Piranha Breaks [EP]

Piranha Breaks [EP]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
How does a record like Piranha Breaks avoid novelty status? It seems as though its conceit--adapting the ensemble drum-corps pyrotechnics of Tobin's native Brazil to the experimental computer sequencing of British drum & bass--should be little more than a conceit, a jokey cross-cultural hook to hang an EP on. But Tobin finds such expressive common ground between ritual drumming and fashionable electronica that the results aren't simply great music--they suggest a kind of eerie alternate history. Jelly Roll Morton spoke of jazz's Spanish tinge generations before Dizzy Gillespie invented Cubop, his blending of Cuban music and jazz. With Piranha Breaks, Tobin puts electronic music under a spell from which it may never entirely wake. --Marc Weidenbaum

Product Description
New single in support of the debut full-length 'Bricolage'. Has gained a large following in the trip-hop & abstrac beat crowd. Also recorded under the moniker Cujo.

Tracks:

Open Your Eyes
Pressure
Fade
It's Been Awhile
Change
Can't Believe
Epiphany
Suffer
Safe Place
For You
Outside
Waste
Take It

Amazon.com

Watch out, mom and dad. If you don't treat your kids right, they're gonna up and start an alt-metal band to share the angst you've brought on them with the world. After all, who needs therapy when you've got a million kids hearing your pain on MTV? Staind has never been a band to gloss over personal issues. They've given their albums names like Torment and Dysfunction, and their lyrics delve deep into singer Aaron Lewis' difficult past. Contrary to the title, Staind's third release, Break the Cycle, sticks with the tormented cycle, covering the same themes of heartbreak, self-doubt, and broken homes.

Lewis has almost three decades of personal material to mine, and as familiar as his issues are, Break the Cycle still feels like a new, honest look into difficulties that can hit people across the board. "Waste," a song written to a fan who committed suicide, is particularly poignant as it grabbles with Lewis's empathy and anger for a boy he's never met. "Outside" is another album standout. It's a slower, partially acoustic number that builds on its own emotion. The songs on Break the Cycle are drenched in melancholy melodies and slow, heavy riffs typical of the sensitive side of the alt-rock genre. Lewis sometimes breaks out into either a hearty yell or a throaty gurgle that sounds like the devil vomiting ("Can't Believe"), but the best songs keep his passion a little more controlled. You've probably heard rock like Break the Cycle piping from mainstream radio stations already, but Lewis's ability to turn his breakdowns into his art should capture a new round of fans happy to find kindred spirits in the band. --Jennifer Maerz

Album Description

Aussie edition of the alternative metal act's 2001 album. 14 tracks including one exclusive live bonus track, 'Outside' by vocalist Aaron Lewis & Limp Bixkit's Fred Durst.

Album Details

Fred Durst has A&R'd this record however production credit goes to Josh Abraham (Limp Bizkit, Korn) with the mixing courtesy of Andy Wallace (Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana). Described as a quantum leap forward from their debut album 'Dysfunction' from 1997, this album's 14 tracks are both more brutally intense and more melodically expansive than their debut effort. Track 14 'Outside' is an Australian only bonus.

Customer Reviews:

This is how rock should be -- real and gritty.......2007-04-19

Staind's Break the Cycle really pushes the boundaries of metal in terms of power. Singer Aaron Lewis' lyrics are the foundation for this album. It's filled with pain, despair, and real problems without the annoying "f*** everything kill everyone satan blah blah" heavy metal stereotype. Staind's music is haunting, to say the least, but at the same time, delicate. The guitars and drums blend perfectly with each song. Then again, some of the music could be better. I loved the song "Waste", but the instrumentals didn't fit with the words. With topics ranging from broken friendships ("Fade") to teenage suicides ("Waste"), Staind dares to be real to its audience, and has done so for the past 11 years.

its not dysfunction, but its good.......2007-02-20

Staind's "breakthrough" album, Break the Cycle, is a very good album. I'm surprised I say that, because usually when a band goes from an album like Dysfunction to an album like Break the Cycle, I'd say they sold out. However, I believe this is a different case. Break the Cycle is not much like Dysfunction, and it sure is hell isn't like Tormented, but it is extremely good in my opinion. I don't think the album is soft, I think it is not as hard as their previous albums. The disc has some gems on it, "Its Been Awhile" being one of them. Others include "Pressure" and "Epiphany". I give it 4 stars because, quite frankly, I don't believe it is their best, but I do believe that it is a really good album.

It'll take more than bleach and psychotherapy to get this Staind out.......2006-12-30

I recently listened to this album again and it took me back to my high school years when I was a angry teenager and this album really meant something to me. Staind can relate to the pre teen high school crowd because they make the kind of music that you'd want to listen to after getting into a screaming match with your parents. Running up to your bedroom and slamming the door behind you, you could slip on your headphones and listen to any one of Aaron Lewis' teenage angst driven songs on this CD, epitomized by "For You", the musical equivalent of flipping the bird at the parental unit. After it's over you'd get a shot of adrenaline. Flinging open the door you'd say something like "See mom and dad, I'm not to blame for my problems with other people, it's all you! Aaron Lewis speaks the truth!"

I can't forget those years fast enough

When was in school it seemed like everyone had this album, from the truly angry and bullied kids, to the fairly well adjusted and the salutatorian, who was angry that his 3.95 GPA couldn't be rounded up to a 4.0, justifying his purchase of the album.

In the label filled world of music, Staind is classified as nu metal, a genre of music where the lead singer complains about his many misfortunes and failed upbringing. On this album, Staind does this quite well and it has their most well known songs, like "For you" "It's been awhile", "Epiphany" and "Outside" I may not like this album as much as I used to when I was a teen, but it did get me into hard rock and grunge, leading to my interest in bands like Soundgarden, and for that I'll give them their due, and I have a soft spot for epiphany and a few other songs, so it isn't terrible, but for me the music hasn't aged well and doesn't sound as hard and edgy as it did in high school. After listening to Lewis' socioeconomic themed "Open Your Eyes" and "Pressure", about one of his bad experiences with drugs, all I did was shake my head in disbelief that at one time I actually thought this was great music.

Some reviewers say this album is Staind's best while hardcore fans say they sold out with this one. I say they sold out with their next album 14 shades of grey, which has a bunch of weepy ballads that were better suited for adult contemporary stations. This trend has continued up to their most recent album Chapter V. This album may not be a "hard" rock album like "Tormented", but it sounds harder than future stuff

You can only like Staind for as long as you can relate to Aaron Lewis. Once you realize that he's now a successful sell out ballad happy artist who's wallowing in his past in a desperate attempt to sell albums, you'll find them annoying. Still I think you'll be forgiven by most people if they find this disc in your collection, because it has their best songs that are still worth a listen every once in awhile.

Acceptional.......2006-12-19

This record was the first incredibly gripping angst/rock record i had ever purchased. Right from 'Open your eyes' to 'Take it' it is a journey of waves of emotion and sincerity, at times depressing yet honest and uplifting come each chorus song by song. Truly an everlasting work of art as far as i'm concerned but unfortunately their only successful record and one that is up their with my favourites. It was only last night i was surrounded by a few people who happened to say how much they hate this band but in all truth, it makes me appreciate STAIND so much more when i see that they aren't admired by most 'common' people. I wear my tatoo of their logo on my lower back with pride.

Very Good CD.......2006-11-13

This is the best Staind CD that I have heard. All the tracks are really good. It makes me want to buy more Staind CD's. Aaron Lewis has one of the greatest voices in the hard rock/metal arena being able to really crank it out for a hard hitting song and slow it down and really sound good for a more low key song. Buy the cd, you will definitely not be sorry.

Average customer rating:

Safe and Unoriginal
I'm just a little bit in love...
Such a talent...
Ari Hest just keeps on getting better and better.

The Break-In
Ari Hest
Manufacturer: Columbia/ Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000NVIXO6
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

When And If
Bird Never Flies
Leaving Her Alone
So Slow
When To Quit
Right Of Way
The Break-In
Big Ben
Just As Well
I've Got You

Customer Reviews:

Safe and Unoriginal.......2007-07-03

The Quality of production appears to be there but it is a relatively uninteresting listen...safe and unoriginal. It feels as though this album was produced by IKEA...and yes the directions and nifty do-it-yourself tools are included. But hey, if I wanted to do it myself I would have.

I recommend this album to all newly graduated college students just stepping into their first corporate paycheck of security who feel they have reached enlightenment in the halls of health benefits and 401k packages...

I'm just a little bit in love..........2007-05-24

I just found Ari on yahoo music and he has such a fresh and amazing voice-- I can't remember the last time I heard a man sing with such range and control. When he sings in that deep bass register it makes my toes tingle. Listen to this, you'll love it.

Such a talent..........2007-05-10

I've been an Ari fan for several years and this is such a wonderful new cd that I do recommend it highly. Track 1, "When and If" is a new favorite of mine, but track 10, "I've Got You", which I've heard him do live, is still a song I want to hear over and over again. I also urge listeners to catch one of his shows; he is amazing and is always available after the show to chat with fans. He is truly appreciative of his fans as well as humble.

Ari Hest just keeps on getting better and better........2007-05-04

I've been a fan of Ari Hest for a very long time--since before he was signed to a label, so I might just be a little biased. He's committed one of his best songs ("I've Got You") to CD as well as many other wonderfully-written, whimsical, thoughtful tracks. Favorites so far are "The Break-In," "When to Quit," "Bird Never Flies." The rest of the tracks are fantastic, but I think you'd just have to listen to all of Ari's other records to know just how special this one is. He is comfortable in his musical shoes and I love watching him strut.

Average customer rating:

Heart Break...
Great talent showcased by great producers
1988's Coming of age classic...................
5 Stars Without A Doubt
sugahill

Heart Break
New Edition
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Poison
New Edition
Home Again
Ralph Tresvant
Don't Be Cruel

ASIN: B000002PHZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Introduction
That's The Way We're Livin'
Where It All Started
If It Isn't Love
N.E. Heartbreak
Crucial
You're Not My Kind Of Girl
Superlady
Can You Stand The Rain
Competition
I'm Coming Home
Boys To Men
Bonus Track
Bonus Track
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

Heart Break..........2007-06-02

A great disc by the young men in the late 80's. My favorite: If it isn't love. 4 stars overall!

Great talent showcased by great producers.......2006-08-05

Who would have ever thought that a small song done for a hum-drum movie would have led to such a classic pairing of performers and producers? Let me refresh your memories:

In 1987, the movie "Dragnet" starring Dan Akroyd and Tom Hanks hit the theatres. All in all, it was a sad remake of a classic TV show. The only bright spot was a song on the soundtrack, a song that showcased 4 performers who were trying to redefine themselves after so much childhood success. That group was New Edition, and the song was entitled "Helplessly In Love". The thing that made this song so different was its composition. Instead of bubble-gum lyrics over a poppy-synth track, it was done with tight harmonies and layered music. This sound, created by producing phenoms Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis led us to the breakout album "Heart Break".

Not content with letting NE rest on their previous laurels, Jam and Lewis set them free with the confident, brash swagger that accompanied the boys in the latter part of their teen years. Starting off with a strong statement in the song "That's the Way We're Livin'" and jumping just as strongly into "This Is Where It All Started" got the album off to a rollicking start. That's when J&L and NE gave everyone a taste of their newfound soulful sound with "If It Isn't Love". What a great song, and definitely still as fresh today as it was almost 20 years ago.

Some of the filler tracks like "Crucial" and "My Kind Of Girl" are good to keeep the mood going, and then the album gives us its first complete surprise.

Let me state for the record (and I'm a 40 year old guy who's heard a lot of music) that "Can You Stand The Rain" is one of the best songs ever written. Period. I listen to this song even today and it wells me up. Jam and Lewis use Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill so effectively on the leads with Mike, Ricky and Ronnie backing them up with tightly layered vocals that anyone wanting to do a single song study of how to put together an R&B song could use this as a model. "Coming Home" slows the mood down even more to get us ready for "Boys To Men". Another great, unexpectedly soulful rendition.

I bought this album in New Jersey soley on the strength of "If It Isn't Love", and listened to it start to finish twice on my drive back to the Northern Virginia area. It still has a place near my CD player, and many of the songs occupy a place in my heart. There are probably 3 albums to purchase if you ever want to completely experience the genious of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis; Hearsay by Alexander O'Neal, Affair by Cherelle, and this one. It is not to be missed.

1988's Coming of age classic..........................2006-06-25

The summer of 1988 belonged to New Edition and Bobby Brown. For NE, it started with the " If it is'nt Love " video. That video had every teenage ladies man practicing those dance steps in hopes of getting one of the dime pieces that New Edition could get. Other hits includes Crucial, Coming Home, Boys to Men, NE Heartbreak and You're not my kind of girl. The only down side to this joint is that it did not have the NE Heartbreak remix on it. This album also introduced Johnny Gill who was a perfect vocal match to Ralph and Ricky's high pitched voices.

5 Stars Without A Doubt.......2006-06-03

In my opinion this is New Edition's best CD and one of the best Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis productions to date during the height of their production genius.

I grew up on New Edition and even though Bobby Brown left for his own short lived success, thank goodness it didn't effect the longevity of the group and bringing in Johnny Gill was a "Perfect Combination". Not only did it add greatness to the group but later helped his own solo career which was mediocre before he joined New Edition.

This CD came out when I was in the 9th grade and lastest through my 10th grade year. I loved all of the singles that were released but it wasn't until the mid to late 1990's that I finally heard the whole CD. My favorite song is "Boys to Men". I'm assuming that's where Michael Bivens got the name for the group "Boyz II Men". I liked the song then and even more now that I have a son. I think every young man should listen to it. The lyrics are very uplifting.

I give this CD 5 stars without a doubt.

sugahill.......2006-01-17

This album contains my favorite song in the world "Can You Stand The Rain". If you were a teenager in the late 80's then you have to remember this album.If It Isn't Love was a staple Nu Jack club hit. But for me the song that made this Album was Can You stand The Rain. This track showcases Ralph's silky voice and New Edition harmony.Johnny Gill was a perfect addition to the group as he brought a more mature sound. This is a must have.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but not my first choice
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
Overture
No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
No.4: If With All Your Hearts
No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
No.31: O Rest In The Lord
No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating:

Better than most "real" heavy metal
Almost better than the first!
Sh*t Sandwich
not as funny as the original
And that's the Majesty of Rock!

Break Like The Wind
Spinal Tap
Manufacturer: Mca Special Products
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00004WGVR
Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

Bitch School
The Majesty Of Rock
Diva Fever
Just Begin Again
Cash On Delivery
The Sun Never Sweats
Rainy Day Sun
Break Like The Wind
Stinkin' Up The Great Outdoors
Springtime
Clam Caraban
Christmas With the Devil
All The Way Home

Amazon.com Music Reviews

Has there ever been a rock band more unjustly maligned than Spinal Tap? Accused of everything from heralding the demise of heavy metal to being the very raison d'être for alternative rock, they suffered their greatest indignity at the hands of director Rob Reiner (cowardly hiding behind the moniker Marty DiBergi), whose 1984 "rockumentary," This Is Spinal Tap, muckraked its way through the band's courageous, tragedy-strewn history in service of a few mocking laughs. Reiner/DiBergi even stooped so low as to employ a heartless, mercenary band of Hollywood writer/comedians to burlesque the band's core members--David St. Hubbins (played by mendacious Michael McKean), Nigel Tufnel (callow Christopher Guest), and Derek Smalls (haughty Harry Shearer). But the great ones just won't be denied; Spinal Tap reached deep down in 1992 and let loose with Break Like the Wind, another potent blast of the very stuff that made their legend. Featuring an all-star supporting cast (the title track alone boasts Slash, Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani, and Tufnel look-alike Jeff Beck), the Tap gallantly tried to stem the tide of flannel and tattoos with thundering odes to gender enlightenment ("Bitch School"), mystic quests ("Clam Caravan"), and its own glorious rock-fest legacy ("Stinkin' Up the Great Outdoors"). Pop diva Cher and St. Hubbins share a vocal tryst on the uplifting ballad "Just Begin Again," while even Steely Dan's reclusive Walter Becker pens technical notes, praising the album's pioneering use of the Crosley Phase Linear Ionic Induction Voice Processor System. Sadly, they just don't make albums like this anymore. --J.D. Swift

Customer Reviews:

Better than most "real" heavy metal .......2007-05-29

It's hard to believe that these guys are not professional musicians and that they don't make a living from music. For a "parody" or "spoof" album, this is great music in it's own right. I listen to it first because it's funny, but I listen to it again because it's great stuff. The haunting title track is awesome, and tracks like "Rainy Day Sun" sounds like it was written by the Beatles. Like the first album the rhyming lyrics are purposefully contrived and are a chuckle at first listen, especially in "The Majesty of Rock" ("together and ever"). And the band's breadth of styles highlights the versatility of this extremely talented group of "musicians."

Almost better than the first!.......2006-04-24

I have to say reading reviews that if people aren't laughing out loud at the music on this album you're missing the point. I agree that the lyrics are what give Spinal Tap their edge but if you're a musician listen to their dead on take of all forms of rock. The Sun Never Sweats is a highlight for me particularly the middle section that switches into three unrelated keys while the riff badly apes Slade or Jethro Tull. Rainy Day Sun does a great job of evoking bad '60's psychedlic rock - a cross between the Doors and the Kinks. The best part of the album though is Nigel's voicebox solo on Springtime. The only bad parts for me were the duet with Cher (too blatantly bad for me) and the remake of Christmas with the Devil which is done better on the remastered soundtrack (Take number one with their Hoiday greeting kicks every other version).

Sh*t Sandwich.......2005-06-21

Nah, not really. I just wanted to use that line from the movie.

Good cd...definitely worth getting if you liked the original Tap music.

not as funny as the original.......2004-12-19

Look, like everyone else posting here, I saw the movie a billion times, and went right out and picked up this new album just before seeing them live in San Francisco. I even dressed up in fake rocker attire with "Viv Savage Lives!" penned across my thigh. The problem - nobody else seemed to understand it was satire. People took it so seriously. I figured people would be dressed up, but no...just two of us. This album seems to suffer from the same malady. Yes, the lyrics are funny, but it seems a little forced, and its just not as fun as the first farce. It's in the face of farce. Farce-faced, even. Ok, I'm just being silly now. But what made the first album - and the movie - so much fun was the variety and spontenaity that's just missing from this collection of songs.

And that's the Majesty of Rock!.......2004-11-25

Spinal Tap returns! The most prolific nonexistant band ever is back with "Break Like The Wind," a wonderfully warped metal album that celebrates rock'n'roll, bad lyrics and exploding drummers. This a bad album -- gloriously, magnificently bad, in the way only a spoof can be.

It opens with the roaring male dominance rocker "Bitch School," which would be offensive if it weren't tongue-in-cheek, then lurches on to the wonderfully bloated "Majesty of Rock," a gloriously ghastly duet with Cher, the insanely pretentious "The Sun Never Sweats" ("Bolder than the pirates who used to rule the sea/Braver than the natives, who never heard of tea...")

The peak of this album may be the song "Break Like the Wind," which aspires to be deep and inspirational despite lyrics like "We are the thumb on a stranger's hand." And two of the most priceless songs are at the end: the mope ballad "All the Way Home," and the truly twisted Christmas song, "Christmas With the Devil."

The world was first introduced to Spinal Tap in "This is Spinal Tap," the classic rockumentary about England's loudest band. With the help of Cher (yes, that Cher) and Dweezil Zappa, they take it upon themselves to roundly mock metal, hard rock, rock ballads, and quite a few other things as well -- they're funny because they put so much effort into doing a nudge-wink bad job.

The music itself is pretty standard hard rock riffs -- it's merely okay, and therein lies the irony. What's really startling is that while the music is not amazing in the technical sense, it's actually much better than many real-life bands were. Scary, no? It does have its moments of brilliance, due to Zappa and Jeff Beck mostly, as well as some gloriously ghastly sitar.

It's not the music but the lyrics that are genius. Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer are true geniuses of the bad song -- what's even better, these are the sort of bad songs that people write, but don't know that they are bad. "And that's the Majesty of Rock!/The Mystery of Roll!/The darning of the sock,/the scoring of the goal!" Does it get worse than that? Yes, if you include lines like "Rise! for you are cream" and "We may be gods or big marionettes/But the sun never sweats."

"Break Like the Wind" is a wonderful album by the loudest band in Britain, and the best band that never technically existed. Tap into this!

Average customer rating:

Teaching Peace
Wonderful, Wonderful!
Grandchildren Love It
Kids Rock! A must have for the whole family!
why isnt there a best of Red Grammer CD???

Teaching Peace
Red Grammer
Manufacturer: Red Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

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Hello World!
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Teaching Peace Songbook & Teacher's Guide
Can You Sound Just Like Me

ASIN: B000009NGF
Release Date: 1986-01-01

Tracks:

Teaching Peace
Places In The World
Say Hi!
I Think You're Wonderful
Rapp Song
Barnyard Boogie
Hooray For The World
With Two Wings
Use A Word
See Me Beautiful
Shake Your Brains
Listen

Album Description

Teaching Peace has been called "one of the top five children's recordings of all time" by the All Music Guide and has been given a rare Parent's Choice Classic Children's Audio Award.

Customer Reviews:

Teaching Peace.......2007-05-07

Excellent for use at home. Outstanding for classroom climate in younger grades.

Wonderful, Wonderful!.......2007-01-13

I've been giving this(first a cassette, now a cd) as a gift to children since it first appeared in the mid-80's. It's as fresh and wonderful today as it was then. I know many children who grew up knowing the words to all the songs and internalizing the wonderful messages they impart.Check out other cd's by Red.

Grandchildren Love It.......2007-01-05

This CD provides lively songs that offer kids a positive approach to life and problem solving and are also great fun to dance to. My grandchildren really enjoy it!

Kids Rock! A must have for the whole family!.......2005-02-12

I was so touched by the voices of these children on this CD. What an inspiration for kids of all ages. Childrens Music with CLASS~ Buy it..You'll Love it.
DMC

why isnt there a best of Red Grammer CD???.......2003-12-08

"Listen" - now THAT IS the song that should have been on
his "Freefalling" Album...

Very powerfull stuff-- although powerfull
does not do justice for Red....

Tracks:

Jump (For My Love)
Automatic
I'm So Excited
I Need You
Neutron Dance
Dance Electric
Easy Persuasion
Baby Come And Get It
Telegraph Your Love
Operator

Customer Reviews:

Could easily substitute for a greatest hits collection.......2007-03-17

Undoubtedly the greatest Pointer Sisters album ever, 6 of the 10 songs on it would eventually end up on a PS Greatest Hits album. Contains the mega-classics "Jump (For My Love)" and "Automatic", as well as the better-known extended mix of "I'm So Excited" and "Neutron Dance", "I Need You" and Baby Come And Get It".

Sister Act.......2007-02-12

Few artists have demonstrated the amount of versatility in their music career like the Pointer Sisters. After ten years of hits, misses, and everything in between, their success reached new heights in 1984. Break Out spawned four Top 10 hits, earned the sisters two of their three Grammy awards, was certified triple platinum, and turned the trio into queens of dance music. Listening to this album today sounds dated with the drum programming and synthesizers, and also as "Automatic" brings back the breakdancing trend, but also won a Grammy for Best Vocal Arrangement. The frenetic "Neutron Dance," still brings back the gospel in their voices, and the album-length version of "I'm So Excited," has the sisters concluding with the perfect, unmatched harmonies they've always had from day one. The slow and soulful "I Need You," shows the sisters trading leads in between pairing their voices, and the harmonies still flourish on "Jump", a Grammy winner for Best Pop Vocal and surrounded by the late June Pointer's energetic lead. And in an era where artists like Prince, Tina Turner, and Bruce Springsteen(the man who wrote the Pointers' 1978 hit "Fire")were becoming major sellers, while emerging acts like Wang Chung, the Thompson Twins, Cyndi Lauper, and many others were having hits seemingly overnight, the Pointer Sisters cemented a place for themselves in the middle of the decade. If you can't think of this album as a classic, then just consider it your occasional guilty pleasure.

Funky Urban Soul.......2007-01-02

One of my favorite albums happens to be The Pointer Sisters' 1983 album, "Breakout." As a fan of 80's music, I figured I should pay my respects and lend a boasting hand to this awesome 80's group and their music. Feel-good and exciting from start to finish, "Breakout" should be one of those time-capsule albums. Afterall, early 80's style funky urban soul can't really be defined better.

Now this is an album that I could keep in my CD player 24/7. How could you go wrong with such variety?

1. "Jump (For My Love)" - A wonderful opening song to get you hitting the dance floor right away. For first time listeners of this album, this will wake you up and make you wonder what is next. Synth-pop, peppy, fast and danceable. That's the best way to describe this song that hit the Billboard top hits of 1984.

2. "Automatic" - My favorite song from the album and one of my all-time favorite 80's songs in general. Unique and funky, this song is one of those that you can raise up your arms and move your hips to. Great harmonizing and trippy synth. Perfect for a song about being so obsessed with someone that you're "automatically" at their beck and call and basically zone out all other contact with the world.

3. "I'm So Excited" - You've heard this party-it-up song on movies and commercials. This is a classic from the Pointer Sisters. A great example of early 80's urbanized dance. The style of this song truly fits the feeling of excitement; like you're so full of energy that you can't contain yourself. Yes, this super feel-good, energized, fast-paced number will get you excited.

4. "I Need You" - The Pointers slow the pace down a bit on this soulful, easy-going piece. After the first three songs, this is the first kick-back-and-relax song. A catchy beat will make you slowly bop your head.

5. "Neutron Dance" - Extremely high strung, fast, and danceable. Hope your feet will be able to keep up! Go back to your chemistry class and burn up the dance floor at an amazing speed as if you were neutrons.

6. "Dance Electric" - This synth-pop piece of perfection features a bit of a slower dance groove compared to song #5, but is very catchy. Cool 80's-style synth melodies!

7. "Easy Persuasion" - A personal favorite, and another laid-back song. This smooth, soulful, dreamy groove with its silky melodies and heartfelt harmonies from the Pointers will have you hooked and "persuaded" that this is your song to relax to.

8. "Baby Come And Get It" - Bouncy and synth melody-laden. This is a fun, feel-good, dance song pure and simple!

9. "Telegraph Your Love" - How can you resist this funky-beat clad song? Showered with melodic synth, this number is probably the closest thing to the flip-side of "Automatic."

10. "Operator" - The Pointer Sisters chose to go out of the album dancing and leave us dancing in the end with this peppy piece complete with fantastic harmonizing. Enjoy!

So there you have The Pointer Sisters' 1983 album "Breakout" in a nutshell. It is impossible to not have fun with this album, so with this bit of "easy persuasion," "baby come and get it," "get excited," "jump," and "dance electric" until dawn.

It Doesn't Often Get Any Better Then This.......2006-11-17

You know when all of the songs on the first part of your album are huge hits then you are really going places.Jacko knew it and so did The Pointer Sisters-'Break Out's first three songs alone-"Jump","Automatic" and "I'm So Excited" are just back to back to back classics,leaving only the midtempo hit "I Need You" before "Neutron Dance".And what's the best thing about 'Break Out'?No albums cuts-Ruth's poweful "Dance Electric","Telegraph Your Love","Operator" and the super funky "Baby Come And Get It" could have ALL easily been hits (and were in fact played a lot on the radio)."Easy Persuasion",the closest thing this has to a ballad is a nice change of pace but what makes 'Break Out' so unique is it's production.Not only is every song as pop perfect as it comes but it feels as if the layors of synthesizers and computers used to make most of this music are coated over again by several layers of Sherwin Williams heavy gloss coat-instead of sounding cold and electronic,the technology used here sounds more like a hot furnace,soulful and I must say very sexy.It really shows you that great talents like these sisters and talented producers like Richard Perry can make anything they wish sound like pure gold.Surely enough 'Break Out' is about as 80's as it gets but the hits (and even non hits) have withstood the test of time with grace.'Break Out' is one of the Top Five best pop records of the early 80's and is a must have for your collection.

An 80s milestone, absolutely........2006-04-18

I remember when this album was first released in 1983 with a different mix, tracklisting, and even a song other than "I'm So Excited". ("Nightline"--a song that made its rounds at the time, being covered by Ellen Foley and Randy Crawford, as well.) I couldn't wait to get to the record shop to get the new Pointers LP with their new single: "I Need You". Sadly, this initial release from Break Out made only a modest dent in the charts. An honest, tender song it was, but the one to be released after it was the one that really perked radio and ears alike: "Automatic". Not only did it sound like nothing else that was coming over the airwaves in '83, it was also a brand new sound--an American sound in the midst of the second British Invasion. "Automatic" proved that tough, muscled American music at this point in history didn't have to be guitar-based rock-n-roll in order to have an audience. Ruth, Anita, and June had already been rocker chicks (with their Priority LP being the best of that phase of their career) and were out to conquer a new territory: The Age Of Machines. Richard Perry's been quoted as saying that Break Out was made with the intention of getting the Pointers back to their R&B roots, and soulful it is. But for me Break Out has long been the very first album by an American artist that brought machine-based music to the masses. This is the album that signaled the dawn of the techno that followed in the later 80s. Along with Eurythmics, the music on this album demonstrated that warmth, soul, and artistry were possible indeed with a computer and a drum machine. Softer tracks like "Telegraph Your Love" and "I Need You" were illuminated and sharpened by their techno foundations and enlightened and made plushy by the Sisters' sincere readings, while tracks like "Dance Electric" and "Baby, Come & Get It" are exemplary meetings of the rock-n-roll stage and the dance floor--on Mars! "Neutron Dance" is just about the best gospel Top 40 radio has ever seen; and the singles simply speak for themselves. My hope is that Break Out will eventually get remastered and re-issued in its original, un-remixed incarnation, which is really the best way to comprehend and appreciate what this gem accomplished and just how artistically and critically underrated it is. Even re-releasing it in '84 with a new track order, new mix, and the previously passed-on "I'm So Excited" was a clever way pushing a superior product into the market, making it a milestone record from more than just the aesthetic angle. Of course I'll take any number of bonuses on a re-issue (yes, even the omniscient "I'm So Excited"!) attached after the origial 10 tracks, but until then investigate this 80s necessity once again--or for the first time. It's truly worth it.

Average customer rating:

Too Few Songs, Too Much Money
Buy it!
Heartbreaking and beautiful
Nice debut record
Cary is amazing!

All The Rage
Cary Brothers
Manufacturer: Procrastination Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Waiting for Your Letter
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Villa Elaine
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The Last Kiss

ASIN: B0002PU59Y
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Tracks:

Blue Eyes
Something
Supposed To Be
Honestly

Album Description

"All The Rage" is the debut release from LA-based singer/songwriter Cary Brothers. These four tracks, produced by Chad Fischer (Alexi Murdoch), run the gamut from power pop ("Supposed To Be") to acoustic folk ("Honestly"), but they all share one thing in common - as Cary says, "They're all pretty much straight from the heart, whether it's being broken or put back together."

Cary's song "Blue Eyes" is also featured alongside tracks from Coldplay, The Shins, and Simon & Garfunkel on the soundtrack of the Fox Searchlight film GARDEN STATE, starring Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, and Peter Sarsgaard.

Customer Reviews:

Too Few Songs, Too Much Money .......2006-03-20

I Paid $9 for this CD, and while it is a good cd, there are only 3 songs on it for a total of 14 minutes of listening pleasure. I find this to be a rip off. Do yourself a favor and buy a longer CD for the money.

Buy it!.......2005-09-08

Excellent mini album that includes some music from Scrubs and Garden State. Well worth buying and Cary has another album out this month as well. (If you like this album try Lucky Jim - Our Troubles End Tonight) No need to try before you buy - all 4 songs get 5 stars from me, excellent voice and each song has a different feel to it.

Heartbreaking and beautiful.......2005-08-11

Cary Brothers is an excellent musician and songwriter, and in "All the Rage", he really showcases his talent. I saw him play live in a small indie record store before I even got to hear the EP. I wasn't all that familiar with him but I really like his song, "Blue Eyes" from Garden State. So to say the least, when I saw him perform a mini-concert for the 10 or so people in the store, I was more than impressed, and from that point on I became a fan. I also got to meet him for a few minutes after the show. He was very down-to-earth and seemed humble. For the most part, his songs sound mello and dreamy. A few of his songs boast heartwrenching melodies, especially "Something" which is particulary haunting, and is comparable to "Blue Eyes" if not better. I can't wait until the LP comes out, which he said should come out in this month of August.

Nice debut record.......2005-07-28

Cary Brothers is something of an engima for me-- a folky, rootsy singer-songwriter type, this is pretty far outside the domain of my usual listening, and yet there's something about his music that worked pretty well for me.

What I think it is may be that there's a sense of honesty without pretention that circulates through his record-- when he sings about trying to put a past romance out of his mind and quietly mumbles "I wish your love away", you feel like he does. Brothers' vocals feel like they come from the midwest-- a sort of road weary sound. But he adds to that a good range and roundness of tone that I think is often missing in these forms.

This EP, consisting of four songs, is his debut. Three of the songs are folky pop pieces and one ("Supposed to Be") is a driving alt-pop piece. Although its a decent number, it doesn't quite fit in on the record, and its electric guitars sit somewhat uncomfortably amongst the rest of the pieces on here.

But the rest is all this kind of bluesy, folky pop stuff-- smokey ("Blue Eyes", also featured on the "Garden State" soundtrack), bubbling and delicate ("Something") and wistful and brilliant ("Honesty"). One thing the record definitely indicates, we can expect big things from Brothers. Recommended.

Cary is amazing!.......2005-06-08

Cary Brothers has a wonderful, soothing voice and all the songs on this EP are great! He is one of the best emerging arists right now and I can't wait for him to release a full length album!

Average customer rating:

Best Damn Cover Band In The World pt 4...
Fantastic fun!
Better than the originals?
Timeless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, but kind of disappointing

Take a Break
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Manufacturer: Fat Wreck Chords
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk Revival | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah
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Love Their Country

ASIN: B00009LW04
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Hello
End of the Road
Ain't No Sunshine
Nothing Comapres 2 U
Crazy
Isn't She Lovely
I Believe I Can Fly
Oh Girl
I'll Be There
Mona Lisa
Save The Best for Last
Natural Woman

Customer Reviews:

Best Damn Cover Band In The World pt 4..........2007-06-27

...Me First take a break but don't give you a break from excellence on this disc of white on black musical intrepretation(hence the checkered floor on the album cover). Lovingly crafted covers of songs by black artists adorn this offering. Given their fun and up-beat treatment, they do punkingly(sic) justice to the originals("Save The Best For Last" is momentous for it's double homage).
Nothing compares to the best damn cover band in the world!

Fantastic fun!.......2007-01-26

I can't believe how well R&B songs translate into punk. None of these melodies seem clumsy or out of place, it all works very well. The disc is hilarious too, I love the "IknowIknowIknowIknowIknow" part of "Ain't No Sunshine," and playing the intro to the Sex Pistol's "Pretty Vacant" on "Save The Best For Last" was pretty cool too.

As a whole, this album is just good fun. They take a very boring genre of music, and they rock its face off! I swear, if the original R&B songs didn't sound waaaaay tooooo sloooooowww before, they will after hearing this album. Highly recommended for people who don't take their music too seriously.

Better than the originals?.......2005-10-24

Generally I'm not a fan of remakes or remixes, but Me First and the Gimme Gimmes changed my mind. The best track in my opinion is "I Believe I Can Fly", however, my best friend swears by "Mona Lisa". The secret to this appeal is that MF&tGG have genuine talent. They're worth the money.

Timeless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-09-10

This is another great album from Joey,Mike,Spike,Jaxon,and Derrick! This time they cover/ruin some old R&B hits! This is truly hysterical! The best songs are, I believe I can fly, and Nothing Compares 2 U. Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!

Okay, but kind of disappointing.......2004-10-11

After 3 great Cd's and a bunch of 7"'s I was really looking forward to this CD. On this CD, the guys did nothing new with the material. On previous records they added their own spin to the songs.... on this one, the songs sound like the originals except they are faster and the guys don't put their own spin on the music.

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Timeless Metal Masterpiece
Mercyful Fate's Best
Don't hesitate to get this one!
They Just Don't Make Metal Like This Anymore!

Don't Break the Oath
Mercyful Fate
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Melissa
In the Shadows
Fatal Portrait
"Them"
Abigail

ASIN: B000000H42
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

A Dangerous Meeting
Nightmare
Desecration Of Souls
Night Of The Unborn
The Oath
Gypsy
Welcome Princess Of Hell
To One Far Away
Come To The Sabbath
Death Kiss (Demo)

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-02-06

I first heard Mercyful Fate from Emperor's cover of "Gypsy". (Emperor's version is better than Mercyful Fate's, in my opinion.) I loved King Diamond's stuff long before I got this. I bought this and it's great. It strongly resembles King Diamond's early (solo?) work such as Fatal Portrait and Abigail. The music on this album is in the "heavy metal" style, not black metal or any other type of metal. Just heavy metal.

Timeless Metal Masterpiece.......2007-02-04

God, I love Mercyful Fate. They are without a doubt one of the best and most influential black metal bands of the 80s along with Venom, Mayhem, and Celtic Frost. They also have hints of power and thrash metal in their sound as well. The band's second album 1984's "Don't Break the Oath" was the first MF album I ever bought, and it's an incredible follow up to their 1983 classic debut "Melissa" which I still need to get. This album is just loaded with Satanic lyrics which I don't even take seriously at all, but they will offend some, and of course the musicianship on here is just flat out amazing. This album was also my first listening experience of MF frontman the one and only King Diamond. This guy has without a doubt one of the most insane yet powerful set of vocals in metal, and on here he showcases his incredible vocal range with sheer power and intensity. His eerie falsetto like screams will just scare the crap out of any emo/screamo kid and even trick or treaters on halloween night. Hank Shermann and Michael Denner are very awesome guitarists who both have opposite guitar playing styles, but they blend together just so beautifully. Hank is more on the fast shredding side while Michael is more on the melodic playing side. Their awesome riffs and dualing leads and solos will definately take you through a ride through hell and back. Timmi Hansen has great bass lines you can actually hear, and there's also great drumming from Kim Ruzz as well.

The songs and the ratings:
1. A Dangerous Meeting - A great opening song and one of my favorites on here Great vocals from KD and killer solo from Denner BTW. 5/5
2. Nightmare - A mid paced number which starts off with some nice bass lines from Timmi and some Motorhead esque drumming, and then shifts to mid tempo around the 2 minute mark. Great song. 5/5
3. Desecration of Souls - Another one of my favorite songs on here. More great dualing solos from Shermann and Denner too. 5/5
4. Night of the Unborn - 5/5
5. The Oath - The longest song on the album clocking in at 7:31 if I'm not mistaken. This one is a killer track and the best one on here as well. The intro will definately send chill down your spine. Love the dualing solos. 10/5
6. Gypsy - Another one of my favorite tracks. Very mid paced too. 5/5
7. Welcome Princess of Hell - 5/5
8. To One Far Away - Nice accoustic interlude with some electric guitar added leading into the final track. 4/5
9. Come to the Sabbath - Ahhh the final track and one of the best songs on here as well. Great vocals, great guitarwork, solo, bass, drumming everything. 5/5
10. Death Kiss (Bonus Demo) - An early raw demo version of "A Dangerous Meeting". 4/5

Well there you go. This album is a definately a true 80's heavy metal masterpiece. If you're a big fan of true 80's metal (not the stupid glam/hair metal garbage like Poison, Dokken, Cinderella, Stryper, Europe) I'm talking about REAL 80's metal such as Venom, Kreator, Celtic Frost, Megadeth, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and the almighty Slayer, Mercyful Fate is definately your band. I also recommend King Diamond's solo band as well. Do yourself a favor, go out and buy this album now, pop it in your stereo, turn the volume up full blast, raise those devil horns and ROCK OUT!!
HAIL KING DIAMOND!!
HAIL MERCYFUL FATE!!

Mercyful Fate's Best.......2007-01-16

What can I say about Don't Break The Oath that hasn't already been said? It is essential early black metal. The song "The Oath" alone is worth the price of this album. The lyrics and vocals might turn some people off, but the everything else on Don't Break The Oath is high quality material. Recommended for fans of black metal.

Favorite Tracks: The Oath, Gypsy

Don't hesitate to get this one!.......2006-09-19

This album is quite simply a classic. It is one of the most beautiful, artistic, dark albums ever created and this is why it is such a masterpiece. The sheer class of this album carries an aura of blasphemous, but quality, music.

The only downfall, which is a typical criticism thrown at the band, is King Diamond lyrics and vocals. The falsetto vocals while not my scene, are bearable, but I would be lying if I said they didn't take away from the album. Then theres the lyrics. I don't care that they're evil. It's just they're quite ridiculous, simplistic, innane. The vocabulary is stupid.

Nonetheless, when one gets past that (which is not that hard to do), one will realise this album is one of the most perfect, understated albums ever. Hank Shermann is definitly amongst the best musicians to come out of the metal genre. His songwriting is the work of a genius. No lies.

Turning attention to the actual songs now...the only let down's are Welcome Princess of Hell, and (to a lesser degree), To One Far Away. All the others are absolute gems. My personal favourite is Nightmare. I can't believe I never hear anyone rave about that song. It's amazing.

Anyway, DO NOT HESITATE TO GET THIS! A metal collection without this is simply less of a thing. Only a fool would sideline this. This is heavy metal/thrash at it's poetic best.

They Just Don't Make Metal Like This Anymore!.......2006-07-13

Don't Break The Oath, along with Melissa, is a metal masterpiece that belongs in the collection of anyone who appreciates extreme and heavy music. You don't have to be a King Diamond fan to enjoy this album or Mercyful Fate's music in general. MF is completely a band effort, not the "King Diamond Project." The guitarists were quite accomplished by early/mid 80s heavy metal standards, and the rhythm section on DBTO is especially impressive. The King himself is indeed an acquired taste; his vocals are a bit cheesy and downright annoying at times (is this Frankie Vallie I'm listening to, you ask?). Nevertheless, there is no doubt that he is an exceptional singer who excells at concept-based material. And don't let the silly satanic thing scare you off; at the very worst, if you are sincerely offended by such lyrics, be rest assured that 95% of the time KD's over the top theatrical vocals prevent you from even understanding what he is saying ; ) All the songs are good, but I feel the strongest are "Dangerous Meeting," "The Oath," "Gypsy" and "Come to The Sabbath." Here's a brief preview of the tracklist:

A Dangerous Meeting-5/5- Great opener, achieves a beautiful balance between heavy and melodic. About a group of people who get a wee bit too involved in a seance; some of KD's best lyrics, IMHO

Nightmare-4/5: Starts off great, heavy with some great work by the rhythm section, though ultimately drags on a bit too long. Great vocals from KD.

Desecration of Souls-4/5: Again, pretty much the same deal as the previous track. The into is one of MF's best riffs ever.

Night of The Unborn-5/5: Definitely gets things back on track again, with some truly over-the-top guitar solos.

The Oath-5/5: Ahhhh, now this is some EVIL stuff baby! Starts off with some cheesy yet still creepy keyboards and thunderstorm/church bell effects (everyone and their grandmother has done this since a little song named "Black Sabbath" was released in 1970). The lyrics bug me, but musically this is the most progressive thing MF has ever done.

Gypsy-5/5: Could be the best track on DBTO, one of Fate's all time finest. Just listen to that riff; simple, yet bone crushing heavy...genius!!!

Welcome Princess of Hell-5/5: Another steady rocker, with some killer riffs in the mid section. Very underrated as well.

To One Far Away-5/5: instrumental interlude with some gorgeous duel axe work by Sherman and Denner. Some argue its too short, but it's brevity may actually be its secret.

Come To The Sabbath-5/5: Awesome closer, great tempo changes and excellent use of limited keyboard textures.

Death Kiss-3/5: Included as the bonus track of the remaster, this is interesting for historical reasons (it's basically an early demo of "Dangerous Meeting"), but I think the record label could have been more creative and/or generous with its customers.

Music Review:

Music Review

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