Alternative Rock music reviews

It may still be too soon to comprehend the actual everlastig impact this album and this band will have on music.

I thought this cd would be hard to find, and was suprised to see it on Amazon. It's the Japan version of the album. (SONY SRCS5634). The #12 bonus track is the Beatles "I Got a Feeling". The #13 hidden track is the same hidden track on the US release: an instrumental version of "Once".

This does not have the 3 extra tracks (Wash, Dirty Frank, Alive(live)) that is on the other imports.

If you thought the US version was good, the Beatles song will blow you away. If you aren't familiar with it, its from the Let it Be album (also great). However this should only be for Pearl Jam hardcores or those willing to spend a little extra money. Seems like double the price is too steep for one song, but I think it was worth it.

It may still be too soon to comprehend the actual everlastig impact this album and this band will have on music.

I thought this cd would be hard to find, and was suprised to see it on Amazon. It's the Japan version of the album. (SONY SRCS5634). The #12 bonus track is the Beatles "I Got a Feeling". The #13 hidden track is the same hidden track on the US release: an instrumental version of "Once".

This does not have the 3 extra tracks (Wash, Dirty Frank, Alive(live)) that is on the other imports.

If you thought the US version was good, the Beatles song will blow you away. If you aren't familiar with it, its from the Let it Be album (also great). However this should only be for Pearl Jam hardcores or those willing to spend a little extra money. Seems like double the price is too steep for one song, but I think it was worth it.

I bought this one because of the great reviews. But, I am not happy I did. I do not like this one. Pearl Jam sounds too sleepy. And they do not wake up at all. Please try Milan or Praha and find Pearl Jam at their best.

Stunningly supreme! This is the 2nd night of a two night stay in the birth place of Pope John Paul II, Kawotice, Poland. This date was reserved for Budapest, but the group decided to extend their stay in Poland one more day. As a result the band played to only 3,000 people in the expansive Spodeck Arena. The band was clicking on every cylinder, as they charged thru a rare assembly of hits and album gems that remind the listener of a club style show. Each song is executed with a groovy precision that makes this CD shine. Pearl Jam has never been known to be an exceptional live recording band, but this could certainly be the finest performance of this tour, if not among the best of their career. The crowd is delighted to be there - they sing along to many of the songs and are enthusiastic to the in-between song chat - and the band is moved by their emotion. This is an excellent live rock & roll album - essential for any Pearl Jam fan, and fan of live concert records alike, and you should buy it!

This unscheduled show was Pearl Jam's chance to do something a little out of the ordinary, and they made the most of it. Using the small crowd to their advantage, they ease into things, playing some of their more subdued material at the beginning, establishing an intimacy with their listeners that carries through the rest of the show. There is a slight downside to this as it seems to influence the pace of the faster numbers, robbing them of some of their power. Overall, however, this fan favorite is rightfully considered a classic show and can still be easily obtained, unlike many of the other Official Bootlegs. Nothing less than 5 stars will do.

I first found out about Jawbreaker because AMG used to classify them as grunge. Dipsh*ts. Anyway...I picked this CD up and was totally pissed to hear that they were not too grungy. About 6 months later, I gave it another try. This isn't too bad I thought. Kind of like Green Day(their early stuff anyway). I began to not regret my decision so much. It's a pretty punk alblum. If you like just plain, decent punk, than this is for you. Nothing great. I have no standout tracks.

Simply put, this is the best indie rock record released in the 90s. Never mind "Nevermind" (not indie) and all the ephemeral grunge and punk that got the radio play. Jawbreaker ruled this decade for the true fans of emotional, intelligent post-punk music. Blake S., a master songwriter who penned the greatest punk love song of all time "Chesterfield Kings," played straight from his always-broken heart, but never once sounded defeated or weak. Their three-man attack on "Revenge Therapy" was pure, sparkling power driven by their trademark melodic distortion, crisp drums and Blake's commanding rasp. Every song on this CD is outstanding. It is a masterpiece, full of small stories of normal people doing normal things, just searching for a bit of happiness while dealing with loss, love and every day frustrations. "Do you still hate me?" and "Jinx Removing" are my faves, while lead-off "Boat on a Hill" always makes me a bit weepy while still filling me with hope and deep-seated satisfaction.

This album is one of the most pure things you will ever hear across all genres of music. It comes out swinging like Mike Tyson circa 1986 and doesn't let up. The playing is top notch and vicious and the lyrics are razor sharp. There are no tricks, the band played most of these songs live and they sounded exactly the same. Hard to believe Jawbreaker was this good, but this proves it. If someone told you about them and you're thinking of buying something, start with this because it's their best; you'll be back soon enough.

this album may very well be alkaline's best album ever. goodbye forever is a great opener, this is getting over you is a classic, bleeder is extremely catchy and the rest of the album is just as good. the best songs are cooking wine, my friend peter and 97. but the best song is nose over tail. if you like great harmonies than this is for you... start here if you are new to the trio

I am usually too lazy to go and write a nice review on the internet about a cd I like, but I love this cd. I have been an Alkaline Trio fan since forever, but it seems that they have lost everything they once were after Goddamnit!. This cd compiles all of their old songs from their early eps and puts it together to form an awesome cd. I defiantly recommend this cd to someone who wants to hear the best of what Alkaline Trio had to offer.

This is my favorite Alkaline Trio disc. I didn't fall in love with it immediately...but the more I hear it, the more I like it. The third track, "Bleeder," is actually what turned me on to ALK3. The whole CD is a compilation of older songs, B-sides and whatnot. It isn't as catchy as some other Alkaline Trio albums (i.e. Good Mourning), but that's what makes it wear so well. If you like Alkaline Trio, I highly recommend this CD.

Here is a solid roots rock band from Athens, GA who have released 12 albums in the last 12 years and I have never heard of them! Produced by Emmylou Harris & Buddy Miller this is very much in the vein of Whiskytown and Wilco.

I heard about VOL when KILLING FLOOR ('92)was released
with their MARK HEARD connection (MH co-produced it with
Peter Buck of REM). Very insightful, reflective, and
powerful tunes that rock out when needed.

Think Neil Young meets Bob Dylan meets Bruce Cockburn
meets Woody Guthrie meets the Beatles (Bill's solo FETAL
POSITION & PERFUMED LETTER very Beatle inspired) meets grunge.

Bill Mallonee's writing is incredible and his bandmates
tend to be very good to excellent. I miss the CHAPMAN
STICK bass of the old days though!

AUDIBLE SIGH is one of VOL's best efforts, along with TO
THE ROOF OF THE SKY, KILLING FLOOR, VOL, etc... AUDIBLE
SIGH and TO THE ROOF OF THE SKY being (IMHO) their best.
Start with A.S. and T.T.R.O.T.S. and then VOL then KILLING
FLOOR and then explore the rest. Even the weakest VOL
recording, SLOW DARK TRAIN has some GREAT tunes too.

I own every recording VOL has done that I can get my hands
on (99%) and wait for the next release with foot tapping.

This is by far the best VOL CD for so many reasons. Killer riffs, great lyrics, and typical Bill Mallonee moodiness, it's all here. From the moody and introspective "Resplendent" and "Solar System" to the cheerful "She Walks on Roses" to the energetic "Extreme North of the Compass", this CD will not disappoint. Definitely one of my top ten most listened to CDs. Phenomenal guest appearances by EmmyLou Harris and Julie Miller and produced by the incomparable Buddy Miller. If you buy any VOL CD, this one should be it.

All the songs on this album are good, definently worth buying.My husband and I have enjoyed everything we've heard from this band.

The first I heard of this group was, naturally, on the radio. The song "Soul City" (which none of the other "reviewers" mentioned)was occasionally being played on the radio, I believe, around the time Happy Gilmore came out. Coincidence? Not too many songs I hear on the radio DRIVE me to go ASAP to the store to get. I can't describe it's noise, but it affected me the same way Home Fries did. The movie? I was surprised of no soundtrack. I had to rent the movie to find Reverend Horton Heat's name. Then I had the unexpected ephiphany that maybe I was addicted to this strange, but not new genre, Rockabilly.

I own every SCOTS CD they've put out. These guys are the
real deal Psychobillies. No poseurs, when they sing about fried
chicken, they're reallly singing about fried chicken. When was the last time you heard a CD that was just plain fun to
listen to?

This particular CD has been out for quite a while, but it's
worth tracking down. An excellent place to begin for those
unfamiliar with them. Best listened to with a bucket of
Col. Sanders, NASCAR on the TV, a bottle of supermarket scotch
on the TV tray and all your neighbors at the trailer park makin' that old doublewide rock...

This U2 EP 'Please' is a standout not because the 5 songs are all Live versions taken from US and continental European concert performances but because these 5 songs are amongst some of the best works from this devoutly popular Irish group. Track 1 is the studio version of an uncut 'Please' that goes for almost six minutes but is definitely worth the listen. I can see no point in the editation of songs that are of this fine calibre. Track 2 is the song 'Please' again from a live perfomance at Rotterdam. Listen to both songs and you will see a succint but distinctive differance. Track 3 is 'Where The Streets Have No Name' again live from Rotterdam which is one of the finest softer sounding U2 songs and Bono sings the song as if he is truly there at that moment. Track 4 is my personal favourite 'With Or Without You' a firm romantic song that is taken Live from Edmonton, Canada. The weakest track (if there is one in this EP) for me was track 5; 'Staring At The Sun'.
Overall this EP is a classic blend of old and more contemporary U2. Beautiful, hauntingly amazing.

I was lucky enought to be at the concert in Edmonton where "With or Without You" was recorded and I have to tell you that even 10 years later, hearing the recording off Please, takes me right back to that amazing night. From start to finish this album embodies everything that is U2 and I promise, it won't dissapoint.

Many artists make the wrong decision of taking a song that's already good and chop it up and put it back together again into something unrecognizable and eventually inferior to the original. U2 however, are one of those surprising few bands who can re-do a song and come out with something impressive if not better. By now it is well known that their 1997 album "Pop" is considered their weakest, it was their too weird for some trip into the world of techno and dance club music. If "Achtung Baby" and "Zooropa" played around with these chemicals then "Pop" snorted, smoked and inhailed all of them. Some hate the album, some like it, but mostly all agree it is not their best. With the "Please" single the band gives you a single worth the money but also a surprisingly good example of how a song doesn't need a definitive version. The single version of the track is superior to the album version, it feels less like a ghostly electronic ballad and more like a real one, The Edge's guitar is more clear and present and Bono's vocals are graced by Craig Armstrong's lush string arrangement that gives the song a power and impact that wasn't there before. The single comes with four live cuts (live tracks are common but fun to have in U2 singles), the first happens to be a live version of "Please" which really brings the song to life with great emotion, Bono's vocals go into beautiful passages and the Edge paints the song with wonderful touches and real skill. The PopMart tour had a futuristic feel to it and this is evident in "Where The Streets Have No Name" which keeps the original guitar licks and drum parts, but this time the song is furnished with some added techno flourishes that give it a strange, almost spacey feel, but it's still the classic arrangement. "With Or Without You" shines live just as much as in "The Joshua Tree," the version here is full of atmosphere and style. "Staring At The Sun" will interest some because this is not the original album arrangement, here we get an acoustic rendition that shows off the song's almost folk feel to nice effect. Now the band is re-igniting the world with their Vertigo Tour to promote "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb," it's good to go back and find small releases like this. Maybe now that almost a decade has passed since "Pop" was released we can look back and realize it wasn't so bad, this single proves the material had muscle and compared to some of the new bands on radio today, "Pop" sounds pretty darn good.

I have all of Penn's records, including the first two originals (not the combined amalgamated evil) and as a whole, this is most likely his best. There is nothing on here that engenders in me any reason to skip a track. His arrangements are excellent for pop, his voice is beautiful, his harmonies enticing...this is his best record. Best place to start with Michael Penn.

Beware of buying this album because it might make you a Michael Penn fan. This probably means you'll get frustrated later on by the fact that he doesn't record enogh albums!

Luckily for me, I don't get tired of listening to this CD. All of the songs are very nicely crafted, as is normally the case with Michael Penn, but this album packs more emotion than any of his other ones. It's very hard to judge the quality of an album by the sound samples Amazon provides, but if what you hear is remotely appealing to you, buy this album. You will thoroughly enjoy this music while you agonizingly wait to hear more.

Incredible! Everyone talks about his brother...Why not talk about him? This guy has so much talent. This is one of the best albums ever in my opinion.

I really don't see why some people--especially fans--don't enjoy this debut very much. It's still metalcore--it's not like it's rap or nu-metal, and it typically sounds quite awesome. The only reason I can think of for disliking it is that Killswitch's trademark, passionate melody and soulful vocals are missing. But what's wrong with melody and harmony deficient heavy metal? If Lamb of God can get away with it, why can't these guys? The songs' verses on this record are similar to those on "Alive Or Just Breathing" and "The End of Heartache," because the vocalist (Jesse Leach) rants and rages over Adam and Joel's scorching riffs. But, instead of taking a break for a melodic chorus with clean singing, the band keep on going with the heavy stuff. With blowtorch guitars, pounding drums, and intense vocals, it actually kind of sounds like a somewhat milder version of The Black Dahlia Murder. In fact, "Irreversal" (which features thunderous riffs and double bass drumming) could be a b-side from one of their albums. Tracks seven is another abnormally heavy song, but "Temples from the Within" shows a flash of what was to come on Killswitch's later albums, with a running beat with fast, chugging riffs and bursts of machine gun drums. "Rusted Embrace" has a couple of wicked, primal screams alongside great riffing, and "Soilborn" is a mid-tempo instrumental which makes for a nice centerpiece for the album. A tad bit of melody shines through in "One Last Sunset," with a clean, backing vocal refrain and a brief acoustic breakdown--but most of that song is power chords and rapid-fire drumming. The reissue/remastered version of this C.D. is definitely worth getting if you're a fan, because it features four extra tracks. The two standouts among the extra tracks are song number twelve, which turns to a catchy, rhythmic chug, and the scorching thirteenth track. Now, granted, I do prefer KsE's last two albums, because they are more unique and have better vocals. But that doesn't mean this album is bad! It's definitely worth owning for any Killswitch Engage or metalcore fan's collection.

The guy at the bottom knows his stuff. This album in my opinion is Killswitch's best by FAR. I can't stand the new new singer's emo winey crap. If you want a pure, brutal, unrelenting, totally kick a** METAL album pick this up. Irreversal, Temple From the Within, Soilborn...every song is great. And the best metal vocalist ever, period. If you can't stand the new Killswitch like me and want to hear straight up kick a** metal then pick this one up.

Despite the words of fellow reviewers that have stated that the album is "directionless" and a "mess of disjointed riffs", this album is still incredible and has stood the test of time well. Forget the production (I found a remastered version fairly cheap at a local CD store) and focus on the song writing and the vocal stylings of then KSE singer Jesse Leah. Genius. Jesse is merciless on this disc and the guitars match him inch for inch! His guttural growls are not only enjoyable to listen to, they're hook laden. Listen to a song like Soilborn with lines that ache to screamed, "I am not alone, this is greater than I! SET ME FREE!"

If you think about when this album came out (2000) it becomes pretty hard to compare the album to many other metalcore bands going at the same time. These guys are the kings of the genre despite criticism saying they "sold out" or "are posers." Forget those kids; let them go lock themselves in their basement listening to bands only "hardcore music lovers like, YEAH!" I'll listen to the music I enjoy, underground or not!

Let's talk about the sound. Let's talk comparison! These boys have toured with a ton of metal monsters. Soilwork, In Flames, Slayer... but to whom do they pay homage? They have Sweden's melody and charm but they have that American brutality. Think Slayer but think more modern. This album is thrashy but it has no limits. These boys didn't write a thrash album, they wrote a brutal a$$ metalcore disc with no regrets!

If you like, check out: Unearth, Lamb of God, and Shadows Fall