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	Motörhead - Iron Fist [Bonus Tracks]
	"Iron Fist"	2008-09-19
Motorhead-Iron Fist ****br /br /Iron Fist is one of Motorheads most underrated albums, especially of their early period with Philthy Phil and Fast Eddie Clarke. While not the strongest album, it is far from being a weak album. It was Iron Fist that was Lemmy Kilmisters ode to everything he loved and everything he hated, and had it not been for the weak production courtesy of Clarke, the album would have been a classic. The guitars get lost in places, and the drums often feel dull, but Motorhead being the band that is so loud if they moved next door they would kill your lawn, they manage to make it work.br /br /the title track is just classic tough, scruffy speed rock from the boys that do it best. 'Heart Of Stone' is a classic love song in true Lemmy form. Other than the lyrics though the track is hit or miss. 'Im The Doctor' and 'Sex And Outrage' are both odes to Lemmy's favorite past time...sex. The latter being one of early Motorheads all time best. 'America' was Lem's love song for the country he would soon move to and stake claim over L.A. and Rainbow Bar Grill. Bar far the strongest and consistent track on the album. Clarkes riff is one of his better, and Phil plays one solid back beat. 'Speedfreak' much like the bands name, is a reference to Lemmy Kilmisters speed addiction. A problem he had for many, many years. While not as fast as you would expect the track gets the job done, and contains some of his best bass work. 'Loser' is pure lament, and maybe the second best track here. Totally unlike every other Motorhead song. '(Don't Let 'Em) Grind Ya Down' is something the boys had been working at one the last few albums, and really nailed here. '(Don't Need) Religion' and 'Bang To Rights' were Lemmy's first in your face blatant attempts at social issues and he did it right. For a tough S.O.B. Lemmy is one of the most tolerant and excepting people in the world, and human rights are something he takes to heart.br /br /While the production is weak, the songs are anything but. This was sadly the final album of the classic Kilmister, Clarke, Taylor line up. Soon Brian of Thin Lizzy would join in on guitar on change things.. This was the last great early Motorhead album so don't miss out.
	Miles Davis - In a Silent Way
	"In A Silent Way"	2008-09-18
Miles Davis-In A Silent Way ***** Released in 1969, In A Silent Way was Miles' first real fusion jazz album. Yet another way in which he would change the world of jazz and music for I think it was the fifth time. Where Miles in the Sky, and Filles de Kilimanjaro his two previous albums hinted toward where he was going with In A Silent Way, this took it to a whole different level. A truly electric jazz album, In A Silent Way introduced the world to one of the great guitar players, John McLaughlin. But more than that it introduced us to the three electric keyboard team of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Joe Zawinul. All three of which were to become three of the most influential keyboardist/composers to emerge from the time. The trio co-wrote the stunning title track, 'In A Silent Way' which consists of two parts interrupted by 'Its About That Time' which only adds to the brilliance of the piece. It is a just under twenty minute piece of jazz bliss. Miles wails through out, but does so subtly. Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland take the album to new heights through their work on the title cut. Hollands bass is some of better playing heard through out the album while Shorters Soprano Saxophone work is nothing to bark at. Mclaughlin's beautiful guitar work closes the album and does so chillingly. 'Shhh/Peaceful' which is a stunning eighteen minute opener, and while not as memorable as the title cut, or as famous it is still one of Davis' strongest pieces. In A Silent Way is one of fusion jazz, and Miles Davis' finest hours. A truly original set of work that could find a pleasant home in any collection of jazz. Highly recommended.
	Miles Davis - In a Silent Way
	"In A Silent Way"	2008-09-18
Miles Davis-In A Silent Way ***** Released in 1969, In A Silent Way was Miles' first real fusion jazz album. Yet another way in which he would change the world of jazz and music for I think it was the fifth time. Where Miles in the Sky, and Filles de Kilimanjaro his two previous albums hinted toward where he was going with In A Silent Way, this took it to a whole different level. A truly electric jazz album, In A Silent Way introduced the world to one of the great guitar players, John McLaughlin. But more than that it introduced us to the three electric keyboard team of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Joe Zawinul. All three of which were to become three of the most influential keyboardist/composers to emerge from the time. The trio co-wrote the stunning title track, 'In A Silent Way' which consists of two parts interrupted by 'Its About That Time' which only adds to the brilliance of the piece. It is a just under twenty minute piece of jazz bliss. Miles wails through out, but does so subtly. Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland take the album to new heights through their work on the title cut. Hollands bass is some of better playing heard through out the album while Shorters Soprano Saxophone work is nothing to bark at. Mclaughlin's beautiful guitar work closes the album and does so chillingly. 'Shhh/Peaceful' which is a stunning eighteen minute opener, and while not as memorable as the title cut, or as famous it is still one of Davis' strongest pieces. In A Silent Way is one of fusion jazz, and Miles Davis' finest hours. A truly original set of work that could find a pleasant home in any collection of jazz. Highly recommended.
	R.E.M. - Green
	"Green"	2008-09-16
R.E.M.-Green ***1/2 First off, Green is not that bad of an album. Though it isn't that great of an album either, especially for a group like R.E.M. Now I am not going to get into the whole sellout thing. Whether R.E.M. sold out with the release of Green is neither here nor there. Good tunes is good tunes, and if a album has good tunes does it really matter if they sold or not? No. The issue is that R.E.M. doesn't do mainstream very well. At least in the 1980's they didn't because they didn't really know how to yet. 'Pop Song 89' is a clever and intelligent piece of satire from Mr. Stipe. Peter Buck also plays a really cool guitar riff throughout. 'Get Up' is catchy and really does sound like a typical 1989 pop song... irony kills. 'Stand' is annoying and not worthy of an R.E.M. album, lets just get that out of the way now. 'Orange Crush' is classic, and might be the groups signature song from the 1980's. Maybe. It is really the only track on the album that sounds like anything the did before this release. 'World Leader Pretending' is by far the best song on the album though. The greatest lyrics Stipe had written to this point. Bucks acoustic guitar work is vital and the song as a whole was written so well it can pertain to anytime in history even today. Other then that there are a few scattered moments throughout but nothing to write home about. Green is a lack luster album, with not much in the department of standing out. Sad, but worth owning for the few moments which shine brightly like the sun through an overcast day.
	Peter Tosh - Bush Doctor [Bonus Tracks]
	"Bush Doctor"	2008-09-07
Peter Tosh-Bush Doctor ***** After meeting with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, two British reggae fans, and Rolling Stones leaders Peter Tosh became the first artist signed to their record label. Consequently, Jagger appears on the album singing with Tosh. Songs of praise, promise, new beginnings, and civil rights surround the album like a cloud of smoke in a closed car while any of Tosh's albums plays. '(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back' opens the album with Mick Jagger sharing lead vocal duties. A fantastic track to open with. 'Pick Myself Up' sings of nothing keeping you down obviously. 'I'm The Toughest' is arrogant, but not overly. Catchy and full of a great sax solo. 'Moses' and 'Creation' are all spiritually uplifting. They are also among the two strongest tracks on the album. Tosh was often known for his preaching but he really restrains himself here. 'Soon Come' aside from being maybe the best song on the album also contains some great guitar work from Tosh. Where Marleys 'Kaya' was enjoyable and Tosh's' own 'Legalize It' worked, the title track 'Bush Doctor' at times seems down right childish. You can tell it was written by a pot-head when consumed. It has a killer groove though. Most available versions of the album that were released after Tosh's murder contain several bonus tracks. They all are strong and add something to the album. The long version of the title track is much better as is 'Soon Come.' But the alternate version of the opener is weak compared to the album version. Bush Doctor is among Tosh and reggae's best albums. For any fan of the artist or genre you will enjoy Bush Doctor. It is a great album for the morning after or a Sunday afternoon in the backyard with the sun shinning down.
	Cowboy Junkies - Best of Cowboy Junkies
	"Best Of Cowboy Junkies"	2008-08-28
Cowboy Junkies-Best Of ***br /br /Well first of all these things never turn out like planed resulting in a backlash of abusive reviews by even the groups most die hard fans. Best of/greatest hits is of course what I am talking about. "The best laid plans of mice and men often go a rye." Well clearly. For a band as unique and as talented as the Cowboy Junkies, a band with a great canon this still manages to be a lackluster collection.br /br /'Blue Moon' is a wonderful song and their revision of it is superb, possibly better than the original. 'Sweet Jane' the Velvet Underground cover is divine. Simply one of the most angelic pieces of music ever recorded. 'Cowboy Junkies Lament' and 'Murder, Tonight, In The Trailer Park' are both classics. 'Anniversary Song' is great but hardly belongs on a best of. 'Escape Is Simple' and 'Rock And Bird' the same.br /br /While nothing here is bad by any standards, the group has an amazing body of work and this hardly shows the diversity and depth of their work as it should.
	Bob Marley & the Wailers - Kaya [Bonus Tracks]
	"Kaya"	2008-08-17
Bob Marley & The Wailers-Kaya **** Kaya is the stereotypical Marley album. This is the album that satisfies that theory that Marley was a laid back pot head instead of a activist, street fighting man called tuff gong. Which blows my mind because next to Natty Dread this is his least popular album and only contains one true hit. Two if you count 'Satisfy My Soul.' Many have a love or hate relationship with the album. The first half is genius and full of some of his and the Wailers best music. No one will deny this, not on my watch anyway. The second half is decent but could have been a lot stronger. The entire album is made up of random tracks through Marley's career that for one reason or another didn't end up on other albums. The relaxed title track/stoner anthem dates all the way back to 1972. But most of the second side is left overs from the brilliant Exodus album. 'Could You Be Loved' 'Easy Skanking' 'Sun Is Shining' and 'Satisfy My Soul' make this the perfect album for the morning after. 'Crisis' and 'Running Away' while both could have been way better serve as conscious anthems making this a true Marley album. 'Shes Gone' is both sad and uplifting. 'Time Will Tell' could have been a nice change but comes up short, though it does end the album well enough. Kaya is a great album despite being Marley & The Wailers' weakest effort. But for an album of left overs this kills. In my book Marley & The Wailers are one of the truly great bands. I feel they never really made anything bad, and Kaya is no exception.
	Hippie
	"Hippie"	2008-08-10
Hippie by Barry Miles ***** One of the greatest and most interesting coffee table books in history. Hippie is bright with vibrant pictures of the hippie movement, which in this book is depicted as more than just a small gathering in San Francisco, California in the mid to late 1960's, but something that was much bigger and basically covered the entire globe. Packed with great and intelligent quotes from those who were actually there. Interesting bits that some may not realized were in connection to the movement and what a massive impact they had on the world. Intelligently written showing both the goods the movement did as well as the bad. Both sides of the fence are shown, those who were for the movement and those against. Barry Miles is one of the worlds best biographers and Hippie is just another trophy on his wall. Highly recommended.
	Hippie
	"Hippie"	2008-08-10
Hippie by Barry Miles ***** One of the greatest and most interesting coffee table books in history. Hippie is bright with vibrant pictures of the hippie movement, which in this book is depicted as more than just a small gathering in San Francisco, California in the mid to late 1960's, but something that was much bigger and basically covered the entire globe. Packed with great and intelligent quotes from those who were actually there. Interesting bits that some may not realized were in connection to the movement and what a massive impact they had on the world. Intelligently written showing both the goods the movement did as well as the bad. Both sides of the fence are shown, those who were for the movement and those against. Barry Miles is one of the worlds best biographers and Hippie is just another trophy on his wall. Highly recommended.
	Led Zeppelin - Presence
	"Presence (1/2)"*	2008-08-09
Led Zeppelin-Presence (***1/2) I usually go through phases with Zeppelin. Long periods of not wanting to hear them but still giving them credit for being one of the greatest bands of all time, and then short (make that extremely short) periods of time where I listen to Led Zeppelin so much I get really sick of them. This just might be the only album in the bands canon that doesn't follow into either of those categories. I think that is due to the fact that I truly believe both Jimmy Page and John Bonham are at their all time best here, this album contains two absolute Zeppelin classics, and what I consider to be their all time best, and the fact that is just an average album which I only pull out once in a blue moon. Firstly Robert Plant is great when he sticks to one note and doesn't' vary in range. It bothers me to no end when he tries to be a vocal acrobat. The songs that are good here are mainly when he stays to one thing, the ones that are not, are the ones that he makes his voice go through everything he did on Houses Of The Holy all over again. As I said before Page kills on this album. His slide playing is nothing to bark at, simply the best. His lead playing on songs like 'For Your Life' and 'Hots On For Nowhere' is some of his best. Bonham just plays solid fills throughout the album and great rhythm all over. John Paul Jones completely owns as always, especially on 'For Your Life.' 'Achilles Last Stand' is to me without competition Led Zeppelins very best song. Better than 'Stairway..' 'Whole Lotta Love' 'Black Dog' or anything else you through out. The entire band is at their top and kill the track. With ten minutes length it manages to not get boring, which is unusual for Zepp. 'Nobody's Fault But Mine' is not the bands best, but it is my favorite Zepp song. Killer guitar from Page and his lyrics are perfect for Plants pipes to let rip over. It is a stellar tune! 'For Your Life' is a solid rock n' roller. 'Royal Orleans' was a nice idea, and has a good feel as well as some great guitar and bass, but doesn't fully deliver like it should. 'Candy Store Rock' feels nice but seems unfinished, as does 'Tea For One' which is strange because of it's nearly ten minute length. 'Hots On For Nowhere' is a odd one. It isn't likable by any standards, and yet it is not awful by any standards either. I will say this though. Presence has the best production out of the whole lot of their records, hands down! I always felt like Led Zeppelin was capable of so much more than what they did which always left me feeling cold and let down. Presence did just what I thought it would do. It is a solid rock n' roll album, nothing more, nothing less, and that is okay.
	Mötley Crüe, Motley Crue - Girls, Girls, Girls
	"Girls, Girls, Girls (1/2)"*	2008-07-31
Motley Crue-Girls, Girls, Girls ***1/2 Written, recorded, and released while the whole band was addicted to heroin, coke, and booze, Girls is Motleys cheapest album. It is the albums sloppiest sounding record to date, and the production suffers greatly from eighties cheese, and yet there is something enduring about this. The lords prayer is turned into the coolest blasphemy on the albums opener 'Wild Side.' It's one of Motleys as well as rocks best bad boy songs. Nikki Sixx nailed the lyrics on this one. 'Girls, Girls, Girls' the albums title track roles next and keeps things going with some of Mick Mars best guitar playing as well as some of Vince Neils greatest vocals. 'Dancing On Glass' is one of Motleys unsung classics much like 'Piece Of Your Action' or '[...].' 'Bad Boy Boogie' and 'All In The Name Of...' go hand in hand as both cheesy yet totally rockin' blues numbers. 'Five Years Dead' can get old but still pulls through. 'Somthin For Nothin' has a stolen Joe Perry Project riff, and actually sounds like something they would have wrote as well. 'You're All I Need' was a swing and a miss, as was the pointless 'Nona.' 'Jailhouse Rock' a live cover of the Elvis classic is to me more blasphemous then 'Wild Side.' It is horrible to say the least. Reissues are cool when they add bonus tracks, but these seem pointless. Instrumental tracks to the hits, okay...so what? The never before released track should have stayed that way. Thought the video the include for the title track will please die hards. The album is a decent rock album for the occasional spin but nothing to write home about. It has enough classics to make it worth owning and it is epecially fun before a Crue show when your in the parking lot.
	Parliament - Mothership Connection
	"Mothership Connection"	2008-07-25
Parliament-Mothership Connection ***** George hit the nail on the head, or hit the groove in the right place is more like it. By the time of Mothership Connection George Clinton had perfected what he took from Sly and James and created something so strange and something so original, too original in fact that it should not have worked. Oh boy did it work though. Mothership Connection remains the groups biggest and most popular album even more so than Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome, and Funkadellic One Nation Under a Groove. So here's the deal. It's a concept album. Not the strongest concept mind you but being the genius Clinton is he makes it work, and work wonderfully. Funk from outer space is here (star child) and it is going to retrieve the funk from the pyramids. Sounds crazy? Well just wait till you actually here the music... 'P-Funk' opens the killer album with a George playing a radio dj as he was known to do. He never did it better then here. The subtle guitar lines make for and atmosphere that more then compliments the driving bass line from Bootsy and the vocals from the Brides. 'Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication (The Bumps Bump)' is well....hilarious. One of the funkiest tunes in all of the kingdom of funkdom! This is truly George's song and he completely kills it. Gangsta Rap would have been nothing with out this one that's for sure. ' Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)' went on to become the groups biggest single, even better then the superior 'Flashlight.' Though it has been sampled more times then one would care to count it is the true original that dominates. Bootsy's licks and the group vocals make for one of the most memorable tunes in all of funk history. To go track by track and list why each track is a highlight would run trite and tedious, besides these three tracks are worth the cash flow anyways. Mothership is the perfect place to start a funk or Parliament collection. While I myself am more of a Funkadellic man myself, you can't have one with out the other. It would be like having the Kool with out the aid. Essential.
	Parliament - Mothership Connection [Bonus Track]
	"Mothership Connection"	2008-07-25
Parliament-Mothership Connection ***** George hit the the nail on the head, or hit the groove in the right place is more like it. By the time of Mothership Connection George Clinton had perfected what he took from Sly and James and created something so strange and something so original, too original in fact that it should not have worked. Oh boy did it work though. Mothership Connection remains the groups biggest and most popular album even more so than Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome, and Funkadellic One Nation Under a Groove. So here's the deal. It's a concept album. Not the strongest concept mind you but being the genius Clinton is he makes it work, and work wonderfully. Funk from outer space is here (star child) and it is going to retrieve the funk from the pyramids. Sounds crazy? Well just wait till you actually here the music... 'P-Funk' opens the killer album with a George playing a radio dj as he was known to do. He never did it better then here. The subtle guitar lines make for and atmosphere that more then compliments the driving bass line from Bootsy and the vocals from the Brides. 'Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication (The Bumps Bump)' is well....hilarious. One of the funkiest tunes in all of the kingdom of funkdom! This is truly George's song and he completely kills it. Gangsta Rap would have been nothing with out this one that's for sure. ' Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)' went on to become the groups biggest single, even better then the superior 'Flashlight.' Though it has been sampled more times then one would care to count it is the true original that dominates. Bootsy's licks and the group vocals make for one of the most memorable tunes in all of funk history. To go track by track and list why each track is a highlight would run trite and tedious, besides these three tracks are worth the cash flow anyways. Mothership is the perfect place to start a funk or Parliament collection. While I myself am more of a Funkadellic man myself, you can't have one with out the other. It would be like having the Kool with out the aid. Essential.
	Guns N Roses - G N R Lies
	"G N' R Lies"	2008-07-22
Guns N' Roses-Lies **** Lies was the highly, highly anticipated follow up to Appetite for Destruction, the bands massively successful and not to mention classic debut album. Upon first listen you might not even realize it it is the same band who recorded that amazing debut; but while this might not be the groups strongest effort it remains their most ambitious and ultimate statement. Rose's vocals are stronger here than at any other time, and Slash/Izzy's guitar attack though sometimes acoustic looses no power creating a sound so unforgettable its ridiculous. The first side of the album; the electric side. This is less than stellar to say the least. 'Reckless Life' is among the groups best rockers, while 'Nice Boys' is a nice idea but comes across as a parody of their debut. That seems to be the trend with the rest of the first side of the album. 'Move To The City is really a take it or leave it, and the cover of the Aerosmith classic 'Mama Kin' is nice but should have been much better. 'Patience' kicks off side two with a bang. While side two is almost entirely acoustic it rocks harder and better than the first side. 'Used To Love Her' and the remake of 'Your Crazy' are Axl at his most angry, other then the closer that is. 'One In A Million' is the most racist and homophobic songs in the groups canon and it is the bands boldest statement and greatest achievement over all. The track is genius and was the bands final statement before going arena rock. While not as good as the debut it surpasses the Illusions albums hands down. Lies is one album that has to be heard. Many claim to have never listened to it and yet somehow have an opinion, It doesn't work that way. Not with Lies at least. Check it out it is worth it.
	Unseen - Explode
	"Explode (1/2)"	2008-07-22
The Unseen-Explode ****1/2 Explode is by far my favorite of the Unseens albums. While not as strong as other releases (namely Internal Salvation, State of Discontent, and So This Is Freedom?) but it was the first Unseen record I fell in love with. Explode was really the first punk album to make me take notice of things that go on in the world around us. It made me realize that music can be more than just sex, drugs, and good times. It can be more than your own personal pain but the pain of others; the pain of the world. 'False Hope' the albums opener was like a wave of consciousness hitting me right between the teeth. The title track 'Explode' does just that. 'Tsunami Suicide' and 'Remains Unseen' about the underdogs and people pushed aside serve as the albums strongest tracks and some of the bands strongest to date. 'Victims' is the most overlooked track on the album which is sad considering it is one of their best. Marks vocals and lyrics through out kill, as do the constantly stellar guitar riffs. Though there are a few weak moments, namely 'New World Disorder.' It plays like a good idea but never totally follows through and delivers like it could have. Though it does contain some of Marks greatest lyrics. Explode is a far cry from The Unseens best work, or that of The Virus' weakest work for that matter but it is truly an album worth giving a shot. As I said of all the groups album this is truly my personal favorite.
	Guns N'Roses - G N'r Lies
	"G N' R Lies"	2008-07-22
Guns N' Roses-Lies **** Lies was the highly, highly anticipated follow up to Appetite for Destruction, the bands massively successful and not to mention classic debut album. Upon first listen you might not even realize it it is the same band who recorded that amazing debut; but while this might not be the groups strongest effort it remains their most ambitious and ultimate statement. Rose's vocals are stronger here than at any other time, and Slash/Izzy's guitar attack though sometimes acoustic looses no power creating a sound so unforgettable its ridiculous. The first side of the album; the electric side. This is less than stellar to say the least. 'Reckless Life' is among the groups best rockers, while 'Nice Boys' is a nice idea but comes across as a parody of their debut. That seems to be the trend with the rest of the first side of the album. 'Move To The City is really a take it or leave it, and the cover of the Aerosmith classic 'Mama Kin' is nice but should have been much better. 'Patience' kicks off side two with a bang. While side two is almost entirely acoustic it rocks harder and better than the first side. 'Used To Love Her' and the remake of 'Your Crazy' are Axl at his most angry, other then the closer that is. 'One In A Million' is the most racist and homophobic songs in the groups canon and it is the bands boldest statement and greatest achievement over all. The track is genius and was the bands final statement before going arena rock. While not as good as the debut it surpasses the Illusions albums hands down. Lies is one album that has to be heard. Many claim to have never listened to it and yet somehow have an opinion, It doesn't work that way. Not with Lies at least. Check it out it is worth it.
	Who - Quick One
	"A Quick One (Happy Jack)"	2008-07-18
The Who-Quick One (Happy Jack) ***1/2 Released originally in 1966, the Who's second album A Quick One (Happy Jack) is their most uneven album of the Keith Moon period. That is not to say that it is a weak album because it is not. The title came from the record companies overly zealous attitude forcing the band to rush and pump out an full album. Hence, A Quick One. This is what leads to the unevenness of the album. While many of the songs are great and some of which are classics, others are less than stellar. Boasting such classics as Entwhistle penned 'Boris The Spider' which is among the groups best. Also 'Whiskey Man' another Entwhislte number, though highly overrated it became a classic none the less. The dual title tracks 'A Quick One While He's Away' and 'Happy Jack' are two of the groups most celebrated tunes. The former being a nine minute epic, and Townsends first epic. The latter being a percussion filled legend fueled by Moon. But tracks like the overtly popish antics of Daltrys 'See My Way' and 'Cobwebs And Strange' are just a few of the tracks the album would have benefited from not having. While not as bad as some claim, it is not as great as others claim either. As far as musicianship this is Pete's worst album guitar wise; That is my only real gripe with the record. Other than that it is worth having if only for the few classics.
	John Coltrane - The Ultimate Blue Train
	"Blue Train"	2008-07-16
John Coltrane-Blue Train ***** When I first heard the album Blue Train I played the title cut eight times before I played the rest of the album; Then I proceeded to play the album over and over and over again. The title piece from this land mark album is like nothing I had ever heard before and nothing I have heard since. While not half as adventurous as he would soon become and not as technically efficient as some of Coltrane's other work, 'Blue Train' is a piece unto itself. Maybe because it is none of those things is why it is so stunning to me. The piece rolls along like a train as the title suggest. The blues number is among Coltrane's most inspired pieces in my book. 'Moments Notice' 'Locomotion' and the restrained power of 'Lazy Bird' serve as some of Coltrane's greatest original compositions. Finding him treading the waters of his future here, especially on 'Locomotion.' 'I'm Old Fashioned' is the only non Coltrane original but as with all his readings of classics the man managed to make this uniquely his own. The Trumpet work from Lee Morgan here is some of my favorite trumpet playing outside of Miles. Fuller's trombone is less prominent through out the album, only where really needed which adds for great texture and feel. But maybe most amazing is the key work from Kenny Drew. I had never heard of him before this record but was sure to check out anything he played on after; Let me tell you this man is one of the truly underrated players in jazz history. Blue Train is stunning, and beautiful. For anyone interested in Coltrane I would recommend this as a great place to start. For those already with a collection, it shouldn't be with out Blue Train.
	Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
	"Sky Blue Sky"	2008-07-08
Wilco-Sky Blue Sky ***** Enchanting isn't the right word, just the first one to come to mind, but it just might work. Sky Blue Sky is easily the most inspired and greatest work Wilco has ever put forth. While not the experiment that A Ghost Is Born was, it works in their favor that way. Not cluttered with what should not be. But not so minimalistic that it doesn't feel like Wilco. Sky Blue Sky is the groups first album since vocalist, and (underrated) guitar god, Jeff Tweedy kicked his habit. Hence the title. A clearer sound than on their previous works also is a reflection of this. 'You Are My Face' is eloquent and coarse adding a texture and fresh feel to the bands sound. 'Impossible Germany' is a great idea, accompanied with one of the more subdued and better guitar solos of this decade. The title track serves as the focal point even though it is the most unmemorable track on the album. Remaining low key until you reach it than it absorbs you like nothing you have ever heard. 'Shake It Off' evokes the Grateful Dead at the height of their power before they became a parody of what made them great and original. Tweedy's lyrical inhibitions have been set free on Sky Blue Sky making for Wilco's most personal and inspired album to date. Mikal Jourgenson becomes more than a vital part of the group on this album as he shines more than ever before with his masterful key work. His restrained approach breeds great life into the music. Sky Blue Sky is one album that breaches genres finding a niche in every collection offering it a home. Highly Recommended.
	High Fidelity
	"High Fidelity"	2008-07-08
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby ***** High Fidelity follows the story of Rob. A thirtysomething who owns a failing record shop (Championship Vinyl) and is in the middle of a failing relationship with Laura, who he is having trouble excepting that he loves and wants to spend the rest of his life with. Rob is on the journey of acceptance and a journey to find himself (yes at thirty something years old he still does not fully know who and what he is or wants to be) and along that journey we encounter an ignored genius American folk musician who Rob falls for. The Musical Moron Twins who help Rob run his failing shop, Liz, a mutual friend between Laura and Rob. But most importantly Ian, the man next door who is a wedge and blessing to their relationship at the same time. Told through top five musical and movie lists and in a insightful and original tone. High Fidelity is Hornby's crowning achievement as an author and one that should be read by any fan of a great read.
	High Fidelity
	"High Fidelity"	2008-07-08
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby ***** High Fidelity follows the story of Rob. A thirtysomething who owns a failing record shop (Championship Vinyl) and is in the middle of a failing relationship with Laura, who he is having trouble excepting that he loves and wants to spend the rest of his life with. Rob is on the journey of acceptance and a journey to find himself (yes at thirty something years old he still does not fully know who and what he is or wants to be) and along that journey we encounter an ignored genius American folk musician who Rob falls for. The Musical Moron Twins who help Rob run his failing shop, Liz, a mutual friend between Laura and Rob. But most importantly Ian, the man next door who is a wedge and blessing to their relationship at the same time. Told through top five musical and movie lists and in a insightful and original tone. High Fidelity is Hornby's crowning achievement as an author and one that should be read by any fan of a great read.
	Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - The Boatman's Call
	"The Boatman's Call"	2008-07-08
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds-The Boatman's Call **** More stripped and raw than his previous work. Less accompaniment than ever before; which is both good and bad. Sometimes less is more, but there are places here which could benefit greatly from more of a backing. Though it has something to say for it, The Boatman's Call. This is refreshing in all meaning of the term. When originally released in 1997 this was like a new start for Cave. Unlike anything else he had ever released and yet it sounded more like him than almost anything he had ever released previous. His influences are more prominent as well, hearing Tom Waits more than ever but with an injection of post VU Lou Reed. 'Into My Arms' ushers in the album very much like Patti Smith did Horses. "I don't believe in an interventionist God/ But I know, darling, that you do.." Dark, and warm, almost down playing Smiths take on 'Gloria.' 'Lime-Tree Arbour' feel anxious while 'Black Hair' as subdued as it is would have been right at home on Reed's own New York. 'Green Eyes' closes leaving more to be wanted as it should. The Boatman's Call is a rare work in such an artists canon. Cave would try to recapture this again on following releases but to no avail. This, his most personal work lets us in to a doomed existence, or what he wants us to believe is a doomed existence, but one with quit and crawling grace. And for that, The Boatman's Call is vital.
	Bob Marley & The Wailers - Live at the Roxy, Hollywood, California, May 26, 1976 - The Complete Concert
	"Live At The Roxy"	2008-07-04
Bob Marley & The Wailers-Live At The Roxy ***** Live at the Roxy just might be even better than Babylon by Bus if you can believe it. The album contains the full concert of the Marley and the Wailers at the Roxy in Hollywood back in 1976. This being one of his most celebrated concerts, Live At The Roxy is a must have for any true Wailers fan. This contains what is the definitive version of 'No Woman, No Cry.' This is the version you hear on the radio and on your Legend - The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers (New Packaging) collection. What is most impressive about this set though is that it is comprised of some of their lesser known work, but at the same time it is some of their strongest work. 'Burnin And Lootin' is among the groups top songs, and here they play with such passion and piss an vinegar that it makes you wonder if the original version of Burnin' can hold a candle to it. 'Lively Up Yourself' and 'Roots, Rock, Raggae' are the two biggest highlights here though transforming to of The Wailers greatest numbers into an uplifting live experience. Live At The Roxy is among the greatest live albums of all time. It is a great album for Wailer fans the world over. Even the casual fan will enjoy this, as it is great for a long hot summer night listen. Live At The Roxy is essential.
	The Band - Music from Big Pink [Bonus Tracks]
	"Music From Big Pink"	2008-06-22
The Band-Music From Big Pink **** It took a long while to come around to The Band though I'm glad I finally did. See I just didn't get what all the fuss was about. I always loved their work with Bob Dylan but when ever I heard them on their own I was just turned off, so I decided to give it another chance and bought Music From Big Pink. Needless to say it changed my mind. It wasn't the nice soulful vocals, or Robertson's great guitar work. It was the sound of the band as a whole; as they are truly a sum of their parts. But honestly the organ work was what really had me hooked. I don't think I have ever heard a better organ player. Such resonance and heart in his playing. The album was named after the big pink house where the music was recorded with Bob Dylan, as he wanted to either play on the album or write songs to help the group out, and they kindly declined except for 'I Shall Be Released' which is the weakest track on the album. 'The Weight' is obviously the big single and one of the bands strongest numbers. 'Chest Fever' is dark and haunting. In a class of it's own on an album so great. Also on this release are eight bonus tracks of outtakes, demos, and other assorted songs. Among them is a smokin' cover of the blues standard 'Key To The Highway.' Music From A Big Pink is an album that no one should miss out on, and The Band is certainly not a band you want to pass up either.
	Rem - Automatic for the People
	"Automatic For The People"	2008-06-18
R.E.M.-Automatic For The People ***** Automatic For The People is widely regarded as the bands greatest album along side the genius Murmur, which I believe is better. This acclaim is not unworthy as Automatic is one hell of an album, and while it isn't the bands best effort, it sure is their most ambitious, and daring. This remains the groups best selling and most popular album for one reason, and that is Michael Stipes ambitious lyrics. Songs like the bitter-sweet, almost too good 'Everybody Hurts' and the eccentric tribute of 'Man On The Moon' (which they do amazing live by the way) went on to drive this album in the psyches of every rock fan in the early 1990's gaining R.E.M. fans in the most unlikely of groups. 'Drive' should have been a bigger hit, and 'Try Not To Breathe' might be the best song Stipe ever wrote. But it is 'Ignoreland' that haunts me. It is with out the strongest song in the bands canon subject matter wise, as well as the richest. With a too good to be true chorus, and Michael Stipes' patent vocal lines this is easily one of the groups finest. But where Stipe ends, Buck begins. Peter Buck is a genius and there is no taking that away from him. 'New Orleans Instrumental No.1' is vital, and stunning, and there is nothing to it. his acoustic guitar work through out the album rivals almost anything else he has ever done, except for maybe his work with The Replacements. Automatic For The People was at the time R.E.M.'s most lush album, though looking back it was clearly just a sign of things to come. R.E.M. have released a number of amazing albums, but only three would I call essential. Accelerate, Murmur, and Automatic For The People.
	Violent Femmes - Add It Up (1981-1993)
	"Add It Up (1981-1993)"	2008-06-18
Violent Femmes-Add It Up (1981-1993)***** As far as greatest hits packages go this is something special. While most are aimed at new fans to a group or artist or just the casual fan who really only wants the radio singles, this is aimed at the bands true fans. Something they can have in the car while they keep the rest of the albums at home for serious enjoyment. For that I applaud the Femmes for truly being amazing. Covering the most popular songs from the band like the whinny 'Blister In The Sun' and the rolicky 'Gone Daddy Gone' '36-24-36' and a live version of 'Kiss Off.' But also included is 'Add It Up' 'Country Death Song' and the slapstick 'Dance M.F. Dance.' Add It Up basically has the bands entire career covered and does a fantastic job of even adding numerous new tracks to the fold. Add It Up is essential even if you own all their albums, that's how good it is.
	The Rolling Stones - Still Life
	"Still Life"	2008-06-11
The Rolling Stones-Still Life **** Wile it isn't as widely popular as the 'great' Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!; Still Life is still an exciting live record, and superior to Ya-Ya's in many ways, and for me personally I think I might like it more. While I can't for the life of me understand why if this was the Tattoo You tour of 1981, in touring support of the album of the same name, why only one out of the ten songs on the album are from that album, those being 'Start Me Up' of course being the choice for the record. The rest is made up mostly of old rock and r&b tunes the band grew up admiring, and early Stones hits. So with this is superior to Ya-ya's is well, it's a hell of a lot more fun, and isn't that what a concert is supposed to be is fun. While Ya-Ya's is a classic, the energy isn't as in your face as here. That is also why I prefer to listen to this one as well. Ya-ya's had a better selection of songs, and some classic versions of them, and truly is superior over all but for a good fun listen from a time that was other wise lame for The Stones, Still Life is a nice addition to a live Rolling Stones collection.
	Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention - Freak Out
	"Freak Out!"	2008-06-09
Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention-Freak Out! **** Well...um...I was pretty disappointed by Freak Out! when I first heard it, so I thought this can't be right, this is nothing like everyone described it, and so I gave it a couple more listens and still nothing. So I set it aside for a while and when I finally went back to it I still felt the same way. One thing is for sure it is really one of the most original rock albums of all time, not that all of Zappa's releases aren't but this one especially. It is bizarre but not in the bizarre that I thought it would be and it is nothing like any of his other releases. The musicianship is nowhere near the level that everyone describes it as. 'I'm Not Satisfied' has some great piano work, and 'Trouble Every Day' has some great early garage rock guitar, and was really a sign of things to come. Zappa's humour in his lyrics here is great however, and actually some of the best of his career, and he clearly had his vocals down patent since phase one. But what I found most impressive about Freak Out! is that it is nothing like the hippie movement as the title implies, in fact it is almost anti that, and that is what is so brilliant, not the musicianship, but the social commentary of the time. The impressionistic ways of the youth in America and how they are so susceptible to things and how it is wrong of the capitalist ways to take advantage. 'Trouble Every Day' is fantastic, the doo-whop feel of most of the album while a tribute, Zappa makes it uniquely his own, and 'Help, I'm A Rock' is also among his all time best, so while this isn't quite the album I was hoping for but it is still a legendary effort, I mean it did inspire Srg. Pepper, so there you go!
	The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave
	"THe Night Evelyn Came Out Of The Grave"	2008-06-09
The Night Evelyn Came Out Of The Grave (1971) ****1/2 This is a classic horror film, in fact it is one of the all time best, and truly one my very favorites, but with that being said this is an awful remastering of the original. The audio is off from the visual in most of the film and the film is slightly blurry through out, but despite all that this is still a cult favorite. As an unstable British Lord mourns the loss of his deceased red headed wife who he loved dearly but didn't trust for nothing hits up the local night spots in search of fiery redheads willing to venture back to his castle for some outlandish activities. As he finally meets the second woman of his dreams (also a redhead, well kinda) he hopes she will kill the inner demons that haunt his psychopathic self. Unfortunately, the powers that be have a whole different plan. This is a fantastic cult horror film for the ages. One that any fan of the genre could appreciate, and the only thing keeping this from being a five star review is that horrible, horrible remaster of the film.
	The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave
	"THe Night Evelyn Came Out Of The Grave"	2008-06-09
The Night Evelyn Came Out Of The Grave (1971) ****1/2 This is a classic horror film, in fact it is one of the all time best, and truly one my very favorites, but with that being said this is an awful remastering of the original. The audio is off from the visual in most of the film and the film is slightly blurry through out, but despite all that this is still a cult favorite. As an unstable British Lord mourns the loss of his deceased red headed wife who he loved dearly but didn't trust for nothing hits up the local night spots in search of fiery redheads willing to venture back to his castle for some outlandish activities. As he finally meets the second woman of his dreams (also a redhead, well kinda) he hopes she will kill the inner demons that haunt his psychopathic self. Unfortunately, the powers that be have a whole different plan. This is a fantastic cult horror film for the ages. One that any fan of the genre could appreciate, and the only thing keeping this from being a five star review is that horrible, horrible remaster of the film.