stephen Foster (I thought): wrong: Oh Susanna, etc, I knew, but had no idea who the composer was.

This CD is a revelation. The melodies are so beautiful, as are the poems, and Thomas Hampson just brings them to life as wonderfully as ever. I especially love "Beautiful Dreamer" - it gives me butterflies - and "My wife is a most knowing woman" - the way he makes the voices and the indignation is just brilliant. If one needed reminding what a brilliant singer Mr Hampson is - this disk does it.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
This is not industrial.
VNV Nation's weakest album
Matter + Form
Great CD

Matter + Form
VNV Nation
Manufacturer: Metropolis Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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

Praise the Fallen
Dark Angel
Gelb
Honour 2003
Subkutan

ASIN: B0007X9TTI
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Tracks:

Intro
Chrome
Arena
Colours Of Rain
Strata
Interceptor
Entropy
Endless Skies
Homeward
Lightwave
Perpetual

Album Description

Shaking off the conventions and cliches of the EBM and futurepop genres, VNV Nation have crafted a work of art. From haunting, quiet beauty to introspective depths, to dance floor anthems, "Matter + Form" is an album crafted to move not only bodies on the dance floor, but hearts as well. VNV Nation is the new face of electronic music.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-05-30

This VNV Nation album is awesome, but all of their albums are awesome too. The music and the lyrics are great in Form + Matter and I highly recommend it.

This is not industrial........2007-05-28

This is a synthpop music. If you're looking for the hard-edged sound in Praise the Fallen, or Empires, try Front Line Assembly or Infected Mushroom. This album (much like Futureperfect) is mostly pop music. It is an entirely different style for VNV Nation, but it's one of the best damn synthpop albums I've heard. I really like all the song, except for one: Entropy. Even the lyrics, which VNV usually excells with, are bland in this song. Listen to the samples first, and if it's the kind of thing you're into, get it. Don't give it bad credit because it's not as dark or industrial as their earlier works.

VNV Nation's weakest album.......2007-05-14

Much as I love VNV Nation's other albums, this one just flopped. Although Chrome was fantastic, and Arena and Perpetual were good, the rest of the album sounds like the soundtrack to a coma/seisure depending on the track. It pales in comparison to the brilliance of Judgement or Empires.

Matter + Form.......2007-02-19

This album is a lot more musical than their previous ones. The music is smooth, instead of the grating electronic beats found on the earliest albums. Harris relies more on his voice then in several past albums, such as Empires and Praise the Fallen. This is probably most evident in Chrome, which was also released as a single. There are also a few instrumental songs, including Colours of Rain, Strata, Interceptor, and Lightwave. The last three have some pretty decent techno beats.

I liked all of the songs except for Colours of Rain and Endless Skies. They were too slow for my tastes, but it's very possible that many people will like these songs.

It's hard to compare this album to earlier ones, since the style changes (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). But I do think the new style caters better to generic techno lovers. That said, VNV Nation is electronica, and there's a significant difference between it and your basic techno/dance music.

I give product 4 stars. It's not the best techno music ever (kind of dull compared to some groups, definitely not the "dance" genre), but it's a pretty solid album. If you like VNV Nation mainly because of their earlier sound, this album may not suit you. But in general, all techno lovers should find this to be a pretty decent CD.

Great CD.......2007-01-10

Every song on this CD is great. I originally purchased it just because I liked a couple of songs, but quickly realized the entire CD was full of great music.

Average customer rating:

Let This One Brew For Awhile
Their best yet
Maiden at their very best
A Matter Of Iron Maiden Ruling the Universe...
never a big fan

A Matter Of Life And Death
Iron Maiden
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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United Abominations

ASIN: B000H7JD4K
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Tracks:

Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
Pilgrim
Longest Day
Out of the Shadows
Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
For the Greater Good of God
Lord of Light
Legacy

Tracks:

Contains interviews and two in-studio performances.

Customer Reviews:

Let This One Brew For Awhile.......2007-07-06

Much to the consternation of some fans, the band played this entire album in concert on the latest tour. This attests to how strongly they feel about it. This is the best all-around album of the three since Dickinson and Smith returned to the fold. All the songs, though lacking the immediate punch of say, "The Trooper" or "Aces High", are completely solid - not a bad one in the bunch. Sure, it isn't "Piece of Mind" or "Powerslave", but it isn't meant to be. It is the fourteenth album by a group of veteran metallers who are smart enough and daring enough never to repeat themselves.

Let the full flavor of this album come out. Given the proper amount of aging, the spontaneous fermentation will create a pleasing array of tastes for your palate. It probably won't grab you immediately. Don't expect it to hit you like a shot of whiskey. Savor it like a fine wine or a really quality beer. Like a cat trying to get into a closed box that holds the catnip, all the little nuances will claw their way into your brain, scratching and howling all the while until you're hooked. "For the Greater Good of God" in particular, is simply an awe-inspiring song. Easily my favorite track of theirs, post reunion, and arguably one of the best of their entire career, it is both traditional and custom-shatteringly gutsy, both fierce and sublime in scope (clocking in over 9 minutes). Man, that orchestral mid-section has me smiling and bobbing my head as the triple-axe melodies of Murray, Smith and Gers weave a wonderful web of musical brilliance. "Brighter Than a Thousand Suns" is my second favorite (another long one), for many of the same reasons.

Dickinson is still at the top of his game. And yeah, maybe the Air Raid Siren doesn't have quite the range as he did in 1982, but for a guy pushing 50, he sure gets dang close. And speaking of guys pushing 50 . . . what fountain of youth has Nicko McBrain been drinking from lately? Just listen to the drums on this record - does that sound like the drumming of a guy who pushed the big 50 BEHIND him 3 years ago? Has this drummer not aged incredibly, just like a fine wine? (See? There I go again with the alcohol theme. Man, I've got to end this review soon before I get drunk.) And of course, as always, you can hear the ever-present influence of bassist/mastermind/main songwriter/spiritual grounder Steve Harris threading its way through every song.

OK, so the big question in your minds: why only 4 stars? Well, again . . . it isn't "Piece of Mind" or "Powerslave". That is its strength, but also its weakness. A couple of these songs just can't compete with some of the classics. Also, I don't care much for the cover art. That being said, diehard Maiden fans should not be disappointed by this album by any means, and any casual listener of the group will also find it worthy of their attention.

Their best yet.......2007-06-29

A lot of purists might disagree but I personally think this is Maiden's best album yet. Well worth buying.

Maiden at their very best.......2007-06-26

When Iron Maiden came together again with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith for the recording and release of Brave New World in 2000, metalheads around the world held their breath in anticipation. What they got was a fantastic return to the aggressive, creative song writing that has made Iron Maiden THE gods of the metal world for over 25 years.

Yet despite this brilliant comeback, the band managed to take a slight slide backwards with the follow up, Dance of Death. Although this record has some incredible moments, it did not contain the consistency and sense of urgency found in Brave New World.

And so once again, the metal world held their breath as Maiden prepared to release their third 'comeback' record, A Matter of Life and Death. What emerged was not simply a disc worthy of comparison to Brave New World. Rather Maiden may have released their finest work to date.

To call this album masterful almost sells it short. Every song stands on its own as a great piece. Yes, many of the themes are the same that have run through the veins of the Iron Maiden collection since day one. However, Maiden often demonstrates a more mature, leveled approach. The Lord of Light is a song about Satan, but not the pitch fork carrying, horns and tail Satan. Rather, Bruce dares to ask what life must really be like for the fallen one. Political observation remains a strength with the powerful Greater Good of God and Legacy.

The performances on this disc are impeccable. The solo on the first track, Different World, is everything we love about Adrian Smith. The measured, calculated notes are so well crafted you find yourself humming along. As usual Steve Harris delivers his signature bass sound with great riffs. He also continues to serve as the songwriting backbone of the band and there is no shortage of Harris masterpieces here.

As usual, the most underrated rock guitar player on the planet, Dave Murray, delivers his creamy, Fender strat sound and ripping solos. Always brilliant, but never pretentious, Murray always manages to surprise on a track or two. This is saying quite a bit when you consider this is their 14th studio album. Gers levels just enough restraint to leave you wanting more, but still manages to explode where appropriate.

Bruce shows he still has the pipes to front the greatest metal band of all time. Moreover, he continues to prove how adept he has become as a songwriter and lyricist.

But the real overachiever here is Nicko. In the past, Nicko has let the 'prog' rocker side get the better of him, occassionally overdoing it and sacrificing the rythmn. Not here. Nicko gives us the stripped down soul punching beats while managing to get in some well syncopated fills. And the snare drum sound. As a long time drummer, I salivate every time I hear it.

Plenty of folks have already broken down the album song by song. However, for any metal fan hiding under a rock who has not picked up this record yet, it is EVERY bit as good as Killers, Number of the Beast, Piece of Mind and Powerslave. If that doesn't sell you on this disc, you might as well turn in your metal card. Up the irons!!!!

A Matter Of Iron Maiden Ruling the Universe..........2007-06-04

Eddie and the boys are back with a powerhouse!! Superb playing, phenomenal singing, masterful song writing... everything you love about Maiden... all here!! I would argue this may very well be the best album they have put out since the late '80s.

UP THE IRONS!

never a big fan.......2007-05-26

i was never a huge fan untill this cd. although i have every cd they have made,i like piece of mind cd but this just blows that away. this is a very tight cd every song is great and i like the second half of this cd the best.

Average customer rating:

Don't Matter
Akon
Manufacturer: Universal/Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

I Wanna Love You
Konvicted
Irreplaceable, Pt. 1
Luvanmusiq
Taylor Hicks

ASIN: B000P5F7GC
Release Date: 2007-05-14

Tracks:

Don't Matter (Explicit)
Shake Down (Remix) (Explicit)

Album Description

2007 CD single pulled from the rapper's hit album Konvicted. Features 'Don't Matter' plus 'Shake Down' (Remix). Island.

A Matter of Time: The Downchild Collection

Average customer rating:

Party in a Jewl Case
Some Are More Famous, Nobody Does It Better!

A Matter of Time: The Downchild Collection
Downchild Blues Band
Manufacturer: Blue Wave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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It's Been So Long/Ready to Go
Body of Work-Downchild Collection V.2
One Eye Open: Live at Rosa's Lounge, Chicago
Live at the Palais Royale
Buried Alive in the Blues (+ Bonus DVD)

ASIN: B00004X0GO
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

It's Been So Long
T.V. Mama
Flip, Flop & Fly
Going Dancing
Tell Your Mother
Dusty Road
Annie's Got A Sister
Don't Mind Dyin'
Rock It
I Got Everything I Need (Almost)
Shotgun Blues
Dig Myself A Hole
Downchild Shuffle
Lazy Woman
Let's Get High
Tramp
When I Say Jump
Dew Drop Inn
I Am Mr. Downchild
It's A Matter Of Time

Customer Reviews:

Party in a Jewl Case.......2002-05-09

First heard of these guys years ago when the Blues Bros. put out "Briefcase full of Blues", finally got around to checking them out and couldn't be happier. It's easy to see where Aykroyd in particular being a Canadian was enthused with these guys. The Downchild songs are among the best they covered. If you like Houserockers in general buy this it delivers.

Some Are More Famous, Nobody Does It Better!.......2001-03-26

Caught Downchild in Key Largo on the last gig of their winter 2001 tour of the Florida Keys. I hadn't seen Donnie Walsh and his great blues/jazz band since about 1982 in Toronto. First caught them in 1971 or so when they played my high school in London, Ontario. Fantastic to see them still in the game and cooking fit to set the building on fire.

Donnie Walsh demonstrated his mastery of blues harmonica and guitar throughout the set--no surprise there. Everyone else in the band displayed formidable chops and a real appreciation of ensemble playing--even with all the virtuoso soloing and fills, no-one stepped on anyone else, ever. Special surprise at this gig was the appearance of guest alto saxophonist Richie Cole--well known in the jazz world for his Phil Woods/Charlie Parker-influenced playing. One of the evening's high points was Richie's solo spot, where he took the band down low and demonstrated a simply breathtaking alto technique. Close your eyes and you'd have sworn it was Charlie Parker himself up there, spiraling off on the upper intervals of the chords at warp speed. Just a great treat to watch from ten feet away.

Sadly, Donnie's brother Hock, with whom he founded Downchild some thirty-plus years ago, passed away this past year. He's greatly missed, but the band goes on under Donnie's leadership, its power and enthusiasm intact. Suffice to say that there is a very good reason the Blues Brothers (Dan Akroyd and John Belushi in character, in case you didn't know) covered so many of this great Canadian blues band's original tunes: they're superb. Check out "Flip, Flop, and Fly", "Everything I Need (Almost)" and "Shotgun Blues" for starters. Then listen on from there. This fairly definitive collection of Downchild's best is thoroughly deserving of inclusion in anyone's music library, whether your tastes run from blues to jazz to rock 'n' roll. Get A MATTER OF TIME: THE DOWNCHILD COLLECTION--it's well worth the price of admission.

Average customer rating:

Seriously On Point!

Mind Over Matter

this isnt oil, prices are way too high

Sickest album.....EVER!!!!

Great Album, (but these prices are nuts!)

Mind over Matter
Zion I
Manufacturer: Ground Control
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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True & Livin'

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Break a Dawn

Masters of the Universe

ASIN: B00004T210
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

Creation
Revolution (B-Boy Anthem)
Critical
Mysterious Wayz
Tha Choice
Koncrete Jungle
Metropolis
Oh Lawd
Trippin
How Many
Elevation
A Little Change
Fools Gold
Venus
Rap Degreez
Silly Puddy
Inner Light
Big Ups
All Tha Way
One
Bonus Track

Amazon.com

Innovative and engaging, Zion I's Mind over Matter succeeds because of its impressive conceptual execution. The Bay Area trio of Zion, Amp Live, and DJ K-Genius set the tone with the old-school energy of "Revolution (B-boy Anthem)," reawakening hip-hop's subversive impulses. Spiritual--not economic--uplift is the focus of this album, and Zion's meditative lyrics deconstruct materialist craving ("Venus") and deliver stream-of-consciousness musing ("How Many"). Zion I avoid being overly earnest, tossing in no-frills bangers ("Critical" with Planet Asia), and also tastefully embrace drum & bass on the previously released single "Inner Light" and the soothing instrumental "Metropolis." This versatile and progressive musical ambience, courtesy of the knob-twiddling of 418Hz Productions, mirrors their lyrical tone, serving up a nourishing blend of beats and rhymes. --Del. F. Cowie

Album Details

Hip Hop. Debut Album from Zion I. 21 Tracks Including: Creation, Critical, Mysterious Wayz, Concrete Jungle, etc.

Customer Reviews:

Seriously On Point!.......2007-04-16

This creative project is lyrically rich, musically diverse and socially conscious. Lyrics complex but comprehendable. This is definately a timeless project that will last test of time. Hopefully, the reality of the lyrics won't be long lasting but Zion I's reflection is quite vivid and clear. They are taking RAP to another level and I definately will purchase more of their lyrical gifts, True & Livin is my next but Street Legends is their most recent (2007), eventually I will get them all. This is message music.

Mind Over Matter.......2006-10-05

Hip Hop fans of all sorts will appreciate this upon its first listen. Believe all the five star reviews that its receiving. Its by far one of the illest LP's you'll discover and play over and over again. Production=A+.....Lyrics=A++

this isnt oil, prices are way too high.......2006-09-04

this album is amazing, if you want this album go to zion is website (search for it) and its only 12 dollars! i love amazon but 40 dollars is absolutely rediculous. and yes this album might actually be worth 40 dollars however zion i have it on their website for 12 so drop by over there and stop these people from trying to make an all to easy dollar.

Sickest album.....EVER!!!!.......2006-03-02

Straight up this is the illest album ive ever heard...no bullsh*t filler tracks, NOTHING. Actually its more than just a sick album, its the beginning of a new generation of hip-hop, for real any fan of "underground" hip-hop or an upcoming MC must cop this album. Its beat that most people wont ever hear this gem. Anyway, all this has already been said, just puttin in my word to advise anyone thinking about getting it to stop waiting and BUY IT. Best spent 15 bills of my life.

PAYCE

Great Album, (but these prices are nuts!).......2005-09-16

This album is an amazing combination of electronica and hip hop. Amp Live is an amazing and original producer, and Zion keeps it clean and thoughtful. I saw them live and it was the best show I have ever attended. Their new CD, True and Livin', is more mainstream, but equally amazing. It has guest appearances from Del, Talib Kweli, Aesop Rock, and Blackalicious. How did they get so many great rappers on their album? With an amazing, original sound, and Mind Over Matter is where they first burst onto the scene. Don't spend too much on it though, most of these sellers are crazy.

Average customer rating:

IQ - 25 Year Veterans Put Out Their All Time Best Album
Two thums up for you IQ
Best progressive record in many years!
An Old Dog Learns New Tricks
Bumping up the average and I don't care

Dark Matter
IQ
Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00029RTHG
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

Sacred Sound
Red Dust Shadow
You Never Will
.Born Brilliant
Harvest Of Souls

Album Description

Dark Matter is the new studio album from England's legendary IQ. With a career that spans nearly 25 years, IQ remains one of the biggest names in the world of Progressive Rock. Dark Matter marks a new beginning for IQ as this album will be their first US domestic release in nearly 20 years and it is their first for Inside Out Music America. As would be expected from the title, this is a dark, brooding album, bristling with attitude and aggression reminiscent of the band's early days but Dark Matter also contains moments of great melodic beauty. It is pure progressive rock in all its glory with soaring guitar melodies backed up with the classic sounds of Mellotrons, Moog and Hammond organ and offset by Peter Nicholls' ever impenetrable lyrics. The classic IQ line-up of Nicholls, Martin Orford, Mike Holmes, John Jowitt and Paul Cook remains very much intact and they are all in great form on Dark Matter.

Customer Reviews:

IQ - 25 Year Veterans Put Out Their All Time Best Album.......2007-05-31

IQ have been around now for more than 25 years, but the band just keeps getting better. "Dark Matter" ranks right up with the very best output of the band and continues their reign as one of the masters of the neo prog style. In fact after listening to this album again, I think it may very well be IQ's all time best. The first half of the album "Sacred Sound", "Red Dust Shadow", and "You Never Will" are all great. The band employs a slightly heavier sound on this one and as the title might suggest the lyrics are a bit darker than usual IQ fare. As good as the first three tracks are the real meat of the album can be found in the last two songs. "Born Brilliant" is a driving anathematic rocker. Clocking in at only 5 minutes it is short by progressive rock standards, but man does this song cook. I remember this song being performed at NEARfest 2005 (available on DVD) and the sound of the pounding beginning of this track over the massive festival sound system sent shivers up my spine. My home stereo is not quite the same level of intensity, but I can't help but crank this one up each time I pull it out. I also love the lyrics "You, like me, were raised to be a million times admired. Unlike mine, your family line, we're all born brilliant liars". Some of Peter Nichols best stuff. The final track "Harvest Of Souls" clocks in at close to 25 minutes. This may be the best individual musical work that IQ has ever done. I have to give the band credit in one area. "Dark Matter" is the first CD to be officially released in the U.S. in many years after signing to Inside Out America. For their first non-import album in such a long time it took guts to write a 25 minute epic basically about the world's perception of the United States. For me the lyrics really hit the mark, although some in this country may not agree with Nichols point of view. Musically the whole thing is brilliant as well, showing off all of IQ's strengths from soaring guitars, wall of sound keyboards and the invigorating rhythm section. I love this album and after a 25 year career think that IQ is currently at the top of their game.

Two thums up for you IQ.......2007-03-19

Very very good cd, IQ wasn't one of my favorite band in the early days.
Since the album "Ever", fourteen years ago, they have done really great prog albums and "Dark Matter" is one of the best album of the band. From the beginning to the end, this cd is full of powerful music, great transitions, good feelings and melodic instrumentation as we, prog music fans, really like. Highly recommanded. A jewel in my cd collection.

Best progressive record in many years!.......2006-07-22

Dark Matter is an album with progressive, symphonic rock with a new, fresh and dark approach mixed with the ingredients that characterizes the music of early Genesis and Yes. Beautiful harmonies, well played and harmonic guitar sounds reminding of the style of Yes' Steve Howe, a pumping melodic bass and well played drums. The keyboardist Martin Orford's playing reminds of Rick Wakeman's; in some bits I can hear resemblances from Close to the edge, in some others just the same type of playing; it's beautiful, harmonic and well played and its sounds fills the music with the sound the progressive music with a new and fresh approach. Peter Nicholl's singing is extremly good, the best I've heard from him so far; sounds like a young Peter Gabriel.

Dark Matter is a mix between the music that characterizes the early Genesis and Yes years mixed with the Promised Land era of Queensryche and the music played by Placebo. And even though I'm not a fan of the latest band mentioned I still find this music extremly good. The first four songs all have something original and fresh and differ from each other. The 25 minutes long Harvest Of Souls that has resemblances of Gates of Delirium with Yes and Supper's Ready with Genesis. It's a song with extremely beautiful music, with lovely harmonies mixed with the aggressiveness that Yes gave us with Gates Of Delirium and the spirituality of Awaken; the one you just should sit down with a cup of coffee and turn up the music and relax. It takes you on a journey through the wasting lives of war to the aftermath of this war and has give you a multidimensional lyrical approach that makes you think and interpret in the way that fits your own life. Highly recommended!

An Old Dog Learns New Tricks.......2006-05-31

To start off.....I am the old dog referred to in the title. I have been a prog rock fan since the seminal work of King Crimson, ELP, Yes, Genesis (Gabriel/Hackett era), Camel and still consider them the Masters. My music purchases typically were CDs of these classics (to replace my vinyl, well-worn record albums) and I gobbled up the recent releases of these bands or various solo projects by the band members. I was stuck in a seventies time warp.

There were few outlets to hear new and exciting prog rock so it seemed to me that the genre was dead. I was really not finding too many new prog rock bands that tripped my trigger and all still paled in comparison to the Masters. There would be an occasional band that would show some promise, such as Marillion, but with repeated listening I would tire of them.

How wrong I was......I seemed to have missed a whole host of great prog rock bands during the 80s to the present. Just recently, I discovered and enjoyed bands such as Pallas, Pendragon, Arena, Porcupine Tree and others. I thought to myself.....how in the heck did I miss this great music? However the big find for me was IQ!

IQ really pays homage to the Masters, especially capturing the essence of Genesis when it was in the golden era of Gabriel and Hackett. Dark Matter was the first IQ album I purchased (it was recommended through Amazon and I checked some songs out on Progarchives.com which sounded wonderful to me so I made the purchase). Since then I have bought several other IQ CDs and enjoy them immensely as well.

Overall, Dark Matter is my favorite. It captures the spirit of classic progressive rock. I repeatedly find myself relistening to it and do not tire of it. One reviewer had stated that the keyboards sounded like they were purchased at a Tony Bank's yard sale and that really does ring true.....more than any other neoprog band, IQ's keyboards have the feel of the seventies keyboards....I love it.

Why, despite my rave about the CD do I only give it 4 stars? My problem is that I want more instrumental work and less vocals. The vocalist is great, however, there is too much of him. What made the Masters great was their virtuosity and the long instrumental breaks....the keyboard solo of Tony Bank's on "Cinema Show," Steve Hackett's etheral guitar solo on "Firth of Fifth," etc, etc. The musicianship of IQ is great but all too often they get to a musical break and it seems like they are going to stretch out into a long instrumental but then the vocalist begins to chirp in once again. I just wish they would let it all go for a while! It is a minor criticism, but if you are an old prog rocker like myself who cut their teeth on the Masters you know exactly what I am talking about.

Yes....an old seventies era prog rocker has learned some new tricks and I am sure glad I did. I highly recommend IQ and Dark Matter in particular. There are alot of oldtimers out there like me (and young prog rock fans who are wise beyond their years) who will truly enjoy this band and their music....I eagerly anticipate their next release.

Bumping up the average and I don't care.......2006-05-28

I've listened to two other IQ albums, and this one just kicks those albums into oblivion as far as I'm concerned. "Sacred Sound" and "Harvest of Souls" are excellent epics, but it's the shorter songs that really make the punch. I have been singing "Red Dust Shadow" and "You Never Will" for the past year constantly. They're catchy, moody, and intensely emotional.

Peter Nicholls may come off at first as a Peter Gabriel-wannabe, and there's no doubt that the album follows a similar format to "Foxtrot" by Genesis. But over several listens, this album gains an identity of its own. Michael Holmes' subtle guitar work blends in nicely with the bombast of Martin Orford's keys. This album is a wonderful find and along with Porcupine Tree and the new Neal Morse-less Spock's Beard is one of the true champions of hook-worthy art rock.

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