Alternative Rock music reviews

By far, the most historical work of Dead Can Dance. I rememebered well when I listened for the first time: Saltarello and Black Sun. Unbeliavable!!!

If you love Renaissance music in all it's permutations, this is a CD you're going to want. We have everything from chants to Middleeastern and bagpipes. "Dead" started the world-music trend and are still seminary in that area--this is probably their best album so far!

Aion is the most accessible and widely enjoyed album by non-hard core Dead Can Dance fans. Although short, it merits an immediate repeat listening. Of all DCD records, this is the first one to try.

Fans of a cappela choral music will enjoy this work, as well as post-punk fans of Cocteau Twins, shoegazer, and progressive rock. While this selection does offer a complex instrumental arrangements, those whose first introduction to polyphonic chant from the wildly popular "Chant" album of The Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos will not be disappointed with this bridge between two worlds.

The song "Black Sun" is notable for Brendan Perry's haunting baritone vocals over repetitive droning strings and reed instruments, with driving nested percussion the reminds one of David Byrne and Brian Eno's "My Life in the Bush of Ghosts."

Other selections feature Lisa Gerrard's haunting controlo soprano solos and harmonies that immediately invoke and make modern compositions from Hildegard von Bingen.

4AD is a label known for seeking and promoting music that invokes a sense of timelessness. Dead Can Dance's "Aion" is an exemplary instance of that goal, you will not be disappointed.

Both albums are a must, but I would buy Lochloosa first.

soulful, bluesy and rockin' Sometimes reminds me of James Brown!!! This is genuine music, not made up in a sales oriented mind.

mofro is awesome!! their first cd - blackwater - really turned me on to them. they are florida guys who care about florida, and i really love them!! they're so personable and seem to enjoy singing and performing their music. they have such good sounds!!!!!!!

Both albums are a must, but I would buy Lochloosa first.

soulful, bluesy and rockin' Sometimes reminds me of James Brown!!! This is genuine music, not made up in a sales oriented mind.

mofro is awesome!! their first cd - blackwater - really turned me on to them. they are florida guys who care about florida, and i really love them!! they're so personable and seem to enjoy singing and performing their music. they have such good sounds!!!!!!!

They could have chosen better songs to cover. I think by this being their third album the luster has worn off. they should pick crowd favorites instead of some of these songs. i think there is about 5 really good covers and 2 decent ones and about 5 that should have never been recorded. I think if you want to get into the Gimmes buy "Have a ball" or "are a drag" first.

there are some great songs on here. the 50's and 60's seemed like a good time for music. the tracks "stand by your man" and "my boyfriends back" are hilarious because guys sing them. id say add it to your collection. its really good.

I haven't heard covers this good by a punk band since the Ramones....

I am not the biggest fan of Korn but this is a good song
from some very wierd wierdos great video also to it.
Lyrics 10/10 Production 10/10 Overall 10/10

If you are a hardcore KoRn fan like myself, then go out to The Wall or Coconuts and or even buy here on Amazon(only if you want to pay for shippin). The remixes are somewhat depressing, but the sound is great makin up for depressing tunes.

Freak on A Leash is a great song and this CD is a must for any real Korn addict (like me) that wants to collect it all. With 5 versions of the song to pick from you are sure to find at least one that you will like or you may even like them all!

After reading all of the reviews about this album, and being a die-hard TFF fan and one who truly enjoys Roland's voice in song, I was quite disappointed with this album. "For the love of Cain," was the best song on there out of about 3 that were ok to listen to. The others were grating on the ears, and I found myself enduring them, and not enjoying them. This album seemed to be a bit of a mix between Roland's "Elemental" and "Saturnine, Martial, and Lunatic" album with more electronica mixed in. Sorry to say I don't really recommend this album to those who like the jumpy, tune heavy songs of TFF past. Do yourself a favor and get the new "Everybody loves a happy ending" CD.

In a digital world where you can download whatever, whenever; consider buying this disc - it's a keeper. Best known as frontman for Tears for Fears, Roland Orzabal is hands down one of the most talented musicians of our time. He consistently delivers brilliant music as well as lyrical food for thought. This disc is no exception. More up-tempo, this is a departure from the TFF style, but in a good way. The opening track "Ticket To the World" sets the standard of the caliber of music you can expect from Mr. Orzabal. All the way through to "Maybe Our Days Are Numbered", each track powerful and unique. Quoting Mark's previous review..."Orzabal weaves a magnetic magic which tugs at the soul and the heartstrings". Spot on Mark...his voice is simply superb and he draws you in.

In the end, TCSO passes the litmus test for solo work. This latest disc validates his decision to venture out on his own. Only it leaves me longing for new material! This one will be in your collection for years to come.

If you are a fan of Tears for Fears, you will enjoy Roland Orzabal's solo CDs, as well. We own all of Orzabal's solo CDs and each of them are unique in their own way. He has an amazing voice and the lyrics are thought-provoking.

Warehouse: Songs and Stories was the last Husker Du studio album. It was released in 1987. They are one of my all-time favorite bands and they seemed to get better and better with each album they made. In Warehouse they left their fans with a double-album filled with great tracks and absolutely no fillers. It's unfortunate that they broke up seemingly so soon, but both Grant Hart and Bob Mould continued with excellent solo records (I especially recommend Intolerance by Hart and Workbook and Black Sheets of Rain by Mould) as well as new bands Nova Mob and Sugar. Here is the warehouse-full of awesome tracks offered on this album:

"These Important Years" (Mould) 3:49: An excellent track to begin the album. Great rocker.
"Charity, Chastity, Prudence, and Hope" (Hart) 3:11: Grant Hart kept getting better and better as a songwriter and here he offers up some amazing rockers that even have a slight country rock sound. This track just flies and never lets up. The guitar solo is yeehaw good!
"Standing in the Rain" (Mould) 3:41: One of Mould's more popular tracks but it is not one of my favorites. It's good, of course, but seems a bit mundane.
"Back From Somewhere" (Hart) 2:16: Another country-style, yeehaw rocker by Grant Hart. I like Hart's vocals on this one (yeehaw style again).
"Ice Cold Ice" (Mould) 4:23: One of my favorite Mould tracks here. It begins with menacing guitar and then rocks. I wish Hart's backing vocals were clearer as I think it would have made the song even better. It sounds great on the live album The Living End.
"You're a Soldier" (Hart) 3:03: This song is just OK. I can actually take it or leave it. Anti-war songs are so prevalent and this one isn't very special. I don't like the backing vocals and the line "knocking over everything that's standing in your way. Can you tell me just how many did you kill today" line sounds like another song, but I can't put my finger on which song that is.
"Could You Be the One?" (Mould) 2:32: This is probably the most recognizable song from this album. They made a music video for it. I never thought I liked it that much but I find myself humming this track a lot, so it must be pretty addictive.
"Too Much Spice" (Hart) 2:57: Another yeehaw rocker by Hart. I love this stuff! I like the lyrics and Hart's vocals are crisp and clear and not barely audible like on some of his tracks. Definitely a sing-along-to song. And a rockin' guitar solo, too.
"Friend, You've Got to Fall" (Mould) 3:20: Catchy track. Up there with "Ice Cold Ice" and "Up in the Air" as my favorite Mould track on this album. Great guitar as always.
"Visionary" (Mould) 2:30: This track is OK, but is not a memorable as most of the others here. I don't care for the chorus that much.

"She Floated Away" (Hart) 3:32: A nice change-of-pace. It has a hard, pulsating beat between the verses, but at the verses and chorus it has a transporting almost gospel-like quality (well, not as gospel as "She Can See the Angels" off Hart's solo album Intolerance). Interesting track.
"Bed of Nails" (Mould) 4:44: Rough Mould rocker that bites like a rusty saw. The "Please don't drive your nails into this heart of mine" line always bugged me as it seems very contrived.
"Tell You Why Tomorrow" (Hart) 2:42: A track that builds with intensity and also has a groovy bass line.
"It's Not Peculiar" (Mould) 4:06: Starts out with this pulsating riff which if OK but when Mould actually sings to this riff "It's not peculiar, there's nothing to devise at all-a-a-a-a-a-a-all right." Yuck. The verses leading up to it are actually pretty good, and Hart's higher backing vocals help it a little but it just bugs me.
"Actual Condition" (Hart) 1:50: Another Hart rocker, but my least favorite. This one is a bit too yeehaw for my tastes.
"No Reservations" (Mould) 3:40: Nice, slower-paced track.
"Turn It Around" (Mould) 4:32: This song is the only one on this track that I really do not like. It is almost embarrassing to listen to. I'm surprised Mould wrote it. It is just so contrived, silly, and mundane. I like the line "But the biggest thing to me is making this thing work for life." That really hits it home but most of the other lyrics and the musical aspect of the song I can definitely leave. Oh well, one ringer out of 20 is not bad.
"She's a Woman (And Now He is a Man)" (Hart) 3:19: I LOVE THIS SONG!! It may be my all-time favorite Grant Hart track! Great lyrics, great vocals, rocks, never lets up! I can't praise it enough!
"Up in the Air" (Mould) 3:03: Mould turns it around (so to speak) with this track. Excellent, catchy track. The chorus with the backing vocals is superb.
"You Can Live at Home" (Hart) 5:25: Appropriate ending to an incredible double-album. A long rocker that sounds like everyone is involved in the vocals and fades out. The bass really drives this one.

I listened to this album, loved it, and bought every Husker Du album. Unfortunately, this is the only one I really liked. I still play "Up in the Air" all the time. Every song is a masterpiece. I then bought every Bob Mould album and every Sugar album. This is still the only one I love. I like pop rock with catchy choruses. This is the only must-have album that Bob Mould has been involved with, although he is a talented artist.

Husker Du can be compared in many ways to the Beatles. This release really highlighted such a comparison. Mould, Hart and Norton pack this double album with very catchy, memorable, poppy tunes, while offering the listener their respective vocal and songwriting styles, both equally powerful and pleasant.
Unfortunately, by the time this was recorded both Bob Mould and Grant Hart were at odds with each other and the end of the band was in sight. Its as if there were two Husker Du's, with Hart and Mould each leading a different band. The best track on the CD is Bob Mould's "Ice Cold Ice" (with near-perfect back up vocals by Hart). Other standouts are Mould's "Visionary" and Hart's "She's a Woman."
At this point in the short, but prolific career of Husker Du, the over the top guitar distortion and feedback had been toned down, and gave way to more melodic offerings. That style was more compatible with Hart's vocal style than Mould's. The pefect ending to this double album is "You Can Live at Home" which recalls the sometimes sloppy, but always powerful style that made Husker Du the best of their time.
Husker Du was a great rock band, arguably one of the best of all time. Although a reunion is most likely never going to happen as there has been very little communication between the members, we can always hope for a miracle. In the meantime, there are plenty of releases to enjoy, and Warehouse is at the top of that list.

Far's "Water & Solutions" is a pretty good alternative rock album musically, the singer arguably ruins a couple moments in the songs. When he isn't yelling in his punkish voice (this is the annyoing part), he's very very good and likable. He definitely couldn't sing a high note well if his life depended on it (actually, he reminds of Rivers Cuomo from Weezer at times). Anyways - the lyrics tend to be pretty forgettable and not that interesting - they're basically just there to make the msuci catchier (which more or less works). The musicianship is very well done, but the band doesn't sound unique. Far sounds basically like every other alternative rock band on the market. The production is great, yes, but that's not going to make it stand out. Thankfully every song here is good or decent. Most people won't like this album, but alternative/emo fans will. Slightly recommended.

Highlights include:
the entire album!

Sometimes there's a band, and I'm talking about Far here, sometimes there's a band that's a little ahead of their time. I remember when this cd came out, Far was lumped in with the Korns and Deftones and praised as an "alt-metal" band. While their longevity is no match for either band, their influence is undeniable. Jonah's soaring vocals make for a perfect singalong anytime this record is on. Naturally, everyone points to the single "Mother Mary" as the highlight of this record. It is but a standout among an album of standouts. Contrary to the review below me, I will not put Far alongside Taking Back Sunday or Rival Schools. Last I checked, this record came out when TBS was in High School, and Rival Schools wasn't even a band yet. Nevertheless, you can hear a lot of Far out there, if you're listening.

This band is quite seminal. The thoughts and fans they spawn can be anyone from an emo kid to a punk to a prep. The music sounds like a blend of Fugazi, Weezer, and Sunny Day Real Estate. What they do can only be matched by the sheer verisimilitude of early Jimmy Eat World. The two driving forces drifting apart made the entire album likeable to everyone, not only "Tin Cans with Strings to You" people.

Best tracks in my 'ever so' humble opinion-Bury White, Really Here, Mother Mary, I Like It, and MAN OVERBOARD (my personal favorite).

You know a few days ago I had a chili peppers revelation. I didn't own any of their CDs, however I remembered how catchy the album "Californiacation" sounded when I went over to my friends houses and I remember also lovin' "under the bridge." I noticed that there was the highly priced greatest hits compilation, and then there as the below 10 dollars "amazon 5 star" rated "What Hits?!" I bought it with the intent of hearing a lot of songs like under the bridge. That song is on black sugar sex maghik, and not being an avid fan yet, I thought it would be less risky buying the best of collection. I love funk. The peppers are very original (when they aren't giving 5 covers) Most songs are from tyhe 80's and though remotely catchy, I wasn't able to latch on and enjoy it. Avid fans will probably love this - most songs charted. But fans familiar with californiacation and newer stuff will consider this fluff.

What Hits!? (with it's nicely sarcastic title) is next to WB's Greatest Hits CD, the second best RHCP contemplation album. Spanning from 1984 to 1991, this features some of the Chili's best fan-favorite songs, incompasing everything from the funk/rock/rap/sex/mayhem of the 1980's to the sentimental classic "Under the Bridge". So without further ado, the review.

1. Higher Ground: An awesome tribute to Stevie Wonder, featured on the 1989 album "Mother's Milk". Very funky and energetic, a song to headbang to.

2. Fight Like a Brave: From the 1987 album "Uplift Mofo Party Plan", this is a rip-roaring song to raise your fist in the air to and chant "Fight like a brave! Don't be a slave!"

3. Behind the Sun: A delightfully playful (and psychadelic) acid-rock song, this tale of talking dolphins is a truly feel-good tune. From Uplift Mofo.

4. Me and My Friends: This song from Uplift Mofo is a tribute to the friendship of the Chili Peppers. Features some rapid-fire raps and a chorus to chant to, this is a great tune to dance like a freak to.

5. Backwoods: This tribute to the origins of rock music is one kick-*** jam! Featuring a rocking chorus and some funktacular (allow me to invent a word) rapping, make this a song a powerhouse of pure energy.

6. True Men Don't Kill Coyotes: From the Chili Peppers 1984 debut, this hard rockin' song has a certain quality to it unlike other RHCP songs; a rough, gritty garage-band feel. Another great 'chant to the chorus song'.

7. Fire: A minute-and-a-half of pure, unadulterated, musical insanity. Featured on Mother's Milk, but also a live favorite.

8. Get Up and Jump: One of the absolute best party songs, ever. Extemely funky and energetic, this song is guarenteed to have you jumping like a frog on speed. Featured on the Chili Peppers' first album

9. Knock Me Down: A bit of a darker song, this is an anti-drug themed song about the death of Hillel Slovak, the Chili Peppers' guitarist and friend. Not only does it rock, but it is also rather touching and true-to-life. Featured on Mother's Milk

10. Under the Bridge: Curiously, the only song from 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik here, which makes it feel rather out-of-place. If you have listened to a rock radio station within the past 15 years, you've heard this song. This is a sentimental and heart-felt song about Anthony Kiedis' drug addiction. This is also a special song for me, as it is not only the song that introduced me to the Chili Peppers (thus making me a big fan), but it also embodies what I feel about life (and I'm not a drug user, though). Features guitarist John Frusciante's mother singing harmony vocals, and an absolutely atmospheric outro.

11. Show Me Your Soul: A song that was contributed to the soundtrack for the movie "Pretty Woman", this is a very funky pop-flavored love song, like only RHCP can make.

12. If You Want Me To Stay: A stunning cover of the Sly and the Family Stone song of the same name, this is a song to both relax to and to slow-dance to. Featured on 1985's Freaky Styley.

13: Hollywood (Africa): A re-titled cover of "Africa" by 1970's funk band The Meters, this is a wonderfully funky slow-burning party jam. Featured on Freaky Styley.

14: Jungle Man: A tribute to bassist Flea, this is another funky song to chant to the chorus and dance along. Featured on Freaky Styley.

15: The Brother's Cup: A funky song for a party, this song features some very imaginative lyrics, a staple of the Chili Peppers. Featured on Freaky Styley.

16: Taste the Pain: A darker kind of Chili Peppers song, this features some very morose lyrics (try and find your own interruptation of them), and a knockout chorus. Featured on Mother's Milk.

17: Catholic Schoolgirls Rule: A literally "quick-and-dirty" (with emphasis on "dirty") tribute to the sexiness of Catholic schoolgirls. Featured on Freaky Styley.

18: Johnny Kick a Hole In The Sky: A song about Native American (that's "Indian" for you numbskulls) rebellion, this is a truly knockout song and outro. Featured on Mother's Milk.

Alright, you've heard enough, now go buy this and the other RHCP albums!

This album is a comilation of the most popular older Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, I must say I really enjoy old RHCP, new RHCP is great, no doubt, but old RHCP is a lot louder, more fun, more my style of music. Hillel Slovak rocks on guitar, it really is a shame he died before the band became a major sucess, and Flea is just slapping the crap out of his bass more so than on any new RHCP record, Anthony Kiedis really diverts his voice, he never sounds the same on one song, original drummer Jack Irons is admittedly no Chad Smith, but he's good enough. Best songs are "Fight Like A Brave", "Backwoods", "True Men Don't Kill Coyotes", "The Brothers Cup", and of course "Under The Bridge", warning to new RHCP fans, you will be shocked when you here this album, but you will love it, GET IT!

Apart chapter of this live songs, with a little erudite effort retrospective anti-academic repetitive pomadas, are at least six fine bonbons masterpieces:

The lady with the fan
Stander on the mountain
The road not taken
Fortunate Son
The End Of The Innocence
Mandolin Rain/Black Muddy River

They rock and stay at this sensitivity heart.

I've never really been a big Hornsby fan. I was familiar with the singles and liked them, but he remained under my radar. But I kept catching him in performances on TV and thought, "This guy is an outstanding talent." So when I saw this one I figured this would be a great opportunity to hear him cut loose. Well, that's exactly what he does on this double set. A true Hornsby fan could give you a better breakdown of how this compares to his other work, but from a newcomer's standpoint, this is an excellent example of a multi-talented musician who doesn't limit himself to a sound; he blends rock and jazz into an amazing package. Not a five star for me as he occasionally overindulges on the free form jazz, but this is a nice listen. Crank it up a bit to really appreciate where Hornsby is willing to take his music.

As most Hornsby fans know, Bruce and The Noisemakers are one incredible live show. They play and play and then, play some more. There is nothing like the live music of Hornsby & The Noisemakers. So, obviously, a live recording is heaven for the Hornsby fan, but I would say that it is heaven for anyone who loves a great and passionate jam.

Suffering from the inferiority complex of the underrated college football team, most followers of Bruce Hornsby call out something like "He doesn't get the respect he deserves!" Which, by the way, IS true. But the bottom line is this is one universally gifted talent that must be heard in the live context. Songs like "The Way It Is" and "Mandolin Rain" get mastered by extended solo sections that blow you away. And song after song, you wonder if it could get any better than this. This is music the way it was meant to be. As Sting's "Bring On The Night" brought jazz music's gifted musicians into the pop spotlight, "Here Come The Noisemakers" shows that pop music has its own share of musical genius. The adventuresome nature of this phenomenally talented group proves that the jam band is not only dead, but they are darn good.

If you like Hornsby, you'll love "Here Comes The Noisemakers." If you don't get Hornsby and wonder what all the hullabaloo is about, get this CD and turn it up loud. You won't regret it.

By the way, if you love this recording and want more live Hornsby action, check out munckmusic.com for over 20 live shows (including solo piano shows from Germany and Denmark).