Alternative Rock Compilations music reviews

this isn't the best c.d. i've ever heard but it is still
good. my favorites are what i got , all mixed up , inside out,
take a picture, shine, closing time , and what it's like.
some songs take getting use to for me it was take a picture
but it could be something different for you. but not every song
is good for example i can't stand far behind . still this c.d. is not a waste of money.

This CD contains a great collection of songs from the mid and late 90s. Definetely worth a listen to and it is highly recommended. I have to say that I am a little disapointed by the misleading music track list here on Amazon, the list goes up to 18 songs but the copy I bought here at Amazon only had the first 15 songs, specially and painfully missing "All I want" and "Runaway train". BUYER BEWARE this CD only has the first 15 of the 18 songs listed here on Amazon.

If you were in the 90s with me and remember a lot of these songs you will love this CD! It has everything you want plus more. With the awsome songs like far behind by candle box and closing time by semisonic, its a great CD to relax to or drive fast and blaring the radio. If you love 90s rock, you will love this CD!

For those that have not liked this CD, that's just fine, in the Tom Waits tradition, you don't need to. Every Tom Waits offering, whether by himeself, or by others that love his diversity of work, never, yes, never, has indifferent devotees, or even middle of the road critics. One usually either loves his work or they do not. Yet, and this is unique with criticisms of artists, one may love and hate pieces on the same CD of Tom Waits. This, I believe, is why he is an Artist, one of his own making, and not either by you and me, the buying public, or the music industry. This, I believe, takes courage, and is one of the reasons that his work endures when most others only enjoy the popularity that the industry, the owners of most musicians and artists, will give them. I applaud Tom Waits for being who and what he chooses, not what I, you, or the business world might want him to be. This is why these artists offering of Tom's art is worthwhile. They offer his work in their interpretation. If you don't like all of it, big deal. You belong to a big club, those that love Tom Waits' art, but sometimes do not.

I don't know if you have had the opportunity to listen to the compilation CD of Tom Waits' music performed by others, called, 'STEP RIGHT UP'; however, if you have not as of yet, please, in my never humble opinion, it's more than worth it, and I'm sure that Tom, a tad familar here, loves their interpretations. His music and lyrics, and lyricism spans the expanse of about every genre, and always theatrical, in my perspective. One of the greatest Tom Waits stories, as related to me by a person that was at this Artist's event, is, after he had performed to an intimate gathering of two-hundred or so at a New York City bar, the audience lit their 'bic's' for an encore, to which Tom came out, book in hand, sat in an overstuffed reading chair, lit his cigar, sat in the chair, only light on, the reading lamp hanging over his one shoulder, opened the book, and proceded to read, not aloud, but to himself. He had already finished his performance. I love his quirkly, performance art, light and dark artistry. Consider the list of Artists: Tindersticks, Drugstore, Pete Shelley, The Wedding Present, Violent Femmes, Alex Chilton, Johnathan Richman, a favorite of mine, slowly sneaking up behind Tom, for me. The other Artists are: These Immortal Souls, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Giant Sand, Dave Alvin, Magnapop, MC 900 Ft. Jesus, more than a cool name, Frente! and, certainly not the least, Tim Buckley.

This might well be a listen to many times, over and over again, CD, for obviously different reasons than Tom's nearly incomparable, uncomparable 'Mule Variations', which I know that you, at one time, if not still, had, have, should - in my, well you know -, held this CD with the greatest affection. 'Chocolate Jesus', from the 'Mule Variations', sadly is not included in this compilation CD by other Artists. 'Chocolate Jesus' is my favorite of Tom's songs, that, and 'Georgia Lee', a heart wrenching, beautifully honest psalmist sort of tune. This, too, is not included on the compilation CD. I recall the first time that I actually listened to this one, 'Georgia Lee', truly heard the lyrics: I was in the process of closing my beloved, now in repose, Bookshoppe, and the line about sweet Georgia Lee under the leaves under the tree, with the refrain, 'Why wasn't God listening', hit me. I had to sit, for a moment, and to take in the honesty that I had not yet come. This man is an Artist, I believe, and I give thanks.

'Ruby's Arms', performed by Frente! has the force of 'Georgia Lee' when sung by Tom himself. 'Martha', performed by Tim Buckley, has that charm of story telling that Tom is loved for, almost, if not as much, yet for the same reasons, because Tim Buckley, as with the other Artists on this CD love to give credit to where credit is due, giving their full interpretative aritistry and skill to the moment, and allowing the listener to say, 'Wow, Tom Waits, is more than cool.' The Violent Femmes kick it too, though I am not a great fan, nor have I been, of them. Magnapop scratches the chalk board with the offering of a Tom Waits disonance tune, 'Christmas Card from a hooker in Mineapolis', the title alone would keep most music industry from producing it with a new artist.

Tom Waits music, lyrics, performance art, lyricism both endears him to many, but it is also what insults and or offends others. What I like about him as an Artist, is that he doesn't ask that you approve or even like his Art. He offers it. If we like it, good. If not, sobeit. This is not an easy, especially economically speaking, commitment to make to one's Art. This I respect. I love this sort of an Artist.

I love Tom Waits musicianship, and positively his lyricism, and his poetic lyrics themselves. It is this sort of artistry that causes me to sit in my overstuffed chair, open a book, and know God. As sentimental as this might sound, my fifth and sixth grader Church School class gives me this same sense of knowing, that this one, me, that says - I say - that I do not know if I even believe in God, knows. Somehow I smile and smirk at the same time thanks to these brilliant artists, yes, both Tom as well as my class. One thing that places him over against many of his peers, though, is his willingness to laugh at himself, even poking fun through his own lyrics. I also like that he's not afraid to admit his, what I consider in the vein of The Psalmists's phrasing and willingness to be brilliantly, as well as painfully - this might only be my interpretation - honest with the antimonies of life. I smile and smirk.

Timothy


'If there is to be any peace it will come through being not having.' + Henry Miller 'Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.' + Martin Luther King Jr. 'The search for Truth is the search for God.' + Gandhi

Tom himself is weird, so it's actually appropriate that some of these covers sound a little strange at first. After listening to this album a few times, though, it starts to make sense. In fact, if you keep listening, it begins to make a lot of sense. I actually listened to it so much that my roommate banned it when he was in the room, which illustrates both aspects of this album: it is a little weird, but quite addictive if you take the time to listen carefully.
Tom is always playing around with new or different versions of his own music, so it seems appropriate for other musicians and bands to play around with his music, too. This album covers the whole range of Tom's styles: some of the songs are simply and sentimentally beautiful, i.e., Dave Alvin's rendition of old 55 or Tim Buckley singing Martha (this song alone is worth the price of the entire album), while others are just plain creepy, like the Archers of Loaf's Big Joe and Phantom 309; and the best are somewhere in between: I'm thinking most specifically of Jersey Girl as played by Pale Saints, one of my all-time favorites, cover or otherwise.
A few songs don't quite measure up, such as Downtown by Alex Chilton, but as a whole, the range of artists and approaches illuminates Tom's strengths as a songwriter: even if not every song is a gem, the songcraft of his music still shows through. And when someone gets it right, it's an almost transcendent experience, as in the case of Tim Buckley's Martha, or Frente!'s cover of Ruby's Arms, or Pale Saints' Jersey Girl.
In short, it is a slightly uneven album, but the best is so good it just doesn't matter. If you buy this album, let it air out, so to speak, before you make any hasty judgments. It's well worth the wait.

Ever since '96 this has been one of my favourite CDs. Yes, I am a devout Tom Waits fan and I understand it may hurt to hear his songs that distorted. But I have never heard a sadder "Ruby's Arms" (Frente!), a more chilling "Jersey Girl" (Pale Saints) or a faster "Old Shoes" (Drugstore).

Only Tom can sing his songs, period. Keep moving -- nothing to listen to here.

I like Tom Waits most of the time. It was hard for me to listen to all of this album. This is one I will probably give away or resell if I need some cash. I hope I can find a buyer for it soon.

Nobody can be Tom but Tom. (Just listen to John Hammond's attempts to sound dangerous, and you'll know what I mean.) That said, these are some damn creative interpretations of Tom's work. Not just creative, because it can be creative and still [bad]. This stuff is creative and sounds good.

In my collection, I have four different covers of Heartattack and Vine, and Lydia Lunch's is still my favorite. Muriel is great done in prayerful whispers, and the guy that sings Broken Bicycles lays down a dirge for a vocal track. Screamin' Jay opens the throttle up wide on Whistlin', and the call-and-answer format of Virginia Avenue is really neat.

I like music that doesn't sound like everything else. That's why I like Tom. If that's why you listen, you owe it to yourself to pick up both this and "Step Right Up," which, in its own way, is even weirder and more wonderful than this one.

Pls tell me tat tis BoxSet is a JOKE!!!! Classic Rock - REO, Romantics ... BANGLES??? its more like Classic New Wave. Only thing good would be the price. Pls ... who ever the A&R people are ... pls ... pls ... design something better

This boxed set isn't really classic rock except for a few tracks, but even still, it's some pretty good music. And for the price, you get 3 cds, you can't beat it. If you're looking for some cool tunes, pick this one up

THIS IS A PERFECT COLLECTION TO BE TITLED HARD TO FIND HITS FROM, ETC.. I FIND IT VERY HARD TO FIND THE ONE HIT ARTIST SONGS I WOULD LIKE I GUESS IF YOU LIKE THESE SONGS IT WOULD BE NICE TO BUY JUST THIS ONE CD! i WISH THEY WOULD PUT MONY MONY, ITCHACOO PARK, SPIRIT IN THE SKY, LOUIE LOUIE ALL of the ones I really don't feel like buying the entire CD's again since there is so much new stuff I would rather spend my money on!

This *top* collection of 90's hits completely ignored grunge despite the fact that the Crash Test Dummies and other come-lately alternative rock acts only got their mainstream corporate rock attention because of the pioneering acts of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and L7.

If it weren't for those bands, Kasem also would not have enough material to compile a 90s album. Up until the mid 1990's, the mantra (even in rock) was the flashier---the better.

Yes, there were multiple generes actively producing good music during this decade, but grunge is now connected to the 1990's as folk and the 1960's and Disco in the 1970's. All of these music stylings actually existed well before and after the decade, but received it's break into mainstream public conciousness only during a specific time. Agreeing with some of the other selections (Amy Grant and the Divynls) for the lineup, I am amazed how he could systematically ignore music which is melded to the specific decade being promoted.

I realize Mr. Kasem (or his workers) are very busy, but a little research would not have harmed the production of this CD. Instead, we are left with a mediocre product which is itself destined for the bargain bin.

Although there are definitely some songs missing from this CD, I have to give it credit for bringing songs to my attention I haven't heard in years. There really is something for everyone here, and as far as compilations go, you could do worse. It seems like they could have had more songs that came later on in the decade, which is why I have to give it 3 stars rather than 4.

This album seems to be a mishmash of Sony Artists predominantely over-doing christmas songs. For instance:

1. Travis's slightly overdone version of a nostaligic Piano medley ballad ("River") which sounds like a badly done version of a Ben Harper song without the guitars.

2. Macy Gray's typical style in a squirm inducing version of one of those songs where the two lovers are drifting apart and there's some sort of melancholic nostalgia jive mixed into the incessant shaking of jingle bells ("What I Want For Christmas").

3. Fiona Apple's traditional version of "Frosty the Snowman" to the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar and bass, along with her pleasantly lilting voice. (Good for kids! She should do a children's album.)

4. Tenacious D along with Sum 41's thrash metal version of a christmas song ("Things I Want"), complete with phlegm vibrating vocals and lots of cussing.

5. Fuel's Pearl-Jammy version of a christmas song with echoing electric guitars and your generic wailing throaty male lead singer's voice ("We Three Kings").

6. Phantom Planet's One Hit Wonderesque show-offy version of a christmas song, way overdone with like five synthesizers and absolutely no vocals ("Carol Of The Bells").

7. Kaki King's version of "O Holy Night" with Kaki's Julie Cruisesque whispering ghost like voice accompanied by a very loud overplayed Mandolin (like you would hear at a new age festival). Kaki's voice? Good. Mandolin's overwrought strumming? Bad. They should have toned it down a touch.

8. Shannon Curfman's version of a Christmas Song with blues band in the background accompanying. A typical torch song version of "Please come home for Christmas", pretty typical of these Christmas albums, an all right song but not extremely remarkable.

9. Keb' Mo' doing a Christmas song. You do the math. He's not that bad, but it's not to everyone's taste. Think: Motown mixed with John Tesh ("We Call It Christmas").

10. The Thorns's overdone version of "Silent Night" along with echoing acoustic guitars and a bunch of boy bandesque male leads singing in harmony.

All in all, a little over the top, but it seems people seem to accept this type of thing in a Christmas Medley. If any of the descriptions I've enumerated above induces a mild case of nausea, then I would suggest that instead of spending so and so amount of money buying this album that you go to an Online Music Store (like for instance the Itunes Music store) and pick and choose which songs you like for like a dollar each.

1. Travis - "River"
2. Macy Gray - "What I Want for Christmas"
3. Fiona Apple - "Frosty the Snowman"
4. Tenacious D/Sum 41 - "Things I Want"
5. Fuel - "We Three Kings"
6. Phantom Planet - "Carol of the Bells"
7. Kaki King - "O Holy Night"
8. Shannon Curfman - "Please Come Home for Christmas"
9. Keb' Mo' - "We Call it Christmas"
10. The Thorns - "Silent Night"

I've never heard of any of the acts performing the songs.

I'll stick with the real thing, thanks!

This is simply awful. Its so bad it flirts with funny, but the badness crushes any humor that could be found in it. You know how professional wrestling is funny for about 15 seconds, and then its just pathetic? Well, this has that same quality. Listen to the samples - then feel your skin crawl - and that's all you'll ever need from this album. I wish it had that unique quality of badness (like Bloodsport or Roadhouse or something) to give it a better ranking, but it doesn't. It's worse than bad karaoke. It's worse than herpes.

This is an insult to the band. Couldn't they wait until they broke up or died? A tribute? C'mon. More like, let's try and ride this Coldplay success to the bank? Notice there are no name or credit to the singers and musicians? If there is I didn't find it because it's burried somewhere. I can't say enough terrible things about this "tribute" album. If anyone heard this and never heard the real Coldplay, they might get turned off to Coldplay's music entirely. So sad, I'm actually upset about this work.

I'm not into Evanescence AT ALL and I heard this cd by coincidence. I only thought Imaginary (Origin) was okay. And as if Evanescence didn't cover My Tourniquet badly enough(yeah it's by SOUL EMBRACED actually), this horrid band must make it even WORSE.
Compared to this, Evanescence is God -and me saying that, says a lot...I kinda dislike Evanescence-..
Suddenly I feel so much more respect for Evanescence, that they arent as horrid as this band...

Not great. The singer's voice is weak and whiny compared to Amy Lee's powerful vocals. But I have to give it two stars for the music. The music is great.

This CD is not nearly as bad as people make it out to be; folks, get over the fact that the singer is someone other than Amy Lee!

Static Heaven definitely has some talent here. The songs My Last Breath, Everybody's Fool, and even Bring Me To Life were done better by Static Heaven, in my opinion. However, the songs Whisper, My Immortal, and Taking Over Me sound better by Evanescence. Also, the bonus Electro remix of BringMeToLife is nothing to get excited over...

All in all, it's a quality cd (and usually cheaper than Fallen).

What is uo with this album? I mean Korn is coll but this album makes Korn look like a crappy band. Songs like Here to stay, got the life, blind, falling away from me are the worst of the whole album. They sing so horrible and it sounds like kidz bop. Stay away from this! Buy korn greates hits instead. If korn heard this album, they would tackle and punch any body who was involved in this.

Korn has been a band that I have respected since their first album. No other band has ever been able to show such intense emotion and anger that sounds so honest and sincere. This tribute album takes some great korn songs and ruins them. It sounds like the bands on this cd maybe heard the songs they are performing once or twice, and then said to each other, " How can we destroy this song." Stay away from this cd, it is a complete mockery of the greatest band in metal.

I believe in Korn as the greatest band of my time. I cannot place anymore emphasis on that. They have inspired hundreds of bands that tried to sound like them but failed ultimately and ended up soundning cliched and uninteresting. This... let me put the chains on my seat so i don't rip off the head of whoever gave the go ahead for this project. These people made songs that have been crafted with love and passion into garbage. If someone's going to cover Korn songs, they better get their stuff straight. The best example, Falling Away From Me, is probably the worst attempt at doing a cover song I've ever heard. The guy who obviously can't sing, doesn't even attempt to say the lyrics he doesn't even know. I mean, it's true that Korn albums don't come with lyric booklets but come on. The transitions of the instruments are utter nonsense. I'm sorry, but this made me furious. I respect Korn to an intense degree and this just proved my point that[other simikar] bands have no place in this world. Alos, if people want Korn to sound like their first album, wake up. Korn has moved on because they are carrying such a huge weight of being categorized with hundreds of horrible knock offs. They are a band with talent not a band that tries to copy its own material. I can only wait till the next album. It will surely be the finest one of their career. But please......avoid this at all costs.

This CD is a shame, whoever is singing (I think it's Miss Piggy) is shameless about imitating Ms. Lennox, needless to say that it is just impossible. Please don't waste your money on this....

The great songs are all here. Devoid of their original soulful, lush rendenrings. This cd is a trap. Run from it. Mine has not even got any shelf life. It now sits getting a tan in some open air city trash deposit, being suspiciously looked at by vultures themselves.

Choosing to cover Annie Lennox is brave enough, but to call this "tribute" album, as the liner notes do here, "beautiful (and) soulful" is downright impudent. The vocals are weak and anything but soulful, and the music is generic synthesizer. What The Divine Rhythm, the group credited with 11 of the 12 tracks fail to realize is that Annie Lennox (as solo artist and half of Eurythmics) always mixed real soul with real music and not just synthesizers. Some of the singers don't even get the lyrics correct. The song selection is strange as well. The CD claims to "revisit the music from Lennox from each stage of her career," but the songs included here come from only six of Lennox's 13 albums. Of course, there's no reason to think that other songs would have been performed better. This is one of the worst CDs I've ever purchased.