American Alternative music reviews

Matchbox Twenty's third album shows these guys can keep up the brilliant standard they created with Yourself or Someone Like You and will not be one album wonders like some many other bands who started out when they did have become.

This album has already had the hits Disease, Bright Lights, Unwell, and All I Need which is a huge achievement considering this album's time in the charts has not even passed yet. There are thirteen tracks (thirteenth is a hidden track, an unplugged version of Disease). Although there are no fillers on this album they do seem to be experimenting a bit with their writing on tracks nine and ten, Soul and Downfall, which are different sounding then the usual sounds we fans have grown to love. I am not a huge fan of those songs but there are still 10 brilliant tracks on here and you may even like those two experimental ones. Definatley one of the best albums of 2003.

Once again, Matchbox 20 has come up with another brilliant album. Here, they experiment with new sounds (for example, Downfall has a gospel choir implemented into it), and the use of a banjo in Unwell is just remarkably fantastic! All in all, they've managed to maintain their level of excellence as talented musicians with this latest album. Highly recommended.

This is MB20 in its best sound. This easily became my favorite cd after the first time listening through it. You have a bit of everything from the past two MB20 cds. Some the cds highlights are "Downfall" and "Hand me Down" Those two seem to have the most emotional impact. This is the best MB20 cd, and I highly recomend you go out and buy this cd.

... and I'm inclined to think the dBs could do no wrong! This is a repackaging of (I think) their first two albums. Good clean power-pop fun. I wouldn't steer ya wrong.

A brief history of the dB's, one of the most original, inventive power pop bands ever: First album ("Stands For Decibels") and second album ("Repercussion") featured two strong co-leaders, Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple. (This import two-fer contains both of these albums - such a deal!) This original version of the band made wildly inventive, if sometimes inconsistent, left-field pop. Then Stamey, the more unconventional of the two co-leaders, left the band, and the Holsapple-led band made albums three ("Like This") and four ("The Sound Of Music"). Under Holsapple's guidance the sound became more mainstream and rootsy, and I personally prefer those albums to the first two, although many people feel the opposite. Anyway, all four of these albums are highly recommended. The dB's catalog is rounded out by "Ride The Wild Tom-Tom", a nice collection of rarities, and "Paris Avenue", a very disappointing last hurrah. Stamey has made a number of solo albums, none of which particularly appeal to me. Holsapple made one fine solo album. Stamey and Holsapple made an album as a duo, which is very good. Holsapple is now a member of the Continental Drifters, who have made 2 nice albums. But of all the music these guys have put out, the best is the first 4 dB's albums, and of these, my favorites ("Like This" and especially "The Sound Of Music") are unfortunately out of print, though you have a good chance of locating them used if you put a little effort into it. But I'd definately recommending putting this import package right in your shopping cart right now, who knows how long it will remain in print.

...As a power-pop afficionato, I've dug through cut-out bins and used CD stores, and spent a fortune on ebay trying to get some of the best pop music out there. All that being said, "Neverland" (which is really the first two dB's records put onto one disc) is amongst the best. The reason is that unlike most pop bands, the dB's weren't afraid to push the limits. A dB's song could be damn catchy, but it would also have weird sound affects and a pronounced post-punk leaning that many of their peers just never employed. It means that your punk-listening little brother and pop-loving older sister would both find middle ground on this release, and that's not something that can be said for most albums. I actually prefer the dB's two later, somewhat country-influenced releases--the VERY out of print discs "Like This" and "Sound of Music"--but I think that most fans will want to start here, where the dB's music was still bristling with energy and unapologetic hookery.

Not So Quiet on the Western Front is one of the best comps because it offers most of the best hardcore/punk from California and Nevada at the time. I definitly recommend this to anyone who is new to hardcore,Check it out.

Ah, i didn't even know this had been reissued but i'm glad that it has.

There are a number of reasons why you should own this. One is that it's probably the best hardcore compilation ever recorded. At the very least it's every bit as good as "flex your head" or "this is Boston and not L.A".

Another is the line-up : Dead Kennedys, Crucifix, 7 Seconds, Fang, Flipper, MDC, Intesified Chaos, Code Of Honor, The Church Police, Capitol Punishment and pretty much ever other early 80's hardcore/punk/noise band from California you can think of.

But, the most important reason why you should own this is because it includes the song "holocaust" by M.A.D who were the early incarnation of Bl'ast!. This, to my knowledge, is the only M.A.D song that's ever been officially released from their 1982 demo tape. Anyway, you know the song that plays in the background at the start of "time to think" by Bl'ast! on the "power of expression" lp before the guitars crank up and the scattershot drums come in..? This is that very song.

This is it; this is the music that liberated thousands of my fellow Northern Californians. There's some truly kick-ass $hit on here. And while the styles range tremendously, every song on this album is good. And then some are GREAT, like "Pay Salvation" by Los Olvidados or "Breakout" by UXB. If you like Maximum Rock and Roll, you will love this album! This is a monument to nonconformity and I highly recommend it.

Great cd, by a Great band..Just was a major disappointment, the cd was transferred from Analog Tape to Cd format...Makes for muffled Vocals, and thats a shame, Downie is one of the most original ive heard in a long time...But for die hard "TH" fans, its a must have...!!

The Hip had enjoyed limited commercial success in their native country, but this is the album that made the USA sit up and take notice. Gordon Downie's quirky yet captivating vocal presence and lyrical whimsy is nicely balanced by the musicianship, although I'd expect nothing less from producer Don Smith. Strong commercial content in the form of "Cordelia", "Little Bones", "Twist My Arm", and "Three Pistols", yet enough Canadiana to keep the hardcore Hip fan from slinging accusations of "sell-out". Even after a slough of releases that has seen the Hip mature over two decades, this is still recognized by most Hip fans as their strongest work.

One other reviewer had mentioned that the weak point on the album was "Fiddler's Green". I wholeheartedly disagree. It is a touching, soul-wrenching lament that will rip the heart out of anyone who has lost a child.

This band makes some of the best rock music ever. Road Apples has to be the best of a long list of best CDs You can play this CD to death....never get tired of it. Hope they keep churning out music

I only heard of them last year, but I have a lot catching up to do.

If memory serves correct, The Minutemen had plans to record a live album of their fan's favorite songs entitled Ballot Result. However, due to the untimely passing of D. Boon, they were forced to assemble this collection of radio broadcasts, live and rehearsal recordings, and even some studio tracks (when live versions didn't exist). Ultimately, you have to commend Mike and George for carrying on with the project. None the less, there are some definate peaks and valleys on this collection. This record starts out strong with a decently recorded 1985 radio brodcast featuring smokin' versions of some of their best songs. These tracks alone justify purchasing this CD (preferably the LP for the extra songs). The remainder of the tracks, however, are a hodge-podge of live and rehearsal material that is either marred by poor recording quality or sub-par performances. Tracks like "Tour Spiel" and "Take Our Test", while far from unlistenable, stick out in my mind as being especially inferior to the studio versions. In addition, the remix of "No One" single-handedly demonstrates what is so horribly wrong with 80's studio production. Yes, I'm nit-picking, but these issues keep this from being a 5-star disc, in my opinion. Still, Ballot Result is well worth owning based on its obvious strengths.

a fitting tribute to the greatest band of any genre. listening to this album you can see where they were evolving - from a band with lightning fast short songs to a jam band. if d. boon had lived they'd be the grateful dead of their generation. as it is mike watt (the bass player) has just released his second punk rock opera. remember d boon every april fool's day - that was his birthday! (really)

I aquired a used copy of this record on vinyl for an extremely low price. I would recomend trying to find a copy on vinyl because the CD version is missing four tracks, one of which is the absolutely amazing "Hey Lawdy Mama". This ranges from radio shows to audience bootlegs to unreleased studio stuff. I have a problem with some of the songs. The "No One" remix just sucks. "Hell" gets boring after a little while. And the solos at the beginning of "Mr. Robot's Holy Orders", although well done (bofus?), get tedious. Of course, this shouldn't make you not buy this record. The live versions of some of the best songs are on here (missing "Party With Me Punker" and "Vietnam" though.)And they were just as good live as they were in the studio! There's a cool version of D. singing Watt's "Badges" with George Hurly's little brother screaming in the background. All around, a great record. Definately worth your hard earned cash.

ok, MTV sucks. It would not if it constelated bands that were more like Jesus Lizard. Head/Pure is an amazing combination of some of bands greatest songs. The album shows the bands full potential and it's direct influences; although they are both very separable. If you have money, which I do not, buy this album or steal it from the closest music store

OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Head/Pure is the Jesus Lizard's first album, and it catches them at the darkest, heaviest, and rawest moment of their career. Not even Goat can compare to the muffled mayhem and disturbing intensity of Head/Pure. Songs like "S.D.B.J" and "Killer McHann" capture perfectly Duane Denison's choppy, blues-influenced guitar lines, David Wm. Sim's pounding bass, and Mac McNeilly's explosive drumming power. Vocalist David Yow is at his best on Head/Pure, with his heavily muffled, and sometimes distorted (but in a tasteful way) voice, snarling, moaning, and spitting out his lyrics. Overall, this record may be too intense and difficult a listen for most, so dont start here. Instead pick up Liar, which is still frenetic, but not in the psychopathic way Head/Pure is. After that, check out Goat, which is a much darker and plodding look at the Jesus Lizard. But still, nothing will prepare you for Head/Pure

This was a very pleasant suprise. Not only did I get the live album I was looking for, but I also got most of their popular songs. Of course there's a few tracks missing, but this does include "Grace Too", "Springtime In Vienna", "Gift Shop", and "Ahead By A Century". Plus it's got the excellent and moving "Courage". Most people should like "Gordon Downie's" ramblings between songs, but everyone should like how good this sounds. It's one of the best sounding live albums I've ever heard. Near studio quality, but with the crowd noise of course. Overall, I'd call it the best release from "The Tragically Hip", and one of the few available, even though it's an import.

... She sort of bit her lip, "Gee I don't know"

This was my first ever Tragically Hip CD and (moreover) one of the first CDs that I ever owned. So, I have a bit of a bias in its favour. That being said, there is no better introduction to the Hip than their stellar live album "Live Between Us".

This CD offers hit after hit and really captures some of the tremendous energy of the Hip live. Ive seen them 4 times now and those have been some of my favourite concerts ever. Ive never been disappointed by the Hip live, and you won't be disappointed by this.

I would hesitate to recommend this album to the seasoned Hip collector, as it doesn't add that much to the studio versions and there are many, many great live Hip tracks widely available to download ("Killer Whale Tank", anyone?). But, it is still a great CD and is far from a waste of money

All in all, this is a awesome live CD from a awesome live band.

As a long time listener to "The Hip" transplated to the good ol U.S of A I turn all my friends into Hip fans with this one.. Some of the most recent work they have done shows more maturity, but this is a great intro to a great Canadian Band...

Blind Melon was a very important group in the 90's and this album is great
The Best song: SOUP

This collection of songs that the remaining members of the band has chosen for this record can be described as beautiful, sad and inspiring. Shannon was one of few musicans that could brighten peoples days and touch their hearts. I am sure he will be greatly missed by all who knew him and all of the fans.

this album is sad, melancholic and shows whatever was never put into the other melon albums. but songs Like All that I Need, No Rain, Soup, Pull and specially Soul One make of these album a perfect pair of three. highly recommended. rest in Peace, shannon.

This album perfectly exemplifies the intensity and catharsis of the second period SWANS live performances. It is punishing, horrifying, genuinely evil noise; the same simple chords repeated over and over again while Gira screams, grunts, and wails on top of it. On first listen you're likely to be very put off but once it gets inside of you it doesn't let go. This music will purge you of violent energy. Listen to it loud and you will feel it's cathartic effects. I'M A COWARD, PUT YOUR KNIFE IN ME. I'M USELESS, WORTHLESS, USELESS, WORTHLESS. There's nothing like it, it's pure, unflitered negativity captured and by the act of listening to it you'll feel as if you've gotten it out of your system. Why did I give it 4 stars? Because compared to the other live disc of the same era, Real Love it isn't nearly as good. The recording quality is inferior and in my opinion the performances aren't quite as good either. So 5 stars for Real Love, 4 for Public Castration. Check out Kill the Child and Feel Good Now for Children of God era live SWANS. Also for those who don't know, SWANS live and SWANS studio are seperate entities and are barely comparable.

This is some serious self mutilating music! If you're one of these teens who take razors to your upper extremeties, this is your soundtrack! It might even do for those lower extremity iconoclasts!
Dirge me bud!

Sound out!!

Oh there's a piano? Scuse me. It was just a vampire!!

If you listen to this CD without any background or knowledge of the swans, one thought will most likely dominate your mind, the rituals killing of farm animals. It turns out that M Gira is not a Satanist to the dismay of some but an artist exploring an extremely raw grinding repetitious sound. This is a live album with only 8 tracks but those 8 tracks fill over 70 minutes and the quality is great. The live versions are far more affective than the studio material and M Gira's voice is at its most sinister. This may not be a swans jumping in point but it's not just for the swans enthusiast ether.

Green Day as we all know is known as the biggest punk band. But why are they the biggest punk band? They are icons. But if their the biggest punk band, then how would some idiot reviewer, one of the thousands who reviewed this CD say this either hard rock or heavy metal? How is this CD concidered hard rock or heavy metal? Some of the thousands of reviews consist of the word war of saying this is punk or pop. Many people keep reviewing this CD because it sold millions of copies and it is very popular. But seeing this review is titled even before "Wake Me Up When September Ends" became another American Idiot single it was still extremely overrated, that is just saying that this CD is overrated. It may be still selling strong but it is still one of 2004's most overrated albums. In the near future this entire CD would be made of 13 completely overrated songs that are all singles. But that probably wouldn't happen anyway. So when Green Day releases yet another release the same thing will happen to that CD as it happened to "American Idiot". I am sure that people should know that what has happened to this release will happen to more Green Day releases. Anyway Green Day could be more concidered Pop due to this release. This release just seems to make every other Green Day release (except for "Bullet In A Bible" of course) seem so past time. This just doesn't cut it anymore. Green Day is now the biggest Pop band if anything. If you have 12 to 15 dollars in your pocket or in your wallet and if you are inside a Best Buy, Hastings or if you are on any store website desperate to spend that kind of money on a CD like this one, don't spend 12 to 15 bucks on it. If you want to buy a CD for 12 to 15 bucks and if you also like the kick @$$ band Atreyu why not go buy the BEST album of 2004 "The Curse" if you haven't gotten it already and don't waste any money on an already extremely overrated CD named "American Idiot". If a friend has it borrow it if you want to hear it so badly.

Worst band ever? No, but still astoundingly horrible. How can you even justify this purchase? No concievable argument for this album can be made. If Jesus Christ told me he'd give me a night with Sofia vergara if I would just listen to this CD from beginning to end, I would turn him down. Listen to some Jefferson Airplane instead, for your sake and the sake of humanity as a whole.

I disagree with all the reviewers who are giving this CD bad reviews because it doesn't match their definition of 'punk-rock.' I agree that Green Day may not be true punk, like the Clash, the Sex Pistols, or Rancid, but they are still a good band. I, personally, don't care about their classification; I just like their music.

"American Idiot" contains several massive radio hits--"Wake Me Up When September Ends" and "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" to name a couple--and many fun yet meaningful protest and opinion songs, like the title track and "Letterbomb." My personal favorite is the loud and fast-paced "Holiday." You'll probably recognize it from the radio. It's the one that goes "this is the dawning of the rest of our lives, on holiday!"

This is a new album, released in September 2004, so I'd recommend buying "American Idiot" with "International Superhits!"--a collection of the greatest hits from Green Day before this album.