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Ashley Wiley - 02/09/2010
AMAZING!!! Big disturbed fan. love this album and could guarantee you will to ;)
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Ashley Wiley - 02/09/2010
Being a huge Disturbed fan i will try not to be biased towards this album, but i feel this is better than their down with the sickness album which for me would take some doing. this album to me is one of those rare albums that every track on there you like even if you have not heard it before. Every track is quality and souns amazing!!! I really recomend this album to anyone and everyone. I love it :) I cant think of anything bad about it
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Kev - 31/08/2010
A punning title is rarely a good sign with an album but most will forgive The Low Anthem this time because 'Oh My God, Charlie Darwin' is a stunning record. Soaked in classic americana combining folk, gospel, Appalachian spirituals, blues, country, rock and even a hint of jazz this is no piece of nostalgia but an absolutely vital and contemporary mix. Very loosely themed around Charles Darwin the record is a critique of 'the survival of the fittest' and a paean to community and love. Starting with the clear falsetto and hymnal-like title song and the even more beautiful 'To Ohio' and 'Ticket Taker' the Anthem then completely wrong foot listeners with the ferocious Tom Waits stomp of 'The Horizon is a beltway'. OMGCD continues switching back and forth between musical styles, between seriousness and joy, between pain and love, all the time combining the three members voices in incredible harmonies.
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Liam Cromar - 31/08/2010
You could be excused for thinking that this is your typical late-career release of a sad has-been artist desperately trying to cling on to some semblance of relevance by surrounding himself with a bevy of famous names. You'd also be wrong. Last Man Standing, while it's not without its low points, is worth much more than a cursory listen.
For a start, this isn't a pretentious, overblown album, full of overwrought, moody, end-of-life folk songs. Nor is it a radically new direction for the ivory-thumper. No, it's a joyful run through a good number (21!) of familiar and not-so-familiar numbers in traditional rock 'n' roll style. It doesn't take itself too seriously (after all, who else but Jerry Lee would dare to open with such a crazy cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Rock And Roll' with Jimmy Page in the studio at the time?), and yet through it all, one gets the impression that Jerry Lee Lewis is taking the opportunity to have a slightly wry look and laugh at the past antics of his 60-plus years of music.
One could go on to list some of the big names that appear on the record to stimulate interest in the album, but that would really be an insult to JLL, and I'm not going to: the Killer still knocks 'em dead.
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Aaron Morris - 22/08/2010
An absolute masterpiece, Ludovico never fails to impress with his relaxing classical piano. This CD has been used so many times I'm beginning to think I should buy another because I know I'm going to wear out my first copy. If you buy this CD than I can guarantee that you will be relaxed without a care in the world by the time you've listened to it. Overall an absolutely fantastic album yet again from the master that is Ludovico Einaudi. Keep them coming
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Editor - 20/08/2010
I have just finished listening to the album for the first time and I have ordered it straight away. I am definitely going to be looking for concert tickets when they tour. It is brilliant - I love every song. The Final Frontier is a much more philosophical album than we are used to, and in my opinion moves the band into the same league as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, the influence of which is apparent in the style. Although never a fan of Iron Maiden prior to the Final Frontier, I have respected their talent; in future I will describe myself as a fan - much to the amusement of my teenage children. I promise a more comprehensive review following delivery of the album.
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Phil - 13/08/2010
This is an album for the heart of a worshipper. It is a worshippers album. the words are poignant and resonates in the spirit. The backing vocals for certain songs doesn't wow or blow me away. However i would like to hightlight individually they are incredible talented, which is highlighted in the final song.
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Laura - 10/08/2010
I really love this cd. All the songs are really catchy. Most of them have a storyline to them. I do not regret buying this cd. Money well spent!
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Sue Peters - 02/08/2010
While not all of the songs can be considered totally punk (Blondie's Denis for instance) this is a pretty good introduction to the genre or a reminder of past punk favourites. The Sex Pistols are noticeable only by their absence, which is a shame, but if you want a good head banging session this is a good album for the job.
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Kevin Ryan - 31/07/2010
In these times when every third-rate act seems to be hyped and blogged to death it is still occasionally possible for a major talent to go largely overlooked. Despite being one of the late John Peel's favourite artists and a major influence on the currently fashionable Laura Marling, Nina Nastasia still seems to slip under most people's radar.
Outlaster is Nina's sixth album and in some ways it's more of the same. Steve Albini's sensitive production again creates a sense of space for Nina's remarkable voice to shine. There are the same small but powerful stories with lyrics that sound like snatches of overheard conversations that seem to subtly change their meaning each time you hear them. What is new is the addition of woodwind, horns and string accompaniment. The effect is sometimes lush, sometimes disorientating and dramatic but never overwhelming - there is a more gothic, melodramatic feel to the record but it is still recognisably Nina Nastasia. The album works as a complete piece but there is plenty of variation and several standout tracks - the opening 'Cry, Cry, Baby' is a wonderful slow-burner with a glorious emotive swooping vocal; 'This Familiar Way' reinvents the tango; and 'You Can Take Your Time' is lilting understatedness. Maybe Nina Nastasia is never destined to become flavour of the month but perhaps that's not a bad thing. Those lucky ones who do find 'Outlaster' will surely end up hugging this album close.
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Rachel - 29/07/2010
This is a great buy for any Justin Bieber fan, it has a range of different sounds from Justin. There is plenty of emotion from the songs and some are relatable to a lot of teenagers.
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Oscar Huckle - 29/07/2010
Having truly adored their previous albums, I recently bought, 'The Seldom Seen Kid' by Elbow and I can honestly say that I have listened only to this CD very frequently. Guy Garvey (lead singer) truly has an excellent voice. This album is simply beautiful and is sheer perfection because the quality of the music shows that the band have obviously spent a long time to perfect this album. The lyrics are extremely unique (they aren't like most other bands which their lyrics mostly rhyme) and most, if not all songs are close to perfection.
The album opens with, 'Starlings'. This is a great song with loud horns sounding quite frequently throughout the five minute breathtaking experience. Most of this song is instrumental, so the band don't show their quality of lyrics just yet. Trust me, the best is still to come!!! The next single is, 'The Bones of You', a really catchy song and is heavily supported by its outstanding chorus. The next song is, 'Mirrorball'. This one is beautiful. I love it: it's very light and peaceful, it makes you feel like you are in a spa centre with some music in the background. Simply harmonic. The first promotional single for this album, 'Grounds for Divorce' has secured a spot on the album. It is really catchy and packs a punch and has a steady beat. Brilliant, one of the best on the album. The lead single of the album often proves to be one of the best on an album in this case it was, 'Grounds for Divorce'. Next is, 'Audience with the Pope', which is a good song and has a great chorus. I especially love the guitar solo which guitarist Mark Potter has performed. The next song on the album is, 'Weather To Fly', another good song though not as good as others on the album. Don't get me wrong, this song is worthy to be on the album, but it doesn't live up to the reputation the other songs possess.
However, the next song on the CD, 'The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver' is utter rubbish. This record should not be on the album. It lacks originality for me because the guitars and drums are too loud and even screeching at times and Guy Garvey's voice is hard to hear for me. The song is also too long and when it's already disappointing, an over five minutes song is somewhat unbearable to listen to. Shame, it had potential. Elbow are back on track with the next song, 'The Fix'. For me, this is one of the very best records on the album, the instruments are very good and once again, Mark Potter displays he is a very good guitarist. After that song, next is, 'Some Riot'. It is a very quiet piece of music with Guy Garvey (lead singer) having an opportunity to show that he can sing very well, in fact his singing is tremendous from my point of view. Very good song! Next is, 'One Day Like This' and for me this is the piece de resistance, the cherry on top. Fantastic lyrics and music for the instruments. This is true music for the ears. Marvellous!!! No wonder this was released as the second promotional single for the album and again, one of the lead singles proves to be one of, if not the best on the album. The penultimate song of the album is called, 'Friend of Ours'. Bryan Glancy was a friend of the band and his nickname given by the lead singer's father was the 'Seldom Seen Kid' hence the naming of the album. 'Friend of Ours' is clearly dedicated to Bryan's memory. The actual song is magnificent. I love the violins in this and once again, the lead singer proves to be amazing. The very last song is a bonus track, 'We're Away'. This song is very quiet, so you will need to turn your CD player up a tad to hear this I think. This song is only with a piano and a quiet beat from the drums and is not pumped up with electric guitars like other songs from this album and most other songs by different bands. (e.g Muse, Kaiser Chiefs, The Killers etc....) Good stuff it is!!!
This album is magnificent and in my opinion, is one of the very best I have ever heard. It truly deserved its BRIT award that it received for Best British Group from the 2009 awards. It was a shame it didn't win any more, but in my opinion, people nowadays are too busy listening to Alicia Keys, Muse, Jay-Z etc.... and forget about bands like Elbow who are truly accomplished, not making a business from rapping, beatboxing etc..... Well Done! I bow to you for I have been impressed with your fourth album released. Perhaps another Elbow treat is on the way...........?
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A Ramm - 27/07/2010
Well, they say about the blues that "if you ain't never had 'em/I hope you never will". But, quite frankly, I envy you if you are approaching this set for the first time - and really you could choose any selection of pre-war country blues & make this statement - because you will be astonished by the material therein. They also say "the blues ain't nothing but a low-down shakin' chill" - but you'll find on this disc that there is a whole lot more to it than that. Enjoy.
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Gary Dicks - 25/07/2010
Danish producer Trentemoller's 'Last Resort' was, thankfully, not an accurate description of his work. Right from the outset, 'Take Me Into Your Skin' shows just how talented Mr. Trentemoller is at making music. The record then takes the listener through various realms of his musical mind, though never straying from his signature sound. Dubstep, electronica, techno and more are encapsulated in this record and could easily get any open-minded individual into these genres.
Luckily, 'Last Resort' was not Trentemoller's last resort, but a good introduction to his work.
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Gabbie Chase - 21/07/2010
Now 76 is the best "Now that's what I call music" ever both CDs have all the songs of the summer on it, I enjoy listening to every single one.
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Sean Anderson - 29/06/2010
A truly classic album from the legendary Stevie Wonder, who recently appeared at Glastonbury in fine form, 'Songs in the Key of Life' is exactly what it says on the tin.
From the first track, Wonder leads you through a musical journey of life, featuring love, religion, simple pleasures and social injustice. Some tracks will sadden you such as the introspective 'Village Ghetto Land' with its beautiful string melody and others such as 'Sir Duke' and 'I Wish' will get anyone up on a dance floor, with the former a tribute to groundbreaking black music and the latter an insight into Stevie Wonder's background; there is a real sense of optimism here and making the most of life. However, one of my favourites on the first part of the album is 'Knocks Me Off My Feet' because of its intimacy and the charming way in which the chords build up in the chorus.
The range of styles across the album continues to impress, including the unique and slightly sinister sound of 'Pastime Paradise', which was later adapted to 'Gangsters' Paradise'.
While this album undoubtedly has its imperfections as do most (including perhaps slightly awkward lyrics in places if one really wants to nit-pick), its beauty lies in its honest sentiments. A listen to this album captivates the imagination well and is a rewarding experience.
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Neil Davies - 29/06/2010
Although Intriguer is Crowded House's second offering since their return in 2007, it should be said that it is truly the first, given that Time on Earth was originally intended to be a Neil Finn solo album.
Intriguer still carries the delicate, sometimes sombre lilt which has become a solo Finn trademark, but given the benefit of several listens, atmospheric hints of Together Alone are evident. While not as instantly catchy as Woodface or Temple Of Low Men, the song writing remains just as incisive and intimate.
The album kicks off with the first single release, Saturday Sun. Production quality is high, and features a vocoder on Finn's voice which delivers an ethereal finish. The album goes on to further tune-smithery highs with the One-Nil-esque Archer's Arrows, and then the sublime Amsterdam; the latter providing possibly the high point of the record with a breath-taking, instantly memorable chorus into which is woven the true Crowded House DNA. The flow of the album continues with the mesmerising beauty of Falling Dove, the pop hooks of Twice If You're Lucky and the punchy rock of Inside Out - very different songs which manage to retain the feel of a very cohesive record.
Neil Finn is unquestionably one of the very finest songwriter of his, or any other generation. Lyrics which can be as comfortably whistfull as they can be moving sit on masterfully crafted compositions. His endurance over a 30 year career is evident on this record - his standards are as high as they ever were.
With time, Intriguer could be regarded by long standing Crowded House fans as one of their finest recordings.
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Rhys - 24/06/2010
From 'What Up Gangsta' to begin with, just to blow your brains, to 'Back Down' to finish you off smiling, this album packs a punch, but a punch you love, and can't wait for the next. Maybe 50 Cent's triumph, it even came from a pretty good film. All round pretty much amazing.
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ESTHER WALL - 15/06/2010
Once again a talented album from KT. Great lyrics that are realistic and humorous.
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ESTHER WALL - 15/06/2010
A 90's classic dance album. Billie Ray Martin's unusual vocal sounds - just makes it that bit different to anything else at that time.