Alternative Rock music reviews

Ray Benson and various aggregations of Asleep at the Wheel have been making records for almost 30 years now. The truth is that there are a bunch of standards of Western Swing that just have to be done and done again. Recently he has tried to get the variety in by doing live albums, and so-called tribute albums like this one, a tribute to Bob Wills. They are a nice excuse to do covers of Bob Wills Songs that Asleep at the Wheel has already recorded.

This works well because a lot of the people he uses on the record are veterans of the Western Swing revival Merle Haggard and Ray launched in the 1970s from different directions, although you might not know it now. It works because the band sounds looser, a bit wilder, and not as concerned with perfection and style as it does on their studio records, which, by the way I think are terrific.

Of course the Amazon listing here is incorrect. All of these tunes have guests. Red Wing for example has the one the only, the Tyler Rose, the greatest living Western Swing musician, the guy that Bob Wills had play Faded Love rather than himself, Johnnie Gimble on both fiddle and Mandolin. Ray gets by the problem of the racial insensitivity of "Across the Alley from the Alamo" by having Johnny Rodriguez sing it, and Susie Bogus does a great job on the early Wills Tune "Old Fashioned Love."

Marty Stuart has always been a great musician, starting out playing in Lester Flatt's band when he was 15, and being an ace on both guitar and mandolin. Besides some good picking on some of the other tunes, he does a great version of the great tune Misery, a tune from the days of the Wills/Duncan reunion in the late 1950s and early 1960s that should be better known.

Riders in the Sky join in with the band to do a great harmony on one of Cindy Walker's masterpiece "Dusty Sky." This song is so much more powerful about the dust bowl and the farm crisis of the thirties than anything that Woody Guthrie wrote. They say Tommy Duncan who had been destroyed as a farmer by the dust bowl droughts, broke down in tears when they recorded it. On the original recording you can hear Bob Wills trying to keep him going.

Haggard, well Haggard recorded the same tune he sings on this record with Bob Wills. Can't get better than that!

Even Huey Lewis gives us a little taste of where he was in the 1970s with a great version of Will's Hubbin' It!

The only thing I don't like here is Brooks and Dunn's Corrina Corrina. It has nothing to do with Western Swing, just your country rock rendition that sounds like a thousand other top 40 country recordings, although done with flavor and a solid dance beat.

Asleep at the Wheel have never been reconstructionists. They have never tried to sound like the Texas Playboys, even in the early days when they were able to include former Texas Playboys like Johnny Gimble, Tiny Moore, and others on their records. They always have tried to have a hot, jamming sound. So, they are the ideal band for this kind of tribute.
They are really, really jamming and jamming hard drawing in the talents of other pickers and singers and making this a real event.

This is a great CD. The selections are awesome. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys country/country swing.

Tribute to the Music of Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys was definitely toe tapping music. Just a wonder rendition of songs to put you in a good mood

The Stone Roses' "Turns Into Stone" includes an alternative take of "Elephant Stone" (interesting, but not as good as the one on the band's monumental debut), the full version of "Fool's Gold" (same as the one heard on the version of the debut that is commonly available), b-sides, and songs written before and after their first album. Except for "Simone" (one of their trademark backwards songs), all of this is available on "The Complete Stone Roses" (together with more alternative takes), though, as pointed out in previous reviews, some of the songs are truncated on "Complete" in order to fit 21 songs in. So, the question of the day is whether it's worth it to get "Turns into Stone."

Before we answer that query, I want to talk about the album itself. It's in some of these early tracks that we hear the band's biggest influences. On the one hand, there's no question that they borrowed from some of the more poppy, dare I say bubblegum bands of the mid-sixties, such as Herman's Hermits and Gerry and the Pacemakers. On the other hand, one clearly hears the influence of mid-sixties psychedelia such as the Byrds and Jefferson Airplane. Of course, The Roses' first album expanded on these sounds and gave birth to the late 80s Brit-pop movement (i.e Blur, Oasis, Happy Mondays), and had great influence (together with My Bloody Valentine) over the "shoegazer" sound (i.e. Catherine Wheel, Ride, Slowdive).

I really like all of the Herman's Hermits type songs, especially "Mersey Paradise" (which I wish had a spot on the first album, together with "Sally Cinnamon"). "Something's Burning" reminds me alot of a mellower version of "Fool's Gold," whereas ""One Love" comes dangerously close to self-parody.

The answer to the question posed above is it depends on how big a Stone Roses fan you are. To die-hard fans, listening to shortened version of "One Love" and "Something's Burning," seems inadequate and almost cruel in that the rocking instrumental part of the songs, basically showcasing John Squire (and perhaps Reni too), are edited out. For the rest, "The Complete Stone Roses" supplies enough to supplement the Roses' two primary studio recordings, making this album somewhat superfluous.

The Stone Roses burst onto the U.K. indie scene during 1989, with their landmark debut "The Stone Roses", and their blend of dreamy & confident indie Rock, and summertime 60's styled jangle-pop pushed it to top of alot of critics end of year lists. And although the second album "Second Coming" failed to scale the heady heights of the first album, it had it's moments....which begs the question, "Why do you need this??". Well, it's a brilliantly compiled 'Best of', with various excellent B-side track added for inclusion, as well as Singles, that made up the bands brief output. What is fantastic about this album, is that unlike other compilations such as "The Complete Stone Roses", this release doesn't attempt to cram in as much material as possible by 'Editing' down tracks, such as "Fools Gold" which had virtually half its 9:55 running time loobed off. "Elephant Stone" only gets a minor cut, missing around 2 mins in the edited version. "Listen Now" manages to have 4 mins missing on the lesser compilation, and "Something Burning" also manages to lose just over 4 minutes of its 7:51 running time.

Although seemingly a moot point to those that only have a passing interest in the bands music, and will mention that the lesser compilations actually contain more tracks....this is only really of concern for those that truly embraced / enjoy the bands music, and the fact that alot of this revolved around "John Squires" beautiful, melodic gutiar hooks, you'll largely miss the exceptional extented playing on the edited versions, which was a substain part of their 60's Jangle-pop appeal, and not forgetting that full versions were how the band intented them to be (not cut down versions, with huge chunks of instrumental sections missing). And its only when you compare the two versions, you realise just how much your missing.

But not forgetting that this best of, also comprimises of B-Sides / Singles, which have listened to these tracks several times, easily confirms that their debut album wasn't a fluke. Tracks such as "Where Angels Play", "One Love", "What the world is waiting for", "Mersey Paradise", "Going Down", "The Hardest thing in the World", or the backwards spinning fun of "Simone", all brim with that exbuerantly confident swagger that coupled with their catchy neo-psychedelia, was a defing trait of the band. And although the B-Sides themselves probably won't take pride and place over your orginal favourites, there is a great deal to enjoy here, and digest if (like me) you only know the band through their debut album.

Somewhat bizzarely (or not, depending on your stance) their appears to be nothing from their second album ("Second Coming") contained here....but arguably most consider that album to be the band least focused and confused work, and which probably explains their exclusion. Something I am very happy about, is the sound levels on this record sound noticably louder than the debut album, which I found, I had to crank the volume up, to clearly hear, what was going on...(or is it just me??). But before you all start trading in your Stone Roses albums for this compliation, it's important to bear in mind that ultimitely, this release isn't supposed to replace your debut album, it's supposed to sit alongside it (and seeing as it purely focuses on B-Sides, and U.K. Singles....you'll miss most of the best known tracks), instead it's complements the debut perfectly and will please fans no end with its superb compiling and sequencing. This is Probably not suited to those that just want one disk of the bands work, on one tidy disk (for that refer to "The Very Best of the Stone Roses"), but the more committed fan, will absolutely want to add this alongside their other Stone Roses albums.

....solely for the full versions of One Love and Something's Burning, which feature some churning John Squire guitar work. Also includes an alternate version of Elephant Stone.

I was recently on holiday in London and saw a commercial advertising the Twentysomething CD. The next day while touring around I bought it...what an awesome find! This CD is great! You should definitely add it to your collection.

When it comes to the music industry, there are artists popping up daily it seems, but none of the new artists excite me as much as Jamie Cullum. With his newest release "Twentysomething", Jamie has managed to burst onto the scene in a big way. It isn't often that a new artist can follow-up a very successful debut album with an even more popular second album, but Jamie Cullum has managed to do just that.

This album is a tasty mix of excellent new material combined with classic tunes from the past to create a very interesting and enjoyable listening experience. Jamie handles all this different material with an original style that captures the listener's attention without wearing them out. Since his "Pointless Nostalgic" album, it is obvious that Jamie has matured into a vital musical force that will be a major player in the world of jazz and pop for many years to come. I am looking forward to his next effort.

If you enjoy listening to crooners and Big Band Swing, I would also recommend, Monte Procopio "Swingin' With Style" CD. He is a contemporary crooner that can really swing and deserves a listen. Buy both these CDs, you can't go wrong!

I echo the high marks for this CD. Its evocative of AJ Croce's piano popjazz. But don't pay Amazon's list price of $41 or its "discount" at $26. I picked it up at a local music store for $7.98

This CD is awesome. While not a 5 star album (the Joshua tree and Achtung Baby have redefined 5 stars for me) it is definitely a solid 4 star album. For those who do not know this band had to break up because Frankie Lenz, their awesome drummer, could not feed his kids. The christian music industry basically screwed fold zandura. Do a little bit of post-mortem justice and get this CD while you can, it's worth the cash.

I like this cd it gives me flash backs to when I was young and free-spirited in high school. It takes me back to the fresh and interesting alternative music scene and culture back in the late 90's. Good price used. Very diverse mix of music on this cd.

Fold Zandura is one of those bands that could have been concidered great in the eyes of the public but was lost in the mass of independently released albums of the late 90's. Although plagued with many side projects, front man Jyro created one of the greatest albums in my very humble opinion. The fusion of electronica, rock and pop is uncomparable to any other artist. Way ahead of their time, Fold Zandura will be listened to for years to come as a unsung pioneer in alternative music. From the first ambient vocals to the final soaring guitars, Ultraforever is a journey reminiscent of Pink Floyd, a rarity in today's music. Ultraforever IS a MUST HAVE album.

staticfish

Jamie Hunting is one of the worlds most ferocious, gifted, adept, sexy bass players that I have ever watched witnessed! If you EVER have a chance, check out Jamie live.... it's the experience of a lifetime.....

His performance on the Union CD is no different!

Union brought together former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick and former Motley Crue singer John Corabi with drummer Brent Fitz and bassist Jamie Hunting.

Union puts together a great, straight ahead, no BS rock sound. For people that sit and whine about `novelty' in rock, Union could easily be your answer. There is no pretense in Union, no goofy costumes, no obnoxious condescending behavior. Nothing but great hard rock music. Imagine that. This is the band people seem to be begging for, yet no one knows about Union. The closest mainstream bands with a sound and style similar to Union would have to be Live, Fuel and Creed. But unlike some of those bands, no holier than thou rock star garbage here. Again, just great hard rock music. Imagine that, again. When listening to the album, it's almost impossible to say that it fits any specific time period or style, this could have been released anytime between 1973 and today.

The album contains many stellar hard rock songs, like "Old Man Wise", "Around Again", "Tangerine" and "Get Off My Cloud". Big, loud songs that sound best with the volume cranked up. These tend to be the songs where Corabi's screaming ability and vocal range show up, the man is one of the best rock front men to come around in a long time.

"Heavy D" (starts of a bit slower, but has some great guitar riffs and strong bass) is a bit different than most of the songs on the album. The pace of the song changes back and forth between fast and slow. Great song though, one of the best on the album.

Some strong powerful `love' songs (think Fuel-Hemmorage) like "Pain Behind Your Eyes" and "Love (I Don't Need It Anymore)".

One of the real gems on the album is "Robin's Song", an acoustic ballad that shows some amazing work by Bruce Kulick and superb lyrics by John Corabi. There was an era from about '88 to '91 where every `rock band' had one of these acoustic ballads on their album and while some are truly great songs many are instantly forgettable. This is one of the best you'll ever hear.

"October Morning Wind", "Let It Flow" and "Empty Soul" are all good songs, but not the type of songs that would compel someone to actually purchase the album. October Morning Wind has some more great work by Bruce Kulick, he really shined on this album.
The Spitfire release of this album does include a cover "Oh Darling". It's not bad at all, but if you actually want to hear Union doing cover songs you should pick up their live album, they have an amazing version of Cheap Trick's "Surrender".

When I picked up the album, I thought I knew what to expect from Bruce Kulick and John Corabi based on their work with Kiss and Crue. Neither disappointed. If you enjoyed John Corabi on Motley Crue's self titled 1994 release then you will enjoy him here. Bruce Kulick was phenomenal on this record, not quite like anything he did with Kiss except maybe Carnival Of Souls, he is definitely one of the most underrated and under-appreciated guitarists from the 80s shred fest. What surprised me about the album was how great Jamie Hunting and Brent Fitz are. I had never heard of either before this, but both are great on this album, they're tight together and lay a great foundation for Corabi and Kulick to shine.

It's a shame so many people missed out on this band, definitely one of the better albums to come out in the overwhelmingly vacuous 90s.

I dug John Corabi with M.Crue, their sound finally matched their name. Then I heard John left the band, and by chance I heard about this CD. If you like his awesome voice and melodies you will love this CD, Finally a good hard rock CD, I'm tired of grunge!

I don't hold this album with the same high regard I do for Sinsation, but nonetheless Watts did a very fine job in producing this album. Overall a very dark album with true industrial grit for the hard core fan. Remeniscent of KMFDM and Ministry at their finest, complete with some very deranged artwork. Essential tracks include "Everything," "Contempt," and "Silt."

I have purchased 4 Pig cds, But this one is by far the best. If you only get one get this one. My favorite pig song is No One Gets Out Of Her Alive. The minute I heard that song I was frickin blown Away. The lyrics to this cd are just great. I think this cd is on equal ground with a lot of KMFDM. By the way I hope Watts gets back with them for their next CD. The sanctuary Remix is better than the Original. "two wrongs dont make right, Two blacks dont make a white" is just awsome sounding in that song.

I PERSONALLY THINK THIS IS WATTS BEST CD. A CREEPY OVERTONE, WITH SOME CRAFTY LYRICS REALLY SET THE MOOD TO WATT'S TWISTED FREAKSHOW. IVE RECENTLY SEEN KMFDM LIVE, AND WITHOUT WATTS, I THINK THEIR LIVE SHOW WAS GREAT, BUT LACKED THAT CERTAIN TOUCH THAT ONLY WATTS CAN GIVE. THIS CD'S HIGHLIGHTS ARE: NO ONE GETS OUT OF HER ALIVE, SANCTUARY, AND CONTEMPT.(BUT TRUST ME, THEIR ALL GRAVY BABY!)

I don't hold this album with the same high regard I do for Sinsation, but nonetheless Watts did a very fine job in producing this album. Overall a very dark album with true industrial grit for the hard core fan. Remeniscent of KMFDM and Ministry at their finest, complete with some very deranged artwork. Essential tracks include "Everything," "Contempt," and "Silt."

I have purchased 4 Pig cds, But this one is by far the best. If you only get one get this one. My favorite pig song is No One Gets Out Of Her Alive. The minute I heard that song I was frickin blown Away. The lyrics to this cd are just great. I think this cd is on equal ground with a lot of KMFDM. By the way I hope Watts gets back with them for their next CD. The sanctuary Remix is better than the Original. "two wrongs dont make right, Two blacks dont make a white" is just awsome sounding in that song.

I PERSONALLY THINK THIS IS WATTS BEST CD. A CREEPY OVERTONE, WITH SOME CRAFTY LYRICS REALLY SET THE MOOD TO WATT'S TWISTED FREAKSHOW. IVE RECENTLY SEEN KMFDM LIVE, AND WITHOUT WATTS, I THINK THEIR LIVE SHOW WAS GREAT, BUT LACKED THAT CERTAIN TOUCH THAT ONLY WATTS CAN GIVE. THIS CD'S HIGHLIGHTS ARE: NO ONE GETS OUT OF HER ALIVE, SANCTUARY, AND CONTEMPT.(BUT TRUST ME, THEIR ALL GRAVY BABY!)

This song was featured in a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero TV commercial. Give it a go and you'll be hooked!

This CD fits every mood, situation, and there's a song for almost everyone. Highlights are Techicolor Lover, which will stick in your head, but in a good way, Hope I Just Didn't Give Away the Ending, and Someday We'll Know, which got radio airplay, surprising since the band broke up before the label released it... how sad there'll be no more.

HAD A LOT OF BAD LUCK LATELY AND THIS SONG IS A REAL 'PICK ME UP' KIND OF SONG. IF ANYONE HAS ALL THE LYRICS, I WOULD LOVE TO READ THEM BECAUSE I SEEM TO RELATE TO THIS SONG EVEN THOUGH I'M NOT 14.

A perfect live album in most of the important ways: good quality versions of the songs, amusing dialogue between some of the songs and the band finding innovative ways of bringing the most life to the music.

There are most of the songs you want to hear from this band and a few surprises along the way. That dreamy, sultry voice singing such thoughtful lyrics to the accompaniment of harmonious strings is music to die for.

I'm usually not a big fan of live albums but I like this one. If you're a new llama I recommend it. You won't hear a lot of the songs on this album in concert anymore.

the cd is betta the best, and the best of my cd's. if you hava got inta the junkas yet, this is a..da' best..a...way to geta started. so pick it up today, ok? peace

First things first. John Frusciante is of course the guitarist for the RHCP, and if you're just getting into him you'll be surprised by this. It sounds nothing like latter day RHCP. Yes, its good. While RHCP reconvene to make a new album that hopefully is good, John Frusciante makes this, a superb album full of great songs. It sounds great, its raw and unproduced but this only adds to the music. 'A Doubt' is one of the finest songs Frusciante has ever written, with its unconventional style and brilliant vocal performance. John has really improved as a singer, and well, go on, just buy this album. It ain't By the Way, thats for sure.

well if you have an open mind you can really see the beauty this album has in it John is a genuis thanks to him the peppers are still around and rockin and is too me the Best guitarist going right now!

Nick, I was imediately compelled to respond to your review of this album and thoughts on John Frusciante and the impact he has had on your fresh mind of 15 years. "At least once or twice during your adolescent years, you seem to lose hope. I know because I have". I am 24 years old and think I have past those "adolescent years" you speak of, and I still sometimes feel hopeless. But I always have music and other forms of art to fall back on to reinforce that hope; it will always be there for us. Like you, "To Record Only Water...." was the Frusciante album that I was first exposed to, through a close friend, and I haven't turned back since. Unlike you, I became a RHCP fan after I discovered John's solo efforts. I am responding to your post because of your age and location. It gives me even more hope that there are not only other JF fans out there who I consider peers, but one's of a different generation and country! Thank you Nick! And remember, "The sweet, isn't as sweet, without the sour"