The Blueprint 3 (Deluxe Edition with DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)I think this album is average for me. I only bought this to get the bonus dvd! but, the album got its moments with tracks like "already home", "Empire State of mind", "D.O.A.". am I the only person who isn't feeling "run this town" track?
about the DVD, its only 30mins long and it shows Jigga in his private jet and he is being interviewed while playing pocker. he explains his Blueprints and what motivated him from the 1st to this. Honestly, the interview is good and while he's been inteviewed, you can see the behind the scene of DOA video and clips of live shows.
I was expecting more from the DVD though.

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International superstar and multi-media mogul, JAY-Z confirms the most highly speculated date in recent music history. Friday, September 11, 2009 is the official release date for the eagerly anticipated BLUEPRINT III. The follow up to JAY-Z's instant classic BLUEPRINT (2001) and the critically acclaimed BLUEPRINT II (2002); BLUEPRINT III is the final installment in the BLUEPRINT series. BLUEPRINT III is a Roc Nation / Live Nation release distributed through Atlantic Records. The album's first single "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)" has exploded since it's June release. Performed live on the BET Awards on June 28th, the song's video premiered immediately following the show to great acclaim. Second single "Run This Town" with Rihanna and Kanye West was just serviced to radio.
Track listing:
1. What We Talkin' About (Jay-Z + Luke Steele of Empire Of The Sun)
2. Thank You
3. D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)
4. Run This Town (Jay-Z + Rihanna + Kanye West)
5. Empire State Of Mind (Jay-Z + Alicia Keys)
6. Real As It Gets (Jay-Z + Young Jeezy)
7. On To The Next One (Jay-Z + Swizz Beatz)
8. Off That (Jay-Z + Drake)
9. A Star Is Born (Jay-Z + J. Cole)
10. Venus Vs. Mars
11. Already Home (Jay-Z + Kid Cudi)
12. Hate (Jay-Z + Kanye West)
13. Reminder
14. So Ambitious (Jay-Z + Pharrell)
15. Young Forever (Jay-Z + Mr Hudson)

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Baby Snakes (1979 Film) Review

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(More customer reviews)Being fortunate enough to live and see Zappa live in N.Y. at the Palladium, I have to say that the baby snakes tour was one of the finest shows/Zappa concerts I've seen. I've seen him at a number of venues, from college auditoriums to M.S.G.. Though he has to play fast through his sets in order to play alot of his materiel, the halloween night shows,(all 3 of them) were all spectacular! This was a night not to be missed. And the best of it is all on one album. Buy it! Play it! You'll love it! You will wish you were there. I guarentee it!! MUDSHARK

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No Description Available.Genre: Popular MusicMedia Format: Compact DiskRating: Release Date: 2-MAY-1995

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Spice Girls - Girl Power (Live in Istanbul) (1997) Review

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(More customer reviews)This video is very good for any Spice fan who wants to know more about the girls. The video starts out with a 30 minute interview with the girls. It then goes to the good stuff! The Spice Girls first every concert! It was filmed in Istanbul, Turkey on October 12, 1997 infront of 8,000 fans and millions more through pay-per-view! The BIG flaw of this video is that they edited out half of the concert! Songs on the video are If You Cant Dance, Who Do You Think You Are?, Say You'll Be There, Step To Me, Naked, Two Become One, Spice Up Your Life, Move Over, and finishes with Wannabe. Songs that were edited are Something Kinda Funny, Saturday Night Divas, Stop, Too Much, Love Thing, and Mama. Why did they edit so many songs!A plus though is that Geri is still part of the gang during this concert!

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Los Vaqueros: El Regreso Review

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(More customer reviews)WY never fail, and they did not fail on this album...5 stars well deserved for continuing to drop the best of themselves.

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The second chapter of the Vaqueros saga is here, includes explosive new songs by Latin urban music's biggest duo WISIN & YANDEL as well as collaborations with 50 Cent, T-Pain, Sean Kingston, Tito El Bambino, Cosculluela, Jowell & Randy, Tego Calderon, Alexis & Fido, Franco El Gorilla and more. Includes the first single "ZUN ZUN Rompiendo Caderas", a track that promises to take a hold of radio airwaves and dominate dance-floors throughout the world as well as the street single "No Dejemos Que Se Apague" feat. 50 Cent and T-Pain, an epic track that has the entire urban music scene buzzing. In early 2011, the dynamic duo kicks off the international "El Regreso De Los Vaqueros" tour which will include spectacular performances of the new tracks by Wisin & Yandel as well as special invited guests throughout the US, Puerto Rico and beyond Wisin & Yandel are nominated for 5 Premio Lo Nuestro awards including Artist of The Year, Urban Artist of the Year, Urban Album of the Year, Urban Song of the Year and Collaboration of the Year. The awards ceremony will be broadcast lvie on the Univision network in February. The duo is one of Latin music's most dominant names, having 11 platinum and 8 gold selling albums as well as the most #1's on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay Chart ever. They also hold the record for most #1's by a duo or group on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs Chart.

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Freedom (Tour Edition) (CD + DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)Akon has grown with each new album release, while his sound has evolved to the satisfaction and dissatisfaction of his fans, Freedom will no doubt be remembered as the turning point in Akon's career where he evolves from a hip hop artist to a bonafide entertainer.
Freedom does not contain the harsh or explicit lyrics found in "I Still Kill" or the infamous "I Want to **** You" Instead the album is filled with sounds familiar to "Put the Blame on Me" which was lyrically powered rather than over the top production.
That does not mean there are no upbeat club hits on this album, Troublemaker and Beautiful will keep everyone on the dance floor moving. Akon's previous love ballad "Don't Matter" is replaced with a lyrically driven "Be With You" that possess a crisper production that will no doubt lead to some slower sensual dance moves when the DJ decides to spin the track.
The released singles Right Now and I'm So Paid are great but are drastically different. Freedom plays with this contrast in sound by providing many catchy radio friendly songs that are subtly different but possess deeper lyrics than found in past Akon albums.
With all the radio friendly songs you'll find yourself humming to many of these songs during the day, therefore, making it buy you won't regret this holiday season.

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Exclusive Asian two disc (CD + NTSC/Region 0 DVD) pressing of his 2008 album includes bonus tracks plus a bonus DVD. The CD includes three bonus tracks: 'Be With You' (Asian Version with Will Pan), 'Beautiful' (Reggae Remix with Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall) and 'Sexy Bitch' (Akon and David Guetta). The bonus DVD includes music videos for 'Right Now (Na Na Na)', 'I'm So Paid', 'Beautiful' and 'We Don't Care' plus Home Grown - Webisode and 'Be With You' (Asia Version) EPK. Universal. 2009.

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Road & The Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)Kenny Chesney started out as a great country artist but over the last 3 albums he seemed to take a detour through Margaritaville leaving his country fans to hope that he was still on his way to his next country show. After hearing his latest release 'The Road and the Radio' it looks like the old Kenny is back. There are a couple songs that talk about sand and/or sun but they don't have the island feel that his last 3 albums have had. Personally I'm not a Jimmy Buffett fan so music that resembles it hasn't been my cup of tea. I thoroughly enjoy Kenny's latest work. If you're like me and you missed the old country Kenny you'll enjoy this cd. If you became a fan of Kenny's from his last 3 releases or you liked them better, I still think you'll like this release as while the sound may be more country, the feel is still laid back. Overall 5 stars and I feel an album all of his fans will enjoy.

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Pcd Review

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(More customer reviews)There's an old song that goes something like "Take ten terrific girls but only nine costumes, and you'll have a burlesque show". This song came to mind when I found out that "The Pussycat Dolls" is a very popular burlesque act, which has been hitting the stages of LA and Vegas, in hot spots like Johnny Depp's Viper Room (gratuitous Johnny Depp plug here), The Roxy and Caesars Palace, since 1993.
Led most of the way by Carmen Electra, the group has attracted many guest performers over the years, including Christina Aguilera (why does this not surprise me?), Pamela Anderson (ditto), Christina Applegate, Fergie, Paris Hilton (she's everywhere), Scarlett Johansson, Eva Longoria, Kelly Osborne, Pink, Britney Spears (!), Gwen Stefani and Charlise Theron, among others.
With that kind of "People Magazine"-caliber celebrity attention, it's only natural that a CD would follow, this one fronted by Nicole Scherzinger, a former member of Eden's Crush, who also contributed to Shaggy's new album.
Hot lead off single "Don't Cha" features Buster Rhymes, and teases the male fans with the catchy chorus "Don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?" The second track "Beep" features Will.I.Am of The Black Eyed Peas (another contributor to the Shaggy album), and this one would fit comfortably in any BEP album. The Top Three of the album is completed by "Wait a Minute" featuring Timbaland.
Other tracks to note are - well they all kind of sound alike from here on, except for the covers of "Hot Stuff" and "Tainted Love", which, frankly sound like something from a burlesque show.
This album plays shamelessly on the Dolls' popularity on stage, but there are also two bonus tracks of their soundtrack songs "Sway" (Shall We Dance?), and "We Went as Far as We Felt Like Going" (Shark Tale)
A good album, all things considered, and a likely candidate for a Trivial Pursuit Pop Trivia answer in a future edition. Rated 3.5 starsAmanda Richards, September 29, 2005


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"Inside every woman is a Pussycat Doll," says Robin Antin, the creator of the singing-and-dancing ensemble that has risen from underground cool to major-label hot. "It's about female empowerment, about being confident with who you are.It's about singing and dancing in front of a mirror by yourself and having fun."

With their debut album released by A&M Records in summer 2005 (led by "Don't Cha," a duet with Busta Rhymes, written and produced by Cee-Lo), the Pussycat Dolls go beyond being extraordinarily beautiful. With tremendous voices, and after working with today's top songwriters and producers, the Pussycat Dolls are ready to stamp their mark on music and on attitudes. "To me, a Pussycat Doll is fearless but also vulnerable," says lead singer Nicole Scherzinger. "We're strong but we like to play too.The line in 'Don't Cha'--'don't cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me'--is meant to be empowering. The Pussycat Dolls are not about just being hot but also about saying something with real feeling."

From Scherzinger, who earlier scored a Top 10 album and single while in girl group Eden's Crush, to Jessica Sutta, the one-time captain of the Miami Heat dance troupe; from Carmit Bachar, the La Vida Loca girl on Ricky Martin's world tour, to Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt, two of the most talented young dancers in Hollywood, and Melody Thornton, a stunning singer chosen from an open audition, these Pussycat Dolls are the new incarnation--more contemporary, more street--of the group whose Sunset Strip performances became the hippest ticket in Hollywood.

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Funhouse : 2009, Tour Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I could probably put everything I know about Pink into ... well ... I guess it would be into a single album review. I know her real name is Alecia Moore. I know she burst onto the scene at the same time as a handful of other pop singer/songwriters. I know, for some reason, she hasn't seem to be given the same level of respect as some of her peers (though I've read one "professional" review that already dubbed this her "divorce album," given her recent change of marital status) ... but that could all change with FUNHOUSE. There's a 1960's one-hit wonder quality to the entire album, to every single track, a sound so magically captured in the Tom Hanks film THAT THING YOU DO! It's fun, with a lot of attitude.
So What (5 out ot 5): A perfect gem of a song. When it comes to rockin' pop rhythms with lyrical attitude, Pink clearly commands the lead over her peers with driving songs matched with the killer refrains like that of "So What," a musical shot of adrenaline. Who cares what others say? It in the end it doesn't matter b/c talent & attitude triumphs. Never diss the rock star. Celebrate the self. One of the best tracks here. A hit out of the park!
Sober (4 out of 5): A melancholy rocker, introspective in a way only someone who's looked inside can pen and perform. Personal demons are often driven by the actions of others (bad lovers, bad parents, bad friends, etc.), but only one's self-confidence can help you achieve lasting happiness. "How do I feel this good sober?" Indeed.
I Don't Believe You (5 out of 5): Starts softly and swells in power, much like any individual's soul. Only Pink's trembling & gritty voals can elevate the power to jilted love songs like these. Tragically romantic though the love may have come to an end.
One Foot Wrong (2 out of 5): Is it jazz? Is it electronic? Is that a reggae beat? I'm not too sure what to make of "One Foot Wrong." For the record, there's also a late 60's sound working here. The track feels a bit experimental. If it weren't for Pink's massive voice, then I probably wouldn't much remember this tune.
Please Don't Leave Me (4 out ot 5): Lyrically, the song truly shows Pink's vocal strength, alternating as it does between her contemporary singer and an almost lilting little girl backing "da da da" track. A throwback sound to the teen beach tunes of the 1960's brought forward in time beautifully here.
Bad Influence (5 out of 5): Forgive me if I think that THIS is what Pink does best ... celebrating her own downright sinful badness. Pop/rock with all the attitude you can fit between the start and the finish. Actually, this tune has an odd theatrical quality to it, like it's destined to be featured in a rock movie musical or maybe just a real solid and wicked music video.
Funhouse (5 out of 5): Celebrating annihilation ... complete with its own countdown. "This used to be a funhouse, but now it's full of evil clowns." The title track is exactly the kind of song your grandparents warned you about when they said, "Stop listening to that rock'n'roll ... it's so violent." Yes, it's so deliciously destructive, and it's arguably one of the best tracks here.
Crystal Ball (5 out of 5): Smoky & reserved, it's that other kind of song that Pink does extraordinarily well. Just her voice & a twinkling guitar. Questions about the future abound, but just greet them like you would any challenge, and you'll be fine. Hint: even that crystal ball cracks, folks. Honestly, I could listen to her sing this song and play that guitar softly for hours on end.
Mean (5 out of 5): Pink does southern fried rock like Aerosmith does (and ISN'T that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler singing back-up as he's done with her before?), complete with the blues-backed twangy electric guitars. This is the kind of vocal performance that Grammy's OUGHT to be celebrating. A big (but heartfelt) rock ballad complete with the F word worked in for good measure. "It's like a train wreck trying to hit the right track ..." Asks and tries to answer the question about how, why, when, and where the relationship went wrong.
It's All Your Fault (3 out of 5): It's the kind of track you'll be hearing playing in the background of a Spencer's Gift store for the next six months and always wonder what that's all about. Great driving undercurrent, the kind of track some kids love headbanging to these days. For all its strengths, it's the kind of song whose lyrics either means something to you or they don't.
Ave Mary A (5 out of 5): A flat-out indictment of the world we've created, complete with questioning one's faith alongside with how we got where we are.
Glitter in the Air (5 out of 5): A song that speaks to the simplest, magical pleasures of life, like a child throwing a handful of sparkling glitter into the air. Pink squeezes more depth, passion, and humanity into these four minutes that many of her peers squeeze out of an entire career.
This Is How It Goes Down (5 out of 5)
Sexy, subversive, and sinful, the perfect exclamation point to this visit to the FUNHOUSE. I could've done without the rap interlude by Travis McCoy, but that's only a matter of taste.
Well, after all is said and done, what is Pink's FUNHOUSE? I could be wrong (I've been wrong before), but I think she's singing about life ... the good, the bad, the tragic, the charm, the ecstatic, the love, the loss ... all of it rolled into one is the 'funhouse,' a ride that once we're all on board we have no other choice but to ride it all out ... thru the good times and the not so good times. There's something here for everyone -- much like life -- and no one should walk away disappointed. Musically, this album is absolutely terrific, and, lyrically, it's absolutely top rate. I haven't felt so excited about an artist's total release in an awfully long time, and here's hoping that Pink finds the success she so much deserves with this trip thru her own personal funhouse.

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Korea Edition / CD+DVD / Jewel Case / Disc.1: [CD] 14 Tracks +1 Bonus Track / Disc.2: [DVD] 7 Tracks / Manufactured and Distributed by Sony Music Entertainment Korea / Made in Korea Nov. 2009 / Track List: *Disc. 1 * 01. So What 02. Sober 03. I Don't Believe You 04. One Foot Wrong 05. Please Don't Leave Me 06. Bad Influence 07. Funhouse 08. Crystal Ball 09. Mean 10. It's All Your Fault 11. Ave Mary A 12. Glitter In The Air 13. This Is How It Goes Down 14. Push You Away (Bonus Track) * Disc. 2 (DVD) * 01. So What (Music Video) 02. Funhouse (Music Video) 03. Sober (Music Video) 04. Please Don't Leave Me (Music Video) 05. I Don't Believe You (Live In Australia) 06. Please Don't Leave Me (Live In Australia) 07. So What (Live In Australia)

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The Hello Katy - Australian Tour EP (features mixes/non-album tracks) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this CD as an import a couple of months ago and have been enjoying it ever since. The remixes are a fun change from the original album versions. Originally bought it mainly for the remixes, but the acoustic stuff (non-album tracks) have really grown on me and I enjoy listening to the entire cd straight through. If you are a fan of Katy Perry, you'll probably want to get this CD if you can find it.

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Limited Australian-only CD EP from the American Pop diva, released to coincide with her tour Down Under. Contains eight tracks including remixes of 'Ur So Gay', 'I Kissed A Girl', 'Hot 'N' Cold' and 'Waking Up In Vegas', an acoustic version of 'Thinking Of You' and three non-album tracks: 'Electric Feel', 'Black & Gold' and 'I Think I'm Ready'. Capitol.

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Mika: Live In Cartoon Motion (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Now why can't more music DVD releases feature as much excellent material as featured on this 2007 video release from Casablanca/Universal Republic? Mika's 'Live In Cartoon Motion' not only features a full concert mixed in high quality DTS 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Stereo but also features a number of bonus features exclusive to this DVD release. Here's a breakdown of the tracklisting:
*Live At L'Olympia, Paris - 30th June 2007:
Relax, Take It Easy
Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
My Interpretation
Billy Brown
Any Other World
Stuck In The Middle
Ring Ring
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Holy Johnny
Happy Ending
I Want You Back
Love Today
Grace Kelly
Lollipop
*Bonus Features - Videos:
Grace Kelly
Love Today
Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)
Relax, Take It Easy [French Version]
Happy Ending
Live & Acoustic:
Grace Kelly [Live From 'Later With Jools Holand']
Everybody's Talkin'
Love Today
*Documentary - A Long Way From Home:
Travel with Mika on his world tour in an exclusive never before seen documentary.
The concert is, of course, the main program here. Clocking in at just under 60 minutes 'Live In Cartoon Motion' features live performances of nearly all tracks from the 'Life In Cartoon Motion' album. The only LP tracks not performed in this concert are "Over My Shoulder", a hidden bonus track on the album, and "Erase", an exclusive U.S. album track. "Ring Ring", a bonus cut on a number of editions of the album, makes a welcomed appearance here.
Not only does the program feature a bunch of well known cuts it also features a number of rarities. One of the many highlights of the concert is the exclusive live acoustic performance of "Holy Johnny", which has yet to appear on any other commercial release. I love this track! A low quality performance has been circling the Web for months now, but at last, it's here in full quality audio and high definition video! Additionally, Mika covers Eurythmics' classic "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)" and Jackson 5's "I Want You Back".
All promo music videos are included up to the release of "Happy Ending" in the U.K. Many fans may wonder why the "Relax" video is subtitled "French Version" -- that is because a new U.K. version has been edited as well, featuring not only a slight remix of the track but also live clips from the concert. Furthermore, an animated "Lollipop" video has been cut as well for a U.K. double A-sided single release with "Relax". Unfortunately, neither video made the deadline for this DVD release.
Note that the videos for "Love Today", "Big Girl", and "Happy Ending" feature the exclusive single versions of the tracks, not the original album versions. "Love Today" and "Big Girl" are presented in their U.K. radio edit versions, whereas "Happy Ending" is presented in it's remixed "L.A. Edit" version. The inclusion of these mixes is a bonus for the fans who wish to have these single versions in their collections. As for "Grace Kelly", I recall a different cut of the video with an exclusive intro featuring an acoustic cut of the track playing. However, that intro is not featured here, and the video starts right at the "I wanna talk to you..." vocal.
The sticker on the front of the package states that the disc features 5 acoustic live performances. Unfortunately, Universal was not quite that generous with this release. Still, I'm not complaining! Featured are 3 brilliant acoustic takes, including his first live television performance ("Grace Kelly" at 'Later With Jools Holand'); an exclusive cover of Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin'" (I love his vocal take on this one!); and an over-the-top acoustic version of "Love Today". These acoustic versions again only showcase Mika's enormous talent both in vocal range and in performance. He really is a flawless performer! My only complaint here is that more acoustic cuts weren't included.
The documentary clocks in at about 52 minutes, givings fans access to exclusive interviews, performances, and footage.
Highly recommended!


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Mika's offering, Live In Cartoon Motion, captures the star at his show stopping best, thrilling a sold-out audience of 4,000 fans at France's famed L'Olympia venue.Mika's Live In Cartoon Motion marks the first time the energetic star's lively show has been filmed in its entirety.Directed by Matt Askem (David Bowie, Paul Weller,) it captures Mika's flamboyant stage presence, with the star performing most of the songs from his 3 million selling worldwide debut album Life In Cartoon Motion, including "Relax, Take It Easy," "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)," and the global chart-topping "Grace Kelly." Using 10 cameras and shot in high definition, the DVD also features a documentary chronicling Mika's escapades throughout his much heralded world tour, a highly-raved-about romp that the caused San Francisco Chronicle to proclaim the star "an incredible showman."Nominated for two MTV Europe Music Awards earlier this week, the tireless star will tour Europe this fall, returning to his native England for a series of live shows in late November and early December.

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Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess - Live On Earth (CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)The second official full length concert recording from Jason Mraz, Beautiful Mess is an apt demonstration of his continued growth as an artist and performer. Recorded during the Gratitude Cafe Tour, this CD/DVD set is well suited for new fans and old hats alike.
The setlist, while unsurprisingly heavy on We Sing, We Dance, We Steal things, is well chosen and does a solid job of showcasing Mraz's sound of late and the tour the show was part of. "The Remedy" gets a new Reggae-style arrangement, "Make it Mine" is accompanied by long-time tour intro, and fan-favorite, "Traveler" and "Coyotes" reaches it's full potential as a surprisingly rockin' live jam. The two new tunes, "Sunshine Song" (previously known as "Ray of Sunshine") and "Anything You Want", also offer a promising look at what's to come. There's no pleasing everyone and quibbling over setlist selection is unavoidable but overall I think the set included on Beautiful Mess gets the job done. Although, attendees of the Chicago show will want to take note that half a dozen songs performed the night of the recording didn't make the final cut. Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" and a cover of the Bushwalla tune "Fall Through Glass", which became signatures of the tour are, however, welcome additions. As is the solo performance of "The Boy's Gone" which features Mraz playing to an empty Charter One Pavilion the night before the show was recorded.
Mraz's vocals are characteristically strong and his band top notch. The Grooveline Horns are featured prominently with multiple solos and their own interlude "Copchase". With keyboards, rhythm guitarist, bass, drums and ever-present "vocusionist" Toca Rivera on board, the sound on Beautiful Mess is full and robust but never becomes overbearing or cluttered.
The DVD also contains a pair of featurettes. "Un Beau Desordre" is a mocumentary featuring Mraz and long-time pal/roommate Billy "Bushwalla" Galewood touring Charter One and "overseeing" every part of the show's production. "We Sing, We Dance, We Make Videos" features director Darren Doane and Mraz sharing the story, and behind the scenes footage, of their collaboration on the three videos from the latest album; "I'm Yours", "Make it Mine" and "Lucky".
Beautiful Mess vs. Tonight Not Again
I'm sure there are more than a few folks just discovering Mraz and debating which live DVD they should pick up. To avoid the wholly useless (though completely justified) advice of "get both", I'll offer a bit of comparison. Both shows are enjoyable yet vastly different in both content and production. Sound wise, the significantly smaller Eagles Ballroom gives Tonight Not Again a more intimate feel while the outdoor Charter One Pavilion lends a grander, more expansive tone to Beautiful Mess. Both mixes are high quality, with vocals appropriately up front. The horns play a more prominent role on Beautiful Mess with the Grooveline boys taking a few welcome solos while The Ohio Players appear only on select tracks on Tonight Not Again. I would say that for live DVDs, both shows offer a pretty good balance of crowd noise. That is to say that neither show really suffers from any sort of distracting screaming, though there may be a few debatable moments on Tonight Not Again.
The setlists from the two shows are completely different with the only duplicate song between the two being "The Remedy" which is performed in a completely different style on Beautiful Mess. Both albums reflect the album being toured to support at the time, but Beautiful Mess also offers a couple of new tunes.
Both DVDs contain some fun bonus features. Tonight Not Again features the 20 minute "International So and So" which follows Mraz on part of his world tour as well as a behind the scenes featurette on the taping of the show. Beautiful Mess follows suit with the Mocumentary "Un Beau Desordre" featuring Bushwalla and the featurette We Sing, We Dance, We Make videos. Both will be well worth watching for fans and entertaining at the least for the casually acquainted.
The biggest difference between the two CD/DVDs, other than song content, might be that Tonight Not Again features interspersed interview segments between songs, while Beautiful Mess sticks to just the music. Both shows lack much of the between song banter that's become familiar to Mraz fans but doesn't lend itself well to a live recording.
In general, I'd say that fans of We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things will definitely want to pick up Beautiful Mess if you're interested in hearing those songs fully realized in the live setting or look into Tonight Not Again if you're more interested in hearing what else Mraz has to offer (which is plenty). Past that, comparing the two DVDs really becomes a matter of apples and oranges so flip a coin, pick one up, then save your pennies and grab the other one when you can.

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Jason Mraz follows up his platinum selling 2008 release 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.' with a brand new release, 'JASON MRAZ'S BEAUTIFUL MESS - LIVE ON EARTH' This Live CD/DVD was filmed at Jason's Gratitude Café Tour date at the Charter One Pavilion - Chicago (August 13, 2009). 'JASON MRAZ'S BEAUTIFUL MESS - LIVE ON EARTH' features all of the old favorites as well as the hits Lucky (with a special guest appearance from Colbie Caillat), and I'm Yours from 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.' The DVD, directed by Darren Doane, features the full length concert, never-before-seen bonus footage, and a special mockumentary titled 'un beau desordre'.

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Back to Basics Review

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(More customer reviews)How refreshing to see someone as young as Christina paying respect and tribute to the soul/jazz/blues legends of yesteryear (even though she appears to be confused about the eras. Most of the songs has influences from the 50s, 60s, and 70s and not just the 20s, 30s, and 40s as she claimed). This confusion does not hurt the beauty of this cd. In fact, it allows Christina to offer something to everyone.
On Disc One, Christina joins forces with DJ Premier, Rich Harrison, Kwame, Mark Ronson, Charles Roane, Big Tank and Tony Reyes & Ben H. Allen for an exciting world of R&B, Soul, Hip Hop and some Blues. The songs are either uptempo or midtempo, but Christina commands every lyric and melody. From the churchy "Makes Me Wanna Pray" to the edgy "Here To Stay", Christina holds your attention. Even when she is all about "me" like on interludes F.U.S.S and Intro (Back to Basic), Christina comes across as being true with her emotions. The only song that suffers is "Thank You" which I find rather pointless.
On Disc Two, the show is all about Christina and Linda Perry (who is becoming one of the most important female writers/producers of all time). Songs like the Andrew Sisters-inspired "Candyman", the sexy "Nasty Naughty Boy, and the bluesy "I Got Trouble" are all throwbacks to another era of time. While songs like the pop ballad "Hurt" and the churchy "Mercy On Me" has a modern day twist. Christina really sells these songs but the biggest surprise is the sweet folky "Save Me From Myself" and the 50s pop style "The Right Man". In both songs, you can tell Christina is singing from the heart and to her new husband.
Disc One and Disc Two are actually two seperate albums because they are both very different in styles, but the quality of both cds are high level. The growth from the last cd is clear because the one thing I also noticed is while 'Stripped' concentrated on sound and structure, 'B2B' focus on songs and structures (two totally different concepts). This is also the cd in which Christina leaves behind Britney, Jessica, Lindsey and that crew and join Alicia and Beyonce as the most talented pop female artists of their generation. Wow! She has come a long way from her "Genie" days, let's hope she can continue to grow.
Highlights from the cd:
Back In the Day
Slow Down Baby
Without You
Still Dirrty
Candyman
Hurt
Mercy On Me
Save me From Myself
The Right Man

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Japanese pressing of the highly anticipated two CD 2006 release from Pop diva Christina Aguilera features bonus Enhanced Video material. Christina Aguilera has transformed her image and musical style with every album. With the new Back to Basics album, her musical style has changed from the urban and light rock sounds of Stripped to a soulful and jazz-inspired album. Aguilera has described this album as a soul record combining elements of 1920s, '30s and '40s blues and jazz with modern day influences. The record finds her working with hip-hop producers DJ Premier, Kwame and Mark Ronson for the first time. It will also find her working with Linda Perry, who worked with Aguilera on Stripped (2002). RCA.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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The Imagine Project Review

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(More customer reviews)It's not always projects studded with superstars are artistically frugal and satisfying. But here Herbie Hancock and producer/bassist Larry Klein have collected a host of renowned singers and musicians for a truly creative and impressive album. And a CD with an uplifting message of love, peace and understanding. In many ways refelecting Hancock's years long immersion in Buddhism.
In the vein of Joe Zawinul or Santana this is really a melting pot of world music influences, putting an African spin on the title track, while Dylan's "The Times They Are A changing" is presented as a fascinating mix of Irish - vocalist Lisa Hannigan and The Chieftains - with a surprise African finish by the intricate guitarist Lionel Loueke.
There is pure Brazilian jazz-pop with Céu, a surprisingly psychedelic "Tommorow Never Knows" with Dave Matthews. A grooving take on the old Joe Cocker hit "Space Captain" with Susan Tedeschi and her husband guitar star Derek Trucks . While the closing track "The Song Goes On", recorded in Mumbai, is in a beautiful Indian space, Hancock and old friend Wayne Shorter teaming up with sitar goddess Anoushka Shankar while Chaka Khan and K. S. Chitra shares the vocals.
Pink, Seal, Jeff Beck, Alex Acunã, India.Arie, Marcus Miller, Los Lobos and a host of others contribute to the fun. And lots of praise for Klein's once again superb production: multi layered and crystal clear and yet with a certain warmth and 'live feeling'. And ofc over and around it all the impressive piano and keyboard work of the man himself.

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Herbie Hancock's Imagine Project is an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between music legend Herbie Hancock and a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. It utilizes the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility. The album combines Herbie s genre defying musical vision with the local musical identities of cultures from around the world.Herbie's last two efforts, 2008's Grammy Album of the Year River: The Joni Letters sold over 750,000 units worldwide and 2005's Possibilities sold over one million units INTERNATIONALLY.

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Queen Ida & the Bon Temps Zydeco Band on Tour Review

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(More customer reviews)Simply Awesome... from the first spine chilling notes to the last foot tapping accordian riff, I have enjoyed this CD immesnsly, definately one of my top 5 favorite CD's! Worth the money!!!

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I AM WORLD TOUR Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently attended an exclusive screening of the "I Am... World Tour" in New York City, and let me tell you - it made my YEAR. Not only does the film capture some of the greatest performances of her career, but it also shows intimate behind-the-scenes footage woven into the concert! From the second Beyoncé's concert began, both the London crowd and even us were cheering louder than ever. It seems strange... we treated it like an actual concert. Well, Beyoncé did tell us to when she went on stage just before the screening. Enough of the screening, let's get to the actual film!
Beyoncé gives us her all in this film. Perhaps the true highlights of the concert are the performances of "Crazy in Love" (which had a special appearance from Jay-Z), "Smash into You," "Broken-Hearted Girl," "Ave Maria"... I could list the entire set-list, but that wouldn't be much of a review, would it? In terms of her performance I give a 100 out of 10! :P
As for the editing and all that good stuff, it was also fantastic. Sure, things got a little grainy at times, but what do you expect to see when a camera zooms in? There was also a lot of times I asked myself, "Is Beyoncé the only one on stage?" I'd like to have seen more of her band, dancers, and background singers performing. A perfect example of this was during "Crazy in Love." Just before the song ends, Beyoncé and her dancers do a heavy routine. I just found it strange how we could only see Beyoncé's FACE as she moved.
One other aspect of editing I want to point out is the cuts after pretty much each performance. Beyoncé isn't faster than the speed of light. It takes her time, like anyone else, to change clothing. The instances where her band does solo performances, as well as the Mamas, have been cut. Of course, there are clips from her personal life during these cuts, and I actually attended the concert, so you really shouldn't notice.
I know it seems like I'm talking more about the negative, but I'd be writing a novel if I mentioned all the good... no, GREAT in this film.
All in all, I give the film HIGHER than a perfect score. Editing, maybe a four and fifteen-sixteenths out of five. I don't actually own the DVD, but the main concert itself is all you need for this thing to sell. I'll probably add more to this review once I actually get my hands on the release, but for now, this will do. If the CD, bonus features, and booklet are anything like the film, I'm definitely sold! :D
"If you're having a damn, good time, say 'yeah!'" ~ Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"

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Paul McCartney - Back in the U.S. (Live 2002 Concert Film) (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I got my copy a week early and all I can tell you is that it is the best shot and produced Macca DVD/video to date. The band is strong and does what they need to do. Those who saw the concerts left with a bit of the magic from those shows, and I think they will all be thrilled with the DVD. The song choices are the best that have been released on video yet. You get some of the very best Beatles stuff (we can argue forever on what was left out here) along with the best Wings and solo works. In the end, you only have so much time, but you get a great overview of an amazing career. Paul's voice and playing have never sounded better.
It was way cool to see the sound check stuff with a very relaxed Paul on his Les Paul playing the old Bo Diddley classic, "Bring It To Jerome."
There is a touching tribute to John (Here Today) and George (Something solo on ukele). George was an accomplished ukele player and Paul's tribute is fresh and does not wallow in despair over the very heavy losses through the years.
All I can really say is that this DVD beats all the other McCartney concert DVD's of the past.

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Item Name: Paul McCartney - Back in the U.S. (Live 2002 Concert Film); Studio:Capitol

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Madonna Live-The Virgin Tour (1985) (1985) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Virgin Tour was Madonna's first tour. Not as elaborate as the Who's That Girl?, Blonde Ambition, or The Girlie Show tours were, Virgin tour shows Madonna being completely adorable. She's fun, spunky, and a volumptious. I don't think she was chubby, since weighing 120 pounds is healthy. She had so much life and energy (she never lost either). The opening which is "Dress You Up" works spectacularily. Though we know she's singing about a lover, Madonna dresses up the audience in her show. After that, she sang such songs as "Into The Groove," "Holiday," "Crazy For You," "Like A Virgin," "Material Girl," and a few others. She was really cute in her infamous wedding singing "Like A Virgin." Yep, she was wearing her full "Boy Toy" apparell. The show closed with "Material Girl," her most recent hit at the time. She performed the song in her Marilyn Monroe costume. She threw money out into the audience, and shouted "I don't need money! I need love!"
A fun concert to watch. Also has interview footage. It's a little short though. Too bad it's only 50 minutes long. We're having so much fun, and don't want to stop!
Overall Grade: A+ (10+++)

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