Alternative Rock music reviews

This CD is rock to the purest! When I found this band in '98..I got this CD and havent stopped listening to it yet!! Katrina Chester is an amazing vocalist..and with Ian Hattons guitar..makes for an amazing combination! I strongly recommend this CD to anyone!!

People, I can't say enough about this band! It's like rock has died with all the post-grunge stare at your shoes stuff that's been out there. These guys though are hailing back to real Rock. They have songs! Not whiney complaints set to second rate fuzzed up guitar... I am so glad Rock is beginning to register on the radar again... Oh and I saw these guys live, man the singer is a powerhouse with such an amazing range. The band is totally first rate also. The vibe I get is one of old Van Halen, Aerosmith, maybe some Doors in there too.

Amazing is *truly* the only word to describe Luxx, and the amazing voice of lead singer Katrina Chester. I have seen them in concert numerous times, and each time is better than the last!

A few weeks ago, all our CD's got stolen -- the first one that really hurt when we realized it was gone was Luxx. Both my fiance and myself adore the CD and the band.

I HIGHLY recommend this CD. Katrina's voice enchants people who aren't even fans of rock -- and the ones that are, don't even stand a chance. You'll be hers in a second!

It's hard to take your music somewhere totally new, innovative, and accessibly beautiful and emotionally powerful at the same time. This album suceeds in a way no other album I know of has. It is mature rock that stands head and shoulders above 95% of music born in both the secular and Christian arenas. I often tell people I think the album was too brilliant and original to succeed in the Christian genre. A dissappointment, but, fortunately, someone had the wisdom to take this record through to realease.

10 years after purchasing, I still listen to this record regularly and continue to be impressed and touched with the complex textures.

Thank you to the Prayer Chain for this masterpiece.

I sampled this album when it first came out, and thought it was rather strange... I wasn't "turned off" from it, but I didn't immediately HAVE to buy it. A little time went by, and I kept finding myself drawn to the thought of this CD. It sparked some sort of interest, so I went back and purchased it. I was mesmerized. You have to sit and listen to this album all the way through. You can either give it full attention, or you can space out doing something else, it doesn't matter... this is atmospheric euphoria. I have had this album almost ten years now, and I still go back to it quite often and am amazed and entranced. Are you a Christian? Are you not a Christian? It doesn't matter. This is music as an artform, and it is displayed very beautifully and uniquely. You can't compare this to anything else; there is nothing like it. That's something I look for in Christian music. And the reason why most of Christian music sucks is because a lot of it is a rip-off of things the mainstream music industry is doing. Then every once in a while, bands like The Prayer Chain (specifically on "Mercury" and "Antarctica," their other releases broke no new ground or anything), and Poor Old Lu come along and then you realize that every once in a while the Christian music scene can actually put out something worthwhile.

Sun Stoned is the most spiritual (doesn't necessarily have to be in a "religious" way either, I've done drugs to this song, I'm 100% serious) trance-y atmospheric song I've ever heard. Over 8 minutes of psychedelic bliss. No joke. I had never heard guitar playing like this before, and I haven't since. Tim's voice is just so fitting in this song, along with the repetetive yet hypnotizing bassline. When the drums come in... I just can't describe the atmosphere this song creates. The whole album is absolutely phenominal, but this one song by itself is worth more money than you can imagine. Please, please, please get this CD if you like originality in music. You won't regret it.

The Prayer Chain disbanded after touring for this album. Tensions within the band eventually took their toll and caused a split. Many consider "Mercury" to be the apex of their career - a work so wrapped in the band's complex relationships that it came as a dense surprise to casual Prayer Chain listeners used to their trademark pop-grunge sound. This was a departure from the musical roads the band had treaded before into a landscape full of middle eastern influences, sweeping noise, and tension/release dynamics.

To see this album presented live was to witness, in full effect, the blistering nature of these songs. The mercurial textures and visual displays transcended the nature of the songs and created an air of hope. The songs, anchored by a steady, heart-swelling bass and an eclectic rhythm section, sounded full and organic on the stage. Unfortunately, only the album remains as documentation to the strength of these songs.

Each track individually speaks of the struggles of human relationships. Whether that relationship is with other humans, nature, or God - these songs hold no answers but rather examine process of life - the journey that we all must walk and the places we stop along the way. The final song is purely an instrumental postlude - a summation of the places the album has gone. It is like the tired sigh of satisfaction after finishing a race, crossing the finish line that was once the place that you started.

"Mercury" won't be written about as an earth-shattering rock album or one of the albums that redefined music mostly because no one really heard it. Bound by the confines of the "christian" music industry this album never had the chance to reach a mainstream audience. But don't confuse bad marketing with the reality of what this music is about. It is truly one of those special pieces of art that transcends labels and dwells less on conclusions and more on the process we all go through to reach them.

This was the last album of theirs before an eight year break, and is as good as any album before it. I'm constantly amazed that they weren't more popular than they were. Each of their albums seems to have a different theme, intentional or not, and the vibe here is very much the southwest, and of course Mexico. But it doesn't dominate the album. "Heal It Up" is the only single I remember, and a very strong song. "End Of The Line" is an excellent guitar strummin' song. "(Love is a) Blind Ambition" seems to be the "Tommorrow Wendy" of this cd, musically anyway. Plus two versions of the title track. Johnette's voice is perfect as always. For someones first, or only "Concrete Blonde" disc, I'd suggest "Recollection", but for anyone this is really a wonderful cd.

If you're looking for rock music that refuses to indulge in cliches, soften its edges or resort to aimless jamming, this album is for you. I heartily agree with a previous reviewer, who expressed his incredulity that Concrete Blonde never attained greater recognition or popularity. And of the half dozen or so superior albums that the group released, "Mexican Moon" is, in my opinion, the best.

Any discussion of the band has to begin with J. Napolitano's incredible voice, and she establishes its power from the first track, "Jenny I Read," a vocal and instrumental performance delivered with astonishing dramatic intensity.

Napolitano's vocals serve as a perfect complement to the searing instrumental delivery of the band on "Heal It Up," "One of My Kind," and, most memorably, "I Call It Love," which should be listened to closely today.

This album -- and this group -- isn't afraid to expose raw feeling, anger and cynicism, but it also can show a softer side, as on the title cut. The lyricism of the latter shows it's possible to recognize the beauty in life without sacrificing the edge that all of us develop from life in the rough-and-tumble world.

This is my favorite album of all time.

It's genius still runs around in my head if the form of day of the dead inspired skeletons, the effortless duende of skilled flamenco dancers, the corrupt art scene, drunken adventures south of the border, travelling without escaping anything "still thinking of you..." and lastly of love and its agendas which none of us seem to have the map for.

Johnette's voice is the most evocative voice that I can ever remember hearing. The lyrical content of this album is so intricately layered that one could spend endless hours dissecting them. . .or just go with the music and you'll find yourself on familiar turf but translated throught the genius of Concrete Blonde.

This album is one of three featured on Amazon. As said in the other reviews, I to enjoyed "The Wonderful Beef" and "Full Speed Ahead(which for whatever reason is not carried by this site)" They gained a little fame for their song and music video "Jabberjaw" on Cartoon Network. If you want fast, fun, lighthearted music look no further, you just struck Gold my friend, GOLD! This is a great band for anyone, I have had many of my friends listen to Pain and they all have loved every catchy lyric to pour out of the speakers. My favorite songs on this album are "Fight", "Chuck Al Hashib", and "Derision". Springman Records recently has been putting out reissues of Pain's albums making the hunt to collect this excellent band's albums painfully easy. If you want to find Pain albums cheeper AND get brand new copies, you can find them at www.springmanrecords.com and www.thepainpage.com

PAIN ROCKS. This amazing band was introduced to me by a dear friend in Geogia. Music is well thought-out, yet playful and delightfully schizophrenic. Ear candy courtesy of guitars, drums, horns, accordion, ukelele, etc. This music is suitable for mailbox baseball, late night rendezvous with pinball machines, and even calculus homework. Provided a much-needed punk/ska/emo/rock enema for my tired CD collection. I recommend not only this CD, but also Full Speed Ahead and Wonderful Beef. Hats off to this collection; I now obtain as much Pain as I can get my grubby, punky little mitts on. Best cuts: "Fight", "One-Legged Girl", "Chuck Al Hashib."

I was lucky enough to have a friend that opened up for Pain a few times. He recommended this CD to me. I'm more of a alternative/rock or heavy metal type of person. I absolutely love this CD. Fight is definitely my favorite song on Midgets with Guns. I'm spreading the word, now. The lyrics are hilarious, the music is upbeat and lively, and it definitely holds your interest. I love the variety of instruments and sounds. This band should be more well known.

They opened up for Robert Earl Keen at a show in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and blew everybody away. I understand they've been voted best band in Austin, TX 2 years in a row, and I can see why, even in the face of the competition in that music-infested town. Reckless Kelly is irresistible, and I can't wait to listen to Millican.

This is the best album by one of the greatest bands in the world...and that's no joke. The other two are almost as good and the next one will be the best. Willy Braun may be the best young songwriter around. There is no reason not to buy this album!

When I was a kid, I used to listen to Cody and Willie's group Muzzie Braun and the Boys. I have to admit, when I met them in person I fell in love with Cody just a little bit. I had no idea that he was up to anything new until now. I can't wait to buy the new CD. It sounds like they haven't lost any of their charm or talent!

Years ago when I first heard of this release I thought that
a collaboration between Budd and the Cocteaus had lots of
potential, but upon actually hearing it I was a bit disappointed
to find that nothing here really sounds like a meeting of the
minds. Some tracks sound like Harold Budd, some sound like
the Cocteau Twins, end of story. That's not to say it's not
beautiful music with Robin Guthrie's always pristine production
work, but it doesn't feel like a project that was given the

proper attention.

In a music collection that spans over many genres and over serveral thousand. It would be hard to imagine not having this album in my collection. In the fifteen years since its release it has been one of the most played albums in my collection. This perenial favorite brings a calm to those living in the temporal world. Time,place, and space have no meaning when listening to this album. I take this album on long trips, flights to releave tension and camping for looking at the stars as an enhancement to the isolation of the wilderness. This album will musical and spritually take you to place you have never been before or dream about for that matter. I have been a Cocteau Twins fan as well as a Harold Budd Fan even before the collaboration. Though there are two distinct styles here there is continuity and harmony overall. Words really can't do justice here. This is one of a few albums you can buy and not feel cheated or your time/money was wasted. Like Neo seeing the Oracle in the Matrix. This album is for you and you ALONE. By that, I mean what you get from listening to it will be you own experience. You should though, share this with as many as possible but; listening to this album is best as private/intimate experience.

To those already Cocteau Twins fans, this is pure delight. Harold Budd's collaboration with Cocteau Twins remains to this day one of my favorite pieces of music. The lush soundscapes of Guthrie, Raymonde & Fraser blend perfectly with Budd's light touches of atmosphere, delivering a music unlike anything I have ever heard. It's as if someone bottled sunlight and moonbeams. I'm usually a skeptic but albums like these make me believe in magic. "Memory Gongs" might just be what I'd like to hear on my deathbed. This is one of music's best kept secrets.

This has become my favorite Bosstones album, bumping 'Let's Face It' to a very close second. 'I'll Drink To That' is probably my favorite Bosstones song. In fact, the first seven tracks on this album are fantastic, with the only slowdown occuring at the start of 'Guns And The Young'. It almost seems awkward to have the Bosstones delivering a serious message. Aren't these guys just about partying and ripping through their unique blend of ska-punk-rock? Nevertheless, a very excellent outing and definitely the first album I would recommend for purchase to anyone getting into the Bosstones.

I have been listening to the Bosstones for about 13 years maybe 12. I have seen them live countless times. From large venue (Horde tour, Warp Tour) type festivals to club shows. If they ever play a club near you jump at the chance to go. Don't skip to see them on a large stage, just don't get all hyped up it will be a let down. Nothing to do with the Band they sound great, just not the same type of atmosphere as the club gigs.

The last time I saw them was I believe 2000 or 2001 at the 9:30 Club in D.C. (great venue by the way) One of the best - not quite as good as when they were younger but still one the best shows ever for that size of a club.

More Noise and Other Disturbances is a good album, but Live from the Middle East really captures the energy and feel of a live Bosstone show. I really have a hard time listening to their studio albums. On a one to five rating More Noise and Other Disturbances gets a 5, while Live from the Middle East would get an 8 on the same rating scale. Absolutley the best, off the chart.

I started listening to the bosstones when Let's Face It came out and even though it's an amazing album More Noise and Other Disturbances is the kind of album that you will play again and again and again.Every bosstones full length has it's own sound and this is no exception as all the tracks are catchy but also make you think at the same time.If you've only heard some of their more recent stuff you'll be glad you picked this up. It is a little short but who wants an album thats over an hour long and sucks?There's no bad tracks on this album so get it now!

I really enjoy the Nothing Personal cd. This cd includes many acoustic song pieces. The cd has more of a pop/country sound to it, like a lot of today's music. The tone, the clarity, the mood that Mark McKay sets, and the state of mind that it places you in is very different from many cd's. This cd speaks differently to different people. For those who like pop/country music, Nothing Personal speaks most to them. Mark McKay's cd offers an entirely different level of communication to it's listeners than other cd's. Mark McKay's lyrics enable you to actually sit down and think about what he's singing; and many of his lyrics can also be related to different events going on in your life. Overall, Mark McKay's Nothing Personal cd is an extremely enjoyable, thought provoking album.

I am a big alt-country fan, but I am into rock and roll too, I can hang with Wilco and rock out with the Stones so if you are like me at all you will love this cd too. Especially Black and Blue Over You, but the best part is they are all great great arrangements and they are all rock and roll but thoughful too. Mark McKay's Nothing Personal is a great choice for anyone who just likes good music. I recommend the live album (Live from the Memory Hotel) too.

I am from Chicago and can't wait to see Mark McKay live. Friends of mine praise him and I agree--his songwriting is very close to perfect and his melodies are mesmerizing. Yet the music rocks. Anyone who likes Steve Earle REALLY has to check this music out. His brand new stuff I know is produced by Roscoe (one of Steve Earle's Dukes) and Roscoe is a lot to like too. There's a reason Roscoe is working with this guy. Check out Mark McKay's other album, Live from the Memory Hotel, too. It's a little twangy AND a little more rockin than this album, (strange but true) which tends to be a bit alt-country--but that's all fine by me.

I was first introduced to Big Daddy Weave through their sophomore effort, Fields Of Grace. As soon as I heard the first notes of the title track I was hooked and had to hear more! I immediately rushed out to see what else was available and I was not disappointed.This band is tight! I have to say I'm a little dissapointed none of the other reviewers mentioned my all-time favorite track from the first cd, 'Never Goin' Back'! That song just makes me wanna get up and Boogie! I'm sure there are

No matter how you slice it, "One and Only" has it all. Lyricists will find poetry in motion and clever, catchy phrases like in "Neighborhoods". Once you hear "Friend like You" or "In Christ", you can't get the tune out of your head. Musicians will not be disapointed. You will find a wealth of well placed licks and dynamic accents (too many examples to list). Being a musician, I appreciate the use of smooth, melodic chord progressions that combine sometimes intricate tranistional licks nicely. Although the music is obviously acoustic driven (by Bid Daddy Mike Weaver), Jeremy (electric), Jeff (drums) and Jay (bass) are exciting, cohesive and rock solid. Joe(sax) adds an incredible edge with his playing. On the surface you may compare Joe to Le roy Moore (Dave Matthews Band). Keep listening! Joe flat jams it out and shows some great versitility. Most importantly, you will find songs that deliver a very clear messege about an awesome, loving, living God. Every song is obviously scripture based or inspired by scripture. Not many CDs keep your attention from beginning to end. This one will! I promise you that this CD is a must have, and the next Big Daddy Weave CD is only gonna be better this fall.

(As I listen to them right now)... An absolutely spirit uplifting CD from the greatest Godly people ever. Most people's souls delight in listening to their music (yes, it's catchy) and also YES- encouraging to the Christian with Jesus living in their heart as well as non Christians. It is the one CD I crank in my room to have my own time with God.

Their messages in the lyrics are absolutely from the word... it's straight up TRUTH! And for those of you that don't understand, open the book and see for yourself. They are also the best live band ever, they've done my church camp for the past 2 years and I love the way that thier relationship with Christ plays the biggest role in their music. What could make it better!? So give up the 13 bucks or whatever and your money WILL come back to you in the long haul because I've never taken it out of the "good CD's" case (come on, we all know we have one) ... and let them just minister to you and allow Christ to open up your heart for their message... IT'S JUST DARN GOOD STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!! ....oooh and #8 is the best one.. (forgot this was a review :)

It was only upon the recommendation of a friend that I even found out about this band, but I'm glad I did! It's not entirely original, but chances are you won't really care. It's basically straight-up indie rock which somehow manages to sound different and unique yet familiar at the same time. The singer does a pretty good job - he doesn't fit the music perfectly, but I think most people will like him. What's great is that the lyrics are interesting (though hard to make out), and that the musicianship is fantastic. Every song here is good, too, as they definitely can make a good hook. I wouldn't call it a classic, but it comes close. Indie and pop rock fans will most likely really enjoy this album. Highly recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album!

I live in Santa Rosa, Ca, Velvet Teen's home town, and have had the pleasure of seeing them live. Straight up, Their music is incredible. This cd is an amazing piece of work that contains incredible lyrics and entrancing music. Some people have comapared it to Radiohead or Coldplay, but Velvet Teen stands in a class of the their own. Every song has a great melody that reverbates from the cd player. The standout track is radiapathy, a catchy beautiful song that can be played over and over again. This is a rare find of a cd, and with "elysium" taking off, i'm sure you'll hear from them soon.

I have tried to expose many people to this album, failing miserably with every attempt. I don't know what it is about that is inaccessible to a great many people, but if you know anything about music you know that this is one of the most original and sonically pleasant and lyrically fantastic albums in a long time. I can't think of another album that is as complete and flawless as this thing.

You just have to hear it. Everybody should at least give it a try, the first time i heard "Death," I think a piece of my heart fell off and disintegrated...never to be found again. Simply amazing.