Alternative Rock music reviews

I love Shawn Colvin, her sound is fresh, creative and original. Live 88' does not disappoint on any of these counts. However, having listened to Steady on for many years, I thought Live 88' might be the raw version - it is not. This set is polished and very, very similar to the studio recording. If you are a collector or unfamiliar with the Steady On album, Live 88' is well worth having. If you are looking for something new from an old favorite, you will be disappointed.

Most of these songs subsequently appeared on Steady On, but that album's production - too lush and sweet - runs counter to the meaning of these gems. Here we see the other side of the spectrum in terms of production - a woman singing great personal songs accompanied by just her own guitar. These are the best songs that Shawn Colvin ever wrote by far. You'd have to go back to Joni Mitchell in the 1960s before you found anything better than this for this genre of popular music.

Her voice is strong and plaintive, her picking on open tuning gives her a distinctive guitar style, and while I would prefer to have heard these songs done in a studio with a production that matched the mood, this is more than good enough. Very few people can go out on stage accompanied by just themselves and energize an audience. Shawn Colvin is one of those rare birds that can.

It's said that everyone has one good book in them. It may be that similarly most songwriters have one good album's worth of material in them. If so, then this is Shawn Colvin's one good album worth of songs. And it's more than good. It's wonderful.

Having known Shawn Colvin just from her overplayed studio efforts, I was unprepared for this album, which not only approaches but achieves true greatness. She should NEVER return to the studio, given the capabilities on display here: a voice of lyrical sweetness and flawless intonation, perfectly integrated guitar playing of great imagination, and song-writing capabilities that are, if not exactly on the Joni Mitchell level (whose are?), impressively mature.

Oddly enough, the true stand-out here is a version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Kathy' Song" which, if it doesn't cause you to tear up, you're some sort of heartless automaton. There isn't a weak track on the album, and repeated hearings leave one with an odd hybrid of awe and love. One can only wish she'll see fit to record in this manner again. Very highly recommended.

Aright---so clearly sublime isn't around anymore. Which sucks horribly, but have no fear- Badfish is here! Ya, they aren't Sublime, but the closest you'll get. They are thee sublime cover band, and they truely are amazing. From a sublime fanatics perspective...check these dudes out! www.badfish.com
Hey, if you are comming to look for Sublime's rarest release you must be a fan...so check badfish out!

This is by far the best (single) yet by sublime, with only 5 songs its the hardest to find. But i have it and will burn it for people who want it. songs include: date rape, badfish, roots of creation, were only gonna die for our arrogance(live),new thrash. email me if you want it for a fee of ten bucks
Cannedkorn@aol.com

I am a long time sublime fan. I have all of the prior cd's that this band has made. This is by far the hardest one to find. If anyone can get their hands on it pleas let me know. sublime nation! brad will always live on.

The title song itself is perrenial, that much can be said, and as Greg Keelor has commented, it's a campfire singalong kind of song. The rest of the album follows in typical Blue Rodeo nature.... depending on what day you catch them. In my opinion Blue Rodeo will have albums that are good solid performances from start to finish, and on the other hand they have as many albums that are spotty. They should be taken as piecemeals, such is the case for the album LOST TOGETHER. As mentioned before, I'm am in total agreement that the title song is a highlight, as is the wonderfully folky, harmonious "Is It You". Another highlight is the dynamite protest song "Fools Like You". Such a great addition in a time period where protest songs were very very few in this hemisphere. There are a few more that are above average, but I find myself losing interest in a lot of these songs. They tend to run too long, either that or there are too many songs on the album. I've always been of the mind that less is more. Less could have really been more in this case. Well, this is all opinion, after all. Cheers.

I have been a Blue Rodeo since I heard the Five Days in July album. I heard this previously released cd after and I am impressed with the depth and creativity that this band provides with their music and lyrics. The highlights of this cd are Rain down on me, Western Skies, Already Gone and Let me be the last to know. Blue Rodeo are a band that has no qualms about saying what they feel,such as Fools Like You and Reckless with Greg Keelor growling out Dylanesque type complaints about the goverment and the church. I don't think anybody does it better. Jim Cuddy whode soaring vocals and brillant songwriting are second to none brings out three touching songs in Rain down on me, Already Gone and Let me Me the Last to Know. The last song called Angels is a an all out rocker which makes ends in an all out fury as the the band pours jet fuel on their instruments and then the song goes into a lilting piano solo. All in all a great offering, maybe not quite as good as their next cd but close.

Blue Rodeo is a very well known band from Canada, they've had quite a few hits up here and have made some really great albums worth a listen. This would be no exception. LOST TOGETHER is often lost, in a sea of albums which hardly ever get recognized. It's a shame, because LOST happens to be one of their best. Blue Rodeo is composed of Jim Cuddy, Greg Keelor, Bazil Donovan, Glenn Milchem, Bob Egan, and James Gray. Definately my favorite song on here is the closing "Angels", which is both endearing and poignant. There are lots of strong suits here, including the title track, "Rain Down On Me", "Western Skies", "Already Gone", and "Last To Know". Overall its a strong album, don't look past it, you'll miss out on some great material.

I don't listen to a lot of Christian music, but I heard these guys live in Colorado last year and ended up buying this album. Their music is very simple, but it just works. "Ocean" is probably one of my favorite songs, and "Peace with You" is wonderful. I recommend it for anyone who loves Christian music, and anyone who doesn't like Christian music. Well done.

Today,I saw this group in concert at a youth conference called Fire Up and it was one of the best I have ever been to. They sang many of the songs from the cd and played it while setting up. The music was wonderful. They are using their talents for God's purpose and making a difference in the world. Awesome songs, great sound, wonderful talent, all given by one almighty God.

I love this CD! Ten Shekel Shirt have a really great sound and their song lyrics are beautiful. I think the best music comes from artists who love God, and you can tell this band love Him. I look forward to the release of their new album.

Neon Ballroom - great album. Buy it. Now. What are these extra tracks you speak of?

i heard of silverchair when they first came out but really didnt give them a chance. then 4 years later, i heard ana's song and was completely intrigued by daniel, chris, and ben's beautiful yet unique sound!! when i bought neon ballroom i could never pick a favourite, i just put my cd player on shuffle and sinked into deep blue. and neon ballroom isnt all, freakshow and frogstomp also rocked!! get them all and support animal liberation!! peace!!

I think silverchair is the greatest band ever. and I love neon ballroom, but I was wondering why the track listing does not appear? It would be really helpful for me to decide and buy this cd I would like to know which are the extra tracks.

With their roots planted deeply within Kraut-rock and Indie rock, Turing Machine provides a great set of tunes that leave you feeling alive. Their version of anti-pop has crunchy lead guitar, simple yet effective basslines and impressive drum patterns with enought polyrythms to keep you guessing. This is definitely music to drive to. Enjoy.

you dont mess with this album, the drums are incredible, and very catchy, long songs. If you like mars volta and at the drive in, you would most likely love this album.

Monumental record by all means.From the first tones on it.As I live in Belgrade,(Serbia and Montenegro), it was very hard getting to them.But from the moment I did,no person that heard it stayed indifferent.That should be enough to say,but no.You could also dance with this music,feeling like you're in a club jumping to the flashing lights.And it is ROCK music.Feeling of large energy leaking out from you.There is no post in sight.More dancing.Could you dance to post rock?No.There you go.Pitchblende was the band before Turing's Justin and Scott found this incredible drummer.Someone called Turing Machine's music Robo-rock,but to avoid journalist titles,I should stay on the term Rock..If you are one of those that thinks that no good rock record came out for a long time,this will do you magic,because this music is magic.I know this guys know what they're doing,which amases me even more and makes this record an unavoidable among monumental rock records of all times.

Every track on this album is beautiful. The best track probably being the intense version of "Gravity Grave" live from the Glastonbury Festival in '93(Speaking of this track, you can find a three minute video excerpt of this track from the Festival on the Glastonbury the Movie DVD.Very Cool). This EP is better than the Verve EP because the tracks sound better and more developed. A Storm in Heaven is a perfect companion CD to this album. In fact, if you really wanna have the true early Verve experience put both albums on one disc and prepare to sway. If you dig this album then go out and get A Northern Soul, if you haven't already, and prepare for a sonic assualt mixed with classic Verve-style spaciness. Then, if you must, buy Urban Hymns. Don't get me wrong, this album is good, but it lacks early Verve tendencies and sounds really poppy.

Verve at their greatest, If you like Storm In Heaven this is even better! Watch out it will put you in a trance and then, you will be awakened by Gravity Grave live at Glastonbury 93 (track 8), Verve must have been amazing live. Anyway, if I were only going to buy two of Verve's albums they would be Storm in Heaven and this one. If you like early Verve make sure you check out The Verve [EP] too!

Just got it. Awesome CD. Listened to it last night twice.

Appropriately enough (since Sumack hail from LA), a friend had this disc with him when we took a trip to California together. In fact, it was the ONLY disc we had with us for five days, so I got to know its every detail-and with Sumack there are so, so many wonderful details: intelligent, heartfelt, sometimes completely whacked lyrics that surprise with each listen, an artful mix of sound effects and samples that make you wonder "what the heck IS that?" Many months later I'm no closer to tiring of Sumack's "junk pop"; even with "Do-Si-Do" or "Metaphysical" playing on this stupid iMac I'm working on in a boring job I took for few weeks in the heart of midtown Manhattan, I can close my eyes and transport myself back to sunnier days cruising down the Pacific Coast highway with the top down and Sumack turned up. Almost. The point is: highly recommended.

I know I am listening to a GREAT album when a particular twinge, in the base of my stomach, lurches electrified chills up my spine. Guess what? This is one of those times. If you thought Indie-pop couldn't be sumptuous and intelligent you are VERY wrong. With the rise of indie bands on the big labels (Modest Mouse), while keeping their unique sound, you will see the face of pop adapt into sounds *close* to what Sumack masterfully handles here. Catchy tunes with intelligent lyrics flow throughout the album. This surprising "Major Label" sound comes off artistic and interesting. Never ducking the punches but rather firing back with happy sing-along tracks like "Metaphysical" "Burn This Town", "Superdome" & "Emphysema" vocals reminiscent of Soul Coughing and melodies only Sumack could create. The album is not without it's mellower tunes, those of you with the previous album will see that, but this time through you get insight and beauty that was not present before. Check out "Moment At A Redlight" and "The Ballad Of Frank & Charlie". Maybe there's room, in the mainstream, so these guys can make some money. It seems that V2 (their new label) believes they can. Take the advice of the band & "Now Hear This".

This is an excellent CD!

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys live and they sound as good live as they do on CD.

These guys are going to make a big noise!

...but after a year or so of spinning this in my player, I just can't get into it like I have Neil's other work. After listening for so long, I can't help but think these are good songs severely stunted by misguided production. In so many places on the CD, there are beautiful turns of phrase or melody where some change in instrumentation or tempo or pause or whatever would be perfect to accompany them, but all of these songs are locked in tempo, with no room to breathe and no change in mood or style--supposedly there are real drummers keeping time, too, but you'd think it was drum machine the way it comes off. It's all pleasant enough-sounding music, I guess, but very vanilla in my opinion. I have no problem with the raw material; Neil Finn is a terrific songwriter. But the presentation really bothers me. If I had to contrast, I would say some of the tracks would have been more successful in a "Finn Brothers" (1996) format, intimate and stripped-down. Here it's sing and play to the metronome beat. I paid import price to pounce on this CD when I saw it. It's kind of disappointing. I know, make my own record...That said, even so-so Neil is better than a lot that's out there. He deserves more attention, but newbies won't fall in love with Neil Finn through this disc. Crowded House spoiled me, perhaps...Anyone out there in cyberspace even halfway agree with me? :)

After four Crowded House albums producing a large songbook of classic songwriting, Neil Finn parted with his band to pursue a solo career. Since Crowded House, Finn has taken an even more personal and sensitive approach to his colourful songwriting. The first solo album "Try Whistling This" was a darker and more sombre alternative to Crowded House and "One Nil" (re-released in America as "One All") is without any exaggeration, probably one of the finest albums of the last 20 years or so.
I do not make such a statement without a number of reasons, and I'm certainly not measuring this albums sheer greatness by commercial success.
Craft, craft and craft, this album from the first moments to the close is an intensive marrying of lyrics, chords, melodies and unique instrumentations creating a complex and beautiful canvas of musical imagery. Neil's chord patterns are just as inventive as his attention grabbing metaphors. This album is filled with classic opening lines such as "Let's go climb up on the roof, in the twighlight" (Secret God), "There's a light overhead, overhead" (Turn and Run) "I've never been to heaven but it feels alright, and I woke up this morning with a permanant smile" (Don't Ask Why) or "Wherever you are, it's 3 am and I'm awake, imagine the light upon your blue transparent face", transparent indeed is a fine description of this album. The songs are 3 dimensional and like most of Neil's music they pull the heartstrings with their warmth of expression and evocative imagery without ever being sentimental. And that's a big plus, it means Neil can write a love song or two to his wife like "Turn and Run", or "Wherever you are" without a cheesy, soppy result!
This album has a very natural and organic feel; it's an uncanny pleasure hearing each song emerge. Through a simplistic chord progression and melody the music is filled with such colour, variety and a haunting energy, this is simply the work of a master songwriter who paints pictures with his voice and mould shapes with his chords.
When I say this is one of the finest albums around, I do acknowledge this albums sheer subtlety. It's not a spectacular concept production like Floyds "The Wall" or Queens "A Night at the Opera." But it doesn't need be - at all. Neil Finn matches Lennon and McCartney's finest songwriting days, and Finn at his finest (I dare say) defeats their post Beatles solo work. If not, Neil makes Noel Gallagher look like a teenager trying to write a song, he even makes the great Radiohead look like they are trying a bit too much to be progressive. Neil Finn doesn't need to try; his musical language speaks all for itself. I hope he will continue a steady stream of wonderful solo albums. This is his best work yet.

I believe that's how one reviewer once described Crowded House, and if anything, Neil sounds a bit more Crowded House-y on this solo project than he did on Try Whistling This, if only for the presence of Mitchell Froom on some tracks. I vastly prefer this original over the remixed, reordered One All US release for many reasons, not the least of which is that is flows better. One Nil is an album about fidelity and maintaining a relationship, and while Don't Ask Why is a bit of an oddball in that theme, I've always liked it. Much more central to the theme, if indeed one takes this as a concept album, is Elastic Heart, which has some lovely brass work (think Together Alone) and lyrics that speak to the concepts of forgiveness, compromise, and reapprochment - it's not a date song, it's a marriage song, and it's one that means a lot to me. The whole album is highly recommended.

I guess my title should say it all. There isn't really anyone out there (except Steve Ward) that writes such interesting and consistently great music. This cd is another example of that. Excellent from top to bottom and well worth the price. How these guys aren't all over mainstream radio is beyond me.

This was their first album I ever heard and it made me a fan for life. The lyrics are simple but clever. Music is as catchy as ever. They have not released an album I don't like. Push Stars push on forever!

This album is packed with many good songs. Just as Norah Jones' voice is one of my most favorite voice for female singers, Chris Trapper's voice is one of my most favorite voice for male singers. "Melt Away" has very beautiful upbeat melody and I'm closely related to the lyrics, so this song always pulls my heart away when I listen to it.....Greenlake Starbucks brista girl...Wendy.