Fontana

fontana

Track Listings

1. Heart Red Phone

2. Explorer

3. She's My Baby and She's Alright

4. State of Lakes

5. Hung Around the Sun

6. Sun Valley

7. Get Loose

8. Hills and Fog

9. You're a Midwestern Girl and That's What I Like

10. Fader to Fader

11. Giant Screen

12. Some Raw Summer

13. Sparkhawk

14. Things You Could've Stole

15. We Need a Manager

16. Badger Creek

Fontana,National Splits,Mr Whiggs,Indie Rock,Lo-Fi,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Fontana

Average customer rating:

It's okay
More soul, less hesitance than in later recordings
Living in a song
Raw and Brilliant
best in a long time

Living With Ghosts
Patty Griffin
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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1000 Kisses
Impossible Dream
Flaming Red
A Kiss in Time
West

ASIN: B000002G4U
Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks:

Moses
Let Him Fly
Every Little Bit
Time Will Do The Talking
Mad Mission
Poor Man's House
Forgiveness
You Never Get What You Want
Sweet Lorraine
Not Alone

Customer Reviews:

It's okay.......2007-05-14

I'm sure this is an okay album... just not my kind of music.

More soul, less hesitance than in later recordings.......2007-05-02

I was really pleased when I read on the packaging that this was comprised of demo tracks. What a fabulous find for appreciating the origins of recordings for the now established singer songwriter.

Living in a song.......2007-02-13

I love this CD sooo much - Patty's voice is amazing and raw and earthy. Patty sings from the heart. Sweet Loraine is my favorite.

Raw and Brilliant.......2007-01-20

If you think the Velvet Underground or MC5 are raw, you ain't heard nothing yet. Patty sings like an exposed raw nerve, when she wails and when her voice is a bare whisper. And unlike some affected Janis Joplin-caterwaul, her voice is a powerful instrument, at once immediate and refined. Let's put it this way: you never heard the beauty in screaming guitar licks before you heard Hendrix, and you have never heard the beauty in pain and pathos until you've heard Griffin. Buy this album and you will be in awe of her testimony. It's just her and her guitar, but the "her" part of the equation more than makes up for any potential augmentation. Just get this record, listen to Patty, and connect with some true humanity.

best in a long time.......2006-07-25

this is one of the best CDs I have purchased in a long time. Very raw and emotional. A great, great find.

Average customer rating:

A Viable Performer!
BRILLIANT PATRICK WOLF DAZZLES WITH HIS LATEST
The WolfMagic
To live, to love in the major key
Great Album

The Magic Position
Patrick Wolf
Manufacturer: Fontana Universal
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Reminder
Sound of Silver
Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters
Release the Stars
Favourite Worst Nightmare

ASIN: B000NJVX5O
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Tracks:

Overture
The Magic Position
Accident & Emergency
The Bluebell
Bluebells
Magpie
X
Augustine
Secret Garden
Get Lost
Enchanted
The Stars
Finale

From Amazon.co.uk

Standing at 6 feet 4" tall with a shock of bright red hair, 23 year old Patrick Wolf is something of a statement even before he opens his mouth. His two albums to date--2003's Lycanthropy and 2005's Wind in the Wires--have showed him to be more than a pretty face, however, with songs that strike an attractive balance between the imaginative and the indulgent. His third album, The Magic Position, is undoubtedly Wolf's 'pop' moment. The rollicking romp of "Get Lost," the upbeat "Accident and Emergency," and the celebratory title track all underline new levels of accessibility and--dare we say it--optimism. There are hints of the old Wolf too of course, especially in the eclectic choice of instrumentation and the off-kilter song arrangements; for every pop-perfect track there's a slice of raw darkness ("Bluebell") casual introspection ("Augustine") or sidereal rock-tronica ("The Stars"). Less a dramatic reinvention than a sideways turn into the world of adult emotions and mainstream accessibility, The Magic Position is nonetheless Patrick Wolf's most accomplished work to date. --Paul Sullivan

Customer Reviews:

A Viable Performer!.......2007-06-27

In my never ending search for what is good out there and the possible surpirse of finding a really tasty talent (no, I am not going to eat it, just and expression!)I keep looking for highly rated albums for each year and I use AMG, Metacritic (which I do like a lot), Rolling Stone, Spin whatever is available and that so far I respect their opinions. Patrick Wolf I found in Rolling Stone "artists to watch for" and since I became intrigued I bought "The Magic Position". Overall, I fairly assigned 4 stars to the CD. Since my collection as of late is growing at a rapid rate (blame that to musical boredom and a need to listen more and new acts)I only have heard this album 1 time but there are enough good sounds to call it a "keeper". Some of the instrumentation is deceptively appealing and quite melodic. From his looks on the cover I did not know how the waters run with Patrick Wolf but in the end his music did all the talking and I enjoyed it. There were a couple of intimate songs that were very very nice. Obviously Patrick Wolf listens to his own "drummer" and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. A Viable Performer and who knows? When the rotation includes this album again might be twice as enjoyable, after all the very best grows after two or three listens. 4 Stars for "The Magic Position".

BRILLIANT PATRICK WOLF DAZZLES WITH HIS LATEST.......2007-06-26

Patrick Wolf dazzles with his third and latest album, "The Magic Position," a brighter, bolder work than his previous, but no less extraordinary, "Wind in the Wires." With remarkable breadth and depth, he focuses on various states and stages of relationships, from the ebullient title song to the mournful "Bluebells" to the striking "Accident & Emergency," the light "Let's Get Lost" and the reverential "The Stars." It all kicks off with "Overture's" mounting pulse and alluring message to "open up now" and "let the light in."

The music ranges from symphonic to spare, but always seems multi-layered and rich. Wolf's lyrics are stirring, descriptive and drenched in wisdom and insight.

Wolf is truly in a class by himself. As a singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, performer and visual artist, he possesses an extraordinary talent, vision and appeal--all of which are realized on this amazing album.

The WolfMagic.......2007-06-02

Along with Feist's The Reminder and Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion, Patrick Wolf's 3rd outing The Magic Position is nothing short of being charismatic. The album is a whimsical mix of electro-pop, dance, rock and classical music. As an young artiste who single-handedly plays over 40 instruments, his music is immediately varied and arresting.

The opener Overture begins with some serious deep beats before breaking into a rock song. The title track is a boisterous child-like track that brings with it a cheerful disposition. Accidents and Emergency contains an irresistible hook consisting of horns and sirens. Magpie perfectly demonstrates his classical leanings. His deep baritone voice is a stark contrast to his flamboyantly loud image on the album art.

With The Magic Position, Wolf shakes off the dark imagery of his previous releases and emerges with greater faith and conviction. One of the year's best! (A+)

To live, to love in the major key.......2007-05-16

I admit it openly -- after hearing that Patrick Wolf was going poppy, I was prepared to hate "The Magic Position." I really was.

But I can't. Instead, his third album managed to sweep me away with his colourful chamberpop, and ever-changing palette of musical sounds. In fact, he masters most varieties of pop -- bluesy, peppy, soothing strings, and even some electropop -- and weave them into some accomplished melodies.

It opens with some taut drums, and a slowly rising violin leads in a sweep of strings, guitar and electronica. Wolf croons over it, "It's wonderful what a smile can hide/If the teeth shine bright and it's nice and wide/It's so magical all you can keep inside/And if you bury it deep no one can find a thing, no..." He follows it with the xylophone-churchbell-violinpop of the title song, a bouncy love song that is so infectious and joyful, it deserves to be on the radio.

But having hooked listeners with those two songs, he sallies out into all sorts of music -- dark electropop with horns, bluesy ballads, passionate piano pop, happy robot dance music, and a strong piano-strings ballad, "Magpie," a duet with the smoky-voiced Marianne Faithfull. And the album ends as it began -- with a twinkly, joyous little song, and a bittersweet string outro.

If I had to compare Patrick Wolf in this album, it would be to call him a male version of Feist -- talented vocalist and songwriter, musically versatile, and poppy without being a slave to the MTV sound. "The Magic Position" shows that off beautifully, albeit with a few dark spots that could have been left out.

The music is one of those rare blends of fun catchiness and clever musicianship -- mostly because Wolf crams it with adept musicianship. Aside from the basic guitar, he weaves in instruments like the weeping violin, accordion, ukelele, piano, drums and harp, as well as stuff like the colorful blips from an autoharp, horns, tinkly little bells, and the kitchen sink.

The results can be lushly effusive pop, sweeping ballads, or a spare ballad woven from flickers of piano and strings. It could have used a tiny bit of trimming, though -- "Kiss" sounds like a violin tuneup, and "Secret Garden" is an awkward mishmash of various sounds. However, they're the only real weak spots on this album.

Wolf's voice is as pleasant as his music -- smooth, strong, and able to convey fun and joy as easily as yearning and love. And his songs are pretty passionate stuff, whether it's the childlike joy of seeing the stars ("Mama, I saw the stars tonight/Orion, the plow, are burning bright"), or a painful confession to a lover ("And that's why, love, you shouldn't stay/Still you will and love me...").

Patrick Wolf goes pop in "Magic Position," but doesn't sacrifice any of his talents. A few songs could have been snipped, but you can forget about those in the shadow of his lovely ballads and dancy pop tunes.

Great Album.......2007-05-08

Mr. Wolf has created a pop gem with this latest album. The combination of familiar forms with abstract sound create a beautiful record and one that will last longer than this year. I wont go into comparisons, because he sounds like no one else, but he pushes the boundaries of pop music like Bjork and it provides great results.

Average customer rating:

The Is Is
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Manufacturer: Fontana Interscope
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Zeitgeist
Absolute Garbage
Our Love to Admire
The Con

ASIN: B000R7I3FA
Release Date: 2007-07-24

Album Description

2007 EP from the New York Post-Post-Punk trio featuring five 'new' studio tracks! This EP was recorded in a whirlwind one day in New York and features songs written on the road while they toured Fever To Tell. Three of these blistering tracks previously appeared on their live DVD Tell Me What Rockers To Swallow but this is the first time any of them have been recorded in a studio. Five tracks: 'Rockers To Swallow', 'Down Boy', 'Kiss Kiss', 'Isis' and '10x10'. Dress Up.

Average customer rating:

David and David-Boomtown-CD
great memories, lost in time
80's band worth hearing again.
An album without any missteps
Who said eighties music sucked?

Boomtown
David & David
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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Here Comes the New Folk Underground
Robbie Robertson
Nervous Night
Bedtime Stories
Hurly Burly

ASIN: B000002GH9
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Welcome To The Boomtown
Swallowed By The Cracks
Ain't So Easy
Being Alone Together
A Rock For The Forgotten
River's Gonna Rise
Swimming In The Ocean
All Alone In The Big City
Heroes

Customer Reviews:

David and David-Boomtown-CD.......2007-06-18

Really good CD. I really like David Baerwald.

great memories, lost in time.......2007-05-14

When this album came out, I worked at a computer graphic company. There were 5 of us, 4 guys and one girl, all young and all stereotypic of the time. This cassette was in the boombox in the office and we wore it out over the course of the next year. Every evening after work was spent in the local bar, recounting the day. When the company went under we all were blown to disperate places on the map, some of us surviving, some of us getting dragged under. This album pretty much fits that story well and when I hear it I am taken back to those days of young cameraderie.

If you'll notice, the reviews here are mostly by men. The reason is simply that this is the quentessential "guy rock" album. It's for lone wolves and troubled times... basically a soundtrack for any man struggling with demons and hoping for better times. It plays much like a great movie is watched and will stick with you for a long time.

80's band worth hearing again........2007-05-07

This album is as good as I remembered it. I spent many nights listening to David & David in high school. The first five tracks are the best. This isn't bubble gum pop. Give it a listen.

An album without any missteps.......2007-04-11

This is one of the best albums I've ever purchased. I bought it back when it was first released (yes, on vinyl), and then I purchased the cd. It is superb.

The songs cover a broad range of topics: drug use, domestic abuse, etc. I like the brutal honesty the songwriters display. They don't shy away from really addressing a topic that might make people cringe. "Ain't So Easy," for example, is superb--the domestic abuser's perspective, complete with ingratiating pleas and enraged threats. My students listen to it and are surprised to find the song was put out two decades ago, long before it became the "in" thing to address these issues in popular music. (Note: I'm not saying these issues were never addressed; but my students' perception is that only recently have songwriters felt free to write clearly and honestly about them.)

Buy this cd--you won't regret it!

Who said eighties music sucked?.......2007-03-09

Well, for starters I have this item in VINYL! I bought the LP as soon as it came out, when I was a teenager, hooked by the two catchy singles "welcome to the boomtown" and "swallowed by the cracks" ad I loved every single track!!!
Their "dire straits-esque" songwriting is slick and genuine, and their lyrics (albeit a bit depressing, at some points, with their stories of losers, crushed hopes and urban loneliness) are very interesting.
On the LP's inner sleeve there also was an accurate Italian translation of all the lyrics! Not that I needed them but still it was a clever touch!
Probably they did the same for the other European markets like France, Germany and so on...
Highly recommended!!!

Average customer rating:

Perhaps the Cd to have this summer.
Relexing!
Convertible Music
Awesome music!!
Refreshing, Interesting

The Mating Game
Bitter:Sweet
Manufacturer: Quango Fontana
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Versions
The Garden
Notes from the Underworld
Alright, Still
Speak for Yourself

ASIN: B000C6NNVA
Release Date: 2006-04-24

Tracks:

Don't Forget To Breathe
The Mating Game
Overdue
Heaven
Bittersweet Faith
Moving Forward
Moody
Dirty Laundry
Our Remains
Salty Air
Take 2 Blue

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps the Cd to have this summer........2007-07-11

Introduced this to a Dj friend over the weekend, track by track, counting out their number...You know a minute or two of each one? Let's just say we were into double digits and still calling each track exceptional...When I first got it I started sending emails comparing it to the new DePhazz, he nailed it later...It sounds ALLOT like early DePhazz, which is a complement and not a bad thing in this world of plastic.

Dj4cast

Relexing!.......2007-05-23

I personally think this is the best album i have ever heard. The relaxing music with up beat is definately made you feel more relaxed than ever!

Convertible Music.......2007-04-01

Are you driving down Sunset Boulevard with your convertible top down? Then you need this in your CD changer.

Awesome music!!.......2007-03-09

I actually don't listen to "electronica/dance" music, but I saw a Korbel commercial during the Holidays and that short bit of editted music (The Mating Game) got me curious enough to track down the album on the internet and purchase it for just that one track. I love this album! All the tracks are cool and sultry, with the title track reminding me of all those "James Bond" and "In Like Flint" movies I used to watch as a kid. For me, this album has been a really nice change of pace from what I normally listen to and right now it's still holding a dominant spot in my cd-changer.

Refreshing, Interesting.......2007-03-09

This is a pretty fun album. I like the vocals and the techno/electronic combination. I listened to a couple times, put it away for a couple weeks and listened again and found even more to love about it with each listen.

Average customer rating:

Vocal talent soars
Absolute vocal perfection.
Flawless Effort Both Vocally And Musically!
Mellower Chris
3 goodies

Euphoria Morning
Chris Cornell
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Temple of the Dog
Carry On
Revelations
Down on the Upside
Badmotorfinger

ASIN: B00001QGL2
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

Can't Change Me
Flutter Girl
Preaching The End Of The World
Follow My Way
When I'm Down
Mission
Wave Goodbye
Moonchild
Sweet Euphoria
Disappearing One
Pillow Of Your Bones
Steel Rain

Amazon.com

Since Soundgarden's lamented breakup in 1997, grunge stud Chris Cornell has been working with his longtime friends and musical peers in the band Eleven--keyboardist Natasha Shneider and guitarist Alain Johannes. These stellar musicians make Cornell's latest album crisper, more musical, and less rocky than what one came to expect from Soundgarden. The soaring "Follow My Way" is epic in scope, and, in fact, Euphoria Morning is aptly titled; the album is a cohesive mood-invoking musical meditation, especially tracks such as "When I'm Down," which has a near-gospel feel thanks to backing vocals and a spare, uplifting vibe. Fans of Cornell's mellower work with the supergroup Temple of the Dog will enjoy this ardent and mellifluous 12-song collection from one of rock's most recognizable voices. --Katherine Turman

Album Description

UK pressing of the 1999 debut solo album from Soundgarden/Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell features one bonus track. 'Can't Change Me' (French Version). Polydor.

Customer Reviews:

Vocal talent soars.......2007-07-11

I'll admit at the outset, I'm 53 and had not listened much, if any, to Soundgarden. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize who Chris Cornell was, or is. And when I saw this in a used cd store, I gave it a spin on their player, and I was just blown away by Chris's vocal power, passion, and range. He really struck a chord in me, that I bought this and have not been sorry. I find it really enjoyable while on the cardio machines with the headphones on, making it easier to get through my 50 min. of aerobic torture.
Chris has the vocal clout to just grab your attention from the first song, and carry you on his throat to the very last song played. Oh, and he has a great band that plays lights out!!
I would recommend you buy this....NOW!

JLMankin

c

Absolute vocal perfection........2007-07-02

If my preteen and early teenage years had had a soundtrack, it would, in the main, have comprised the work of Seattle bands. Even before hearing Soundgarden live for the first time (at Lollapalooza '92) I was already firmly convinced of Chris Cornell's status as the world's greatest vocalist. His voice carried the full force of every emotion I'd ever felt but had never been able to express; hours on end of Soundgarden and Temple of the Dog tracks were the only thing that made many of the worst days bearable.

And yet Cornell's performance on this album blows all his other work away.

If such a thing as perfect vocal performance exists, this is it. Cornell's voice carries, and evokes in the listener, a torrent of conflicting emotions in every song, and flows from the low to the high register and from a whisper to an explosion with unmatched fluency and virtuosity.

After listening to this album hundreds, if not thousands, of times, I haven't yet tired of a single track.

Flawless Effort Both Vocally And Musically!.......2007-06-20

After the breakup of Soundgarden in 1997, working alongside his longtime friends in the band called Eleven, Chris Cornell released his solo effort entitled "Euphoria Morning" in September of 1999. "Euphoria Morning," clearly a softer and more melodic album compared to his earlier work with Soundgarden, allows for Chris's voice to reach the pinnacle of his vocal potential. All 12 tracks exude flawlessness both vocally and musically. The only negative is that his superior solo effort, "Sunshower," does not appear on the album. Nevertheless, this album is a "must have" for any rock collection. Below, please find the rating for each song individually:

Can't Change Me - 9/10

Flutter Girl - 8/10

Preaching The End Of The World - 10/10

Follow My Way - 10/10

When I'm Down - 10/10

Mission - 7/10

Wave Goodbye - 8/10

Moonchild - 10/10

Sweet Euphoria - 10/10

Disappearing One - 8/10

Pillow Of Your Bones - 10/10

Steel Rain - 10/10

Mellower Chris.......2007-06-12

This CD is a mellower version of Chris Cornell's previous CD releases. Nothing wrong with that, since this CD is described just as such in the jacket.

I have always loved Chris's voice. He can hit a higher octave like no other!

If you are also a Chris Cornell fan , as I am, then this CD is a must in your CD library. It will round-out your collection of Chris' evolution as a singer.

But if you are looking for a heavier metal Cornell sound, then plz note that this CD is much mellower than Chris' other CDs.

I rate this CD a FIVE-STAR becuase it shows Chris' ability ( & flexibility)as a singer, as compared do his other Cds.

3 goodies.......2007-06-09

love his voice...3 great songs - especially "pillow of your bones"...maybe the rest of the cd will grow on me?

Average customer rating:

Joan oh Joan
Magic Stuff
Takes a little getting used to
Worth the one song I wanted...and more
One great track is all

Joan Armatrading - Greatest Hits
Joan Armatrading
Manufacturer: Fontana a&M
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Joan Armatrading
Into the Blues
Lovers Speak
Show Some Emotion
Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B000002G5H
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

Show Some Emotion
Cool Blue Stole My Heart
Love & Affection
The Weakness In Me
Rosie
I'm Lucky
Drop The Pilot
Down To Zero
Kind Words (And A Real Good Heart)
Whatever's For Us, For Us
Willow
Me Myself I
(I Love It When You) Call Me Names
All The Way From America
Back To The Night
When I Get It Right
Heaven
Temptation
Kissin' & Huggin' (Live Version)

Customer Reviews:

Joan oh Joan.......2007-07-15

This Cd is part of the good memories of my past she is just incredible

Magic Stuff.......2007-05-12

I have been a fan of Joan Armatrading since she started all those years ago. Bought this CD to compliment the albums and what a bargain. If you enjoy romantic ballads with lots of "Emotion" then this is for you. She writes her own material and has a wonderful way with expressig her music. Some moody some bouncy, a good mix. A very under rated lady in the music world but still a huge fan following. Some of these songs are classics and will be around for years to come. A true classic album to have in your collection. A full 5 Star award from me.

Takes a little getting used to.......2006-11-26

I have to admit I bought this album soley for Drop the Pilot, which I heard almost twenty years ago. Unbelievable voice, incredible talent! Some of the songs and sound will take a little getting used to. But this gritty, heart-wrenching, superbly brutal and honest singer still puts a lot of newer artists to shame! Definately not someone to pass up. A compilation would be the best bet- the strongest of Joan's performances can be found here.

Worth the one song I wanted...and more.......2006-08-31

I bought the cd, first for the song "weakness in me" and then after reading the reave reviews, and while some are bit old for me, there were a few songs worth listening to and reminiscng! She has an awesome voice and the lyrics to boot!

There was one song not here that I would have liked...but nevertheless...enjoyable!

One great track is all.......2006-08-15

The first track "Show Some Emotion" is a great piece of work. The melody, and especially the singer's vocal styling are terrific.

But the rest of the collection is a muddle. None of the music or singing is memorable. I suppose the lyrics are nice.

Average customer rating:

They're not like CPD so get over it already!
Splendid!
Hot is cool!
Fun and Off the Wall!
Caution-Explosive!

Hot [ENHANCED CD]
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Manufacturer: Fontana Mammoth
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

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Perennial Favorites [ENHANCED CD]
The Inevitable
Bedlam Ballroom
Zoot Suit Riot
Mugzy's Move

ASIN: B000004ATE
Release Date: 1996-06-04

Tracks:

Got My Own Thing Now
Put A Lid On It
Memphis Exorcism
Twilight
It Ain't You
Prince Nez
Hell
Meant To Be
Bad Businessman
Flight Of The Passing Fancy
Blue Angel
The Interlocutor

Amazon.com

How clichéd--make that calcified--has the concept of "irony" become in alternative music? When North Carolina's Squirrel Nut Zippers scored an unlikely late '90s hit with "Hell" (from their Hot album), many cynics (and a few critics) thought the band was merely mocking the hot jazz stylings of the '20s and '30s. But having put a couple more albums and some trying times (the defection of singer-guitarist Tom Maxwell and passing of horn player Stacy Guess) under their belts, it's clear that musical affection was no mere passing affectation. The Zippers have honed both their chops and their courage here, with subtle new influences from the 20th-century American musical pantry (a dash of country, a pinch of Spanish guitar, more Crescent City bump) tastefully simmered into the stew. Katherine Whalen's vocal turns are as convincingly smoky as the lighthearted material is jokey--an inviting balance that's equally true to its historical sources. More than mere opportunistic swing revivalists, the restless curiosity displayed on this album argues that the Zippers are in it for the long haul. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but this band is clearly more interested in inspiration, and that's not a bad compliment, either. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

They're not like CPD so get over it already!.......2007-04-12

Oh, for crying out loud: They're not supposed to be like Cherry Poppin' Daddies. Apples and oranges, people. Related, but not the same genres. Compare them to Hot Club of Cowtown, maybe, but not CPD.

I like the original 1920's-1940's stuff better, but that's a matter of personal taste and not a judgment call. SNZ aren't supposed to be carbon-copies of that era so it doesn't really matter that they aren't purely swing or purely jazz or purely any given decade. They're fun. They do what they do, well. Lighten up and dance!

Splendid!.......2007-03-21

Katherine Whalen does a grat job at "Put a lid on it".
This album is one for the cruising!
The simple rythm and the meltdown in the mix is fabulous.
Great job!

Hot is cool!.......2007-03-11

This CD definitely isn't for everyone, but if you like jazz and are looking for something truly unique and downright fun, it could be for you. The vocals may take a few minutes to get used to (the lead singer, Katharine Whalen, is kind of a cross between Billie Holiday and a 1920s-era flapper, and the other vocalists can hardly be accused of being mainstream either). With plenty of entertaining lyrics, Dixieland brass and unorthodox instruments (chandeliers and baritone ukeles to name a couple), this is a CD I can listen to over and over again (and believe me, I have) without ever getting tired of. The song "Hell" is without doubt the most raucously fun song I've ever heard, but every song is a blast of fresh air.

Fun and Off the Wall!.......2007-01-19

Just one of the most fun and interesting recordings available. The improvisations border at times on the psychedelic. It's relaxed, or intense. Just great music!

Caution-Explosive!.......2007-01-08

What a great album. I love these guys. Dixieland rock with a punch. Mixed with irony, wit, style and charm. Every instrument imaginable seemed to have been thrown into to the mix, sans sitars, harpsichords and zithers. Even a "chandelier" was thrown in for good measure. I am partial to Katherine Whalen's vocals and Mathius and Maxwell's frenetic revelations.

Great vocals, great instrumentals. I recommend this CD highly. Also Katherine Whalen's solo CD "Dirty Little Secret" is also a pretty good buy. But don't listen to me, read the reviews....

Average customer rating:

Original Sound
BUY THIS!
Hear The Voices In My Head...
Fun, very atypical band, violent femmes
Flagpole Sitta and.... not much else

Where Have All The Merrymakers Gone?
Harvey Danger
Manufacturer: Fontana London
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

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Similar Items:

Marcy Playground
A Place in the Sun
Little by Little (with Bonus Disc)
King James Version
All the Pain Money Can Buy

ASIN: B000006AUU
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

Carlotta Valdez
Flagpole Sitta
Woolly Muffler
Private Helicopter
Problems & Bigger Ones
Jack The Lion
Old Hat
Terminal Annex
Wrecking Ball
Radio Silence

Amazon.com

There's a disturbing trend in the Northwest: bands are getting way over-hyped before their first full-length record (which is often mediocre and disappointing) even hits the streets. Seattle's Harvey Danger, however, deserved the buzz that their debut CD generated. Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone? was quite simply one of the best local records released in 1997. It has the pop accessibility of vocalist Sean Nelson's high-register croon (not unlike Jeremy Enigk), and the energetic and dynamic punch of a band--guitarist Jeff Lin, bassist Aaron Huffman, and drummer Evan Sult (The Rocket's assistant art director)--that has developed its chops together for more than four years. Harvey Danger have drawn all the worthwhile elements from '90s indie rock and created a sound that is at once their own, yet completely familiar. Lin's guitar is full and confident, ranging from full-on power chords to buzzing melodies, while Huffman frequently takes the leads with his fat, distorted bass humming away. Sult ably links the two with a minimum of flash and pretense. Nelson's clear-as-a-bell vocals and sardonic, clever, and frequently emotional lyrics are both the album's strongest and weakest aspects. Occasionally his verbosity overcomes the music and his almost condescending sniping becomes a little tiresome. However, these are minor complaints in the big picture, because songs like "Carlotta Valdez," "Flagpole Sitta," and "Problems and Bigger Ones" are true gems, and for a first effort, this is as close to flawless as a band can get. --Adem Tepedelen

Customer Reviews:

Original Sound.......2007-03-10

This albums is great because of its raw original sound. The volcals aren't the greatest, but the composition of the peices makes that an inreaging sound. If you like rock, pop, or punk buy this album.

BUY THIS!.......2006-12-21

No, really, you dont know what you are missing, every track is excellent. Lyrics are amazing. buy this now.

Hear The Voices In My Head..........2006-10-30

This is a great album. Harvey Danger's most well-known song is 'Flagpole Sitta' but there are many great songs on this album. My personal favorites are 'Terminal Annex' and 'Radio Silence'. The guitar riffs are very well matched with the bass lines and drum beats, making great music. The vocals are crooned out in a grungy and neurotic tone by Sean Nelson, which makes the music seem very real to the listener.

1.Carlotta Valdez- 4/5. Not one of my favorites.
2.Flagpole Sitta'- 5/5. All around great song.
3.Wooly Muffler- 5/5. Was stuck in my head for a lonnnng time.
4.Private Helicopter-3/5. Least favorite track.
5.Problems and Bigger Ones-5/5.Catchy.
6.Jack The Lion-5/5. Gave out his last roar.
7.Old Hat-5/5.Great.
8.Terminal Annex-10/5. My favorite.
9.Wrecking Ball-5/5. Such a good song.
10.Radio Silence-10/5.It is very rare that I can handle a ballad.

This is a great album if you liked Marcy Playground and Third Eye Blind.

Fun, very atypical band, violent femmes.......2006-07-09

kind've in their punchy, catchy sound. While this band will never make it to the main stream thats okay too. The songs are very intelligent, the sound is crisp and I think everyone can identify with the line "I am not sick and I'm not well..."

Flagpole Sitta and.... not much else.......2006-06-23

Flagpole Sitta is such a catchy tune, But it's really the only song worth hearing on this disc. All the lyrics are funny and witty, yes, but only the lyrics. the songs themselves are irritating. You'd be Much better off with Harvey Danger's superb and entertaining "Little By Little" and then just buy the Flagpole Sitta single.

This disc leaves a lot to be desired

Average customer rating:

Love it
Amazing Girl Rock Album
oh, courtney
The Perfect Combination...
Hello Amazon, Your Editorial Review is Embarrassing

Live Through This
Hole
Manufacturer: Fontana Geffen
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Celebrity Skin
Pretty on the Inside
Garbage
America's Sweetheart
Nevermind

ASIN: B000003TAY
Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

Violet
Miss World
Plump
Asking For It
Jennifers Body
Doll Parts
Credit In The Straight World
Softer, Softest
She Walks On Me
I Think That I Would Die
Gutless
Rock Star

Amazon.com

This whole album is filled with scathing fury, mostly directed at the impossible situation that confronts women when they are asked to be both wild sources of pleasure and unblemished mother figures. Live Through This uses the same recipe of punk and metal wrapped around pop melodies that made Nirvana so captivating, but Hole uses the methodology in a more conventional manner. The metal ingredient tends to dominate, perhaps because it's the simplest to master, and too often the album resembles early Heart or late Joan Jett--particularly when Courtney Love opens up with her big, wailing voice. Love externalizes her anger, blaming all her problems on the rest of the world. Self-confrontation makes for far more interesting songs. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

Love it.......2007-05-12

This CD remains to be one of my favorite angry girl CDs to this day!

Amazing Girl Rock Album.......2007-05-07

Screw The Donnas, buy Hole instead. And Letters to Cleo. Now there is some real girl rock.

oh, courtney.......2007-03-31

This reminds me of my youth and there for i love it!! Go turn it up and release some anger and throw yourself a pitty party!!!

The Perfect Combination..........2006-12-02

Fronted by the ever provocative Courtney Love, Hole were always going to attract media attention even if their albums didn't sell well. This, their sophomore album is their most focused effort, not as commercial as "Celebrity Skin" or as underground as their Kim Gordon produced debut.

Many people regard Courtney Love as someone that is a bad role model and many call her a gold-digger and no, she did not murder her late husband Kurt Cobain as many would suggest. Aside from the consipracy theories and her frequent bad image care of the media, I regard Courtney as a very talented rock musician. A talented writer and a superb vocalist.

All of the latterly mentioned factors are factors that contribute to this album being so enjoyable. Courtney's vocals are very harsh, yet can still carry a good melody, also her vocals drew me in far more than Kurt's vocals ever did.

From first listen this album was amazing, clear standouts are "Violet", "Doll Parts", "Asking For It" and "Miss World". However, all the songs are on equal par with each other.

Overall, Hole are in a way the perfect band. They have a superb lead guitarist in Eric Erlandson whose riff carrying is superb, Courtney Love whose vocals are enchanting and pure rock, Patty Schemel who reminds me of a female Dave Grohl and finally Kristen Pfaff who sadly died shortly after this album was released, she was a brilliant bass player and superb back up vocalist.

Don't let Courtney's public perception deter you from indulging in this album, because once you do, you will be a Hole convert. This is easily one of the best albums I have ever heard in my lifetime.

Hello Amazon, Your Editorial Review is Embarrassing.......2006-11-22

as you should be able to tell from these reviews, which I've been reading because I like to hear the reactions to Courtney and because this is an album that speaks to me more personally than maybe any other I've heard (even surpassing The Smiths' Hatful of Hollow, my teen angst survival record... or cassette, since I was of that generation).

Hmm... I'm not a Nirvana fan, as many Hole fans (and even more Hole haters) seem to be, although I should have been. My great generation-defining moment: I was 16, it was near the end of Grade 11, I was chatting with some friends (a very angsty "chat") while cutting class and smoking in a school stairwell, and some overexcited guy we didn't know came running down the stairs and shouted at us, "They're playing 'THAT SONG' in the gym and EVERYBODY's dancing to it!!!!!! Come on - YOU HAVE TO COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" And from where we were we could hear it now that we listened - it was "Smells Like Teen Spirit." If I'd heard the song before I hadn't paid attention to it. Anyway, this should have been a moment of all different cliques coming together and merging as one to the joyous angst of an era-defining song. But while my two friends 'into it - it can't be good," and stayed where I was. Um, alone. As the punchline, a few days later one of these friends (now an ex-friend) showed up at school in full grunge regalia - plaid shirt, jeans, army boots, no makeup. She looked horrible. There you go, my two reasons for not becoming a Nirvana fan: everybody liked them; and the style was horrible. (On the other hand, I loved Courtney's kinderwhore look - which was close to how I was dressing at the time anyway. Yes, that's right - Courtney stole her look from ME!)

I got to know 'Nevermind' (or was it 'In Utero'?) from hearing my younger sister play it over and over. This was a very baffling experience. I thought the music sounded good (nothing that would explain the hysteria though), but my sister had never displayed any interest in anything dark or "alternative" in her life - that was my area. Nirvana was simply the trendiest thing in the world for those years and I didn't want anything to do with it. Nope, I wasn't strong-minded enough to make it "about the music."

Although maybe I would have if Nirvana had been Hole. Although I occasionally noticed and was always intrigued by Courtney (videos, or interviews - where she said she'd read Camille Paglia's masterwork "Sexual Personae," which I'd also just read - and I have no trouble believing that Courtney has a genius IQ), and when I was briefly married my husband actually recommended "Live Through This" to me, for some reason I waited until I was 23 to check it out. It immediately shot into my all-time Top 10. Now I'm 31, and it sounds as good as ever, and the experience of listening to it just gets richer - now I respond more to the pain than to the rage, although don't get me wrong, I still love the rage.

Basically I would just endorse the most enthusiastic comments made by the other reviewers. Yes, the songs are great - pop/punk/rock/folk with just enough twists to them. Yes, the lyrics and Love's vocals are even better. And although it's a masterpiece no matter who you are, if you're a woman these lyrics will speak to you even more. Nobody gets it as right as Courtney - nobody. (Only a handful of Kate Bush lyrics come close.)

I'm on a big Hole and Courtney kick right now. In fact I'm so into Courtney, I might actually finally overcome my prejudice and get into Nirvana...

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