Sound + Vision Review

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(More customer reviews)The problem with this box set is that it is neither a greatest hits collection nor a rarities one. The first edition was released in 1989 as a sort of sampler for the upcoming Rykodisc reissues. Ryko probably chose not to include the best tracks to avoid hurting the sales of the individual albums, when they came out. Yet, at a time when the CD format was booming and the RCA albums had been long out of print, fans were hungry for Bowie's 70's material on CD. So this set was welcomed at the time even though it was a seemingly random selection of tracks with a few rarities thrown in for good measure. These rarities would not reappear as bonus tracks on the regular releases, so they were the very reason for buying and keeping this set.
Now that the original albums have been reissued to death, this box set is released again. It includes a fourth CD and adds a few more rarities to make it desirable even to those who had bought the original edition. But the "mixed bag" concept is still there and it is totally pointless, now. I'm not complaining about the rarities, but they should have gone for an entirely different approach instead of just releasing an expanded edition of the old box. So casual fans beware: this is by no means a "definitive" Bowie compilation. Apart from the rarities, tracks seem to have been chosen by luck of the draw.

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Replicas Redux Review

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(More customer reviews)The 30th anniversary re-release of Replicas is a treat, offering the original versions of the album and b-sides from this era, as well as 'early versions' of the same material.
Interestingly, Disc 1 does not include all of the original b-sides, not sure why. It's missing original versions of The Crazies, Only A Downstat, and We Have A Technical, which are available on the previous Beggars Banquet re-issues of the album. Interesting gap. Disc 2, meanwhile, contains early versions of these songs, as well as the other b-sides, in addition to the album. The early versions are a real treat, remastered and crystal clear. Nothing is drastically different, but different enough to be very enjoyable for the fan, with extra instrumentation in some cases, and even more synths. Numan's unique voice is also mixed differently, giving the tracks a different feel.
Numan himself is selling a limited edition of this album through his own website, which contains a third disc of remixes and yet more early versions. That's the version to get as it has the most material for a few bucks more. (It has four additional early versions, and two Renegade Soundwave remixes).
The whole thing holds up remarkably well 30 years later, combining guitars and early synths with Numan's effortless ability to generate hooks and catchy tunes. Inspired by Philip K. Dick novels and sci-fi comic books, Numan was doing his own thing right from the teenage years, and he continues to be influential to legions of artists, yet he still doesn't get the due he deserves. Highly recommended rock album.

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In early 2008 Gary Numan celebrates his 30th year in music and turns 50. To celebrate this, the pioneering electronic album Replicas will be re-issued as Gary Numan & Tubeway Army - Replicas Redux on February 25, 2008. The album includes the breakthrough single 'Are 'Friends' Electric?', which gave Numan his first simultaneous Number 1 single and album when Replicas joined it at the top of the charts a few weeks later. 'Are 'Friends' Electric?' originally charted as a picture disc and Beggars Banquet are promising a very limited edition picture disc of the track plus 'Down In The Park' as the flipside as recognition that both songs have remained influential for three decades. The new Redux re-issue also features for the first time a complete earlier version of the Replicas album recorded in late 1978 and January 1979, along with the original B-sides and further out-takes, adding up to 27 tracks across the two CDs.

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Marilyn Manson - God Is in the T.V. (1999) Review

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(More customer reviews)This features all of Mr. Manson's music videos from Portrait of An American Family (1994), Antichrist Superstar (1996), Mechanical Animals (1998) and then it features live footage from the Rock is Dead tour with the band Hole (1999). All of the music videos included are played from the most recent to the earliest recorded. The videos are Coma White, Rock is Dead, I Don't like the Drugs, Dope Show, Man That You Fear, Cryptorchid, Tourniquet, Beautiful People, Sweet Dreams, Lunchbox and Get Your Gun. Coma White features Manson being the President, and tragically being shot in a JFK reenactment. Rock is Dead is just of a live performance of the band. I Don't like the Drugs is a comical with several Jerry Springerish parodies. Dope Show has Manson in his suit with breasts, and a live performance of the band. Man That You Fear has Manson as a condemned man who is going to be stoned to death. Cryptorchid features footage of death and decrepit things, hence why it was not on MTV. Tourniquet is just odd having several rotten things and insects. The video for Beautiful People has Manson on stilts dressed in all white. Sweet Dreams is more artistic than anything else. Lunchbox features a roller rink and a kid holding a lunchbox wanting to be a rock star. Get Your Guy is very dark and menacing with a live performance from the band. As for the live footage, it's the same old stuff, concert footage with behind the scenes shenanigans.

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Condition Critical Review

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(More customer reviews)Condition Critical was Quiet Riot's follow-up to their multi million selling METAL HEALTH record. This record sold decent, about 1.5 million in the states, but not nearly as much as its precedor. I do feel, however, that this album is superior to METAL HEALTH. I still dont' have the CD, only the vinyl, but it is great. the first side is great. Sign of the Times, Party All Night, and Winners Take All are among the highlights. The second side has 2 great catchy songs: Red Alert and We were born to Rock. However, you can't forget the "hidden gem" on this record, which is the title track. If you are a fan of early 80s commercial metal, and you liked the songs on METAL HEALTH, pick this one up. You are in for a real treat!

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Theatre of Pain Review

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(More customer reviews)Although this was the album that rocketed Motley Crue up to the top of the charts in 1985, I just can't get it. Considering its two predessesors are two of the greatest albums known to man, this one should be, too. But it's not. It is MUCH lighter and pop-oriented than Shout At The Devil, and it just doesn't have that Motley Crue sound that they used before and later. And also, this is some sort of a concept album I believe, but I just acn't get the concept. One song they are singing about gambling and money, they next they are talking about the the pains of going on tour. I just don't understand much of it. City Boy Blues, Smokin' In the Boys Room and Louder Than hell are great, but a lot of it is filler. If you are just a casual fan, stay away from this one.

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Girls, Girls, Girls Review

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(More customer reviews)When it was the late 80's,no matter what year it was-a hair band would show up EVERY day-some of which included Slaughter(although their first album did not come out until early 1990),Warrant,Poison,Def Leppard,etc.and of course,Motley Crue. Even though their third album,"Theatre Of Pain"(1985)had had the hit songs/singles "Smokin' In The Boys Room"(which was not an original song by the group,it was a cover song)and the lovely ballad "Home Sweet Home"(this was an original song by the group),things were changing for The Crue-and not in a good way. Even though "Theatre Of Pain"went gold,a lot of Crue fans had a negative reaction to it(it wasn't bad but it wasn't great either)and not only that,by the time it had been released,Vince Neil,Nikki Sixx,Tommy Lee,and Mick Mars had all become druggies and alcoholics(Vince Neil even served time in jail around that point because of drunk driving and manslaughter)-which meant that The Crue were going to have to pull themselves together and make a new album,which would become "Girls,Girls,Girls". Would it be any good? Read on for my review of this:
This CD is defnitely a fine hour in the classic era of Motley Crue,and it was a big step up from "Theatre Of Pain".The songwriting here was also a bit of a step up for The Crue compared to the material they had written and recorded for "Too Fast For Love" and "Shout At The Devil". The opening track,"Wild Side",is very cool and tough and kind of sounds like a lighter version of Quinten Tarantino's classic "Pulp Fiction" film if it was a song and not a film,the title track rocks,and other highlights to be found here are "Five Years Dead","All In The Name Of...",and "You're All I Need",which has really pretty music(there is even a piano on this track)and lyrics(deep and good ones)which are similiar to the lyrics of Aerosmith's classic "Janie's Got A Gun" song,even though the lyrics to this song are a different concept then that song(Janie).
All of Motley Crue's albums have been re-issued(that was around 2003)and because of that,this album is a great album made even greater. There are expanded liner notes,the CD is enhanced and features the "Girls,Girls,Girls"music video on there,and five bonus tracks were included here:the live version of "All In The Name Of...",instrumentals for "Wild Side",the title track on this album,and "Nona",as well as a demo for a song that was never released at all:"Rodeo".
This album is definitely,without question,one of Motley Crue's best albums,and also one of the best hair metal records. The title track did not get overplayed like some people thought Warrant's "Cherry Pie" song did(it(Cherry Pie)maybe got overplayed a little but it was a great song/album also)so that helped the album and Motley Crue stay around. Like I already said,the guys in Motley Crue all worked harder on this record then they had on "Theatre Of Pain"(again,not a bad record,but not outstanding either)so sit back,relax,crank it up,and enjoy a great record by a first rate hair metal group:Motley Crue.

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Carnival of Sins: Live (Exco) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's missing a guitar solo and a drum solo. But, since Mick doesn't have a solo on the Carnival tour and Tommy's solo is only entertaining to Tommy (on this tour), it makes sense. I've heard others complain about the sound on this live release but, I think the sound is alright. It's actually pretty raw with the exception of Vince's vocals (overdubs). But, if you love Vince's singing like I love Vince's singing, then you know that it's all for the best (lol). This band has always been best served live and this 2 disc release isn't bad at all. Also, stay away from the U.S. version of this live release (thru Wal-Mart). It is censored and that means a whole lot of beeping during some of Vince's stage rants which makes the rants themselves even more annoying than usual.

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Import only Explicit Version. Recorded live on location at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan April 27th, 2005; M"tley Cre's Carnival of Sins is the live concert of their sold out Red, White & Cre world wide tour. Featuring their greatest hits as well as new songs. M"tley Cre delivers the concert that Rock `N' Roll has been waiting for. 2006.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Dangerous Toys: Greatest Hits Live Review

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(More customer reviews)After ten years together, Dangerous Toys released this (their first) live album in 1999. The full title is 'Vitamins and Crash Helmets Tour: Greatest Hits Live.' This disc is chock full of Dangerous Toys classics and some little-heard gems. Deadline Records, who doesn't have the greatest of reputations, did a truly outstanding job here. Hats off to the label and band for producing this compilation.
The liner notes and cover art are both great, both of which have come to be expected from Dangerous Toys over the years. It is explained where and when these tracks were recorded, which is a plus. These live recordings are taken from all over the place, between 1989 and 1995. For the most part, the tracks go in chronological order.
The track listing here is a good representation of the Dangerous Toys catalog and then some. You may find at least a couple songs that you had forgotten about. All four studio albums are represented with the bulk of the material being taken from the first two releases ('s/t' and 'Hellacious Acres'). It was nice to see two tracks each from the lesser known independent releases, 'Pissed' (1994) and 'R-Tist 4-Merly Known As Dangerous Toys' (1995). The song "Dangerous Toys", which closes the album is a previously unreleased track, done live, and serves as a nice treat for the diehard fan. Rumor has it that the song "Dangerous Toys", which had been lying around unused, was later adapted into the song "Demon Bell" for the 1989 movie soundtrack of 'Shocker.'
Soundwise, the recordings are a mixed bag. The later day recordings actually sound very good, but many of the earlier tracks don't have the same sound quality. Some of you may remember that this same live version of "Scared" (from Boston) was widely used on a nationally syndicated rock/metal radio show many years ago. Regardless of the sound, which delves into bootleg quality at times, the band sounds like a well-oiled machine and generally delivers with each and every song they perform. While I hate to do it, it is necessary to remove a star from the final score because this is from scattered shows and not one live set. It also doesn't help that some tracks were not mixed very well, not the fault of the band. The best way to listen to this album is on a stereo or some good headphones.
This isn't something that will serve as an introduction to the band. A new listener will want to start with one of the studio albums, preferably the self-titled debut. However, if you've already been a loyal member of the Dangerous Toys fanbase, you can't afford to pass this one up.


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1999 release, the first ever live album by this '80s glam metal band from Texas. Completely uncut and uncensored, it features the MTV classics 'Scared' & 'Teas'n Pleas'n' and the unreleased bonus track 'Dangerous Toys'. 18 tracks total, all recorded during their 'Vitamins And Crash Helmets Tour'.

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Too Fast for Love Review

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(More customer reviews)Motley Crue's "Too Fast for Love" (1982) is one of the band's finest albums, as well as one of their most overlooked. Originally released independently in 1981, the album was remixed and released the following year on Elektra Records. Although the Crue wouldn't break through and hit it big until the following year with their landmark "Shout at the Devil," (1983) "Too Fast for Love" remains a cult/fan favorite.
"Too Fast for Love" does and does not have the Crue's sound that most people are familiar with. "Too Fast for Love," although quite pop sounding at times, does not sound like a pop-metal album, the way their other 80s albums do. While it certainly has the classic Motley Crue sound and feel; these songs sound rawer, more punkish, than the bands later work. Overall it is the band's least commercial, least polished album. Comparatively speaking, "Too Fast for Love" is like a diamond in the rough.
While "Dr. Feelgood" (1989) is a great album, no doubt, the songs are sophomoric and tailor-made for MTV. Although "Dr. Feelgood" is a definitive album from that era, it's somewhat contrived. "Too Fast for Love," in contrast, sounds far more dangerous, genuine, and lived in. When the band recorded "Dr. Feelgood," they were complacent multi-millionaires and on top of the rock world. When the band recorded "Too Fast for Love" they were struggling and hungry. The songs on "Too Fast for Love" reflect that.
While most Motley Crue albums have four or five very strong songs, with the rest being good, but not great, every song on "Too Fast for Love" is memorable and well written. As the cliché goes, it's all killer and no filler. Calling "Too Fast for Love" a pure "punk" album in the truest sense of the word wouldn't exactly be accurate. But there is definitely an element of punk to the album. It's probably most comparable to Generation X or Billy Idol's early solo albums. In other words, it's not hard-core punk, but assessable punk, with a fair amount of pop-content.
On thing that immediately strikes the listener is how young and hungry the band sounds. Motley Crue never sounded as good as they did on their classic debut. They really sound like their ready to take on the world.
These are Nikki Sixx's best penned songs. Although always a gifted songwriter, on subsequent albums he would at times try too hard, or try to embrace a trend. There is nothing contrived or pretentious about "Too Fast for Love." The songs are genuinely dangerous and come straight from the heart.
Vince Neil sounds fully fearsome, an indisputable street punk. Mick Mar's playing is top-notch and gives all the songs a real vitality. Tommy Lee's solid pounding is stellar as always, even when he was just a kid.
"Live Wire" is probably the most well-known song on this disc. Fast and furious with a great hook, it's a good way to start off the album. The up-tempo "Come on and Dance" is one of the album's more popish songs and keeps up the momentum. "Public Enemy #1" is one of the Crue's most underappreciated songs. Fast and highly melodic, it's an anthem that epitomizes youth and rebellion. The album slows down a bit for the bleak "Merry-Go-Round." Young and poor at the time, when Vince Neil asks "am I going down?" he meant it, which makes the songs sound all the more real. "Take me to the Top" and the Motley staple "Piece of your Action" are fast paced and infectious. The strength in the former is its melody, and the strength in the latter is its fierceness. "Starry Eyes" has an almost hypnotic intro and a haunting chorus. The album's title track "Too Fast for Love" is another anthem, akin to Skid Row's "Youth Gone Wild," which was recorded almost a full decade later. The grand finale, mini-epic, tragic "On with the Show" is a perfect way to conclude the album.
I really don't have any bones to pick with "Too Fast for Love." From start to finish, the songs are all superb. Although not as well known as some of the bands later work, it surpasses much of it. "Too Fast For Love" stands besides "Shout at the Devil," and "Motley Crue" (1994), as the band's edgiest, most genuine, rocking music.
The reissue of "Too Fast for Love" has many bonus songs that should be of interest to fans. The upbeat "Toast of the Town" and the popish "Tonight" are up-to-par with the rest of the album's songs. It's great that they have finally seen the light of day. The mid-tempo "Stick to your Guns" is good, but not quite as strong as the other tracks. "Too Fast For Love" with the alternative intro is cool, and is a nice bonus.


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Open Up & Say Ahhh Review

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(More customer reviews)After doing a more or less straight cover of KISS's "Rock And Roll All Nite" for the Less Than Zero soundtrack, the bad boys of Poison released their second album, Open Up And Say Ahh!, which got into a bit of a controversy because of the album cover. So what's the big deal about a scraggly haired demonic green-eyed woman with a long tongue sticking out? Apparently a lot to the censorship folks. The edited album cover was a narrow strip that merely showed the eyes and orange slightly below and above. Fortunately, I manged to snag the unedited cover.
"Love On The Rocks" recalls Motley Crue and Cinderella, only not as hard as those two groups, but a good enough dose of rock and roll and swaggering bedroom antics. Another track Diamond Dave would be proud of.
"Nothin' But A Good Time" was a good choice for the first single although not as rowdy as the first single from their debut. The theme of blowing one's hard-earned money for a good time to compensate for an unsatisfying job is shown clearly here. The part before the final chorus run-through is a favorite. After CC's solo, comes the rhythmic thumping of the drums in measured time.
Going "Back To The Rocking Horse" seems like a good idea to me. After a brief been-there, done-that explanation, the narrator longs not only for a simpler time but to start all over again. Gosh, the things I'd do if I had the chance, and the world had better look out! A worthy rocker.
A bluesy harmonica and beats owing nods to to "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way" is displayed on "Good Love," which is to the girl of the song what petrol is to a car. The lifestyle led by the couple in this leads neighbours saying "the things you're doing ain't natural, boy."
The naughtiest and hardest rocking non-single track here is "Look But You Can't Touch" about his trying to seduce a young thing who later doesn't seem quite as innocent as all that. When he sings "I didn't plan on spending money just to get a piece of mind", he emphasizes the word "mind", making me think, "Yeah, as opposed to something rhyming with mass." The guitar squeals in time when he sings that he gets slapped in face for making an illegal move.
"Fallen Angel", the second single, is about a small-town girl whose dreams of show business includes a life in the fast lane, "rolling the dice of her life."
A heartfelt sigh opens the heartbreaking "Every Rose Has Its Thorn", their first #1 song and a mature ballad looking back at a blown chance to make or break a relationship. After words like "like the knife that cuts you/the wound heals, but the scar, that scar remains," I thought, "And these guys did 'Talk Dirty To Me' two years ago?" This really set the standard for their other great ballad, Flesh & Blood's "Something To Believe In"
Then comes a cover of Loggins and Messina's "Your Mama Don't Dance," which is good old fashioned rock and roll from the 70's. By the time this single came out, hard on the heels of the previous one, the album had run its course, hence its failing to make the Top Ten.
Things get slower, the sound lacking the ferocity of Look What The Cat Dragged In, which results in a few filler tracks, compensated for by "Every Rose..." but Bret Michael's swaggering bad-boy, play all night with beautiful women tone, is still here. Worthy followup to their debut. And when is EMI going to reissue that original cover for everyone?

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Kylie Minogue - Body Language Live Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD was great!
I love how Kylie puts on a great show AND sings live!! She's a great all-around performer!
Even though I love the previous concert DVD "Fever 2002", I do like how in this one she does more audience interaction, like talking to them and really connecting with them. I thought that was cool.
Here is what is on the DVD :
Still Standing
Red Blooded Woman
On A Night Like This
Breathe / Je T'aime
After Dark
Chocolate
Can't Get You Out Of My Head
Slow
Obsession
In Your Eyes
Secret (Take You Home)
Spinning Around
Love At First Sight
Bonus Features:
Videos for "Slow," "Red Blooded Woman," and "Chocolate"
Body Language Behind-The-Scenes Documentary
Photo Gallery
Wallpapers, Screen Savers and Weblink (PC-Rom)
Multi-angle Screen Visuals for "Slow" and "Chocolate"
~~~
PICK UP THIS DVD!

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KYLIE "Body Language Live" on DVD includes a special one-off concert where an invited audience of fans and guests witnessed Kylie’s show that combined stunning staging and breathtaking choreography with a selection of songs spanning her career. It features a spectacular Eiffel Tower sequence illustrating an amazing medley of ‘Je T’Aime’ and ‘Breath’ Costumes for the show include specially designed outfits by Helmut Lang, Chanel and Pucci.

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Live Review

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(More customer reviews)(This review is for the "Live" album released in 2002--NOT for "Live at Rainbow Music" which amazon has for some strange reason combined with "Live")Live
Culled from performances all around the world, Live captures the band having a blast with their past. Ferry, Manzanera, Mackay and Thompson are supplemented by Lucky Wilkins (more than ably filling in for former keyboardist/violinist Eddie Jobson), guitar wiz Chris Spedding, Colin Good on keyboards, Zak Katz on bass and Julia Thornton on backing vocals/keyboards.
Now, you may wonder, "why should I pick this up when I have the DVD Live at the Apollo?". Good question. Live at the Apollo consists of roughly the same songs (although the CD has very romantic reading of More Than This and a powerful, clever reading of their classic If There Is Something not available on the DVD), the performances are different. There aren't huge differences (Roxy's music was always very carefully arranged)but many of the solos by Manzanera, Spedding and Mackay differ significantly enough to make this a must have for a Roxy fan. Additionally, while I'm not usually a fan of compilation live CDs (they lack the organic energy of a single performance), the tracks selected clearly were among the best from thetour. I'm just sad that the band didn't select anything from their Northern California appearence.
This isn't a perfect series of performances or CD. Ferry's lost much of his upper register (not a surprise given the passage of time, number of recordings and tours he's done over the years). Still, range isn't everything. What Ferry has lost in range, he's more than made up for it his improved reading of the songs. Ferry was always a gifted interpreter of both his own and other's material. He gives a strong performance on this CD and the DVD.
Manzanera and Spedding are inspired throughout. Mackay's sublime sax playing particularly on the expanded version of Tara (featuring Lucy Wilkins' violin as a counterpoint to the piano and Mackay's sax)is among his most inspired performances. The backing vocals of Thornton, Sarah Brown and Yanick Etienne are nicely arranged (unlike the performance of "The Sirens" on the VIVA album fromthe 1976). Their lush vocals add a substanial amount of depth to Mother of Pearl as well as later period Roxy material.
The expanded line up works wonders. Because of the depth and variety of Roxy's back catalog, the band requires additional members to bring all their material to life. Admittedly, it really isn't required (their performances from their 1979 tour documented on a number of bootlegs and a legit live release with only a 5 piece line up is terrific), but it brings additional depth to some of the early material as well as the later, more layered songs.
The sound is uniformly excellent making this THE live disc to own. Since it's a career overview, it also touches on both hits (in both England and America)as well as key popular album tracks. I was thrilled to hear Street Life alongside Ladytron and Avalon. There is also a CD-Rom live version of Both Ends Burning drawn from the Live At The Apollo sessions as an added bonus.
While it isn't noted anywhere on the CD, this appears to be another SACD/HDCD hybrid as it has the dual layers and gold reflective coating that appears on those CDs.(which means it can be played on normal CD players but has enhanced sound on a SACD player). While I don't care for the digipak packaging, it doesn't detract from the overall quality of this release.
Most reunion concerts smack of an attempt to cash in on the past or, at the very least, playing on an audience's memory and good will. The Roxy 2001 tour presented the band in top form and they were clearly enjoying themselves which is aparent from the inspired performances and choice of material. Live presents the band reinventing themselves and not just strolling down memory lane. The only thing missing is some new material. Given Ferry, Manzanera and Mackay's outside interests, that wasn't a possibility. Perhaps they'll reunite and try their hand at collaborating on new material soon. Based on Live the old magic hasn't deserted them.

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Special enhanced (includes video for 'Both Ends Burning')double live CD from their World Tour in 2001. 23 tracks.Gatefold digipak. Eagle Records. 2003.

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Constrictor Review

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(More customer reviews)"Constrictor" was the very first CD I ever bought and this was my first Alice Cooper CD. I had heard "School's Out" of course, but had never really paid attention to who performed it. I went to see "Friday the 13, Part 6" and was immediately taken by "He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" during the end credits. So decided to pick up Alice's disk to see how the rest of the album was. Thanks to Jason and another batch of hapless counselors at Camp Crystal Lake, I found Alice Cooper. "Constrictor" features what is best about Alice's music. Great songwriting, laden with wit and catchy hooks and chorus'. The songs on "Constrictor" are some of Alice's best. "Teenage Frankenstein" is a song only Alice Cooper could pull off. The guitar driven ode to teenage angst is fun and catchy, and Kane Roberts guitar work is just made for cranking up the car stereo. "Life and Death of the Party" is a personal favorite with fantasic guitar work, and a song that is hurt in no way by the electro-drumming. "He's Back" should become part of your Halloween mix CD! I think one of the best songs on the disk is "Simple Disobedience". The chorus is catchy and again the electro-drumming really keeps the song moving. "The World Needs Guts" is a great, in your face metal track, with some of the coolest lyrics Alice ever penned.
I see several reveiwers slammed Alice for the electric drums, and synth use on this disk, but that was just a product of the times. What is great about Alice Cooper is that he wasn't using the latest technology as a crutch, but rather he used it to enhance his songs. It's great that Alice Cooper is willing to take risks and try out various musical styles. As a fan, I may not always care for the end product, but I can appreciate how Alice is always giving something new to his fans. Look beyond the techno stuff and you will see that "Constrictor" still features simply great songwriting.

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Station To Station (5CD /DVD/3LP) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am not commenting on the excellent music this set contains or the iconic artist who created it. There's no doubt in my mind that Station to Station is one of the most important and enjoyable albums from one of the top rock artists of all time, and fully deserves to be treasured as part of our cultural history and presented in the highest quality possible. So a super deluxe set like this is a compelling, and in my case, a necessary purchase.
And there is a lot about this set that was done right, from the inclusion of the highly regarded, original RCA CD mastering from the mid-80s, to an audiophile quality, 2 channel hi-resolution version of the album included on the DVD. Not to mention the vinyl and other goodies that make this set hard to resist for any fan.
But that makes it all the more maddening that EMI would deliberately sabotage the highly anticipated live concert CD included, as well as the (hard to get these days) 5.1 audio mix on the DVD with horrendous, over-compressed, brick-walled mastering that robs the music of it's natural dynamics and life. The continued insistence of the record companies to compress the life out of the music makes absolutely no sense on a super deluxe edition like this, and is driving away whatever discerning music purchasing buyers they have left.
We all need to complain to EMI for intentionally ruining the sound on the 5.1 mix, as well as the live tracks, if they are listening. At least they got the original 2 channel album right, so I'm still recommending this set despite some flaws.

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The Deluxe Edition is the ultimate fan's experience.Features include:* Original album* Previously unreleased 'Live Nassau Coliseum '76' concert * Station To Station - RCA CD Master* 5-track Singles versions CD E.P. incl. previously unreleased version of Station To Station, and for first time on CD, Word On A Wing* 3 x 12" heavyweight vinyl * DVD with new 5.1 mix* 24-page booklet, including: never before seen Steve Schapiro photo, Geoff MacCormack photos, Andrew Kent live Nassau photos & extensive memorabilia from the archives* Cameron Crowe sleevenotes* 6 panel folded poster * Onstage folder* Replica Backstage pass* Replica Biog* Replica Ticket * Replica band line-up* 3 press shots * Replica Fan club folder* Replica Fan Club Membership card* Fan club certificate* 2 small Collectors cards* 2 photo prints * Replica 4-page biography * 2 badges

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Raise Your Fist & Yell Review

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(More customer reviews)Alice hones the sound of Constrictor on Raise Your Fist and Yell, and blends it with typical Alice Cooper lyrics. The result is one of Cooper's best solo albums ever. Lock Me Up is a great metal song, and should remain in Cooper's live set list. The drumming is insane on Lock Me Up, a real headbanger. Not That Kind of Love is funny, and another straight ahead metal tune. Give the Radio Back and Raise Your Fist and Yell is Cooper's response to the 80's, Tipper Gore led PMRC attack on heavy metal. Kane Roberts gets to flex his metal muscle with Prince of Darkness, and unlike Constrictor, Kip Winger's bass work is in the forefront of most songs. The reason to buy Raise Your Fist though is for the trilogy of songs: Chop-Chop-Chop, Gail and Roses on White Lace. These three songs tell the story of a murderer and his crimes against a would-be bride. The story is fascinating and Cooper once again creates an audial horror movie. Gail may be Cooper's creepiest song next to Former Lee Warmer. This is one Alice Cooper CD you won't be able to put away for long, perfect for the Halloween season.

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1987 album for the shock metal innovator.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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David Bowie - Best of Bowie (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a Bowie DVD that is actually clear and of great quality. For those poor souls who bought the Glass Spider or Serious Moonlight DVD I'm sure you haven't noticed much difference from the VHS. This DVD is extra special because of the more recent videos that never made it to USA TV and the stunning clarity of the older material. Yes, LIFE ON MARS is supposed to look like that! We have all years represented here but we still have some of the more oscure stuff missing like DB's '80's soundtrack work with Pat Metheny or Raymond Briggs. Maybe those recordings are owned by someone else and will never see a real release. Now as far as Easter Eggs go...I won't say WHERE but I will say WHAT: full 20 minute Jazzin' For Blue Jean video promo, Russell Harty interview, MTV promo club version of Blue Jean (alternate video), Day In Day Out (extended dance mix video),Seven Years in Tibet (mandarin Version video), Survive (Live paris '99 and more to be discovered. Remember you have 2 discs here...there will be a lot!!

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Young Americans Review

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(More customer reviews)After "Diamond Dogs", the world was thrown off balance again with Bowie's rumors of hanging out in a Philadelphia studio with fans sleeping at the stage door. It was the same city he recorded the "Diamond Dogs" tour - the `City of Brotherly Love'. Black/White Soul Love music from Bowie? No way. Yes way. Although it was a strong departure, "Young Americans" has become one of those Bowie albums that are so unique and distinct in its character that you either love it or hate it. It's all true soul funk with the magical backup of the late Luther Vandross's voice. "Young Americans" made it as a modest single, but it was the collaborative effort of "Fame" with John Lennon that is the song of choice here. There is nothing like it anywhere in the world. Bowie's rendering of "Across The Universe" is an uninspired tribute to Lennon and "Can You Hear Me" is bland. However, "Somebody Up There Like Me" is a true funky bass driven number that completely satisfies. At the very least, this album is consistent and Bowie proves he truly has some serious soul.

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Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this album comes housed in a miniature LP sleeve. 2007.--This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

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