Else

else

Track Listings

1. Planet Hal

2. 10/3/79

3. Planet Red Naxela

4. Watch Me Fall [Live]

5. To Myself [Live]

6. Shag Shack [Live]

7. Planet Ag Genav

Else,Sianspheric,Sonic Unyon,Alternative Pop/Rock,Canada,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Shoegaze

Else

Average customer rating:

we're the mesopotamians!
Sponge-worthy Else
Listen to this album...or ELSE!
A Great Album
Everything else.

The Else
They Might Be Giants
Manufacturer: Idlewild/Zoe Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Hello Radio: The Songs of They Might Be Giants
Time on Earth
The Mix-Up
Zeitgeist
Traffic and Weather

ASIN: B000QTCY5O
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Tracks:

I'm Impressed
Take Out the Trash
Upside Down Frown
Climbing the Walls
Careful What You Pack
The Cap'M
With the Dark
The Shadow Government
Bee of the Bird of the Month
Withered Hope
Countrecoup
Feign Amnesia
The Mesopotamians

Amazon.com

Twenty years after their debut album introduced a well-read duo with a peculiar wit and a gift for contagious melodies, They Might Be Giants--a.k.a. John Linnell and John Flansburgh--still come across as exhilarating and spanking fresh as the theme song to Comedy Central's Daily Show. (Oh yeah, that's them, too.) Fresh off the Giants' second children's record (2005's Here Come the ABCs), the New York twosome began a production alliance with L.A.'s Dust Brothers that resulted in The Else, another collection that ranks with any in their memorable discography. From the fast-tempo opener "I'm Impressed" through the '60s pop edge of "The Mesopotamians," endearing hooks reel you in just far enough for the humorous, often oddball lyrics to bury you. But several times the implications in the lyrics are all too real, such as the love undertones of "Contrecoup" and "Take Out the Trash," an uncannily catchy dump-your-boyfriend song that suggests "Once you get him out, tell him not to come back again." Contradictions like these never bother to disrupt the sequencing, but rather drive home what we already know about They Might Be Giants: they already are. --Scott Holter

Customer Reviews:

we're the mesopotamians!.......2007-07-14

At the very least, "The Spine" was an improvement on "Mink Car," and They look to be improving even moreso with "The Else." This album is almost as good -- actually, scratch that -- is as good as "Factory Showroom," and that means a LOT, as that album was a much maligned masterpiece.

It doesn't seem as good as the reviews suggest at first. In fact, my first listen ended with disappointment, despite the quality of the closing track (the utterly brilliant "Mesopotamians"). For the first time in their long and varied career, They have brought out an album that could actually be classified as "a grower." And seriously, these songs begin to connect like nothing else after awhile, and eventually the entire album experience is revealed to be as cohesive as "Factory Showroom," their only other LP to be considered cohesive to begin with.

Flansy surprised me with this record. It will be different for every listener/fan, but my favorite songs off this album are his, which has never been the case in the past. Especially in the past few years -- his work was either good or hokey beyond belief. But not this time, minus the rather meh "Take Out the Trash," which isn't that bad but is easily the worst cut on the album (a bit too Smashmouth for my tastes). "Careful What You Pack" is so unlike TMBG it's insane -- and I'm not exaggerating when I say it could have been done by The Flaming Lips or a conservative Radiohead. "With the Dark" is genius, something that recalls their past unlike any other song on the record. It's a mini opera-like suite, with genre hopping every 30 seconds or so. "The Shadow Government" and "Feign Amnesia" are maybe slightly geeky, but genuinely fun rockers, with "Goverment" especially being "John Henry" worthy.

Linnell doesn't disappoint, though. "I'm Impressed" does electronic-rock (or whatever) great, and the already underrated "Upside Down Frown" is so pretty and adorable, not to mention it sounds like it could have been on the first two albums. "The Cap'm" is a convincing rocker, with some funny lyrics as well ("did you say/...what I think you just said/my hat looks good on me?/I agree!"). Aforementioned "Mesopotamians" is easily thier best closer since, well, "The Bells Are Ringing," and also one of their best overall.

Don't listen to Pitchfork and other negative-ish reviews; this album is amazingly consistent and works more well than it probably should. Although not as good as thier first five albums, it still is much better than their last few albums. Pick this one up.

Note: the bonus CD is strictly for hardcore fans. Most of the songs are average, with a couple that are great and a few that are beyond terrible. It's pretty funny that the best moment on the entire disc is when "Metal Detector" (a live version) comes on.

Sponge-worthy Else.......2007-07-13

I'm never disappointed by TMBG's albums and the Else is no exception. The mood is set right off the top with I'm Impressed and continues through The Mesopotamians. I do think there are standout songs on this album, especially Withered Hope, which I found myself listening to on endless repeat in the car yesterday. The arrangements on this album both harken back to other TMBG music and look forward. I've seen many, many concerts by the Giants and can't wait to hear Withered Hope and Cap'n live!

Listen to this album...or ELSE!.......2007-07-13

First off, let me apologize for the title of this review. I couldn't help myself!

The Else, the 12th official release from They Might Be Giants, does not disappoint. The CD offers a total of 13 tracks and there's not a throw-away in the bunch. Obviously there are some songs that are better than others, but all are entertaining and witty. (And I'm sure your favorites will probably be different from mine...that's one of the joys of TMBG - there ability to appeal to various listeners in different ways.)

This album is a worthy addition to the TMBG canon. In the pre-release publicity for The Else, John Flansburg (who, along with John Linnell, forms the core of the band) said that "We wanted to be sure this was an album that was our best effort from beginning to end and I am very excited to report I believe we've actually done it!" I certainly agree with his assessment.

Some of the best songs on the disc are "The Mesopotamians," "The Cap'm," "Upside Down Frown," "Feign Amnesia," and the odd and quirky "Bee of the Bird of the Moth." However, without question, my personal favorite moment is the new extended version of "Contrecoup."

The demo version of Contrecoup has been floating around since 2005 and has appeared on the TMBG podcast as well as the TMBG Clock Radio (an Adobe Flash-powered application, originally released on tmbg.com in 2003, that streams MP3s from tmbg.com). The song had its origins in a challenge issued to John Linnell on WNYC's "The Next Big Thing" radio show to create a song using the almost-forgotten words contrecoup, craniosophic, and limerent.

I loved the original demo, but now the song has truly been "finished" with a much larger band sound. The length of the song has doubled from from just over a minute and a half to a full 3 minutes and 11 seconds. If you ever needed proof that John Linnell is a lyrical genius, then this song should do the trick.

And if all of this wan't already enough to make you want to add The Else to your CD collection, the first printing also contains an additional disc with 23 extra songs on it! The bonus disc, called Cast Your Pod to the Wind, is primarily made up of songs that had been previously featured on a TMBG podcast. In fact, 21 of the 23 songs were previously released through via podcast, including the title track. Two songs, "I'm Your Boyfriend Now" and "We Live In A Dump" have been entirely re-recorded for the disc, while many others have been remixed, remastered and partially re-recorded for release on CD.

Admittedly, some of the songs on the bonus disc aren't fantastic (I absolutely HATE "The Mexican Drill"). However, it is a fantastic bonus with some really enjoyable moments, like "We Live In A Dump," "Microphone," and "Metal Detector." The full track listing is as follows:

1. Put Your Hand On The Computer (1:57)
2. I'm Your Boyfriend Now (2:40)
3. Why Did You Grow A Beard? (1:08)
4. We Live In A Dump (1:40)
5. Brain Problem Situation (2:55)
6. Sketchy Galore (2:21)
7. Microphone (2:04)
8. Vestibule (1:58)
9. Greasy Kid Stuff (1:40)
10. Metal Detector (Live) (3:42)
11. Employee Of The Month (1:24)
12. Homunculus (2:15)
13. No Plan B (Live) (1:40)
14. Morgan In The Morning ID (1:06)
15. Kendra McCormick (0:51)
16. Yeah, The Deranged Millionaire (1:23)
17. My Other Phone Is A Boom Car (0:28)
18. I Hear A New World (2:09)
19. (She Was A) Hotel Detective In The Future (2:04)
20. Haunted Floating Eye (1:24)
21. Scott Bower (1:23)
22. The Mexican Drill (1:10)
23. Cast Your Pod To The Wind (1:25)

The Else (and the bonus disc) will ensure that your frown remains upside down! You won't regret buying this release!

A Great Album.......2007-07-11

I would say that The Else is an even stronger album overall than The Spine was (though, in truth, there are far catchier songs to be found on the previous record). The Else is a weird, moody, and intriguing record. I've heard, and would agree, that there are no real standout tracks to be found...maybe in the future when the whole thing can be listened to with more perspective. I have to say, though, that it really sucked me in when "With The Dark" came on. Like a little rock opera unto itself, it paves the way for the rest of the album. To illustrate this, and I don't know if this would have any meaning to anyone else, but on first listen, that was the song that made me take the inlay back out and follow along with the lyrics, as I did with the rest of the album.
I've listened to it in its entirety a few times now and I still feel that it's a strong album. Very interesting arrangements and especially strong guitar work. As the album progresses, a fair amount of horns work their way into the mix, leaving me wanting to compare this with John Henry. The songwriting strikes me as similar to that album, as well.
The bonus disc, only to be included with the first pressing but sure to be released on its own in due time, collects 23 unreleased tracks, many of which seem album-worthy. Which leads me to one complaint, if you can call it that: The Else, with it's thirteen tracks, is too short, a bit too one-sided. Had a few of the bonus songs been incorporated into the album, The Else would have been classic. I get the feeling that They Might Be Giants are playing it a little too safe musically. Their artwork and overall presentation is at an all-time high (this album and The Spine both boast incredible, eye-catching art), but one of the things I've always loved about the band is that they seem willing to toss a weird little vignette or a strange little song about nothing in particular onto an album, whereas most bands generally save these for the archives or a bonus disc, or never release them at all.
I suppose I shouldn't complain. They Might Be Giants could have easily allowed the 23 fine tracks on the bonus disc to remain unheard outside of podcast or dial-a-song venues. I just wish they'd loosen up a bit, I guess.
But enough complaining...after all, like I said, The Else is a very good album. One that I'll be listening to regularly. I suppose it's just that, being used to getting twenty or so songs for so long, thirteen is kind of a disappointment. I thought the same thing when Factory Showroom came out. But I still listen to that album; I still think it's great. It doesn't bother me anymore that it's relatively short. I'll feel the same way about The Else someday soon. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy it for what it is. They Might Be Giants' 12th Album.

Everything else........2007-07-10

The album itself is amazing. (With tracks produced by the dust brothers)! And on top of that, the bonus disc of 23 tracks that have been online at one time or another during podcasts doesn't hurt! You have to buy this.

Average customer rating:

All Stars
Great laid back bop
It's Something Spectacular! Six Stars!
Silky Smooth Sounds for an Autumn Day!
"Allison Uncle" and "Rangoon"

Somethin' Else
Cannonball Adderley
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Moanin'
Speak No Evil
Mingus Ah Um
The Sidewinder
Maiden Voyage

ASIN: B00000I41J
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Tracks:

Autumn Leaves
Love For Sale
Somthin' Else
One For Daddy-o
Dancing In The Dark
Bangoon

Amazon.com

When alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley culled together this quartet, he grabbed three champions from seemingly disparate schools to complement his flinty solos: Miles Davis, the king of cool; Art Blakey, the thundering force of hard bop; Hank Jones, a veteran of swing; and Sam Jones, a versatile bassist adaptable to nearly any setting. The results are one of Blue Note's most beloved albums. The open-ended beauty of "Autumn Leaves," which features Davis beautifully stating the melody on muted trumpet, sounds like it could easily be an outtake from Kind of Blue (which it isn't). The midtempo title track provides the centerpiece of this classic as Adderley echoes Miles's swaggering melody before both unravel wonderful solos. A must-have Blue Note album. --John Murph

Customer Reviews:

All Stars.......2007-06-24

This cd is packed with a roster of musicians that paved the way for the young lions of today. This is a cd that is full of jam sessions.

Great laid back bop.......2007-06-19

Not as energetic as my other favorite bebop pieces, but still very engaging, great solos. A *very* solid jazz album if there ever was one. Highly recommended.

It's Something Spectacular! Six Stars!.......2007-05-05

This is simply one of those amazing recordings that just about everyone can agree on labeling a CLASSIC. And if any jazz recording truly deserves this description, it's "Somethin' Else". It is my second favorite jazz album of all-time (right behind "Kind of Blue"). The way Miles and Cannonball play off of each other is truly somethin' special. It's like watching an old William Powell - Myrna Loy movie, or Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen play basketball, two artists who seem to not only know the other like the back of their hand, but also seem to be able to feed off of one another, not so much in a competitive way, but more of a playful, venerating one. The result for us of course, is magical! This classic is a perfect example of why art is so important in today's society. I can be having the absolute worst day of my life, however as soon as I come home and turn a CD like this one on it's almost as if my troubles seem to vanish within minutes. Try to it sometime, and see if I am just throwing out b.s. hyperbole. If you are a jazz fan and this doesn't do it for you, then I don't know what to recommend besides maybe some wine or opium. It would be like a classic rock fan who doesn't like "Revolver" or "Dark Side of the Moon". You might get a few fickle jazz fans out there who prefer different cups of tea, but for the most part (as you can also see by the five-star Amazon rating) this one is a no-brainer as most jazz zealots will agree.

This album is just over 43 minutes of pure bliss. Everytime I play this one I enjoy it more than the time before. And what's really ironic is the fact that everytime I play it I think the opposite - that I am actually going to be sick of the CD by now because of the many times I've already played it. That Miles Davis sure had some kind of run during 1958 and 1959. Has anyone in the history of music (the Beatles included) contributed more in nearly a two year span than this man? Along with "Somethin' Else" and "Kind of Blue" there were also "Milestones", "Sketches of Spain", "Porgy and Bess", etc... Not too shabby to say the least.

So please, if you are new to jazz music, make this purchase right away. It's not just about Miles and Cannonball, the rest of the quintet, the outstanding rythm section - Art Blakey (drums), Sam Jones (bass), and Hank Jones (piano) - all give inspired performances. I have never heard Art Blakey so restrained, but it works to perfection on this recording and his performance was perfect for it's subtle, yet soft nature (yes, drums can actually sound serene). This one deserves to be in it's own category - 6 STAR REVIEW!

Silky Smooth Sounds for an Autumn Day!.......2006-10-04

I first acquired this album as a cassette and wore it out because I loved it so much. I'm happy to say that sound quality of the cd version is absolutely amazing and crystal clear. You'll feel like you're in the same room with these guys even though this timeless music was recorded nearly 50 years ago! As a jazz musician I know that "Autumn Leaves" has become a song the many people are frankly tired of, but this is the best version you'll ever hear. There is little doubt that Cannonball was the greatest alto sax player in jazz history, and certainly one of the most lyrical and explosive horn players in all of jazz during his lifetime. He shows his incredible range on the classic version of "Dancing in the Dark", taking his playing to unexpected heights. This is some of the most mellow and subtle playing you'll hear from Art Blakey on any record, but he is solid as ever and keeps the band moving right along. "One for Daddy-o" has a wonderful slow groove that works very well. The xtra track has also a very catchy melody. To put it bluntly, no jazz collection is complete without this cd. If I could only take 10 discs with me to a deserted island for the rest of my life this would probably be one of them!

"Allison Uncle" and "Rangoon".......2006-03-26

There are a few reissues of this absolutely great Cannonball Adderley recording. The first five cuts on all the reissues are the same 5 cuts that make up the original vinyl LP. A few of the reissued CD's have an additional sixth cut. The sixth cut was discovered by Blue Note and initially released in Japan in 1982 and given the name "Allison's Uncle" because Nat Adderley's daughter was born on the day it was recorded. Further research revealed that the mystery tune is a Hank Jones composition that the pianist recorded as "Rangoon" with the Gigi Gryce/Donald Byrd Jazz Lab quintet for a Jubilee label in August 1957. Therefore, please be advised that "Allison's Uncle" and "Rangoon" and the same exact cut, just with a different name for the same song. I got this info from the Rudy Van Gelder Edition footnotes by Bob Blumenthal. Tidbits like this are very important to me and thought it might be valuable to others as well.

Average customer rating:

Fits The Game Perfectly
The single greatest soundtrack for a game ever.
True to the game
Pretty Good
Pretty darn good

Halo: Original Soundtrack
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sumthing Else
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Halo | Game Titles | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games
Similar Items:

Halo 2, Vol. 1
Halo 2, Vol. 2
Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)
Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)
The Art of Halo

ASIN: B000067UO7
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

Opening Suite
Truth And Reconciliation Suite
Brothers In Arms
Enough Dead Heroes
Perilous Journey
A Walk In The Woods
Ambient Wonder
The Gun Pointed At The Head Of The Universe
Trace Amounts
Under Cover Of Night
What Once Was Lost
Lament For Pvt. Jenkins
Devils... Monsters...
Covenant Dance
Alien Corridors
Rock Anthem For Saving The World
The Maw
Drumrun
On A Pale Horse
Perchance To Dream
Library Suite
The Long Run
Suite Autumn
Shadows
Dust And Echoes
Halo

Customer Reviews:

Fits The Game Perfectly.......2007-06-07

Bungie really outdid themselves with this soundtrack, and it shows. Never have I heard an entire soundtrack that melds perfectly with the game it was made for.

All 27 songs on Halo's soundtrack do a wonderful job in conveying the emotion and ambience of the situation to the listener/player.

Songs such as . . .

*Under Cover of Night*. You're on an alien world, tracking through snow and ice, and alone. This track really gives one the feeling of despair associated with such a situation.

*Devils, Monsters*. You discover the last known position of a company of marines, and their horrible fate. This track instills fear, and the need to escape.

*Covenant Dance*. This is a great track, but I can't remember where exactly it's played. Two Betrayals? Anyway, you're on borrowed time and you must fight your way through both Covenant and Flood. Definately gives a sense of "oh, s***"

*On a Pale Horse*. I always equate this track with a Banshee, but I'm not sure that's what Martin intended. Gives a sense of urgency - as if one has the weight of the world on their shoulders.

*Perchance to Dream*. Shhhh, the aliens are sleeping. Certainly gives that 'tip-toe' effect.

*Library Suite*. The Library is my favorite chapter. Many hate this chapter because of it's repetitive levels, but I think Bungie made it that way on purpose as a clever trick on one's emotions. Encountering the Flood for the first time is a bit scary. Playing the first level of the Library only intensifies that feeling. Finding out there are 9 more levels of Flood-goodness is even worse.

This track conveys the anxiety, dread, and fear of going through a long, frightful fight with these organisms in an alien structure.

*Ambient Wonder*. This track is gorgeous. It makes me think of the endlessness of space, and all that it could encompass, be it beauty or horror. As the name says, conveys a sense of wonder.

*Lost Song*. This is the 27th song that didn't make it to this release. I'm not sure if that's the proper/original name, but that is what Bungie titles it as since the track was considered 'lost'.

IMO, this is the best song from the game. Some say it can only be heard on Legendary, but I have no knowledge of whether that's true or not. If I remember correctly, this track plays once you kill a sword-wielding Elite in either Two Betrayals, or AOTCR. At that point, the area is clear and you're free to look around, or make your way through to the next room.

This track is a bit difficult to explain. I know that if I were far off in space, walking around in an alien structure filled with bright lights and shiny walls with hieroglyphics, alone - I would certainly think of this song. It gives that 'otherwordly' feeling in a non-agreesive, almost peaceful, way.

The track can be found on Bungie's website under Halo 1 > Full Gallery > Game Music.

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better soundtrack to go with a great Sci-Fi game. You're on an alien-world in the middle of BF-Space, and the music literally immerses you into that experience 100%. Or, if you just like music that gives that 'otherwordly' sensation, this would be a good pick.

Oh, and btw - Steve Vai did the guitar work on both this soundtrack and Halo 2.

Lost Song - http://www.bungie.net/projects/halo/asset_thumb_viewer.aspx?at=55&cc=25

The single greatest soundtrack for a game ever........2007-05-22

Seriously, I don't know a more professional piece of work on music for a game than the Halo soundtracks. Everytime I load the game and hear the monks singing it's just surreal. I play it many times when drawing or internet shopping and it never gets old. Hopefully Halo 3 will continue the trend.

True to the game.......2007-03-08

As I thoroughly enjoyed Halo, I wasn't surprised that I liked the soundtrack. The majority of songs I recognized instantly as "Oh, that's where the Flood pops out" and so on. (My heart rate still jumps up just *listening* to it)

The one thing I didn't like was the fact that most of the tracks were under the 1:30 mark or so, so just as the song gets going it stops.
Regardless, I still give it 5 stars.

Pretty Good.......2007-02-08

This soundtrack is pretty good. I think the Halo 2 soundtrack is much better though.

Pretty darn good.......2006-11-13

I've never been a serious gamer but after giving in and purchasing the Xbox system (solely for the critically acclaimed and rockin' Halo series) in late 04 I started seeing the reasons for all the hype. Halo is by far the pinnacle game in my opinion and the music makes for a great listen. Combining instruments and electronic noises Halo is given a future-sounding soundtrack that suits the game perfectly. This is a must for any fan of Halo.

Average customer rating:

BUY! BUY! BUY!
Great game - great music
Hug your pillows girls
best video game soundtrack ever.
classical music listeners stop complaining

Halo 2, Vol. 1
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Sumthing Else
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Halo | Game Titles | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games
Similar Items:

Halo: Original Soundtrack
Halo 2, Vol. 2
Halo, Books 1-3 (The Flood; First Strike; The Fall of Reach)
Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)
The Art of Halo

ASIN: B00067RF6E
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Tracks:

Halo Theme Mjolnir Mix
Blow Me Away - Breaking Benjamin
Peril
Ghosts Of Reach
Follow (1st Movement Of The Odyssey) - Incubus
Heretic, Hero
Flawed Legacy
Impend
Never Surrender - Nile Rodgers
Ancient Machine
2nd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
In Amber Clad
The Last Spartan
Orbit Of Glass
3rd Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
Heavy Price Paid
Earth City
High Charity
4th Movement Of The Odyssey - Incubus
Remembrance
Connected - Hoobastank

Amazon.com

Further proof that the 15-year-old male is the nexus of contemporary popular entertainment, this anthology of music from and "inspired by" the sequel to the earth-conquering Halo saga also showcases how capably the video game industry can trump even Hollywood's vaunted production values. The original synth-heavy underscore by Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori is filled with enough brooding, mock-Goth atmospherics, and pulsing exotica of indeterminate ethnicity to give the Hans Zimmer stable a run for their money, while a slate of (mostly) worthy rock star guest turns give it a welcome edge. Legendary axe-slinger Steve Vai's sinewy riffing punches up the reworked main theme and "Never Surrender," while alt.metal contenders Breaking Benjamin serve up the suitably dramatic inspired-by cut "Blow Me Away." But it's Incubus' four-part "Odyssey" suite that's the centerpiece, bridging 1970s prog and modern rock with its moody aura and evocative musical dramatics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

BUY! BUY! BUY!.......2007-03-05

This CD stayed in my truck's CD player for months before getting tired of it. Enough said.

Great game - great music.......2007-01-10

My son wanted this Cd. I had never sat long enough to listen to the music when he played Halo, so I didn't have a clue what I was buying. He let me listen to some of the tracks once it arrived and I had to "borrow" it from him so I could download the cd onto my pc. Needless to say I bought volume 2 and the original Halo soundtrack cd as well. They may belong to my son, but I love these cds too!

Hug your pillows girls.......2006-08-06

THe only reason I am writing anything about this album is because it contains the Odyssey by Incubus, and its probably some of their best work and will go down as their most unnoticed. While the rest of your nerds are huggin your pillows at night thinking about your video games and the "gnarly instrumentals" on this album you sit there and bash Incubus' work. The first track by them, Follow, is not all that great however it was re-released on an additional cd with their Alive at Red Rocks DVD and it sounds sooooooo much better on that cd (with some real lyrics) But after listening to the Odyssey I was really hoping this to be a new direction for Incubus, a more proggressive/conceptual sound. Whether this is the direction they go on with their new album is yet to be heard. Its a shame that this work will go unnoticed, and the only reason it will be that way because a bunch of losers decide to try and impress people with (what they think) is a sense of music just because its of a classical nature. Yes, the rest of the music on the album is amazing, and I give big ups to its composition, but come on people, show some love to good music when its presented to your faces.

best video game soundtrack ever........2006-08-03

i understand that many people are a bit angry with breaking benjamin and hoobastank being in here. i'm not particularly happy myself with the last track, but i think contemporary music is appropriate here, albeit lyrics may not be the greatest form of expressing the mysterious feeling behind everything. i think o'donnel and salvatori have what it takes to compose a score of music, but it's not a score, it's a soundtrack. i found that if you don't like them you can just skip them. the second to last track is a great way to end the soundtrack.

classical music listeners stop complaining.......2006-05-10

The worst part of this album was songs with lyrics (breaking benjamin, techno, hoobastank)...i dont understand then why people are upset with the incubus - follow has one word the whole song (two if you count "yeah") and their instrumental songs are brilliant, floyd-esque at times. for those of you reading others criticizing this album, ignore them, ignore the three bad songs on this album, and purchase it and enjoy it.

Average customer rating:

A few catchy songs... and that's that
Instantly Forgettable
C'mon guys . . .
Longing for the concept...
As a long-standing Marillion fan, I'm disappointed.

Somewhere Else
Marillion
Manufacturer: Mvd Visual
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Fear of a Blank Planet
Snakes & Arrows
Sola Scriptura
Spock's Beard
Systematic Chaos

ASIN: B000MGVBX2
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

The Other Half
See It Like a Baby
Thank You Whoever You Are
Most Toys
Somewhere Else
A Voice From the Past
No Such Thing
The Wound
The Last Century For Man
Faith

Description

With 'Somewhere Else' Marillion have played to their strengths and cut one of their very best records. With their innate sense of drama and pomp tempered by a winning melancholy, Marillion have produced a set of rich and vivid soundscapes. 'Somewhere Else' is a genuinely remarkable testament to Marillion's enduring creativity and crystal vision and Pete Trewavas, Ian Mosley, Mark Kelly, Steve Rothery, and Steve Hogarth have yet again proved that they are slaves to no-one, instead being prophets calling proudly in an uncaring musical wilderness.

Customer Reviews:

A few catchy songs... and that's that.......2007-07-06

I must confess I'd had great expectations set on this new release... maybe that's what affected the final outcome... but still...
I knew, like many I think knew too, that beating "Marbles" would be a tough thing to achieve but COME ON GUYS!! Mark, Steve, Ian, Pete, H.!!! what happened??? It's not a BAD album but definitely, it's not a GOOD one either.
Some songs even sound like the burrs that need to be polished from some of the great songs of the previous album!

Instantly Forgettable.......2007-06-30

As usual, great performances from great musicians. I really do enjoy the Hogarth stuff though I very much prefer the Fish years. This is fine music like Marillion can always pump out in their sleep. The problem for me is that unlike good Marillion albums, this one simply has nothing special to offer. There is nothing to hold on to and relate back to this album. It is simply forgettable. Mind you, this is worlds better than 95% of the drivel that is being defecated into the music world by so-called musicians. Nevertheless, as far as Marillion goes, I would simply skip this one and put Misplaced Childhood back into your player.

C'mon guys . . ........2007-06-15

...you can do better. You have done better for more than 25 years.

Somewhere Else, while perhaps achieving the new "get on the charts" primary focus of the band, is the thinnest, least creative, least distilled, most trite piece of work of an extrordary band. How disapointing.

When Phil Collins finally hit the dumb bottom with "Dance Into the Light" he had the maturity to pack it in. Yes, Marillion is scraping that bottom.

My hope is that the band takes the time to think about how little thought they put into this work and finds a way to bounce back. Comfortable artists sometimes forget to wad up the safe idea and toss it. H and Co worked the creative mine like they had something to prove in previous discs, but not this time.

"Somewhere Else" is simply boring. Let me put this in perspective -- I have a Marillion mix that I listen to EVERY NIGHT as I get ready for bed. I have spent a lot of time listening to this band. I appreciate the unique creative melodic slightly psycho genius of both the Fish and H incarntations.

Thank heavens Neal Morse, Rush and Dream Theater all had new music out at the same time. Unfoutunately, although none of these new works are awe inspiring, they all generate greater interest than "Somewhere Else".

I hope the next one is better.

Longing for the concept..........2007-06-13

I really like Marillion when they have a clear theme in mind, Brave;Marbles, but sometimes I get lost when they have an album of songs i can't seem to find the street signs on. But it is good to have people in the world who can color outside the lines... The album has some gems, but it took me a couple of turns to get them. At first I thought the disc was a self indulgent ride after the extremely pinpoint production they performed on Marbles, then I opened up to it a little. Not a bad disc, this band is wonderful live, especially at the Park West in Chicago, but then any show there is gold. Enjoy the music, Steve is emotional to listen to, and Rothery is a virtuoso on the fretboard. The rest of the band make up the solid unit that is Marillion. Love Pete's stuff when he tiptoes outside of the band. I hope we see something special on the next disc from the group. In the meantime I'll keep spinning this one and looking for those hidden things you sometimes find on a Marillion disc when you have the headphones on or when everyone else has gone to bed and you play it in the dark with just the lights of the stereo and cd player to dance before your eyes...

As a long-standing Marillion fan, I'm disappointed. .......2007-06-08

Granted, Marbles was a tough act to follow. With epic songs like "The Invisible Man" and "Ocean Cloud", anything that resembles a repetitve, one-verse pop song is going to come up short. Oops... I just described "Most Toys", didn't I? In my opinion, many of the songs are one-dimensional and don't really move me in true Marillion fashion. The one song that seems to follow the Marillion formula of soulful songs that change, morph, evolve and make you feel like you're getting three-songs-in-one is the title track, "Somewhere Else". There's a little fun Sgt. Pepper-ish tonality in the title track... if you liked "Drilling Holes" you'll love this song. And speaking of "Invisble Man" (and "You're Gone" for that matter) ... the morbidity theme in Somewhere Else is a little heavy-handed. Sure, we loved "promised wedding now a wake...." in Script from a Jester's Tear, we'll always love "Easter" and who can't help but be moved by "Estonia"? But of the ten songs on Somewhere Else, guess how many of them are about someone dead? "The Other Half"? Yup. "Most Toys"? Kinda. "Somewhere Else"? Yes. "Voice From the Past". Totally. "No Such Thing" mentions the Pearly Gates, but I'll let that one go. You get the picture. If you're looking for an upbeat album to cheer you up this is NOT it. (Then again, are any Marillion songs feel-good, HAPPY songs? Hmmm... not even "The Last Straw: Happy Ending"?)

Maybe Somewhere Else will grow on me. Anoraknophobia did. I've heard that the band doesn't think This Strange Engine is their best either... but I think it's better than Somewhere Else.

I love the guys, but I'm not feeling this album. I will continue to be a fan and a collector, but I'm kinda disappointed in Somewhere Else.

Average customer rating:

Enter the Halo universe
Inspiring and Fun!
What the Halo 2 soundtrack should have been
My Halo 2, Vol. 2 Tracks Review.
Halo 2 vol2

Halo 2, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Sumthing Else
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Halo | Game Titles | Specialty Stores | Computer & Video Games
Similar Items:

Halo 2, Vol. 1
Halo: Original Soundtrack
Ghosts of Onyx (Halo)
The Halo Graphic Novel
The Art of Halo

ASIN: B000EZ8ZXK
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Tracks:

Prologue 2:35
Cairo Suite 9:42
Mombasa Suite 6:41
Unyielding 3:04
Mausoleum Suite 8:10
Unforgotten 2:09
Delta Halo Suite 11:26
Sacred Icon Suite 7:26
Reclaimer 3:03featuring Steve Vai
High Charity Suite 8:27
Finale 3:10
Epilogue 3:49

Amazon.com

Unlike its predecessor, Halo 2, Vol. 1, this sequel doesn¹t offer any tracks by the likes of Breaking Benjamin or Incubus, though guitarist Steve Vai returns for a hilariously histrionic cameo on "Reclaimer" and Sumthing Else label boss (and Chic leader) Nile Rodgers remains on board as producer. Structuring the CD around a narrative-driven series of multi-part suites (though the track listing identifies the suites themselves and you can¹t go directly to a favorite sub-part), composers Martin O¹Donnell and Michael Salvatori show that when it comes to setting a mood, games composers don't have to fear comparisons with their Hollywood brethren. Things, for instance, get appropriately creepy on the "Destroyer's Provocation" part of "Mausoleum Suite." The main problem is that things sometimes sound too cheaply synthetic, as in "Unyielding." But considering we're dealing with a video game, the irony may not be lost on the fans. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Original Score Composed and Produced By Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori. Album Produced by Nile Rodgers. Executive Producer Sandy Ting.

The Long Awaited Halo 2 Volume Two!!

Customer Reviews:

Enter the Halo universe.......2007-06-11

When I first purchased Halo 2 (The game), I was scared. From the opening guitar solo of Bungie to the rest of the prologue, there was a flurry of emotions running through my body. Scared, excited, curious and most of all nervous. What was I about to get myself into for the rest of the afternoon??

I was nervous and scared at first. How long will I last with the Master Chief before I first get killed by some unsuspecting Grunt around the corner? Or some Elite jumping at me and slashing me with his energy sword? Or some sneaky little jackal sniping me from what seems to be 3 football fields away? This is what I asked myself before I finally came to and began to wail away at the Covenant with my assault rifle. No match for the Chief says I.

So 4 years later I finally get my hands on the "real" Halo 2 soundtrack and man oh man how those emotions I had when playing the game came back to me. I quickly remembered what levels I was at when listening to the different tracks and tried to think of how I was able to keep my sanity from dying and dying over and over again in the game. But I prevailed nonetheless and now eagerly await the arrival of Halo 3 in September.

The soundtrack is great if you're a fan of the Halo games or of this kind of music in general. You can be driving to work or just kicking back in your couch just to chill. It's pretty soothing with it's futuristic space sound. It's the soundtrack to the Halo universe. A Halo universe that exists in all of us.

Inspiring and Fun!.......2007-03-24

Salvatori and O'Donnell have created a memorable and inspiring collection of instrumental melodies in this second compilation of tracks from the Halo 2 video game. Its melodies rival that of its predecessors (Halo and Halo 2, volume 1). Salvatori and O'Donnell capture the emotion and environment of a video game, yet offer a taste of the finely mastered quality you would expect from great composers of memorable movie soundtracks. I only gave this soundtrack 4 stars because I wish some of the movements were longer, as the melodies are so inspiring, yet leave you craving for more. No connoisseur of video games, instrumental music, or movie soundtracks should go without Halo 2, volume 2.

What the Halo 2 soundtrack should have been.......2007-03-23

While I did enjoy the first Halo 2 soundtrack (particularly the Mjolnir Mix of the Halo theme), it lacked most of the major themes from the game. However, this version is almost a scene for scene musical representation of the whole game, and it is perfect. While playing the CD I can picture going through the certain levels and everything that happened in each, right down to the dialog. I only wished they released this one first (with the Mjolnir mixed added, of course) and then release the second one as a follow up album.

My Halo 2, Vol. 2 Tracks Review........2007-01-18

I thought that the music in the CD was awesome. Every time I play it on my MP3 player I can close my eyes and imagine myself actually in the game itself. It was just an all around great CD, I'd recommend it to anyone. Especially a Hard-Core Halo Fan like myself!

Halo 2 vol2.......2007-01-11

I bought this CD for my son, who is 14. He loved it. Most of the music he listens to is video game music.

Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?

Average customer rating:

I want to make one thing perfectly clear
Good Album
Wow
Overexposed
The 5 star ratings here are a bit much

Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?
The Cranberries
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Rock | Celtic | International | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

No Need to Argue
To the Faithful Departed
Bury The Hatchet [Explicit Cover]
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
Stars: The Best of the Cranberries, 1992-2002

ASIN: B000001DXL
Release Date: 1993-04-20

Tracks:

I Still Do
Dreams
Sunday
Pretty
Waltzing Back
Not Sorry
Linger
Wanted
Still Can't...
I Will Always
How
Put Me Down

Product Description

Practically BRAND NEW condition, never played, includes original CD, case, and paperwork, First class shipped, ask me for my CD List! :)

Amazon.com

Their first full-length shows a band fully formed, with faint debts to the Sundays and the Smiths, but turning out more-than-tuneful pop behind the gorgeous lilt of Dolores O'Riordan. "Dreams" and "Linger" both seem to weave magic spells that remain even after the tracks pass, and there is a glorious freshness to the performances that's impossible to resist. It remains their most satisfying outing. --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews:

I want to make one thing perfectly clear.......2006-08-14

Despite your album title not everybody was trying to imitate 10,000 Maniacs in 1993, and so therefore the title doesn't apply to you. If you wanted to just say you were recording an album then that's fine, but don't say you are doing this because everyone else is SO THERE!!!!!! Now that my venting over the title is over now onto serious business: "Linger" is my first introduction of the Cranberries, and let's just say that it was as bad as getting a manly handshake from a woman. The melody is despicable, and the lyrics are too, and it was one of the bad memories of the first months in FL. That's where I was first introduced to this, so I feel that if everyone was rocketing to the moon in their underpants would you?

Good Album.......2006-08-04

I think this is a good album in the whole. Most of the songs are well written and well performed. The lead vocals do sound a bit the same after a while, but she has a nice voice so I don't mind hearing it over and over. I think this album still sounds good, it's better than most of the stuff out today.

Wow.......2006-08-01

In lieu of all of the recent negative reviews I've read, I feel this weird need to defend The Cranberries, and I don't know why.

So The Cranberries were a 90s band, sorry to all of you who think it's cool to rebel against gen x and hate the 90s. This cd doesn't sound dated really, just take a look at any given current 'indie' band, and you'll get pretty much a similar, softer sound to it. And even if one were able to identify this as a 90s band, this isn't horribly dependant on the age in which it was written like oh so many 80s pop/synth/rock acts.

I don't think anyone is going to accuse The Cranberries of being the most innovative, intelligent band ever, but they weren't trying to be. They made pop tunes and actually put a little heart into them, and thats a rare thing, I think. This is a very gorgeous, yet subtle cd; nothing is really going to jump out at you, and it may take more than one listen to really appreciate it.

So songs to listen to:
Dreams
Waltzing Back
Linger
Still Can't...
How

If you like the sound of these songs, then you won't be disappointed in the least. If they're not your cup of tea, then don't bother.

Overexposed.......2006-02-22

I originally purchased this album over nine years ago and, although I liked the songs and Dolores O'Riordan's voice, I find myself rarely listening to it now. For me, the excessive radio airplay of the songs "Dreams" and "Linger" killed the longevity of the album as a whole. It seemed as though throughout most of the nineties a person couldn't listen to the radio, walk around in a shopping mall, or watch TV without hearing "Dreams" or "Linger" at least once, if not more than once. I must have heard those songs a hundred times at least. Now I groan internally whenever I hear them. To me, this album will always sound like the nineties, and, unfortunately, the nineties haven't been gone long enough to make me want to reminisce. The Cranberries were a great band and it is a shame that much of their subsequent output wasn't as good. This is not a terrible album by any means, it has just been, to use a photographic term, overexposed.

The 5 star ratings here are a bit much.......2006-02-04

Yes, Dolores O'Riordan has a beautiful voice. Yes, many of the tunes here waft delicately and create a slightly melancholy ambiance.

The problem is that the songs rest TOO heavily on her voice without the songwriting to carry it. Too few of these tunes have solid bankable hooks that draw you back to them again and again and that counts against the longevity of this in the end.

In addition, the lilting quality of O'Riordan's voice takes on a near yodel affectation at times that means her singing style may take some getting used to. That's not to say this album is "bad"..just that much of it possesses a tendency to bleed into the background.

HIGHLIGHTS:
Driving drums and shimering guitar made "Dreams" a big hit as was the string-kissed "Linger". Outside of those, "Still Can't.." and "How" with its "Never before and never again" chorus settle in with repeated listening. It closes on a nice note with the otherworldly soaring backing vocals on "Put Me Down".

LOWS:
"I Still Do" is a prime example of a tune that I just can't recall once it stops playing and it was allowed to set the stage for the disc. While that's truth in advertising at its most extreme, it certainly doesn't start the CD to best advantage.

BOTTOM LINE:
A great voice can't carry songs on its own and this album is hit and miss but the best bits are majestic. Definitely one I'd borrow from a friend first before buying, though.

Average customer rating:

WOW! It's Something Else Alright
My Personal Favorite
Britpop Ground Zero
Neglected Masterpiece
Ingenious!

Something Else by the Kinks
The Kinks
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Invasion | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society
Arthur - Or The Decline And Fall Of The British Empire
Face to Face
Lola versus Powerman and the Money-Go-Round, Part One
Muswell Hillbillies

ASIN: B000002KOC
Release Date: 1990-05-02

Tracks:

David Watts
Death Of A Clown
Two Sisters
No Return
Harry Rag
Tin Soldier Man
Situation Vacant
Love Me Till The Sun Shines
Lazy Old Sun
Afternoon Tea
Funny Face
End Of The Season
Waterloo Sunset

Amazon.com

Some fans argue that this 1967 release is one of head Kink Ray Davies's middle-period masterpieces (coming between two LPs that no kultist can deny: Face to Face and Village Green Preservation Society), while others regard it as an uneven collection of great singles and inconsequential filler; a stopgap move. Although no one could argue that it's as consistent as those classics, Something Else does boast one of the great one-two punches in rock history: the rumbling tale of social envy, "David Watts," and "Death of a Clown," a slurring pub sing-along warbled by brother Dave. Elsewhere, the quartet dives headfirst into droning psychedelia ("Lazy Old Sun"), whimsical balladry ("Afternoon Tea"), suburban soap opera ("Two Sisters"--love that harpsichord), and one of the most poignant singles in rock history ("Waterloo Sunset"). --Don Harrison

Customer Reviews:

WOW! It's Something Else Alright.......2007-02-07

The best example of The Kinks brit-pop years that influenced many generations. Something Else Ray Davies's 2nd masterpiece of 3. The first is Face to Face, then Village Green after this... and his underrated brother Dave contributes a masterpiece Death of a Clown.

My Personal Favorite.......2006-12-30

As I write this review of Something Else I am sitting under the framed album cover autographed by Ray & Dave Davies. I'd waited outside their hotel, sometime early '70's, hoping they'd pop out. I brought my favorite Kinks album, and as Ray signed it, he said: "I don't think even I have a copy of this record." I assumed he was kidding. In any case, he wasn't about to get mine!

My favorite period for the Kinks was part of the least popular in America - that period that encompassed Face to Face, Something Else, and Village Green Preservation Society. Record sales had slunk so low that Reprise Records famously advertised a compilation for one penny with the slogan - "God Save the Kinks!" I have that compilation in my record closet. For my money, everyone should own Face to Face, Something Else, and Village Green, a tryptich of classic songs perfectly delivered. With this era, the Kinks solidified their position as one of the most creative, adventuresome, and accomplished of all their peers.

Something Else opens with David Watts, a wonderful tale of adolescent jealousy and envy. Everybody has known a David Watts - someone who walks on water, someone who always gets their way, for whom everything in life comes easy. Death of a Clown follows this - a song that always makes me sing-a-long with it, even if I haven't been drinking. Something Else includes songs (for the first time?) written by Dave Davies - in addition to Death of a Clown, Dave penned Love Me Till the Sun Shines and Funny Face.

There are songs that harken back to music hall music, like Harry Rag or Tin Soldier Man. A gentle ambiance of nostalgia, bittersweet longing for simplicity, old traditions, times gone by. Afternoon Tea. Lazy Old Sun. End of the Season. Themes that become fully realized on Village Green, but this is the interlude. The transitional album inbetween. It's as much of a concept album as Sgt. Pepper or Tommy or Forever Changes. It's just different. And very British.

But the best is saved for last, Waterloo Sunset. It's been described as the most perfect pop song ever written. A song for the centuries. That's not just my opinion - it's been described that way by Paul Weller, Elvis Costello, David Bowie. It's breathtakingly beautiful. The perfect end to the perfect album.

Britpop Ground Zero.......2006-10-03

In the the late 1960s, rock 'n roll began to outgrow "Satisfaction", "Love Me Do", and "You Really Got Me". Not only did bands become more socially and politically aware, they became more ambitious and eager to experiment. For their trouble, many of the great bands from this era - such as The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, and The Beach Boys - were rewarded with not only a secure musical legacy, but healthy financial benefits as well. The Kinks, who were banned from the US between the crucial years of 1965 and 1969, received neither. They had a handful of successful singles, but their LPs went almost completely unnoticed by record buyers.

Fortunately, the pendulum has swung, and The Kinks are now recognized as a major influence on subsequent generations of British rockers. To quote Mick Jones of The Clash, "As far as The Beatles, The Stones, and The Who are concerned, we don't really hear that much about The Kinks. But they're just as important". While the influence of The Beatles and The Stones spreads across the entire spectrum of popular music, that of The Kinks and The Who is most obvious in the punk (British and American) of the late 70s and the Britpop of the early 90s. Like Newton and Leibniz's independent but nearly simultaneous invention of calculus, the fuzzy power chords of these bands' 1964-5 singles laid the groundwork for punk, while assertions like Pete Townshend's "hope I die before I get old" and Ray Davies' "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" - a B-side that appeared 10 years before The Ramones' debut - were philosophical proto-punk manifestos. In the late-60s and early 70s, both bands turned toward catchy, melodic pop songs whose influence would be heard in everyone from The Jam and XTC to Blur and Pulp. And the career trajectory similarities don't stop there: The Kinks and The Who could also be credited - or, if you prefer, blamed - for inventing the rock opera/concept album with their 1969 releases Arthur and Tommy (although The Pretty Things' S.F. Sorrow was released a year earlier than both). In the late 70s and early 90s, British groups would be inspired to sound like these British bands who had influenced them, rather than like the American artists who had influenced the British bands of the 60s.

Something Else by The Kinks was arguably the first full-length instance of what would be called Britpop a quarter-century later. (Or maybe it was Face To Face. Take your pick.) The proto-punk and American R&B elements of their first records were less salient on this record, having been replaced by a "distinctly British" blend of marching drums, slow to mid-tempo rockers and ballads, and primarily acoustic - but nonetheless rocking - guitars. Furthermore, the themes moved beyond boy loves girl to musical snapshots of schoolyard jealousy, sibling rivalry, disappointed in-laws, bittersweet solitude and, of course, underachieving circus folk.

It is one thing for a record to culminate in a one-two punch or trio of great songs, but quite another for it to start off with a right, left, and uppercut. That is what we get on Something Else. With the Stonesy thump of "David Watts" (later covered in a faithful if perfunctory manner by The Jam), the quirky, melancholy folk of "Death of a Clown", and the thinly veiled allegory "Two Sisters", this record wastes no time getting started. And it is hardly on cruise control before closing with "Waterloo Sunset", a feather in the cap (if not jewel in the crown) of 60s British pop.

After the 1-2-3 punch that opens the record, things slow down a bit with "No Return", which, like the similarly hazy and dreamlike "Lazy Old Sun", shows that while the Kinks were not a psychedelic band or a bunch of hippies, they were clearly not impervious to the atmosphere of Swinging London. The same can be said of the hilarious "Harry Rag", which humorously mocks the idea that anything is bearable if you've got the right stuff to take your mind off of it. "End of the Season", sung by Ray in a mock lounge singer voice, is another highlight, and the music hall ditties "Tin Soldier Man" and "Situation Vacant" contribute significant personality to the record.

Then there are Dave Davies' songs. I am a great fan of underdogs and unsung heroes, and I think that it can be said that Dave wrote at least one great song for every dozen or so that Ray did (see Dave's The Album That Never Was for examples). The absurd folk of "Death of a Clown", which reached #3 in the UK, is proof enough: "The trainer of insects is crouched on his knees/And frantically looking for runaway fleas". But Dave also contributes the steady rockers "Love Me Till the Sun Shines" and "Funny Face". Hence, Something Else was for Dave what Revolver was for George Harrison. (The weakest track on the record is probably Ray's "Afternoon Tea". While its subject is quintessentially English, it hardly makes for compelling listening in this case.) And it would be a travesty to not give props to Nicky Hopkins for his superb piano and harpsichord work.

The bonus tracks on the 2000 re-issue are far from the throwaways meant to entice completists that such tracks often are. First of all, Dave rears his underrated head with "Lincoln County" and the excellent "Susannah's Still Alive", which was a hit single in its own right. And Ray's songs - especially "Autumn Almanac", "Wonderboy", "Polly", and "There's No Life Without Love" - are as good as anything to be found on this or any other Kinks record of the era. It may be a bit unfortunate that this re-release is in mono, for it is tempting to say that the stereo version packs more punch. But that is ultimately a matter of taste, and the fact is that this is a fascinating collection of songs, sounding very much like a product of its time - perhaps somewhat charmingly dated - and yet still unlike albums by the band's peers. These elements combine to create a precious gem of the British Invasion, one which would itself spawn the gems of future British Invasions.

Neglected Masterpiece.......2006-06-25

"Something Else" (1967) was released at a point when the Kinks were continuing to top charts in the UK and Europe but were barely registering on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Since their earlier singles "Well-Respected Man," "Dedicated Follower of Fashion," and "Sunny Afternoon," along with their album "Face to Face," Ray Davies had been solidifying his position as a kind of 20th-century W.S. Gilbert with a rock 'n' roll sensibility. By the time the Kinks recorded "Something Else," Davies was writing songs which were in essence mini-operettas that examined England and the English (not, mind you, Britain and the British) with biting wit and wry affection. This album contains what is arguably his greatest composition, "Waterloo Sunset," a blend of almost Dickensian social observation and human sympathy set to an achingly tender yet driving tune that simultaneously conveys deep yearning and profound contentment. There are other outstanding tracks: "David Watts" and "Two Sisters" are clever studies of envy; "Harry Rag" is a Cockney-flavored singalong evocative of the music hall; and "Afternoon Tea" looks forward thematically to the Kinks' "Village Green Preservation Society" (1968). Two of the high points in "Something Else" are a couple of brother Dave Davies's best efforts -- the eerily jaunty "Death of a Clown" and the solid rocker "Love Me Till the Sun Shines." A few numbers, such as "No Return" and "Lazy Old Sun," seemed misguided experiments when the album was new, and they haven't improved with age. And it would have been nice if Reprise had added as bonus tracks such singles of that vintage as "Dead End Street" and "Mr. Pleasant." Still, the weak points can't spoil the overall impact of the Kinks' "Something Else," a true classic and a neglected masterpiece.

Ingenious!.......2006-05-29

"Something Else" is arguably the Kinks' best album ever. The lyrics meld together fabulous stories in a musically varied and enthralling way. As portrait painter and lyricist, songwriter Ray Davies has created a masterpiece. Most of the songs create indelible characters with tangible situations of struggle and anguish. The wit is often playful, yet formidable througout. (Even the opening of the album takes a shot at the Beatles' staginess on 'Revolver' and 'Sgt. Pepper'.) While the music isn't as fast paced as "You Really Got Me," it is all thoroughly substantial.

Surveying the songs, "David Watts" and "Love Me 'Til the Sun Shines" are formidable rockers. The former song is a concise testimony about an underdog growing up. "Two Sisters" and "Funny Face" offer glimmers of hope in the midst of desperation from unforgettable characters. "Situation's Vacant" is a brilliant short story that unfolds manipulation in a playful way. Indeed all of the songs seem to pick up the working class by the bootstraps and give them hope. "Harry Rag" and "Afternoon Tea" work admirably in this vein. One of the most brilliant songs, "Death of a Clown," carries sorrow in a light-hearted elegy without contradicting itself. "Lazy Old Sun" is a skillful personification playfully done. The album is also interspersed with fine, pensive ballads reflecting loss ("No Return" and "End of the Season") without seeming to shift focus. Other memorable characters come into play, including in the playful "Tin Soldier Man," and, again, "Two Sisters," a concise story of sibling rivalry. "Waterloo Sunset," the best song and finale, is a beautifully poetic ballad about a sad loner who must face second-hand consolations to cope with life.

"Something Else" may have been mostly overlooked by the States because of their affinity and references to the British, but the music is entirely engaging and eclectic. The songwriting is what we'd expect from Dylan or the Beatles, except that, being an individual task, it could only have come from the mind of Ray Davies*. The musicianship is terrific on every song. Lyrically, this album may be to Rock what 'Great Expectations' is to literature.

*with a couple songs from brother, Dave.

Average customer rating:

Gears Of War
Original Game Soundtrack
Manufacturer: Sumthing Else
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Anime & Video Game Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

God of War II
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End

ASIN: B000SO7OVQ
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Tracks:

Gears of War
14 Years After E-Day
Jacinto Prison
Attack of the Drones
Embry Square
Fish In a Barrel
House of Sovereigns
Minh's Death
Entering The Tombs
Tomb of the Unknowns
Ephyra Streets I
Ephyra Streets II
Miserable Wretches
Stay in the Light
Chap's Gas Station
Fill 'er Up at Chap's
I Will Kryll You
Locust, Wretches & Kryll
Imulsion Mines
East Barracade Academy
The Fenix Estate
Locust Infestation
Hidden Lab
Running With Boomers
Oh the Horror
Train Wreck - Locust Theme
Train Ride To Hell
Gears of War Reprise

Product Description

The score for Epic Games' "Gears of War" was composed by Kevin Riepl and features over 60 minutes of orchestral music inspired by blockbuster movie soundtracks such as "Alien", "Predator" and "Starship Troopers".

The recordings were performed by the Northwest Sinfonia (Halo, Medal of Honor) at the Bastyr University Chapel in Seattle.

Average customer rating:

cd heaven
Nothing Rains on this Parade
Streisand in prime vocal condition
Needs more songs. Missing SECOND HAND ROSE.
Ladies & Gentlemen - The Greatest Star

Funny Girl

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Funny Lady: Original Soundtrack Recording
Hello, Dolly! (1969 Film Soundtrack)
Funny Girl
Funny Girl (1964 Original Broadway Cast)
Yentl (1983 Film)

ASIN: B00005V3WI
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Overture
I'm The Greatest Star
If A Girl Isn't Pretty
Roller Skate Rag
I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (Than Happy With Somebody Else)
His Love Makes Me Beautiful
People
You Are Woman, I Am Man
Don't Rain On My Parade
Sadie, Sadie
The Swan
Funny Girl
My Man
Finale

Customer Reviews:

cd heaven.......2007-01-19

cannot buy cd's cheaper at any store. this is an oldie but a great christmas gift for an oldie.

Nothing Rains on this Parade.......2007-01-04

"Funny Girl" was one of the greatest musicals and cast recordings to come ouf of broadway and it created one of the world's greatest performers ever. Happily Barbra Streisand successfully transported herself to film and out came one of the most enjoyable soundtracks ever produced for a film. The film score is so minutely different, the show's composers Styne and Merrill had to take out a couple of songs from the show and wrote the beautiful "Funny Girl" in it's place for the film. This soundtrack tends to in my opinion be more authentic than the original cast recording because they put in non-original material such as "I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (Than Happy with Somebody Else)" written by Billy Rose who would much later marry Fanny Brice and it fits the early 1900's era for which "Funny Girl" is set and Barbra's comedic skills are timeless on this song you may not see it but you can hear it in her voice such as with "The Swan" .Another song they use at the film's climax is "My Man" not only was it a staple in the real Fanny Brice's act it is a power-house. Barbra insisted to sing the first part live on screen and record the latter part it is so effective and you do get all the advantages of this on the soundtrack. One more bonus to this recording is the overture composed for the film is gorgeous and they never played it in the film only on the soundtrack, interestingly they used the the opening theme music from the film as the closing music to the soundtrack. Definitely get this soundtrack it is one of the most delightful scores to one of Hollywood's greatest musicals adapted from the stage and that can't be said too often. "Funny Girl was also one of the last great musicals ever produced out of Hollywood and the linear notes in the CD are informative and fun for musical lovers.

Streisand in prime vocal condition.......2006-09-16

Barbra Streisand will forever be linked to the autobiographical Fanny Brice, a role she originally made her own on Broadway in 1964 and in London the following year; immortalised onscreen four years later (earning an Academy Award as well as countless other trophies). On the original soundtrack album, Ms Streisand is in prime vocal condition, though I do prefer her performance on the OBC album just a little bit more, for she is more brash and unkempt and far more vulnerable with her spin on Fanny. In the film, she is more confident and showman-like.

The film score of FUNNY GIRL does vary greatly from it's Broadway counterpart. The roles of Mrs Brice and Eddie Ryan don't get much to sing (with the deletion of "Who Taught Her Everything?" and "Find Yourself a Man"). Fanny's solo numbers "Who Are You Now?" and "The Music That Makes Me Dance" were abandoned in favour of numbers that the real Fanny was famous for ("I'd Rather Be Blue" and "My Man"). I believe the producers committed the cardinal sin with the deletion of "The Music That Makes Me Dance", a ballad far more memorable and moving than the show's big number "People" (and I know a lot of others feel the same way). Nevertheless, the film soundtrack of FUNNY GIRL is the perfect sonic representation of Streisand's greatest hour on celluloid.

I own the earlier Sony CD pressing (which is full of analogue hiss, reverb and noise), yet from what I hear about the more recent "remaster", the quality of the overall recording is virtually the same. Highly-recommended, but don't expect miracles with sound quality.

Needs more songs. Missing SECOND HAND ROSE........2006-08-08

The soundtrack is good to excellent, but it makes me very
unconfortable that important songs are MISSING. Can you
imagine SECOND HAND ROSE is missing, and Barbra sings it a little
different from the version she did in MY NAME IS BARBRA TV special. I also love the part where Barbra sings " Mr Anstein,
Mr. Arnstein, what a beautiful name". Those two sequences could be combined into a song. I also would have loved a little spoken
comedy in this soundtrack, such as Barbra as Baby Snooks scene,
where she meets the reporters and ends with "the name is Arnstein". Barbra is marvelous in this comedy scene. Barbra is
perfect as a stand-up comedienne, and she would be great
acting such a part in a film.
Barbra recorded the song PEOPLE countless times over the last
decades. Why was SECOND HAND ROSE left out of the soundtrack.
There is enough space on the Audio CD to include this song, as
well as additional ones. A few Bonus songs of Barbra singing
Fanny Brice songs that were considered but that were left out
of the film, would be most welcomed. Looking forward to the next
edition of this soundtrack. hoping that it will be the definite
edition. We Barbra Streisand fans deserve the best.

Ladies & Gentlemen - The Greatest Star.......2005-09-11

This is the first Barbra Streisand album that I had purchased. The experience of seeing the movie, Funny Girl, in September 1968, forever changed me. By the age of 10, I already had an innate sense of the popular music of the day. Being the youngest of three, I had been exposed to the Beach Boys, the Beatles and every pop song since I was born. But I had yet to experience complete awe and adulation for a singer -- that was until Funny Girl and Barbra Streisand. Not only had I never heard vocals so utterly astounding, I never experienced such an array of emotion from a singer. My virgin ears finally heard perfection and it was the first time I got those famous Streisand goose bumps that so many people had talked and written about.

The brilliant score was written by the legendary Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and included such Streisand classics as "I'm The Greatest Star," "Don't Rain On My Parade" Streisand's signature song, "People."

Ten of the fourteen tracks were sung by Streisand with the exception of "If A Girl Isn't Pretty" and "Roller Skate Rag." "You Are Woman, I Am Man" is an hysterically funny duet with Omar Sharif, and two songs that weren't written by Styne and Merrill; "I'd Rather Be Blue Over You (Than Be Happy With Somebody Else)" and "My Man," a song closely identified with Fanny Brice and Barbra Streisand, demonstrate the depth and range of Streisand's emotion. She could be cooing and joking at one moment on the famous bride number; "His Love Makes Me Beautiful," breaking your heart on the Oscar-nominated title cut written specifically for the film, and send your head reeling with her gutsy and explosive vocals on "Don't Rain On My Parade." All of the songs showcase Streisand's versatility as the actress who sings.

Purists might say the Original Broadway Cast Album from 1964 was better, maybe because they were there to witness the 22 year-old ingénue unknown named Barbra Streisand. But when you take a listen to the vocals and the arrangements on this soundtrack, it's hard to argue with aforementioned songs such as "I'd Rather Be Blue," "People," Don't Rain On My Parade" and the finale of all finale's "My Man." At 25 years old, Streisand never sounded stronger or with sang with more conviction.

How many singers can you name that can belt a song like "I'm The Greatest Star" and get away with it?

Rock Music:

Rock Music

rock music