Alternative Rock music reviews

The hard yet innovative rock of Fleming and John on Delusions of Grandeur puts most contemporary rock bands to shame. One has only to listen to Letters In My Head to hear this. In some ways, their rock is simple. Screamed lyrics and super-cool, thrashing guitar have been rock standards for decades. Yet they manage to achieve a very musical sound, with tunes that will get in your head and not annoy you while they're there. For those who like thought-provoking lyrics, their message is certainly not that of most cookie-cutter rock hits. Listen and learn.

Original. This is the best word to describe Fleming and John. Every song on this album will blow you away. I can't think of any artist that is truly comparable. But Delusions is not just original- it is fantastic. First of all, John plays most if the instruments. His talent is unprecedented- amazing. Check out track 10&11, which go together, for a unique Middle-Eastern sitar sound not often heard in popular music, but F&J not only pull it off but add some unrivaled flavor. Fleming's vocals- what can I say? They actually took a while to grow on me, but soon I began to realize how unbelievably talented she is. This is one of those albums that is so good that it's really hard to choose the best tracks, but I guess I would have to say that "A Place Called Love," "I'm Not Afraid," "Love Songs," and "Rain All Day" could be considered stand-outs. But, like I mentioned before, every track brings something unconventional but exceptional. Buy this album- you will be a life-long fan!

I feel lucky to have been living in the Nashville area when Fleming & John were just finishing their first CD. I attended a local concert with a group of friends and bought the first release of the Delusions of Grandeur CD immediately after an impressive concert. Several months later, I even got to spend some time with the drummer and some friends on a weekend getaway!

I strongly recommend that anyone who is interested in creative, new music buy a Fleming & John CD as soon as possible.

And call your local radio station and request Fleming & John! They deserve the recognition!

The hard yet innovative rock of Fleming and John on Delusions of Grandeur puts most contemporary rock bands to shame. One has only to listen to Letters In My Head to hear this. In some ways, their rock is simple. Screamed lyrics and super-cool, thrashing guitar have been rock standards for decades. Yet they manage to achieve a very musical sound, with tunes that will get in your head and not annoy you while they're there. For those who like thought-provoking lyrics, their message is certainly not that of most cookie-cutter rock hits. Listen and learn.

Original. This is the best word to describe Fleming and John. Every song on this album will blow you away. I can't think of any artist that is truly comparable. But Delusions is not just original- it is fantastic. First of all, John plays most if the instruments. His talent is unprecedented- amazing. Check out track 10&11, which go together, for a unique Middle-Eastern sitar sound not often heard in popular music, but F&J not only pull it off but add some unrivaled flavor. Fleming's vocals- what can I say? They actually took a while to grow on me, but soon I began to realize how unbelievably talented she is. This is one of those albums that is so good that it's really hard to choose the best tracks, but I guess I would have to say that "A Place Called Love," "I'm Not Afraid," "Love Songs," and "Rain All Day" could be considered stand-outs. But, like I mentioned before, every track brings something unconventional but exceptional. Buy this album- you will be a life-long fan!

I feel lucky to have been living in the Nashville area when Fleming & John were just finishing their first CD. I attended a local concert with a group of friends and bought the first release of the Delusions of Grandeur CD immediately after an impressive concert. Several months later, I even got to spend some time with the drummer and some friends on a weekend getaway!

I strongly recommend that anyone who is interested in creative, new music buy a Fleming & John CD as soon as possible.

And call your local radio station and request Fleming & John! They deserve the recognition!

It can be very...what is that word...transgressive...and not in a bad way. Forces you to rethink judgments, assumptions and is blunt, raw and yet, at moments, also oddly touching and moving.
Listen closely to this one. There is raw anger here but also a commitment to honesty, a willingness to experiment and take changes and throw one opinions in the listener's ears, take it or leave it. THis isn't any wavering type of music, there are firm viewpoints expressed, although doubts creep in.
The punk cabaraet title that so many have bandied around about the music truly does fit. Coin Operated Boy smacks of Cabaret (the Joey Grey version). Track 8, about cutting, is sung in a quick, staccato type way, and if there can be a reverent song about such a subject, this qualifies. I never thought I'd call such a song "great" but this one is. Make you see the world a Cutter, takes you inside, evokes sympathy and understanding.
Track 12 is the perfect ending piece Soft, lyrical and yet disconcerting. This is music which is complex enough to bear up for repeated listenings and it reaches deep into your subconsious. Depending on your mood, you'll interpret it slightly differently from day to day. Some of the songs are enigmatic but the lyrics are pure poetry and like so much poetry,open to interpretation. It takes you out of your normal world and someplace else where it is okay to feel...not normal, not "the same". I find it therapeutic.
It must be odd to get so far in a review and hear so little about they lyrics or specific pieces. That is because it is more of a presentation piece, a complete package and works as such, with some of the lyrics sounding flat withouth the complexity of the vocals and instrumentals to make them stand out.
Think of this CD as a piece of art, some tunes (like number 6, Coin-Operated Boy, being both surreal, sarcastic and imaginary while noting "Love without Complications galore...I will never leave my bedroom. Can you extract me from my plastic factory?"

But be forewarned: it isn't for the conservative or those who are squeamish about nontraditional topics. EVERYTHING from "cutting" to sexuality of all sorts is covered, in graphic detail, but the sheer originality and talent of the members of this group transcend any stereotypes. You will love this or hate it. You won't be indifferent, however. It absolutely haunts me.

It's refreshing to hear something new and different. This CD is an amazing mix of modern day rock with a great 20's theme. I highly recommend this CD to everyone! ^___^

this CD has to be the most original and amazing cd ever created. Basically you can like any kind of music (classical, punk, rock, pop) and you will like this CD. No other performers can hold a candle to the Dresden Dolls.

I must confess something. Until a few months ago I had never heard of this band. My favorite for quite a while was At the Drive-in and while I was reading an article about them it mentioned Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu as influences. I had heard of Fugazi, but who was this "Drive Like Jehu" they spoke of? I decided I would take the plunge and purchase this from only hearing one song from this album. I am very glad I did. This album is all over the place. I recommend ordering this while you can because it seems to be difficult to get a copy of this brilliant album.

I was lucky enough to live in San Diego during the "next Seattle Years". I saw all of the SD bands and their offshoots during that time. When Jehu played you DID NOT miss that show. Jehu is one of my favorite bands of all time. Jehu's music is as good to me now as it was over ten years ago. I would go anywhere to see them live one more time. If you managed to read all of the reviews on Jehu here, you already know what I mean.

I bought the vinyl, it was red, i laid it out on the turntable. It started to spin, I put the needle to the edge, and immediately I became aware that I was a despicable person. Oh to be enlightened!

My misanthropy has laid waste to every moment I have ever lived! I am not kididng you! This music was so good that my ears ACTUALLY STARTED ON FIRE! It hurt REALLY bad!

Luckily, the toilet was nearby, and I dunked my head into it to extinguish the flames.

The Hot Snakes are the same, but no where near as not-not-awesome!

From the OBJECTIVE reviewer...Shawn Mullins is underrated, but nevertheless this is not his best performance. He sounds good with an acoustic guitar and his storytelling songs, but after a while it just starts putting you to sleep.

Put simply, this is probably my all-time favorite album. If you like looking at how Shawn Mullins sounds without all the "produced" new stuff, then get this album. The stripped-down version of "Shimmer" is worth the price alone. Truly one of our best modern-day poets/storytellers.

This is absolutely my all-time favorite album. I can listen to it over and over and over and ... and i mean that. If you like Shawn's new stuff, to me, this is even better. Likable, some fun songs, some serious songs, and great guitar to go with it.

Definatly the best Third Eye Blind song ever made. If you are interested in their music, you should definatly buy this.

I love this single. Get it while it lasts! I'm gonna buy the album tommorow!

i love stephan and kevin! the other band members are cool too!THEY ROCK

I purchase more cd's than the average person and listen to a wide varitey of music. Because of this, I generally give each new cd 3-5 listens before making or breaking. This one, I couldn't even get through once- it was slow, nothing catchy and ultimatly just boring.

Totally Cat Steven's gone indie and jamming with Andrew Kinney.

I only recently learned of the Frames after hearing the song Dream Awake on an iTunes radio station. I just had to buy their latest album but somehow accidentally purchased their 2001 album Burn the Maps. I wasn't especially impressed on the first listen but now find this album has quite a few gems. (It's impossible to fairly judge an album with only one listening, especially in a car). Now I think For the Birds is a more complete album than their 2005 Burn the Maps, which is itself also a great album. For the Birds is more mellow and reflective whereas Burn the Maps ads a few more guitar and commercial undertones.

stunning release from Sinead O'Connor no doubt about it, and also her first since 1994, Universal Mother. O'Connor was essentially retired from music at this point, but clearly she's at the top of her game with this Celtic-rock album. The opening song "This Is to Mother You" is stunning and ranks as one of O'Connor's best songs, the video is stunning as well. Throughout the "Gospel Oak" (a very risque title especially when you consider the dragon-slaying quest she's been one since the beginning, the whole "Fire on Rome" statements and all). The music on "Gospel Oak" is quite different from anything else she's released; fusing both Celtic elements and modern rock. "I Am Enough for Myself" is a stunning self-proclaiming song and "Petit Poulet" and "4 My Love" are riveting lullaby ballads. One of O'Connor's best tracks of all times finds itself at the end of the album, "This Is a Rebel Song" which is quite startling with O'Connor's fragile voice and quiet protesting. "Gospel Oak" ends with a beautiful live recoding of "He Moved Through the Fair" in which O'Connor's sounds comfortable and very assure of herself. If the album had been completed it would have been her very best, unfortunately, O'Connor was not in the best frame of mind at the time. Great album, one of her best!

This is an EP...therefore, it's probably low on most people's priority list. This is Sinead's best work, along with Universal Mother. They came out back to back. If you like Universal Mother, this is a necessary album to have.

I bought this recently after seeing it in a shop for the first time [in Australia].
From start to finish it is a collection of beautiful, gentle music. The lyrics are some of her best and the instrumentation often sparse but perfect. The highlight for me was the last track, 'He Moved Through The Fair', a live recording spotlighting the quality of Sinead's voice.

The album cover alone should clearly suggest that this album is not good. The whole peace sign is cute, but a little lame if you ask me.

I saw Michael Tolcher live, and it was a good concert. The album however, is not. Most of the songs on this irritate me ten seconds in, and there's not a single track here that is truly enjoyable.

Michael Tolcher has ripped off bands on this album, and has even admitted to it during his live performance. Half way through the song Miracle, he started singing the words to the Four Non Blondes song "What's Going On?" The chord progression is exactly the same, as is the melody.

If you're looking to discover a real musical treat, steer clear of Tolcher. Check out Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers, Matt Nathanson, Ari Hest, etc. for similar artists who are actually talented.

Oh yeah, and I'm not thirteen.

Before Dave Matthews sold his soul; it could be almost a religious experience seeing him perform. His live music would give me goosebumps. Michael Tolcher's performances (not his music, that is his own) remind me of seeing Dave back in the early days.

I had the chance to hear Michael live and have 3 more events I am going to in the near future. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD and then catch a live show.

The music and the lyrics are really fresh in their arrangement and meaningful in their delivery.

Catch Michael on his way to stardom.

bostonchef

You gotta hand it to this guy. He writes great lyrics and music, handles his guitar terrifically and he really is a great singer.
With a strong, rich voice and an excellent production, "I AM" is one of those Cd's that will get you hooked on the first listen, and the more you'll listen to it, the more you'll enjoy it.
As a musician, it's great to spot the not-so-many people out there who do such a great job doing what they love most.
Hopefully, next month people will say the same for my upcoming album...

In conclusion - this Cd is a MUST.

Guy K. (CANJIL)
www.myspace.com/canjil

Yes, Deda's side isn't as good as the Ini side, but if you are a BIG Pete Rock fan like me, it is well worth your money! Period! The production can't get any better than this, it is truely for those nights cruisin in your car or just chillin' at your house. IF YOU ARE AN ASPIRING HIP HOP PRODUCER, BUY THIS CD AND LEARN FROM THE BEST!

This album is classic S@#t, those who don't know about InI need to get with this CD. These are vintage cuts. I remember when the single "Fakin Jax" dropped I copped it on cassette in 94. I was disappointed when the album wasn't dropping because of problems with the label. Here we are almost 10 years later and I see it online, I was extatic. Pete Rock Blessed InI with the beats NO DOUBT! Regardless of what these other cats were sayin about this double CD, its a must have and the only reason I didn't give this CD 5 stars was because I wasn't too moved by Deda's CD. No disrespect to Deda or my man Pete Rock but InI's CD was crazy ya'll, believe that!

Firstly, this is a review for the original INI - Center of Attention (disc 1 on this album), not for "Lost & Found" as a whole.

As you may or may not know, due to label problems, Center of attention has been Pete Rock's most slept-on and "under the radar" MASTERPIECE to this day, as it was pushed back and feared by many that the project would never come together and just slip into the darkness for it to be merely dubbed another "unfortunate loss". Thank God!, 8 years later after it's intended release date (1995/1996), Soul Brother has taken charge and finally been able to bring, arguably, Pete Rock's most impressive work yet, to the unsuspecting Hip Hop fans. Coming equipped with brother Grap Luva, Rob-O & Ras G, Center of attention is seriously a testament to the soul brother's legend status in Hiphop and his clear supremacy over all but few producers. The fact that it was recorded in the mid 90's, explains the, unmistakable, trademarks of the; fantastic jazz breaks & horns that are so-clearly associated with Pete Rock's work, a trademark he would grow out of later in his career. Although despite this, make no mistakes about it, overall center of attention posesses a very different sound to both releases and has much more of a "laid back" vibe.
On COA, we see Pete drop a few more verses than he ever did on "Mecca & the soul brother (1992)" and "The Main Ingedient (1994)", which demonstartes his versatility as an artist and also his desire to show that he is much more than just a producer.

However, luckily pete is not required to do too much as brother Grap Luva, Rob-O & Ras-G are more than suitable to compliment pete rock's layered and jazzy beats. Agreeing with another reviewer, I believe that although these MC's will never reach anybodys list of favourite MC's, they are the PERFECT match flow-wise & sound-wise, plus the lyrics are far from wack. Very, Very smooth & laid back. I would even go as far to say they do a better job of complimenting the beats than CL Smooth, on this occasion.

The obvious well-known highlights of the album being the most recognised "Fakin Jax", which samples prodigy (mobb deep)on the hook & the title-track "Center of attention" with its replenishing(piano) melody with which all MC's drop some knowledge over. However, despite this, what some seem to forget about when recomending/promoting this work of art is that every single track (except for #15 which is a cd bonus)is equally as brilliant as the last, and offers it own individuality to the album. Most notably "Life I Live" which samples Biggie's authoratively delivered statement "Damn Right I like the life I Live!" over one of pete rock's best beats, which for me might be my favourite on the whole album. "Step Up" offers a very relaxing and beautfil sound to the album, of which Grap Luva & Rob-O justify to the fullest, total classic. Similarly "Think Twice" also being one of my favourites, sums up just why Center of attention is a total essential to all those fiends looking for some more real ish. Straight conscious & straight-talking material. "Sucka Mc's please think twice, you don't know what you're doing...think about that". That being only 5 of 15 Classic tracks, I hope you can understand & imagine just how hard-hitting and consistent this album truly is. I cannot even explain just how replenishing it is to hear music of this caliber back in the '03 for our minds to feed off.

One of Hiphop's most forgotten about & slept on classics along with others, InI's "Center Of Attention" is an album truly worth any price tag it comes with. Stop sleepin' and get this, you've been missing out. PEACE

Lyrics - 10/10
Beats - 10/10
Replay Value - 10/10
Originality - 10/10

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