Alternative Rock music reviews

Silent Steeples is a great album. Like many others, Bang Bang was my first exposure to Dispatch. I loved it and wanted to hear more from the band, so I picked up Silent Steeples. Boy, am I glad I did. It took me a few listens to get into it. It has a very different sound than Bang Bang. This album is largely accoustic and I hear hand-played drums (bongos, I presume) on many of the tracks.

All of the songs are good. Like everything Dispatch has put out, the harmonies are great. The way the voices blend, especially on "Hey, Hey" is incredible. "Flying Horses" is another favorite, and "Elias" is just gorgeous. Really, though, every song is good. "Water Stop" is excellent. Maybe my favorite of all is "Walk With You", a mostly instrumental song with accoustic guitar and a beautiful flute.

The album has a laid back feel and it's fun to listen to again and again. All the songs are great and it never gets old. Now I even prefer Silent Steeples to Bang Bang, but I enjoy both. The band definitely has a unique sound, but may appeal especially to fans of Guster, Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R., etc. Recommended to anyone who likes Dispatch and doesn't have it, or anyone who likes good accoustic music.

Dispatch is a classic band, and its such a shame they broke up. There music has hints of different kinds, and it is especially a raegae inspired band, but with a different sence and twist on it. Every CD they have it great and fun filled to listen to. I would suggest any and all of them.

I got this CD from my friend on my lacrosse team and all I can say is that it is THE BEST!!! i constantly listened to "steeples" for about a month and I am still not tired of it. "Mayday" is also a great song. I love O.A.R, 311, Moe., Phish, and all of them, but these guys are probably at the top. This CD is so worth the money. It is great for studying to. Go buy it!

I can't remember how this album came into my collection, but I do remember the first time I listened to it. There are just a few albums that have had a similar jaw dropping effect on me (Stop Making Sense, Definitely Maybe (can't quite believe it now) and Hunky Dory to name a few. Although the songs are often melancholy, for me they are also oddly uplifting. Thanks Matt.

Not surprisingly i'm just another in a long line of people who absolutely loved this album back in the 80's. Here is a fine example of why the 80's had some of the best music of the past 4-5 decades. Matt johnson's deep soulful voice perfectly complemented by the music, which included the wondrful ivory tinkling talents of Joolz Holland, shown to best effect on 'Uncertain Smile' with a blistering heart-pulsating piano finale. 'This is the Day' is a defining moment for a lot of people's 80's musical experience. It's a song i took very much to heart as a younger man back in the 80's 'this is the day, your life will surely change' fuelling the enthusiasm of the 80's which on retrospect was a pretty upbeat decade. This is without doubt one of the top 10 albums to be released in the 80's. This was one of those albums that you would constantly try to inflict on your friends and relatives trying to turn their feeble music listening experience around & showing them what great music they were missing out on. Looking at the dirge that's out there now i spend more time listening to 80's stuff and not for nostalgia's sake but just because the music was better. If i ever gave out a guarantee i would apply it to this CD for i seriously can't believe anyone would be dissapointed with this

I don't remember when I heard "This Is The Day" or "Uncertain Smile" for the first time... but there are 2 things I'm certain of these days: from then on I became a devoted admirer of Matt Johnson's music and, secondly, the passion for those 2 songs has remained unhurt since then - and that's probably the attribute I distinguish most in this band: as they say about good wine, The The's music sounds even better with the passing of the years.
That uncommon magnetism for those 2 epics motivated me to purchase "Soul Mining" back in the mid 90's - as soon as I was aged for doing so. From then on, it became gradually the album I enjoy the most from all the ones I have. "Soul Mining" perfectly combines Matt Johnson's amazing song-writing abilities ("How can anyone know me when I don't even know myself" - gosh, this line is simply brilliant!!) with a universe of sounds and rhythms totally adapted to his voice and lyrics. "I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life)" or "Sinking Feeling" are probably the 2 finest illustrations of this unique mixture on this album. As for my feelings about "GIANT"... there's no need to say anything - the title speaks for itself!
Although my favourite The The's song is not in here - "Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)", I've always regarded "Soul Mining" as The The's finest masterpiece and it's no surprise to see it as a best-ever album for so many people.

daron malakin principle songwrighter daron malakin proves that hes not only a good song writer but also a good guitarist. although this album does not feature his most technical work it features his ability to create heavy riffery. this album is second only to 2001s toxicity and contains most of there heaviest work.i myself dont tend to like most heavy music but system do more than just heavy they make it interesting the write some very eastern "bouncy" melodies.its safe to say the music is tigher smarter more thought out than anything youll find in sliptnot,korn or limp bizkits catergory (none of those are bands of witch i like)and system of a down should never be compared with them because there music has some depth.songs like spiders are mellow beautiful and passionate while sugar is brutal heavy and ground breaking while being clever witty and tongue in cheek.there has never been a band like this love em or hate em you must admit there is no band that sounds quite like them.the album is well crafted and put together dosnt quite have the song craft of toxicity in witch some heavier songs have softer verses and visa versa but the songs are catchy and memorable and some like spiders and sugar are classics in my opinion.I would never put system in any genre possibly armenian folk metal? no that dosnt really sum it up theres to much in it to call it nu metal or even heavy metal a classic of our time well worth your cash .system have managed to take this quality to 5 other albums heres a short guide.

system of a down-heavy headbanging at the same time thought provoking(and at some times beautiful)

*toxicity-beautigully crafted songs more melodic than the last album although system of a down had melodic moments parts of this cd are completely stunning

steal this album-wierd in some places lacks the flow of the last to some songs seem to rush by to fast while the transistion of moods isnt as good still a good album

mesmerize-daron attempts to sing not nearly as heavy but you could see system going to this direction a mile off very nice album probably the most relaxing of all of them

hypnotise-brilliant full of epic songs altough containing weak tracks seems to trace back to there roots on some tracks sounds like a mixture of all of there previous work
*=album pick

ps extra features on this version of the album are worth checking some very very good quality live recordings

This is by far systems best album!!! All the songs are unique and kick some serious ass!!! This is a lot different than the newer System records such as Mezmerize and Hypnotize...so don't expect that sh**...so if u want to experience Mind Numbing head rushes and disturbing hallucinations, CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!!!!!

This cd is awesome!! A best freshman cd by SOAD. This is the cd that started it all. So if you like SOAD, BUY THIS CD!!

It's really pretty basic. If you like the Flamming Lips you should own this album. If you are figuring out whether you like them I would probably get "Transmissions from a Satelite Heart." But this one is also another I'd recommend. In my mind, it's much better then their newest alubm

After reading the mostly solid review for this album I decided that I should check this one out for my self to see just excatly what all the fuss was about it.

this is a wonderous album, full of great, feel good catchy pop rock tunes that will leave with a simle from ear to ear. If people are looking for the soft bulletin or yosimi stlye lips then this is not one for you, because in the before that they flaming lips were rock band, and boy can they rock. Its still filled with that fans of the band have come to love, I dont any other band who would have the balls to put the lyrics "maginfy your pluse in a pickel jar" then again its on a song called " the guy who got a headache and acdiently saved the world". but this one of the best rock albums of the 90s this guys should have been as big as Nirvania, then maybe we would have an "icon" who was a geniune talent and not just a whiney litte so and so who needed a wash and a nappy change. A must for all fans of this remarakable band.

Lips at thier finest. I'm not quite sure why this album seems to be the "forgotten album" by the lips. It's just a great collection of catchy, fun, and sonically wonderful songs. I guess you need a "concept" nowadays to be on the "top of lists"

Every song on this album is highly enjoyable, and WILL provide hours of enjoyment.

I was working at Tower Records when this album was released and all the staff used to sing along with Mr. Johnson whenever the album got played in the store. I still listen to this album frequently and I'm actually surprised to find that more people don't know about this gem.

I actually taught myself how to play the harmonica hook from "Slow Emotion Replay" on the harmonica! Goofy, I know but this is a damn great album and everyone has to track down a copy and listen to it or they'll be missing out.

I bought this cd when it first came out,and to this day it is still one of my favorite cds! Even if this isnt your "type" of music its hard not to enjoy it!

this is one of my all time favourite albums, this is a true five star recording, and by saying that I mean every single song is incredible, there isnt a single filler on this cd, I highly recomend it.

Pretty good cd if you listen to it at the right time in your life.

This band and album is just amazing and I absolutely love it. Heard in whilst travelling around the rocky mountains in canada with moose travel. Then i went and bought it in Vancouver. I love it and listen to it all the time and when i'm sat in my house in the United Kingdom it reminds me of how amazing my time was in Canada and what a fab place it is and how i wich i was back there.xxx

Blue Rodeo, out of Canada where they are rightfully GODS, continues to fly under the US radar...what a shame, especially when one stacks Blue Rodeo against lesser talents. "5 Days In July" is the gemstone of this richly talented group. Combining elements of The Eagles, The Byrds, Poco, The Flying Burrito Brothers,twinges of psychedellic memories, 60's style chord work *which comes off VERY nice* and at times, vocal harmonies which bring a sweet hint of The Everly Brothers, this group, which can rock with the best or slow it down to a nice mellow, has a sound of their own. At once, the lyrics are memorable and catchy. The vocalists, Cuddy and Keelor, each bring their own qualities which never grow old with Cuddy having impressive range while Keelor brings at times, a nice raspiness with a clever edge. "Bad Timing", one of the great tunes off this gem, would soar on the country charts if given a chance. With the exception of "Til I Gain Control Again" *brilliantly covered earlier by Crsytal Gayle and later by Willie Nelson*, all the tunes are penned by Cuddy and Keelor, as are their efforts on other Blue Rodeo albums. I had the great pleasure to see/hear this remarkable group at The Ramshead Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland. They DID NOT disappoint. If you're looking for GREAT music outside the usual stuff played endlessly on formatted radio, this is a MUST! I would also suggest their DVD, "Burning Snowmen", which chronicles them over time. If you can, find a way to one of their concerts...

First saw them playing at the University of Texas. I love this CD! It puts me in a wonderful mood everytime I hear it. Who would not like this CD? You will not regret buying this cd.

Have seen these folks in concert twice. REally wild combination of parisian with a persian touch, a hint of the casbah, lots of energy. Fantastic piano, percussion makes you stomp your feet, guitar like Willie on speed. Buy it, you'll like it.

I first saw, and absolutly fell in live with, 8 &1/2 Souvenirs on PBS's Austin City Limits. They performed most of the material on the CD HAPPY FEET. Having now purchased everything they have released [Souvonica & Twisted Desire] I can only hope and pray the group returns to their "Happy Feet" roots; for this CD really proves the groups incredably unique sound and astounding talent. A "Euro Swing Band"[they sing in a number of languages] from Austin Texas playing fresh invigerating music with enormous heart. Olivier Giraud's sweet french voice is spell binding, not to mention Glover Gill's piano playing [is it Jazz, Ragtime, or Prokofiev revisited?]and of course Chrysta Bell's beautifully styalized voice, which has never sounded better. I usually stick to Rachmaninov and the boys, but HAPPY FEET brought chills to my spine, and tears to my eyes,to think such music may be gone for now.

I think that as far as nerf herder goes this is probably their best album i pop it in i am always surprised how good it is. Not really "punk" or even "pop-punk" more like new wave mixed with some cheesy 80's metal and some some old school 70's punk. Songs like Golfshirt, Nosering girl, Van Halen and Diana are gonna be favored by the dweebs and geeks for its self depricating and witty sense of humor.

I Had to import my copy, since Arista never thought it was necissary to release this gem over here.
And it's a SHAME because this is one of the best damn records ever.
Simply because the songs are catchy as hell, and like I said on another review, Parry Gripp is the funniest man alive.
The lyrics are hilarious. "Sorry I jacked off outside of your window, thought you were sleeping, i thought you'd never know." Is just one example of the fun.
VAN HALEN, is a tribute to one of the greatest guitar players ever. Well, sort-of. Sammy Hagar get's the full load here "Sammy Hagar, is this what you wanted man?" Too bad it never got any airplay over here, it could have been a hit here too.
Nerf herder's debut is also their best album. "How to meet Girls"
gets close but I always thought they did a better job as a trio.

I just wish they could have a sample of I Only Eat Candy. This album is just a good time, and some good music to go with it.

I stumbled across this CD because the price. Not unlike some music out there but a little different too. A very good pop cd that is a good listen. And as you can buy it for $.01 on Amazon a No Brainer! Enjoy ;-)

I caught Wes Cunningham live as he opened for Buddy Guy here in D.C. He and his band blew me away. I went out the next day and bought this disc and still listen to it regularly nearly four years later. On stage the Elvis Costello influence seemed clear, but on the disc the Beatles win out. Not to say he's derivative - he has a syle all his own, but with strong stylistic roots. Great stuff. Warner Bros dropped him after this one and only this week I learned he recorded a second disc "Polyanna" nearly a year ago, tho I can't find it for sale anywhere. ...

I just reviewed Rhett Miller's CD and realized I hadn't reviewed Wes's. There's a reason Wes has a five-star average: he's a truly gifted singer/songwriter. It's a shame he didn't get the recognition he deserves. His songs are every bit as good as John Mayer or Dave Matthews or anyone else on the radio right now. Pollyanna is excellent, too, but very different. It's not "12 Ways..." part two. Come back, Wes!!!

King is substantially weaker than Star, and below the median for Throwing Muses offshoots. It has a couple of okay songs (the title track, and to a lesser extent Red), but the album's lack of critical and popular acclaim isn't deserved. Try Star or Tanya Donnely's Lovesongs for Underdogs for better stuff.

For some reason, this album sounds better on vinyl. Maybe because that's how I bought it originally. It was white vinyl, too. This album really rocks in places, and kind of peters out elsewhere. I like about 40% of it. Belly's debut, "Star" is really the one to get first. This one has rather heavy-handed production by old-pro Glyn Johns. Not that it's bad, but Tanya Donelly's "little girl" persona on "Star" is totally gone on "King". If you can deal with that rather jarring change, then give this a try. The two are completely different albums, almost sounding like two different bands. Belly kicked it up live supporting this album, but it just didn't get the radio play that "Star" did, so the band called it quits. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

Belly's second proper release was quickly forgotten--and the next thing you hear, Tanya Donelly is breaking up the band. Why? This incredible, hook-heavy, hard-pop recording shows a band at full-tilt, with all the muscle of a veteran rock band yet all the fresh, wide-eyed exuberance of rock & roll newcomers. True, it suffers in comparison to the poetic "Star", but "King" is still very fine in its own right. The opening track "Puberty", which Donelly co-penned with new bassist Gail Greenwood, gets the album off to a bad start (it's just a colorless tune, and should've been relegated to B-side status), however things get much more interesting from there. I have no idea what "Red" or "Silverfish" are about ("Red" transforms into a sex song, I guess, with campy symbolism), yet the band's delightful inscrutability leads the listener on an imaginative sonic trip, where even the slower songs like "Judas My Heart" and "The Bees" have a galvanizing effect. "Seal My Fate" and "Super-Connected" are two of Belly's very best songs, while the title track (which has nothing to do with kings) is joyfully perplexing. Many B-side songs which didn't make the final cut are available on various compilations, soundtracks and import singles--and they're all worth finding.