Carman Live: Raising the Standard Review

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(More customer reviews)Carman never ceases to amaze me with his charisma and his beautiful voice. The fact that he uses his musical talent to preach the word of God to teenagers, and adults alike is amazing.
This musical video is truly uplifting. The videos go hand in hand with the songs that he sings in them. My favorite song/video is "America Again," and "Great God" which was filmed in the United Kingdom. I've yet to see other christian videos as beautifully put together as these two.
I can't wait to purchase other videos that Carman has filmed. His songs are very inspirational and thought provoking. Although some songs seem to be too preachy, his message comes across loud and clear: God is a great God, we need God in America again, and we need to serve the Lord.

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Christmas Songs by Jars of Clay Review

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(More customer reviews)Anytime I hear of an artist recording a Christmas album, I become slightly nauseous. How many renditions of "Winter Wonderland" can one generation drivel out?
I was, to say the least, apprehensive when I heard that Jars of Clay would be making a Christmas album. When the album became available, I listened with hesitation. What I found was pleasantly original and surprising. In a culture saturated on the bubble-gum Christmas-spirit, "Christmas Songs" restores a sense of mystery and depth that has been lost. What is most refreshing is the effectively balanced range of territory that is covered on the album. It is serious without being grave; it is fun without being flippant; it is experimental without being disoriented; and it is traditional without feeling stringent.
One of the most surprising gems on the album is the completely reconstructed carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem." The melodies are hauntingly beautiful and permeate the song with an ethereal quality that brings out an appropriate sense of wonder incubated in the idea of the Incarnation.
The album harks back to the 50s with "Hibernation Day", a fun original contribution by Jars about being snowed in with the one you love and is tinged with just the right amount of nostalgia to make even the most calloused of lovers feel at least a little sappy and long for a time out of mind.
Other highlights include a rendition of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime", "Love Came Down At Christmas", and the two instrumental pieces "Winter Skin" and "Evergreen" which bring a mood of enchantment to the album.
Drawbacks to the album are that it can be somewhat too meditative in areas. The second half of the album is much slower-paced and while that works well for the most part, it can start to feel monotonous at times. And although a great Christmas record, it feels somewhat out of place to think of it playing in the background on Christmas Day. But this is probably true for any Christmas album put out by a recording artist. Part of what makes any song about Christmas feel timeless and universal is, to me, a sense of anonymity as to who is singing the tune. But this criticism may be too personal. The overall drawbacks are minimal and significantly outweighed by the diversity and creativity of the rest of the album. All in all, Jars have succeeded in creating an excellent traditional, and yet modern Christmas album. You will definitely get your money's worth.

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2007 holiday release from the Alternative Christian rockers. Their 10th album overall, this multi-platinum and Grammy-winning Nashville-based band serve up a stocking full of traditional and original Christmas tunes. 14 tracks including 'God Rest, Ye Merry Gentlemen', 'Gabriel's Message', 'Wonderful Christmastime', 'O Little Town Of Bethlehem' and more. RCA.

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Both Sides Review

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(More customer reviews)I remember when Both Sides came out in November of 1993. The record company didn't promote it and neither did VH1 or MTV. When I listened to it, I thought this is Phil Collins at his most serious. It seems to me that Phil was trying to say something without the typical humor he uses. This cd flopped commercially and critically, the first Phil Collins cd to do so. Perhaps it is because the nature of the music is so serious. I happen to like it when an artist bares his soul, and Phil did an excellent job here. I have all of his solo cds and all of Genesis' cds as well, and I have to say that Both Sides is probably Phil's best solo cd. Sure, No Jacket Required has all the hits and is very well produced. Sure, Face Value and Hello, I Must Be Going are very good cds as well, but Both Sides touches an emotional nerve that those others do not. Listen to the intimacy Phil exudes on such songs as "Can't Turn Back The Years" and "I've Forgotten Everything." Listen to the messages imbedded in "Both Sides Of The Story" and "We're Sons Of Our Fathers." I can't think of Phil being so honest with his feelings as he is on this album. It's not the typical, uptempo Phil that most fans enjoy, it's more mature and painful. It sure is a better buy than his 1996 cd Dance Into The Light. Both Sides is a must have for any rock collector.

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A Momentary Lapse of Reason Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the first post-Waters album released by Pink Floyd. How good this actually is really depends on who you talk to. Clearly the band lost a monstrous talent when Roger Waters decided to leave. His lyrical and conceptual ideas, as well as his sense for dramatic presentation (both on stage and on record), are unmatched. Pink Floyd became the band that it is in large part because of Waters. Equally responsible for their direction and success, however, is David Gilmour. He is a masterful musician and a brilliantly passionate guitarist who has helped shape the band with his unparalleled playing. Arguably it was Gilmour's emotional guitar and musical talent that gave power to Waters' words. Though noone can dispute the vital contributions both Rick Wright and Nick Mason made to help forge the band (nor founder Syd Barrett who laid the template for the rest to follow), most would certainly agree that Gilmour and Waters have always been the main driving force.
Now where does all this leave A Momentary Lapse Of Reason? With Waters gone, obviously a large portion of the chemistry that spawned such classics as Animals and Wish You Were Here is missing. The band's direction and approach to writing would naturally have to adapt, in much the same way they had to adapt after Barrett's departure. Lyrically the album is weak in spots. It contains no conceptual thread nor does it even begin to approach Roger's level of clever wordplay and stinging sarcasm. The lyrics are more poetic generalities than they are deeply held convictions. That being said, this album is a gorgeous work of music that, in certain ways, harkens back to Wish You Were Here and Meddle. Sounding like neither, but capturing the spirit of both, A Momentary Lapse Of Reason is absolutely a return to form. Without Roger's lyrical genius, Dave wisely focused on HIS strengths and passion: the music. From the chilling instrumental opener Signs Of Life, to the glorious raging darkness of the album's closer Sorrow, this is Pink Floyd in all their musical glory. The album has a dark haunting quality to it, each song moving through several interesting parts that never sound dull or forced. The beauty of this band's sound has always been that it's very visual and evocative. This album certainly delivers that. In particular the last half is one phenomenal stretch of spine-tingling music. Keyboards, drums, bass, and the occasional saxophone blend wonderfully with sinister sound effects to create beautiful soundscapes - and Gilmour's spectacular guitar slashes, cries, whispers, screams, and howls throughout the entire journey. It is a ride worth taking.
As you read through many of these other reviews, it's obvious that alot of people feel very strongly that this is not a Pink Floyd record. I understand but disagree. As much as the band had a right to carry on after Barrett left, clearly the band had a right to continue after Waters. Arguing over the "authenticity" of this album (and all those that followed without Waters) is pointless, as every listener has his or her own idea as to what Pink Floyd is to them. To put it simply, if you feel that the lyrical and conceptual content of Pink Floyd is undeniably the most important aspect to you, then you're probably better off passing this up. At the very least borrow a copy before you buy it. However if the music of this band is what has always moved you, then you're going to love this. Roger Waters may have left, but Pink Floyd remains.

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Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. 2008.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Agent Provacateur Review

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(More customer reviews)Agent Provocateur(1984). Foreigner's fifth studio album.
After the band's pinnacle release of the "4" album in 1981, Foreigner decided to implement more keyboards into their traditional classic rock sound, and came off with Agent Provocateur three years later. While not the huge success that "4" was, it did spawn the band a couple of chart topping classics in the form of "That Was Yesterday" and the famous ballad "I Want To Know What Love Is". The rest of the album measures up very nicely as well. Most fans tend to only look at the softer Foreigner material from the 80's, but the period did also sport numerous rockers. Foreigner is generally a band which critics love to hate, but why is this album still loved by many fans? Let's see:
1) Tooth And Nail- Excellent mid-paced rocker which kicks off the album. Comparable to some of the band's earlier material. 9/10
2) That Was Yesterday- The album's sleeper hit, a very melodic mid-paced semi-ballad, which contains a strong synth melody. Excellent. 10/10
3) I Want To Know What Love Is- Foreigner's very first #1 single. A slow ballad which builds up the background vocals as the chorus draws in. Nicely done. 10/10
4) Growing Up The Hard Way- One of my two favorite rockers off the album. Mostly a synth/rock number, but it's still very underrated in Foreigner's catalogue. 10/10
5) Reaction To Action- My other favorite rocker here. The keyboards take backseat to an all out classic electric guitar anthem. Also very underrated. 10/10
6) Stranger In My Own House- Here's where the album takes a slight downhill turn. This song is slower, but still rocking, similar to what the band Loverboy would do. 8/10
7) Love In Vain- Another mid-paced keyboard driven tune, almost like the track "Growing Up The Hard Way". Very catchy. 9/10
8) Down On Love- This track is more of an optimistic ballad, which stands out a little from some of Foreigner's sad ballads. Not bad. 8/10
9) Two Different Worlds- Yet another ballad, but more mellow like "I Want To Know What Love Is". Good, but not outstanding. 8/10
10) She's Too Tough- The album closes with a faster pop rock track which also sounds like a Loverboy song. Upbeat and catchy. 9/10
Overall, Agent Provocateur is a noteworthy Foreigner album, which gets 4.5 stars. It may not be as hard rocking as some of their earlier 70's albums, but it is still a strong collection of rockers and ballads which offer a bit of variety throughout the disc. If you're just a casual fan getting into Foreigner, I recommend listening to "4" first, and then proceeding onto this album and the others. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Also, check out their 1987 album, Inside Information.

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Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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Speaking Louder Than Before Review

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(More customer reviews)Jeremy Camp has experienced the depth of God's mercy after losing his first wife Melissa to cancer. His debut album Stay featured songs expressing Jeremy's reliance on God including I Still Believe and Walk By Faith which hooked me immediately because they are so personal and biblical. Jeremy has gone on to become a best-selling artist with hit songs Take You Back, Let It Fade and Give You Glory and for me each album has improved on telling that personal faith journey that Jeremy is walking, particularly since marriage to his wife Adrienne, also an accomplished artist formerly in the band The Benjamin Gate and now solo with a great album of her own, Don't Wait by Adie.
Speaking Louder Than Before, Jeremy's newest album has a cohesiveness and maturity that I can hear in every song. The opener Slow Down Time has a Brit-Rock feel with a piano-driven intro and the theme is great in our fast-paced society. There Will Be A Day is one of the best songs Jeremy has ever recorded with these amazing lyrics: There will be a day with no more tears no more pain and no more fears, There will be a day when the burdens of this place will be no more, We'll see Jesus face to face, But until that day we'll hold on to you always. There's a great mix of uptempo songs such as Capture Me and the great title track and some reflective ballads including You Will Be There and the closing song Surrender. For me, this album is top 10 of 2008.


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Speaking Louder Than Before is sure to be one of 2008/2009 Christian Music's biggest releases- Produced by Grammy & Dove Award winning producer Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W Smith). CD unlocks 40 minutes of downloadable "video devotionals" where Jeremy will address each song on the album with music and application.

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A New Hallelujah Review

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(More customer reviews)I am not the biggest Michael W. Smith fan. I like him, just not the biggest fan of his music. I attended his concert with Steven Curtis Chapman last week in Omaha. Maybe it was the concert, but I was blown away with him. I love worship music, true worship music sung by people who worship from the heart. This cd is wonderful, a true worship setting. I would rank this as one of the best live worship cd's I have heard, and I prefer this better than his first two. If you want music you can worship to, this is it.

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Recorded live on June 20, 2008 in Houston, Texas with more than 12,000 worshippers in attendance.Artist, composer, author and worship leader Michael W. Smith recorded his third highly-anticipated worship album A New Hallelujah featuring Israel Houghton, the world renowned African Children's Choir, an incredible young worship leader names Coalo Zamorano and a 250 voice choir elevated the songs to amazing moments of praise and worship.

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Hearts on the Line (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Having bought many folk/country music DVDs, I didn't know what to expect here... sometimes the quality isn't great. This one, however, blew me away! There are 10 Tom Russell classics and five new unreleased songs. Everything about it is top notch... from the performances to the video and sound quality. This is more of a concert DVD than a film about the train, but you still get to hear a lot of stuff about Tom Russell's background and songwriting style. The train trip is icing on the cake. If you've never seen Tom Russell live, this is a great introduction. His personality and humor shine through. Andrew Hardin's amazing guitar playing is also showcased. Highly recommended!

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During the last three years, Tom Russell has presided over an annual cross-Canada train trip that features himself and guitarist Andrew Hardin, along with special guests, staging daily performances on the train, as well as full concerts in Vancouver and Toronto at the beginning and end of the trip. Hearts on the Line documents the 2004 trip.

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U2: Vertigo//2005 - Live from Chicago (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)The standard DVD version comes with a "super jewel box", which is similar to a CD jewel case but in DVD format. The "Deluxe Edition" will probably come with the usual digipack cover which we are familiar with from the Boston and Slane Castle DVD.
The booklet contains 14 pages and is provided with live pictures of the band. The first two pages cover all Vertigo tour logos like a wallpaper: From the red "V" up to the atomic bomb which we all know from the merchandising items of the tour, it's all there. Page by page you will find words which, when put together, contain the message: "Don't become a monster in order to defeat a monster". The style of the booklet (with hand-drawn circles) and the cover paintings are similar to the "Deluxe Edition" of 'How to dismantle an atomic bomb'. Unfortunately the booklet does not live up to expectations and is scanty, containing 5 pictures and 10 words as well as some credits. We are curious to see whether the "Deluxe Edition" booklet provides the same. If so, that would be very disappointing.

The Content
The DVD is a mix of the Chicago concerts (dating 9th and 10th of May) from the Vertigo tour. The footage used comes primarily from the 10th of May (Bono's birthday), though there are some exceptions. The setlists of those two nights are almost identical with only the final song being different ('40' on the 9th and 'Vertigo' on the 10th; '40' was used for the DVD). The recording is almost complete with only 'Party Girl' missing on the DVD, which was played on both nights. The concert starts off with a very short 'Wake up' from Arcade Fire and segues into 'Everyone', which was used as the 1st leg intro.
On the bright side the DVD doesn't contain any copyright statements so you are able to start right away with the concert when putting it in a DVD player. Needless to say the DVD menu contains options for sound settings as well as a track selection. The duration of the DVD is 2 hours 19 minutes, which is unusually long for U2 standards.
The Concert
U2 are playing in one of their favorite towns and you can tell. The four boys from Ireland seem very relaxed and are on fire performance wise. Especially Bono is full of energy, something one or the other might have missed during the EU concerts. There's no doubt that the B-Man pulls off a great show on his birthday, interacting and joking often with the crowd. Adam is full of smiles (no suprises there) but even Larry is caught with a smirk here and there. The crowd seems to be into this one as well: Driven by the birthday boy the fans pull off a far better performance than one might be used to from the American crowd.
The concert seems unedited: Bono's (long) speeches are included, as are most of the snippets ('Wake up', 'Bullet with butterfly wings', 'No regrets', and 'When Johnny comes marching home')! Only downer: There's no 'Blackbird' at the end of 'Beautiful day' and 'I can see for miles' during 'The Electric Co.'. Both weren't snippeted on the 10th, which is probably the reason they're missing on the DVD. No doubt that U2's own songs are on this one though: 'Stories for boys', 'Cry' and the small 'Please' snippet from 'Bullet the blue sky' are all included.
Something that is far more noticeable than on previous U2 live-recordings is that flaws from the band aren't edited out (Choosing to film both nights was not for nothing). Therefore you'll hear Edge making mistakes at times ('Miracle Drug' solo, start of '40', and 'Mysterious Ways' solo) and Bono mixing up some lyrics ('Love and Peace or Else' and 'Yahweh'), which makes the whole thing more likable and authentic. That's probably what the people in charge were thinking and, for instance, decided to go with an 'Elevation' version on the DVD where Bono is clearly struggling with a "frog in the throat". All in all the right decision not to make the convulsive attempt to make a perfect live recording (e.g. Popmart, where some flaws where edited). Mistakes are part of it - keep it that way.
The Picture
Short summary: It is a typical Hamish Hamilton production. Whether that's a good or a bad thing is naturally a matter of opinion. Once again there are many fast cuts mixed with lots of spontaneous zooming in. Hamilton also suprises with some new camera angles, e.g. one camera which provides a bird's eye view over the main stage. This produces some nice close-ups on Edge's equipment and foot pedals. Larry (more precisely: Larry's cymbals) also gets lots of attention from the camera while shots of the whole main stage remain a rarity. People who didn't like the Boston DVD because of its stage-direction aren't gonna be great fans of this one neither, there are plenty of (often blurry) close-ups of hands, guitars and the drums.
Some of the shots were made on same height as the GA fans, which leads to many waving hands (including countless mobile telephones) being shown in the foreground. Some (light)-effects, which should add a certain creativity to the shooting, are rather disturbing at some points.
Besides all this it has to be said that the recording seems far more lively this time compared to Hamiltons Boston production.
Some dodgy cuts are again subject to criticism:
- There is almost no pause between 'Vertigo' and 'Elevation', with only 2 seconds elapsing between those tracks. You see Edge changing his guitar in one scene while the intro-riff is already starting; next thing you know Edge is standing in front of the microphone.
- During 'Elevation' you see (at least once clearly!) that picture and sound don't match! Min:sec 13:52 - 13:54 - You hear Bono singing the 'Elevation' intro, but not so in the cut.
The video format is 16:9.

The Sound
The DVD is again released in 3 different sound formats: PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1. A detailled report to the sound quality will be available very soon.
The Extras
Unfortunately the double DVD isn't available yet. We will report about the extras as soon as we get it. You can see some screenshots of the menus. They are all animated and there is some sound in the background.


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"U2 Vertigo//2005" is without doubt the hottest tour of the year!! Ticket demand has been phenomenal and by the end of 2005 U2 will have played to 3.25 million people!"Vertigo//2005, U2 Live From Chicago" the DVD captures this unique experience.The DVD features 23 electric performances, with songs drawn from across the bands entire career - from first album fan favorites such as "Electric Co," through U2 classics such as "Pride...," "New Years Day" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" and right up to date with "Vertigo" the smash hit that launched this years #1 studio album "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb."Directed by Hamish HamiltonDVD TRACK LISTING 1. City of Blinding Lights 2. Vertigo 3. Elevation 4. Cry/Electric Co. 5. An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart 6. Beautiful Day 7. New Year’s Day 8. Miracle Drug 9. Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own 10. Love and Peace or Else 11. Sunday Bloody Sunday 12. Bullet The Blue Sky 13. Running To Standstill 14. Pride In The Name Of Love 15. Where The Streets Have No Name 16. One 17. Zoo Station 18. The Fly 19. Mysterious Ways 20. All Because Of You 21. Original Of The Species 22. Yahweh 23. 40***This Limited Edition Double Disc Set comes in special packaging and includes a bonus second disc featuring a ‘behind-the-scenes’ documentary as well as other exclusive unseen performance elements.***

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