American Alternative music reviews

This is the first and only (?) dinosaur album. The songs on here were great it went from slow to fast. I like all the songs on here I think out of all the dinosaur jr albums this one has the best vocals and songwriting. But it wouldnt be until 1987 when the band would change thier name to dinosaur jr and rip apart the indie scene with thier next cd your living all over me. The songs on here are the type of songs you can enjoy at any time of day. The songa on here are like easy jam songs like something led zepplin would do, in some cases J mascis sounds a bit like neil young. My all time fave on this album had to be severed lips that song is amazing its not fast and not slow its a song you can bop your head to. My least fave was pointless while pointless is fast punkish song its just J and lou (I think) shouting were starving. Anyways if your new to dinsaur jr dont get this one first its not the type of dinosaur jr that you think, it doesnt sound like thier stuff from your livin all over me or bug and isnt near their stuff from where you been. So buy this if you want a completely different dinosaur jr. Also get your living all over and bug.

Despite crappy recording quality this CD is a standout. This CD contains J's best lyrics and music, it's much better than anything else they've ever done. This is the definitive Dinosaur Jr. CD, it's usually hard to find, but it's definitely worth searching for. Get it as soon as possible.

You cannot beat this album! If you are a dinosaur fan and do not own this, do it now! Going throughout life without hearing the beauty of dinosaur at their finest is a crying shame.

A recent rediscovery of Sheryl Crow's music has made me appreciate it more than I think I ever did. This time last year I was besotted with the woman, but then throughout this year as I explored different artists such as Bjork and Tori Amos, she kind of faded into the background. However, I popped in her self-titled sophomore album the other week and was thrilled to rediscover that the freshness of her music has survived until this very day from way back in the mid-90's. That second album followed the multi-platinum "Tuesday Night Music Club," and contained some of Sheryl's most recognisable hit singles, such as "Home," "A Change Would Do You Good" and "If It Makes You Happy." There was another song that was also released from the album which became another big hit, and is quite possibly my favourite song from the whole album.

That song is "Everyday Is A Winding Road." I remember hearing this song way back in 1996 when I was just 9 years old and really loving it. I thought it was so catchy and wonderful, and my feelings have stayed the same more than 8 years later. The song opens with some unusual drum work that seems to be trying to get a clear reception, before it eventually does. The guitars then start playing over the top of the drums and Sheryl starts singing the first verse, "I hitched a ride with a vending machine repair man. He said he's been down this road more than twice. He was high on intellectualism. I've never been there but the brochure looks nice." Sheryl then sings the bridge, "Jump in, let's go. Lay back, enjoy the show. Everybody gets high, everybody gets low. These are the days when anything goes." She then sings the chorus, "Everyday is a winding road. I get a little bit closer. Everyday is a faded sign. I get a little bit closer to feeling fine."

Sheryl then starts singing the second verse, "He's got a daughter he calls Easter. She was born on a Tuesday night. I'm just wondering why I feel so all alone. Why I'm a stranger in my own life." Sheryl then repeats the bridge before singing the chorus for a second time, before a funky instrumental section breaks out. The guitars go all loopy and psychedelic before Sheryl brings the song back down with the third verse, "I've been swimming in a sea of anarchy. I've been living on coffee and nicotine. I've been wondering if all the things I've seen were ever real, were ever really happening (were ever really happening)." Sheryl them repeats the chorus a few more times until the song gradually fades out and ends.

I'm not sure if a video was made for this song because I haven't seen one. Overall this a smashing song from Sheryl Crow and one of her all-time best in my opinion. Songs like this remind me why I loved the music of the 90's because it was new, fresh and exciting. At least for me anyway! This song made me take a chance on a Sheryl Crow album and a year later I have her entire back catalogue! A great song in my opinion, and more than worthy of total praise.

Why buy this? It's one of her best works yet, her catchiest single to date, great mixture of usual Sheryl Crow guitars with a wide range of drums and other instruments from all-over the world, lyrics are something that everyone can relate to, topped the GA chart, but mainly because, well, it's Sheryl Crow!

First off, there are 4 songs on this album- not 2. they are- 1. Everyday is a winding road 2. Sad, sad world 3. In need 4. I am tempted to say, standing on the outside (live...it is about 7 minutes long)

I am a devout Sheryl Crow fan, and I really think that she is one of the best artists of the nineties. This single proves it. My favorite Sheryl crow song is In need...becasue of the beuatiful lyrics and accompanyment. I reccommend this to anyone who likes Sheryl crow and would lke to hear some non album tracks.

Girls and boys, I' d like to take my own liberty in nominating the single " Everything You Want " in these three categories as follows: Record of The Year ( Honor and talent recognition go to artist and producer ), Song of The Year ( Honor and talent recoginition go to songwriter ) and Pop-rock Performance by Duo or Group ( Looking on the positive side, a few more category nomination is also possible, thanks to the new nomination system set up several years ago )

Reasons I personally nominate this number 01 single as previously stated include but is not limited to the creativity in it, artistic talents, overall performances, popularity rank created by public, et al .

Most of us will crave for more of those hypnotizing spellbound sequencings haunted all over this pop-rock number with the semi-surreal style of lyric writing, the catchy melodic tunes and the performing talents, et al.

Finally, this has become their breaktrough after all those years and a few moderately successful albums, proving that hard work and positive thinking make it possible and ......big !!!

You can' t run, you can' t hide, and you can't fly, so why not stay here with me in this sweet fifth dimension, namely, Vertical Horizon......We can be here together for a big worthwhile, babyyy.

As for as I am concerned this is the song of the year. It's still one of my favorite songs and it's been playing on radio for most of the year! The track listings above aren't what you get though on the single you get the radio mix of EYW and a song from a previous live album.

This is the best single ever! I really love this song. In the single,there's also an extra song called 'The Man Who Would Be Santa' which is also good. Go ahead and buy it. The moment you listen to this CD,you definitely will know it's "everything you want"

You have to love this set. You just put it in the driveway, pour some lighter fluid on it, drop the match and watch it burn baby burn!

Man, if only all music this agonizing came in these wooden boxes. They real make immolating the thing a pleasure. Much better than those fast burning cardboard boxes.

The beautiful sound of the recorder or piccolo in the morning, with birds chirping. That is the sound you hear throughout the boxed set of Fresh Aire 1-8. This constant mood of relaxation with a kick of rock is a true hit. I urge you to purchase this item. It is worth it.----KWZ

Excellent collection of Mannheim Steamroller selections. Of particular note is Vol 8. This music has a beat that makes it outstanding for either casual listening or to accompany a serious aerobic exercise. I walk for 1.5 hours daily and this is my most recent choice for brisk walking.

For good or ill, Barkmarket had been known and lumped in with the very loud groups of their era: Shellac, Helmet, Melvins, Jesus Lizard, Earth. Smart guys all, characterized by sophisticated guitarists taking unique and brutal approaches to "simple" three-chord music. Sardy & Co. were at once more melodic and atonal than those above, and markedly different. Along comes Gimmick, an astounding, densely layered wash of words, feedback, hammered trash cans, and guitars. It is rare indeed when a band with this many good ideas is also so well-focused. Think late '60's Magic Band, mid-'70's King Crimson, or Tom Waits's Black Rider: brilliant songcraft, large dark spaces with a million well-executed details, epic and confident. In this case, pile irony upon irony and a goodly dose of homicidal rage. In short, a power trio at the top of their game. Buy two.

This album is an absolute must for anyone who thinks they are into alternative rock / metal. Trust me, if you havent heard Barkmarket, then you havent heard alternative! Gimmick begins by taking the inside of your head apart with crushing, driving riffs, hard but considered vocals, and some of the craziest lyrics ever written- "Is this the point I'm supposed to thank you? / fine as bricks in walls around you / The big eye on the back of the breadline / tied in debts direct to all you broke" answers on a post card please! However the best thing about this album is its staying power, the songs are all powerful, almost exhausting in their intensity, but are all varied enough to stay interesting and just cry out to be heard again. David Sardy, lead singer and producer of Barkmarket is an unsung genius, Working with and producing many artists that have achieved chart status (including Mel B! though I think we should keep that a secret.) Once you have descovered really how great Barkmarket are, I can also recommend L. Ron, Trust me, you wont be disappointed.

Simply the best aggresive album of the decade. -No other band can generate a sound like this. -This band knows how to create mood, and make you feel it. -Even the jaws of pretentious jazz musicians drop when they try to figure out these tunes.

Please buy this album

This is one of the best bands I've ever had the privilege to hear "live". Their bluesy, hard rock, melodic, crunching, ripping, high-energy sound is a welcome departure from today's over-commericalized "pop-rock" clones.

I was privileged to see and meet this wonderful cast of characters a few years ago when they were pre-Rollins "Mother Superior" playing in small bars like Whitey's Place in Monterey, CA. Their "live" sound was always too much and their Marshall stacks too loud for the pop-rock pansies who were looking for a toned down rock band where they could enjoy a beer and talk amongst themselves. Boy were people surprised when they lit it up at Whitey's Place!! I've always been in awe of their sound, lyrics and creative style and Jim's guitars are incredible, always! One of rocks best kept secrets... no more secrets! let's get the word out!!! This guys rock like nobody's business!

Just saw these guys live a week ago. This band rocked the show. They did a 45 minute set that blew me away. Then came back and did an hour and a half as Rollins Band. I enjoyed there first set so much it hasn't left the cd player for a week. Check out track 3, best song I've heard in a looooong time. Maybe radio will discover what music could be if DJ's listened to this.

If you like blues rock, get this one. They are up there with The Expierience in terms of blues rock. This album made me think so. Everyone in the band can play thier instruments very well and sing even better. This is one album I can listen to all day. Mother Superior compares to hendrix (the guitarist isn't as good as Mr. Hendrix though) but they have more of a blues sound in every song. Get this album before the other three though. They can't compare to this one. Bottom line... this is one of the best cds in my collection and I think everyone who is a rock fan should own it.

This album is incredible. I absolutley adore it. I think that our of all of the Albums Rustic has put out this is my second favorite. The songs are all great and can be listened to over and over and over again. It is an intense album that keeps me in a good mood whenever listening to it. The sound that Rustic makes is truly original and deserves to be noted. This is an excellent album.

If you are looking for some relaxing rythems, this is not your bag baby. These beats will keep you on your feet from dusk to dawn. The sounds of the horns will hit you right in the gut. The Overtones are a good mixture of Louisanna bluez, Maceo Parker funk, and Frank Sinatra heart! Don't hesitate - buy it!

Saw them live at the beir haus in New Hampshire and they kicked alot of but. I met a couple of the band members and they were very nice fellows. I'm loooking forward to them being rock and roll stars, I think they deserve it.

I have been a fan for quite some time. I have all but one of their CD's and love listening to every track. This is my favorite so far. The music is great to dance and sing to but also nice to just have playing as background during your day. Great mixture. Falling Again is so perfect for how you feel when you are going to the bar after a break up.

"Wakeland is one of the best bands I know of. I love all of their CD's, especially this one. If you want to know more about Wakeland, visit my Wakeland website at:

I have listened to Wakeland since I first saw them at the Deep Ellum arts festival forever and a day ago. Each time I see them, and hear their new material, they seem to get better every time. This album is wonderful! The songs I find most harmonically pleasing are "Falling Again," "Julia Cries," and "Half of You."

Abandon Jalopy's mercy is not a CD to be taken lightly.
As most reviewers stated Brad Smith is indeed late of Blind Melon, one of , if not the most underappreciated bands of the 90's.
Smith's vocal range/ability is a bit of a distraction on the disk. Though he hits his notes just fine and attempts some very unique stuff his voice, despite all the years of experience, doesn't project particularly well and I wonder if this has more to do with the original recording process than anything else. This will not impede your enjoyment of the music whatsoever, I guess I was just a bit shocked either by the mix or the ability, I don't know which.
Still, Smith delivers a record that is quite unlike anything currently being done while being refreshingly loyal to his southern roots and sensabilities. It is obvious where much of what I consider to be the 'overblown' B.M. arrangements comes from, Smith reaches far often going from quiet guitar introspection to grandiose orchestra arrangements and back again without even a change in tempo. This may result in music that's a bit schizophrenic at times, and may alienate listeners who are more 'hook prone'.
I must admit that I am slowly, but surely, ingesting the disk. Not everything blew me away at first listen, but the disk is slowly revealing itself and the journey seems well worth it. Smith uses very unique phrases and lyrics, peppered with wry humor and honest observation. I wish Brad had included a few liner notes regarding each song, it's genesis and all. Smith strikes me as the type of guy you'd love to spend an evening talking with, much in the same way Hoon seemed to connect with people on a very real/genuine level.
Be aware however, that this Cd as a musical statement, is all Brad, and though a few ex Meloner's appear as well as others, the disk definitely has a 'solo' tone throughout.
I wouldn't count on any tour to support it, though if he does I'm there!

Since I was on tour 2 years ago, I've been hooked on Abandon Jalopy. Of course, I was already a fan of Blind Melon, and I believe that Brad Smith is one of the greatest rock bassists/multi-instrumentalists out there-but I didn't EVER expect for Abandon Jalopy to be half of Blind Melon. Blown away by the sample I heard on their former website, I played it over and over-"Wake Up Bradley"...(that particular song is not on this album, but I hope it's on a future album). So my inroduction to Abandon Jalopy was nothing on the album here being reviewed.
Nontheless, I bought the album and EVERY SINGLE SONG was damned amazing:) For those who are musicians, this album is filled with tasty licks, amazing fills, and all around great musicianship. And for those unfortunate enough to not be musicians, this album is great for the lyrics and wonderful for any occassion. I could sit here and recommend certain tracks, but then again, I would just be listing off every track lol.
Not only does Brad Smith deliver his talents, but he also has the help of the remaining members of Blind Melon (RIP, Shannon Hoon). And since Blind Melon, as a whole and as one, was a group of amazing musicians and 2 guitarists that didn't step all over eachother, this album is a continuation of what could've would've should've been done with Blind Melon...but of course with the morbid twist.
When, oh when, will Abandon Jalopy go on tour?!?!?!

I was always a Blind Melon fan, but admittidly I didnt know much of the personal other than Shannon Hoon. I assumed he was the driving creative force behind Blind Melon. After listening to Mercy, now I can hear the contributions Brad Smith made to that band. This disc will certainly satisfy Blind Melon fans as all of that bands wonderful quirkiness is found here. Trippy lyrics,great guitar playing, and just unususal arraangments make this a great follow up to Soup. To me this is better than the Unified Therory disc, but I havent heard that one as much. But all in all this disc is highly reccommended by myself, and Im sure other Blind Melon fans will love it.

Forget all the other applause and accolades you see in the other reviews--this is Dag Nasy at their worst and that's actually and understatement. If "Can I Say" is early emo and "Wig Out At Denkos" is overwrought emo though not a total waste "Field Day" is absolute crap. Husker Du pulled off pop within a punk format---Dag Nasty come off like amatuers and should have stuck with what they started on the first album--including Dave Smalley. Don't waste your money kiddies--this ain't old school punk--emo or whatever--its junk--overwrought--junk.

By the time "Field Day" was released in 1988, Dag Nasty was a much different band to say the least. This clearly shows on the album; the band by this time boasted only one original member (Brian Baker), and a much different sound than on previous efforts. On first listen, one might be tempted to dismiss "Field Day" as perhaps their worst album (as I did, I must admit), but such assertions ignore the fact that this is simply a whole different album. "Field Day" boasts not so much an emo sound, but rather (and dare I say) a blues-rock/metal sound, as is evident on songs like "13 Seconds Under Water" and "Dear Mrs. Touma". "Field Day" also boasts a remake of the Dag Nasty classic "Under Your Influence", which is another example of the more hard rock sound that Dag Nasty had developed for themselves. All in all, just a solid rock album.

Would I recommend this to anyone just getting into DN, though? Not likely.

Field Day is an outstanding pop/punk record that set the bar high for the countless imitators who came in Dag Nasty's wake. For one, the level of musicianship is remarkable for guys barely in their twenties in a genre not noted for the musical chops of its players. Brian Baker practically invents the pop/punk guitar vocabulary on this one--his changes/solos/accents are executed with real originality and panache. The rhythm section is also outstanding with tight drumming and bass playing. And the vocals are raggedly endearing without pretension or bs; they capture a real sense of what's it's like to be teetering in that odd place between teenager and adult. If this classic had been released in the early '90s, it would have sold millions. Forget Green Day, Field Day is your ticket.