Alternative Rock music reviews

This is a great CD, along with the second one "Never Ending" you can't have a better group of songs to sing along to in the car. I liked the live version I saw of "Standing in the Middle" but oh well. I give it an A.Great group!!

Anyone who hasn't heard Luce or any of the new cd, needs to check them out. Tom's writing and melodies are a cut above all others. This new cd Never Ending allows one to escape into musical wonderland. There is not a bad song in the bunch...very rare in today's music scene! Anyone who buys this cd will not be disappointed.

I have never purchased music to give to others as a gift....this album changed that. I have sent it to no less than 10 friends....all with different musical tastes and they all love it. I am anxiously awaiting the release of their new album in three days....Never Ending. Try it out! Luce will be around for the long haul.

This is one of the most amazing, moving and poignant albums I have ever heard. It is timeless. I am utterly addicted to Matt Johnson's voice. And he is clearly a man of deep feeling and thought, as is expressed in many songs on this album, particularly "August & September" and "Armageddon Days Are Here (Again)." "Kingdom of Rain" is a spectacular duet with Sinead O'Connor (I cannot imagine a better female counterpart to Matt Johnson!); anyone who has gone through a trying break-up will be moved by this song. The music is smoother and better pulled-together than earlier The albums, with a sound that is a smart blend of rock, dance and ballad. I met Matt Johnson at one of the The's concerts a few years ago, and he was polite, unassuming and hilarious. All the more reason to support his band. Plus, Johnny Marr of The Smiths collaborated on this particular album, so that alone is reason to buy it. And do buy it! You won't be disappointed.

Not often, but once in a great while, a truly fabulous work of art is created. It is not a feat that is only achieved by artists who are known to be great; as evidenced by The The's "Mind Bomb", it is sometimes done by artists who are little known at all.

Ranking very near, if not at the top, of the greatest albums of the Modern Rock era, 1989's "Mind Bomb" is not merely a collection of eight songs, but a seamless, flowing journey through the darkness and light of the human condition. Matt Johnson, an emotive vocalist and lyricist at his worst, shows here that he can reach deep into his own soul to retrieve and give voice to sentiments and suspicions that are rarely touched upon in polite company, but are commonly held by many. The objective of the album, achieved completely, is the taboo act of tearing away the shrouds that guard religeon, race, sex, society, and love. The whole world is laid bare at your feet in "Mind Bomb", a testimony to the desperation and cynicism that people enforce upon themselves in order to rise above nature. It is at first not an easy listen, but one which will eventually become a part of the listener's being; that is, if he or she is sympathetic to the cause of finding some shred of meaning in life.

While the star of this show might not be a household name among those who were fortunate enough to grow up in the amazing alternative rock culture of the late eighties and early nineties, one of the supporting actors certainly is. Johnny Marr, former guitarist of The Smiths, is far more in the background here than in the places we know him best, even appropriately adding background vocals to his repertoire of enormous musical talent. Only in the one song co-written by Johnson and himself, "Gravitate to Me", is any sign of Marr's signature guitar style obvious and near the forefront. That is not to take anything away from his contributions to the work as a whole - quite to the contrary; they are ever present, only very different from what we have come to expect. Moreover, the music of "Mind Bomb" is symphonic in nature, and not centered on the guitar-as-primary-instrument. Far more prominent are sounds which do not typify the everyday music of that time, or in truth, anytime.

Point in fact, Mark Feltham's harmonica and Wix's piano and organ contributions create the ambience that defines this album's feel. There are also horns and strings, shadowy vocals both evil and ethereal, odd percussions... all special and necessary, lent by almost innumerable guest artists. David Palmer's drums are as polished and perfect as could be, not generally dictating the meter of the music - but instead adding punctuation to the poetry of the arrangements. James Eller's bass brings elements of warmth and simplicity which balance well against the occasional harshness of both the music and the message. Together, they all speak as one.

Of course, it cannot go without mention that Sinead O'Connor performs a haunting duet with Mr. Johnson in "Kingdom of Rain", which is the last scene in the first act of a two act play; meaning it is the song that would in another time have been called "the last song on side one". A gentle comedown from the fear and anger of the first three tracks, it is our resigned introduction to sadness through the broken dream of dying love. The song though, excellent as it is, is not the standout. All tracks are standouts here; all are equal to the album, and form together the essence of a story.

After over a decade of consideration, I am still grappling to understand exactly what that story is; that is, in my opinion, the true genius of "Mind Bomb", beyond the music itself. After listening to it in it's entirety what I would estimate to be about 3500 times, I am still fascinated by it. It is aptly named. Perhaps there is nothing more than essence, maybe no story to tell at all. But few albums make the listener perceive one in the way this one does. I won't make any suggestions regarding what I believe that story to be - every person should be entitled to their own. But do listen, and find it. It is life changing and profound, while still sounding new after fourteen years.

In summary, The The's "Mind Bomb" to me represents one of music's finest hours. Standing shoulder to shoulder with the towering Modern Rock works of that period, like U2's "The Joshua Tree", The Cure's "Disintegration", The Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Blood Sugar Sex Magick" or Nine Inch Nails' "Pretty Hate Machine", it is one of those albums you simply MUST own. When ultimately I die, it will be one of the CD's(?) that play in perpetuity in my mausoleum; I could never find peace without this music.

Thanks for reading - Love to All.

K

Matt Johnson is just PERFECT, his music/lyrics are bi-polar, yin -yang, war - peace, love -hate, male-female, earthly - ethereal, imperfect - perfect. He always comes through for me, every album is where I am spiritually, personally, emotionally, he is my expression, my soul...

10 1/2 Stars! Loreena McKennitt has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard! Magical is a wonderful word to describe her music but it doesn't even do it justice. She will elevate your spirit and leave you awe-struck with emotion! In my humble opinion, only Van, Joni, Marley and Dylan can stand beside her in music!

Gypsy
[...]

Loreena's music, whether the Mummer's Dance or any of her various albums, touch my soul like no other music has ever done. The radio version of the song is well-known (and is energetic and up-lifting - no doubt) but for those of you with that day-dream fantasy of the mysterious celtic life, Loreena has so many other songs that transport you to another world...and to Annon from below - don't review celtic music if you review (and love) Britney Spears and Shania Twain!

I bought this single years ago and only listened to the first two tracks. I started to listen to "The Mystic's Dream" numerous times, but found the chanting boring.

Well, one day while I was cleaning, I decided to put the CD in, and listened to tracks 1 and 2,and when track 3 came on, I didn't stop it as I was in the middle of dusting. After about three minutes, Loreena started singing, and I was blown away!

I learned my lesson: always listen to all the songs on a CD. You never know when an obscure one may jump out and be your favorite!

Killer New America is the title of the Amazing Debut Album From the sunshine-state born, sunshine-state bred SKRAPE. All fears and doubts over whether this is a good album are quashed when you place the CD into your player and the opening riff for ''What You Say'' kicks in. You know immediately that this is something special. With guitars that cut through you like a chainsaw and vocals that shake your soul, New Killer America is definitely one for the collection and will stay at the top of the pile.

If anyone out there thinks they can handle one of the newest and best heavy metal outfits they should check out skrape. They have a good new sound, heavy for the most part but with a great mellow sound to them. Lost in the Limp Bizkit scene? Sick of all these flashy poser bands? Well society thankfully put out a band that you can be proud of listening to. Act now and you will recieve this cd with an awesome enhanced video of Waste. Waste is a good song (not their best in my opinion but it's a good sound.

If you go out and buy one CD within the next month, I strongly suggest you buy Skrape's debut CD "New Killer America" you will not be wasting your money. With awesome songs like "What You Say" and "Rise" you won't be able to take the CD out of your stereo for weeks or maybe even months. Still a little edgy about buying the CD? Well then call your local radio station and request their debut single "Waste" to get a feel of what kind of music they are. Skrape's CD is packed with action filled songs that will keep your head banging for hours after listening to them. With the raspy, hard rock voice of lead singer Billy Keeton you will find yourself singing along with all the songs. Sooner or later you will notice that you have become addicted to the CD, you tell your friends about Skrape, they tell their friends, and then, before you know it the world becomes a big loving community of people who can't get enough of Skrape. So what are you waiting for? Get up, walk, ride, drive, run, do whatever it takes to get yourself to the nearest record store to buy Skrape "New Killer America" today!

If you're already on this page, reading this review...chances are you'll love this group. Skunk Anansie was a very talented group. The lead vocalist, Skin is just amazing! It's just too bad that not many people heard of this band. I heard of them through some soundtracks that I had. I was quick to check out if they had any albums released and I bought this straightaway. And I have no regrets whatsoever. The music on this album is very good, far beyond my expectations. If you thought groups like Evanescence is good, give this a try. There is a lot of emotion and strength in the songs, which keep you hooked on for a very long time. Although I don't listen to this album as often, I still do pop in this CD at least once a fortnight to enjoy their music, which I rarely do for the other albums I own. It's just a pity that this band broke up. Ah, well...at least they produced good music before they left.

Now, chances are you haven't heard of this band, and that's a shame. There are reasons for this. For one thing, Virgin America has not done a good job of promoting this band as Virgin UK, and that's a shame. The second reason is that the band sadly called it quits in 2001. Despite major tours with acts such as Sevendust. Rammstein and Staind, there just weren't enough fans here in the U.S. to catch on to this band.

But it's never too late to pick this album up, and you should, let me tell you why. First of all, I don't think there's anything like this in the U.S. market. Skunk Anansie combine a Nirvana-like grunge sound with soulful vocals and the common acoustics performed in the background. Their vocalist, Skin (who is now doing her solo project), is a black woman and also a lesbian. The song "On My Hotel T.V." has a great meaning, as it is about being prejudiced and discriminated for race and sexual preferences. But the most important thing that Skin brings to the group is her beautiful voice. Skin definitely is the core of the band. Her voice is what separates this band from crappy nu-metal acts like Godsmack and Staind. Her voice is so soulful and melodic, I'd say she's my favorite female vocalist (the previous title holder was Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia, who also has an angelic voice, by the way). Just listening to Skin ooze her voice on songs like "Tracy's Flaw", "Good Things Don't Always Come To You", "You'll Follow Me Down" and "I'm Not Afraid" sends chills down my spine. The rest of the band complements this with acoustic melodies, quality bass licks that you can hear, and I think their drummer is really cool too, preferably his work on "And This Is Nothing That I Thought I Had".

So, if I WERE to make comparisons between Skunk and other bands, I'd say they're almost like a joint project between Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sevendust and Tool. I can almost hear a part of each of those bands in their music, and I even read an interview of Sevendust, and the band stated that SA had been quite a big influence to them, and they even invited Skin to sing on their 1999 release Home, on the song "Licking Cream".
So, there you go...

Put simply, I loved this album from beginning to end. And this is coming from a person who's mostly into death metal like Six Feet Under and such, so that should tell you something. My personal favorites off the album are "Tracy's Flaw", "Lately" (definitely my favorite), "Good Things Don't Always Come To You", "You'll Follow Me Down" and "I'm Not Afraid".

Listen, if my review hasn't convinced you to pick this up, then I'm sorry. But you should know what you're missing out on. If you are convinced, then I'm happy =}. But this album is hard to find, so you're probably better off ordering this from a record store, like I ended up doing. Again, this album has made a positive influence on my life and I think it will do the same to you too. God bless...
R.I.P. - Skunk Anansie (1994-2001)

from the introductory adrenaline rush, Skin sings and screams her way through emotions and pains and trials, and does it with such grace and intensity...her vocals overlay the awesome riffs and beats...the album, overall, is epic, wonderful, gruesome, honest, brutal, erotic, relaxing...highly recommended...

This is a really great album that I would recommend to anyone. If you are a lover of ska, funk, rock, whatever... these guys have got it. They really blend a wide range of instruments and great vocals into an awesome sound. I can't really classify which of their albums is my favorite because they're all really great, but if I had to it would most likely be this one! It really demonstrates the wide range of their talent, groove and is just plain fun. I've had the album for years and never get tired of it, and it is always a great pick me up. If you like this, I'd definitely reccommend Viva Nueva and Long Division. Great stuff.
It's a shame they broke up because they really had a good thing going, but keep listening and enjoying. The band may have gone but their music is still around. !!

unfortunetly the band has broken up. the lead singer and bass player have gone on to form Paranoid Social Club.

Wow...about the only thing that beats listening to this CD is seeing Rustic Overtones in concert. 02/23/01 at the UMass Amherst Skybox was amazing. But this CD does everything but capture the live experience. With great guitars, killer horns and a crazy organ, Gutter, Spencer, Tony and the rest are always giving the latest pop bands a lesson or two in style and beat. IF YOU DON'T HAVE THIS CD, BUY IT NOW. You won't regret it. In fact, you'll thank yourself. ADD IT TO YOUR SHOPPING CART NOW!

This could be it folks. The number one most underated album of all time!!! Every great thing that has been said about this album in the above reviews is true. If you're a fan of Joy Division, Interpol, Editors, Ride, Stone Roses, The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, U2 etc. etc. you must do yourself a favor and buy this album. By the way the Chameleons released an album in 2000 or 2001???
They are still going!!! Wow. One more time...BUY THIS RECORD!!!

I'll be short and sweet...this debut album from The Chameleons is an absolute must have for any fan of The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division, The Essence, et al. This band hails from the legendary Manchester area and is an influence of the myriads of 'retro' sounding artists of today like The Stills, At the Lake, The Bravery et al. The Chameleons never got the fame or recognition they rightly deserved because of a whole laundry list of bizarre circumstances; but I personally have been making converts one person at a time! This album has the signature jerky rhythm guitar coupled with a second eerie guitar flange wash that only The Chameleons could do! Of course you can't forget Mark's haunting vocals. My favourite track is the quintessential "Second Skin" that still takes me away after all these years!
Some nerdy musician/record collector notes about this album: a)The Chameleons 'sound' is created by having the guitars tuned up a step and a half to F#. b) If you are seriously considering getting this album, BE SURE to get the UK release ONLY because the US releases are missing tracks! A great re-issue of this recording was put out by Dead Dead Good Records in 1995 and is still available at a fair price if you hunt around online.
Great CD! That is all...hope my review helps!

The Chameleons deserved much more recognition than they seem to have obtained.
I bought this vynil when launched. In 1984 these guys came to Barcelona and my love for The Chameleons's music was terrific, so I managed to convince my (now) wife to go and see them. Only around 30 or 40 people attended (lack of promotion?). They performed without keyboard (it was lost in the airport handling although the musician stood up there with their friends throughout the whole performance!) but guitars, bass, drums (great drummer I agree with other reviewer) and voice where all we needed to have a great concert.
Recently I thought the guitarrist was back when I listened to the guitar riff in Coldplay's "Don't Panic".
The entire album holds up by itself but the songs I specially love are "Pleasure And Pain", "Monkeyland" and "Second Skin" but don't miss "Don't Fall" and "Up The Down Escalator".

This band sounds like a cross between Nils Lofgren, Neil Young & Bob Dylan. You are probably now thinking, "Sounds good." Problem is there is nothing special at all here. Totally bland.

This is another one of those "unknown bands" that suddenly sneaks, up on you, and you wonder why you've never heard of them. Apparently these guys mainly play small venues, which is really appropriate, because they have a classicly intimate feeling. Very relaxing acoustic music-- almost a little folky, but in a good way. "Stay You"'s lyrics are really good, and the rest of the songs have the same feeling. You are instantly relieved to find someone who talks about real life things in such a great way. Not obtuse, but still meaningful. Play it in the car, it sounds best as you're driving.

I find it really sad that this album is going for $0.01 at the moment on marketplace.

It's a great album. I saw Wood live supporting Paul Weller and bought the album on the strength of the performance. It's one of those gems in my CD collection that I'm glad I've got.

I find it really tragic that a band with such a distinct sound just seemed to stop dead in their tracks and never produced that second album.

Those of you who doubt this, gamble a cent (and shipping) - you'll probably find it's well worth it.

Keep the music alive!

i had this review completely written when my power went out a few hours ago. and you know how frustrating it is to try to write something over by memory, so i won't. basically, i was disappointed by this album because i love self and was expecting their debut to sound really fresh and exciting and creative, but it's frankly not as good as their "breakthrough" album--if it can be called such--breakfast with girls. and of course, nothing tops their recorded-using-only-toy-instruments off-the-wall masterpiece gizmodgery, which everyone in the world should own (i recently sold my copy for 27 bucks at half.com...it's out of print, and i'm counting on it being rereleased relatively soon). anyway, subliminal plastic motives sounds like a fifth album, tired, uninspired, and while self had definitely already established the roots of their unique electropop sound, it wouldn't achieve ultimate fruition until the 2nd or 3rd album.

I've owned this album since I was a teenager, and I still LOVE EVERY SINGLE SONG on this record. It's catchy, different and just GREAT.
Check out his other albums, too, they are just as genius as this one.
Man i love Self!

I've been listening to Self since Cannon got a little bit of airplay way back when I was 13, and I've been hooked ever since. Subliminal Plastic Motives is still one of my favorite albums of all time, and whenever I listen to it I'm amazed at how much I still love it. While Self remains awesome, nothing I've heard from them since has quite matched up to SPM.

This CD was released in 1988. It is 48 minutes long. The sound quality is very good to excellent.

Edie Brickell was to the New Bohemians what Janis Joplin was to Big Brother and the Holding Company. New Bohemians is a group of good and creative musicians. Brickell joined the band about a year into its existance and left after a few years. The band's only popularity was when Brickell was with them, but they are a good band in thier own right.

Brickell is an interesting songwriter and singer. Some of her songs are very good. This album starts out strong with What I Am and the next two songs.

Things don't hold up so well as the CD goes on. Brickell's songwriting style of repeated choruses becomes stale and her effected vocals eventually becoming irritating. The Wheel is a good example where her repeated "round and round" just becomes annoying.

But, for the most part, this is an interesting CD with areas of inspired lyrics. The music is also very good on most tracks. It has a nice crisp clear sound, with interesting and sometimes complex background rhythms. It is certainly much better than the jangle rock style of today.

Brickell was basically a one hit wonder, with What I Am being her only smash hit. Some of the other songs from this CD did get limited radio play. Her next album with the New Bohemians did not sell well, but again got some radio play. She has gone off a solo career to limited success. She probably would have completely faded away if she hadn't married Paul Simon.

Absolutely awesome!!! My 24 year olds favorite cd when he was younger and still loving it!!!

This is THE best Edie Brickell album. Just listen to the first 3 tracks and you'll be hooked. They're all just as good as the next. If you don't own an Edie album and are thinking about purchasing one, this is a really good place to start. Ghost of a Dog comes in a close second.