New Wave music reviews

Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann (anyway, -place, -time) was a great hit back in the 80th went top ten for weeks and now...after it went top 10 twice from covers from other artists..NENA covers it herself and brings on KIM WILDE to have a hot 80s duo and believe it or not..europe has one 1 Hit Wonder less.. this track hit number 1 in Holland, Belgium and Austria and top 5 in Germany and Switzerland!! and the funny thing is...this version is just as good..if not better thank to the guitars and colab with Kim Wilde..there should be more of this kind of stuff!!!

I just wish Nena would sing English in the Single "Anyplace" version - why not?
Otherwise, I love the songs. The new version is great. But nothing can beat the old 7 minute original "Anyplace"or "Irgendvie" versions.

Happy listening!

This is the fourth( of five ) single to come out of the album 20 JAHRE NENA: NENA FEAT. NENA( Platinum Edition ). It involves a duet between Nena and Kim Wilde and is a combination of the new version of the German-language original( i.e. "Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann" ) and the new English-language counterpart( i.e. "Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime" ) sung by Nena and Kim, respectively. The radio version of this song features Nena singing part of the English-language counterpart, which does not happen in the album version. If you have not yet purchased the album 20 JAHRE NENA: NENA FEAT. NENA, then this single will also provide you with three tracks from that album:

1. Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime( New Album Version, Nena and Kim Wilde )
2. Irgendwie, irgendwo, irgendwann( New Album Version, Nena solo )
3. Nur getr�umt( New Album Version, Nena solo )

However, the radio version is more than enough reason for me to purchase this single, even after I have already purchased the album. I very highly recommend this single to all who can appreciate really good music.

This was the first Venom album I ever heard-and I HATED IT! But, soon, I began to appreciate Venom's unique musical style. Now I can't get enough of 'em! Black metal would NOT exist if it weren't for Cronos, Mantas & Abaddon. It's that simple. Now on to the album. First, the cover to this CD alone is enough to give a priest a heart attack. It's a leather-bound book with an upside down cross on the front! Second, the songs. The songs are so raw, blasphemous & powerful that there really is no other band on earth that can be compared to Venom. The production on this one is actually a lot better than most of their stuff. The title track, "At War With Satan" is a 20 minute black metal masterpiece that's about Hell going to war with Heaven. In the end, Hell wins. But afterwards, the broken & beaten angels decide it's time for some payback, so the whole war starts up all over again. It never ends. It's too bad Venom never played this live, mainly cause of the length, but it would be awesome if they would. Any other band that tried to do an extra long song like this would probably fail miserably. Venom just did whatever the hell they wanted and if you didn't like it, SCREW YOU! The other songs are great too, although maybe not considered "classics" like some of their others, but who cares?! "Rip Ride" is a good rowdy, faster song; "Genocide" is another powerful song that deserves to be given a few listens; "Cry Wolf" is about somebody turning into a werewolf and being frightened by it, then eventually accepting the "curse"; "Stand Up and Be Counted" is also a great head-banger; "Women Leather & Hell" is kind of typical Venom sleaze. I guess it's about 3 of their favorite things; and finally, "AAAAAARRGHH" is just...bizarre. It's just noise & nonsense. But that's ok. We'll forgive 'em. The bonus tracks are fairly rare, like "The Seven Gates of Hell". This is one of Venom's best set of music & lyrics. The song chugs along at a good speed. It rules! Also worth checking out are "Manitou" & "Lady Lust", yet another piece of sleazy thrashin'. Basically, this is a classic piece of black metal history that deserves to be cranked up extra loud, because there really is no other album like it.

Venom's 3rd album into the darkest depths of hell opens up with the classic 20 minute opus, "At War With Satan." Personally, I think it is one of Venom's greatest songs. There is never a dull moment during this song considering how long it is. Cronos, Mantas and Abbadon let thier imaginations run rampant and there is so much going on throughout the song that you feel you are on a rollercoaster ride. Only in the past couple of years have I seen Venom start to get some recognition and that's sad. If people could look past the satanic imagery and really analyze the music, they would see that Venom is a very talented band doing a lot of stuff way ahead of it's time. If it wasn't for Venom, thier would be no bands like Slayer, Voivod, Mayhem, Emperor, Burzum or even Metallica. All these bands plus countless others cite Venom as an influence. Venom was the building blocks of real heavy metal and they should not be ignored. In my opinion, they are one of the greatest bands that ever came out. At War with Satan is just another classic NWOBHM album that is a must-have in the search for true metal. The remastered version contains a lot of bonus tracks that are very hard to find and are really great. Such as "Lady Lust" and "Warhead" just to name a few. By and large, Venom's At War With Satan is highly recommended in my book. Buy it!!!

This album shows Venom's more complex and ambitious side (as evident in the title track). That song is worth the price of this album alone, giving Venom fans everything they could ask for in a metal epic (Tempo changes that range from fast to slow, good soloing and many different atmospheres making it the most multidimensional Venom song I have ever heard). The rest of the album is composed mainly of cuts that are never really given the credit they deserve. My favorites picked out of that set of songs include "Rip tide", "Genocide", and "Cry wolf". The main bonus treat on this album is the collection of 12" singles never released on the original LP. All six of them are great, but I personally prefer "Warhead", "The seven gates of Hell", and "Woman". This album has received some negative flack for being to ambitious and containing too much filler. People started to ignore this album because of newer acts popping up in the states such as Metallica and Slayer. Personally, I see a point in Venom's career where they were brimming with ideas and were not scared to take chances with their music.

Fischer Z are one of the great all-time forgotten bands and this compilation is an excellent introduction to their work. My first brush with them was many, many years ago when "The Worker" came out as a single. Funnily enough, although it made a great impact on me then, now it turns out to be one of the weaker tracks. John Watts clearly has a superb imagination and the variety of the songs on The Best pays full homage to his talent. What particularly impresses me is how he maintained the quality of Fishcer Z's music over several decades, from songs like Red Skies Over Paradise in the early days to Perfect Day much later on. Now if only they'd re-release Word Salad, the first album, everything would be perfect.

Ever since I directed a video for John Watts single release "Worker" way back when, I have admired his work. He is a brilliant musician and lyricist. Get this album!! Other smart Brit, Steve Harley ("The Cream Of")

Best album ever, gives me shivers down the spine, Fischer Z my life.

This a a good selection and, as always with Billboard, the fidelity is first rate.

But don't buy for the Yes track "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Despite the fact that the CD makes the boastful claim that each track is "Sounding exactly as it did when first released," on "Lonely Heart" the crucial upbeat explosion of an ending--the strongest part of the whole track--is cut, entirely, in favor of a boring slow fade of the song's chorus. Since I never owned the track, my knowledge of it is 100% radio based, showing that Billboard is, shall we say, shading the truth a bit in its claims. In addition to on the original Yes album "90125," you can also find the complete version of the track on Vh1's "The Big 80s: Arena Rock," along with a few other interesting tracks.

But for the other tracks (back to the Billboard 84 CD), I don't hear any problems.


Billboard puts out a good product overall, I also recommend the 1979 disco CD if you like that stuff.

In many ways 1984 was the perfect year. All kinds of pop music were acceptable. Being flashy was cool and still had a few years to grow old, as did Hair Metal (which I still love). I actually think a box set of just '84 hits would do it better justice.

These collections don't have alot of Hard Rock, so Yes' "Owner of A Lonely Heart" is welcome, but it's in a slightly shorter version. Sure it's total pop, but it's harder than most similar stuff. Punk/New Wavers the Romantics mellow out a little with the still rocking "Talking In Your Sleep." Ray Parker's "Ghostbusters" theme was an instance where both the song and the movie were excellent. Denise Williams was a one hit wonder whose infectious dance hit "Let's Hear it for the Boy" can be found here, as well as on the "Footloose" soundtrack. The Pointer Sisters' "Jump for My Love" is close in style. The 3rd female slot here is Tina Turner with her comeback. The somewhat serious "What's love Got to do With It" is another great song. Billy Ocean also has his first hit with the tropical "Caribbean Queen" in a much edited version. The Thompson Twins "Hold Me Now" is a slower pop hit, this album is worth it just for that song.

One nice thing is 2 bands I usually hate have the one song I do like on here. The than seemingly straight George Michael with Wham performed "Wake Me up Before you Go-Go." I feel ridiculous for ever liking it, so it's nice to have it without going through the embarrassment of buying a Wham album. The same can be said for Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon." One of those songs you just kind of sing without even wanting to.

All in all, there's a few missing artists (Cyndi Lauper, Van Halen, Huey Lewis, Springsteen, etc) but what IS here is worth it!

When George Orwell wrote his dystopian classic "1984" (in 1948, of course), I wonder if he ever envisioned Ray Parker, Jr.'s "Ghostbusters"? Just an idle thought. True, you have to put up with Wham!, Culture Club and The Thompson Twins, but you also have Tina Turner asking one of the great musical questions of all time: "What's Love Got to Do With It?" As always, the question is simple: Are there five or more songs on this album you would like to add to your music collection? If so, then you would want to pick this one up. Besides, since this is "Billboard Top Hits: 1984" the math is a lot easier. After all, 2+2=5, War is Peace and Big Brother is Watching.

i am like the music of indochine becouse remenber 80'

I discovered Indochine in the late 80's when I was living in France as a high school student. I had a couple of their singles on 45's and a cassete of "7000 Danses" none of which I can play anymore. For whatever reason, the bug hit me last week and I went searching for Indochine at Amazon et voila, j'achetee "Le Birthday Album". What a wonderful flashback and they still sound awesome. I'll have to discover some of their new music now.

I first discovered Indochine about two years ago from a friend in Lille France. At the beginning, I was just learning French and couldn't understand much of what they were saying. Therefore, I didn't like Indochine very much. But as my French was improving, I listened to them more and I began to appreciate the lead singer's voice and their words. They have a magnificent sound of the early 80s. Their words are pure romanticism (Tes Yeux Noirs is a goods example). Since receiving my first Indochine cd, I have gone on to buy almost all their other albums. So, just listen, go deep, and enjoy!

This CD brings me to (good) tears every time I hear it! The music is beautiful in its simplicity. These are true legends at their finest. The fact that their hearts are open to this wonderful cause only adds to their talent and the strength of the music.

First. It helps if you like acoustic guitar. Second. Even if you don't you won't be able to find any other CD that even comes close to capturing the raw talent of some of today's legends. I can't help thinking that Neil Young tells all of the performers to "keep it simple". Vocals and a guitar work wonders with these kids. Tom Petty's guitar work is astounding, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) vocals are pure, Simon & Garfunkel...wow, Pearl Jam...I'm now a fan, listen closely and Neil say's it best..."Elvis (Costello) you're a genius!", the best song in my opinion is Nils Lofgren. It's simply elegant. I came here to write this because I love music and this is the best album I have EVER purchased! Please Neil...MORE! I'll be sending a donation.

after seeing neil young's 1999 bridge school concert, i listened to this CD and immediately felt like sending $1,000 to the bridge school (if only i could afford it!). seriously, this album is the most excellent collection of artists and their songs that i have heard. most collections are unlistenable after the first listening, but this album can be listened to over and over!

I bought this tape (or rather my parents did for me) while living in England way back in 1982. Although only known for their song "Our House" in the United States it's safe to say that Madness ruled the British charts in the early eighties. Released on the STIFF label in the UK "Complete Madness" represented the best of the band's early work. Songs like "Embarrasment", "Baggy Trousers", and "Night Boat to Cairo" just make me jump around the room playing air saxophone! Full of fun, catchy SKA sounds that Smash Mouth, No Doubt and other imitators only wish they could reproduce. Not for every taste but highly recomended.

This album represents a totally new sound that had not been heard previously.Forget all the other money making "best of's" this is the definitive one.It was released at a pivotal moment at the beginning of the Eighties when Punk was dead and Ska was on its way out.Going far beyond the tedious realm of Ska,Madness infused bouncy rhythms and melody with a cockney humour that became their trademark.

This is a slightly different version of the CD that is available in the UK (well the one i bought at least). The UK has the FULL One Step Beyond starting and song, as well as Our House. All the songs are brilliant, and if you have to own a Madness CD then this is a good one to own, if you can get the UK release, with the Black and White CD then even better.

I ordered a few of her CD's upon Amazon's recommendation. I had never heard of her but liked the samples. Her CD's are some of my favorites to listen to at bedtime or when traveling for relaxation.

I first heard 'Andalusian Dream' on a late night edition of Steven Hill's Hearts of Space. I was so moved by it that as soon as the piece was over I immediately called the radio station in an attempt find out the name of the piece and the composer. Ms. Ciani's collaboration with the Young Russia Orchestra is absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end and has a richness to it that I haven't found on any of her other cd's. All of her music is beautiful but I'm hopeful that she will make another cd like this one soon. Dream Suite was my first encounter with Suzanne Ciani and it has made me and my family fans for life. I agree whole-heartedly with the reviewer from Michigan who said that you can listen to this cd over and over again and never tire of it. I know I never do.

I love this CD. I was looking for soft, easy music for my 6 month old to fall asleep with. I gave this one a chance and I am not disappointed. It is soothing and very relaxing. One of my favorite tracks is "Meeting Mozart". I am now a large Suzanne Ciani fan.

This first volume is nearly flawless in its presentation of ALL the mixes of ALL their singles. Every version you want is here (EXCEPT ONE--read on!), including the 7" mixes and a variety of 12" versions--it's also everything the individual import CD singles for each individual song had PLUS more. Just to clarify for those who have any doubts, here are a couple of things I discovered once I went through this collection.

CD1:
1) Who Needs Love Like That--the "Mexican Mix" is also known as "The Love that Mix" version, and is a bonus track on the Wonderland CD
2) Push Me Shove Me--"Tacos Mix" is also known as the "That Rough and Tumble Mix"

CD2:
1) Heavenly Action--the "Yellow Brick Mix" is also known as "A Divine Mix", plus you get the 7" and extended mix
2) Don't Say No--you get the 7" vocal, 7" instrumental, and the Ruby Red mix, ehich is an extended vocal version

CD3:
1) Oh L'amour--the PWL Funky Sisters mix is the same as the bonus mix on the Wonderland CD
2) Gimme Gimme Gimme--you get both the 7" mix and the 12" version that runs 4:48

CD4:
1) Sometimes---TRAGICALLY, the "Shiver mix" is an EDIT!!! My 12" vinyl version runs 7:30, on this disc, it runs 5:53!!! I don't understand WHY they screwed up on just this ONE single!

CD5:
Nothing to say. This is all the mixes I had of each track, and then some.

I have been an Erasure fan since 1988 when I first heard The Innocents. Yet it wasn't until a friend had me listen to The Two Ring Circus that I became a die-hard fan. Between 1988 and 1996 I bought everything from Erasure I could get my hands on. Vinyl (yes, vinyl), CD's, everything with every remix. It's nice to now have this box set with all the early stuff on 5 CD's. Takes up much less space. And I am anxiously awaiting Box Sets 3 & 4 which are set to be released in October of 2001, I believe. This Box Set is well worth the money and is sure to give hours of listening enjoyment to both those who are already familiar with Erasure and to those who haven't yet been exposed to this very special Duo. I would give a bonus 6th star for packaging alone, if I could. Comes in a compact box with color coordinated CD's and a nice booklet that shows the artwork from the original CD Single (or Vinyl Single) packaging. Very, very nice Box Set!

I found both boxes by accident at a (record store) here in Phoenix. I enjoyed listening to the singles. Most of which I had never heard before. As an avid Erasure fan, I could not find these boxes anywhere prior to finding them a couple of months ago. They are a definite keeper for my collection.

I don't usually write reviews, but felt I needed to bring the rating down on this one to save people some money, great music, but as said in other reviews, the interviews kill it. Stay away.

This is one of the most infuriating albums I have ever purchased. If you're a Madness devotee or completist, then nothing touches this box set for the breadth of material and the rareties. Also, for many years, it was the only place to find classic songs like "Baggy Trousers."

BUT...the interview segments spliced between songs make this album all but unlistenable. The interviews are fascinating ONCE, but after that, you'd probably prefer to skip them. Which is when you encounter the first problem: the interview are appended to the individual tracks. For example, "Baggy Trousers" ends, but before you can listen to the next track, you have to listen to a minute of blather.

Worse than this tho', the interviews fade in OVER THE TOP of the songs. So "Grey Day" still has 20 seconds to go, but the interview portion has already started! This happens on all the classic tracks: "Baggy Trousers", "Grey Day", "Sun & the Rain." These are the members of the band TALKING OVER THE TOP OF THE SONGS!! It's insane! Even if you wanted to make your own CDR or iPod compilation of this album, it's impossible, because people are talking over the music!

Unless you absolutely have to have this album, AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS!

Box sets can always lead to frustration when oddities, rare or live cuts stop the goodness dead. That doesn't happen here because an oddity for Madness is fairly incredible. This box set includes every single wonderful moment that you could possibly want in one fell swoop.

However, I'm docking it a notch because of the interview segments placed before/after songs. You cannot program out the interviews because they are attached to the same track. Interesting the first time you listen, but after that it's incredibly frustrating. And to make matters worse the majority of the interview clips are spread out over the first two discs... which happens to include the best songs. It would have been MUCH better if the folks who compiled this box would have put the interview segments on the end of the 3rd disc. If you don't think this will bother you then go ahead and buy this baby... it's filled cover to cover with amazing music.