Evies Blog

Strict Joy Description:

The Swell Season are Glen Hansard (from the Irish band the Frames) and
Marketa Irglova (classically trained Czech pianist and vocalist). In 2007,
Once, a film about two people meeting and falling in love on the streets of
Dublin, became an indie phenomenon, as audiences everywhere responded
to the unassuming charm of the two leads, Glen and Marketa, and the
beautiful music they made together. On the way to going gold, the Once
soundtrack brought the Swell Season onto the stage of the Academy
Awards, where the band won the Best Original Song award, and into the
hearts of the audience and host Jon Stewart. Since then they have toured to
sold-out venues as the Swell Season, Once has become a perennial top DVD
rental and seller, and now the film is in development for a Broadway
musical to open early in 2010.
Now comes the much anticipated follow-up, Strict Joy, and from the first
notes of first track Low Rising, the musical magic audiences found in
Once is back. The band returns to map the rocky peaks and valleys of
relationships in songs like the haunting I Have Loved You Wrong, a
Marketa feature, and the driving, anthemic The Rain. A feature
documentary will make the festival rounds this fall, covering the making of
Once and Glen and Marketa s musical coming together, but in the
meantime, the beautiful songs of Strict Joy will tell their story.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #795 in Music
• Brand: Dig
• Released on: 2009-10-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds

Features

• ISBN13: 0045778704828
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Reviews:

Strict Care, Strict Joy

Being a huge Frames/Swell Season fan, I’ve been anticipating this album for a long while now. I can say with a sigh of relief that I’m not disappointed. I really really enjoy “Strict Joy”. I’d heard a lot of the songs live, and of course they are better than the studio versions, but it’s not really fair to compare.

That being said, here is what I thought:

Low Rising - This is a very strong opening number. People say that it’s really Van Morrisonesque, and I suppose that I’d agree with that. Glen’s voice on this track is great, and it’s got a great hook. My only problem with the song, is the production. I feel like it’s been bogged down with too much drone. I think that the song would be better without the brass, and with more guitar. Still, a solid and catchy opening number. 8.5/10

Feeling The Pull - This is a great song. Very folky, with an old time optimistic feel. It’s catchy, nicely written, and also it’s very short and sweet. It retains the energy of Low Rising and focuses it in a very different way. I do however, miss the moments when played live Glen goes into a nice falsetto and lightly strums the guitar. However, the song is still great without it, and doesn’t really suffer without it’s inclusion. 8.5/10

In These Arms - Beautiful song, with beautiful lyrics. Glen’s vocals are hushed, which makes the song sound almost like a lullaby. The harmonies and piano bits provided by Marketa are gorgeous. The songs beauty is in its simplicity. It’s very clean, dark, and yet hopeful at the same time. Fantastic tune. 9/10

The Rain - This song to me, is very Frames reminiscent. It’s dark, drum driven, has a prevalent bass part, and it makes nice use of the violin. It’s a bit repetitive, but the song itself isn’t that long, so you don’t get a sense of a one minute song left on repeat. It’s a nice tune, not one of the standouts, but by no means bad. 7/10

Fantasy Man - This is a Marketa driven song, and it’s great. It has an old medieval feel to it, and almost seems like it is a cover song from the olden days. The harmonies are fantastic, and really shows how wonderfully Glen and Marketa can blend their voices. Glen’s part is very soft and understated, yet works extremely well. This song really shows off Marketa’s talent. Her voice is like a warm fire on a cold rainy day. Very nice, soft, and welcoming. 9.5/10

Paper Cup - This song has very nice lyrics, and an almost Spanish-like feel to it, which is provided by the lead guitar. It’s a soft song, and the lyrics while a tad bit sappy, work well and in no way sound cliched. It’s a nice tune with a nice appeasing melody. 8/10

High Horses - The is by far the heaviest song on the album. It’s a great throwback to The Frames, and sounds like it could have been off of one of their albums. The song becomes eerily quiet about 3/4 in, and then builds from there into a nice rocking ending. The effect is very nice, and it ends on a chilling note. 8/10

The Verb - This is by far one of my favorite songs on the album. Upon first listen, I wasn’t sure if I liked it overall, but I was instantly drawn to the insanely catchy chorus. The more that I listened, the more I realized how layered and truly beautiful the song is. There are so many little aspects of the song that you do not catch on first listen, and the melody gets even more beautiful as the song continues. The climax of the song is met with Glen singing the chorus and being overlapped by Marketa singing her own thing, and the result is a gorgeous blending of melody and emotion that is like candy to the ears. 10/10

I Have Loved You Wrong - This song is so soothing, that you can’t help but close your eyes and become engulfed in the music. The enchanting melody is only helped by the subtle instruments carrying the song along like a leaf on a gentle breeze. This is one of the best songs that the group has written, and Marketa’s voice suits it perfectly. The song ends with a heartwarmingly angelic harmony between Marketa and Glen, and it is perhaps one of the most beautiful things that I’ve ever heard. One line is repeated many times, and with each repeat, you can feel it tugging more and more at your heart. 10/10

Love That Conquers - This song sounds like an old bardic folk song. It features some nice little harmonies, but the song overall tends to become a bit repetitive. However, the song is very nice. It’s a great song to just relax and listen to. A very safe song with a simple yet nice tune. 7.5/10

Two Tongues - To me, this song also plays very much like a Frames song. I enjoy the chorus, and I like the buildup to it. However, on song like this, I wish that Glen would display the beauty and raw power of his voice, because he stays mostly in his lower register. The piano part on this track is very nice at times, and it pierces through the guitar like a sword, which is welcoming. 8/10

Back Broke - This song is a fantastic way to end the album. It’s a quiet song with beautiful lyrics. It’s song with Glen hardly using his voice, which makes it all the more effective. Additionally, Marketa’s piano bits are very nice, and Glen’s soft voice soars over them. The song has a wonderfully dark vibe, reminiscent to a storm cloud just before the rain. It ends the album on a very high note. 9.5/10

Overall, Strict Joy is a true work of art. It seems to me that Glen Hansard walked into the studio and came out with a hybrid album that lays somewhere between The Frames and The Swell Season. The result of such an album, is a wonderful gem that any musician would be proud to add to their catalogue. When the album flies, it really soars. Sure, it may hit some turbulence along the way, but the ride for the most part is an extremely enjoyable experience. The original poem Strict Care, Strict Joy, said “The poet makes grief beautiful,” and Glen and Marketa have truly achieved that. The album is a must-buy, and plays like a warm night sitting around the campfire with old friends playing music and telling stories. Buy the CD, close your eyes, and savor it.

A Truimphant Return
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova return with The Swell Season 2.0 and there’s no let down. At first listen, there’s nothing as instantly catchy as the tunes from “Once” and their debut album. If you consider the fact that the tunes from those albums represent some of the finest highlights of Glen Hansard’s career with The Frames, it’s completely understandable. Even if their romantic relationship didn’t survive staring at fame in the face, their creative muse did. They seem to have drawn on the end of their romance and the beginning of a different kind of friendship to craft the gentle sadness and cautious optimism that runs through this album. The lion’s share of the credit still goes to Hansard but he makes good use of Irglova who’s a stellar musician still developing her skills as a vocalist and songwriter. If you consider her age, she should be absolutely devastating as she gains experience. That doesn’t even take into account that she was born to harmonize with Glen. Their voices were absolutely made for each other. Grab the deluxe edition and you’ve got a full length concert and dvd where Glen’s skills as a front man are absolutely dazzling. I’ve heard some of the between song patter before and I’m not even tired of the storytelling yet.

More Polished But Still Wonderful
Who doesn’t already know the charming story of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, the creative (and for a while, romantic) couple who acted and performed in that indie film gem from Ireland, “Once”? It was a bit of an underdog triumph when they won the “Best Song” Oscar last year for “Falling Slowly”, arguably the best romantic ballad of the decade. Now they follow up that success with a new album under their collective name, The Swell Season. It’s a more polished affair than either their debut album or the “Once” soundtrack, but it’s also much more cohesive. You won’t hear Hansard’s raw, shouting vocals that punctuated the songs from “Once”, but that’s not a problem. This is definitely a mellower affair, and the songwriting is every bit as strong and more mature. It’s not as cathartic as some of the songs from “Once”, but it’s still quietly moving.

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Compare Prices on Greatest Hits

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2543 in Music
• Brand: BANGLES
• Released on: 1990-04-18
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

With A Bang
The Bangles made some very good albums, but by and large they were a singles band. Their greatest hits collection culls together their finest songs which are among the catchiest of the 80’s. The band were knee deep in the sounds of the 60’s and their songs are laced with the bright and sunny sounds of flower power. The album features their number one songs, “Walk Like An Egyptian” and “Eternal Flame” as well as their all time best song, the mesmerizing cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade Of Winter”. The Bangles are one of those bands that many people will never admit to liking, but will turn up the volume and sing along when “Manic Monday” comes on the radio.

Their Greatest Hits not their best songs
Only 4 stars because this album contains “Eternal Flame”, the one Bangles song I really can’t stand and the song that, according to reports, tore the band apart. The Bangles did better songs than the ones that became hits and most of them are housed on “All Over the Place”, their first full length album. It appears to me that this disc was put together by the record company to showcase Susanna Hoffs and her, at the time, forthcoming solo debut. I love the inclusion of “Hazy Shade of Winter”, one of their best featuring 4-part harmonies, but really could have done without “I’ll Set You Free”, another Hoffs ditty. Better choices abounded, including “James” and “All About You”, both great Vicki Peterson-penned songs, “Something to Believe In”, Michael Steele’s ballad that kicks the snot out of “Eternal Flame”, “Watching the Sky”, a dark rock song by Vicki, showing off her fantastic vocals and “September Gurls”, Michael’s great cover of an Alex Chilton classic. If all you remember of the Bangles are their hits and are happy with that, this disc is for you. Interested in hearing more and seeing how truly talented this group was, start first with “All Over the Place”, then work your way to “Everything”.

Bangles’ greatest burns that eternal flame
Me not getting this album until now is like a Gen X-er not seeing Grease until the 1998 reissue. Wait, that was me too. Never mind. Anyway, having had all three of the Bangles albums, the Less Than Zero soundtrack, and both of Susanna Hoffs’ studio albums, and me being aware that yeah, there were two new songs on there, I figured why bother, I wasn’t missing much.

That changed when I chose it for an instore play during a late shift at work and I was impressed with those new songs. In looking at the album, the songs are in order of release date.

All Over The Place (1984) is under-represented with the two rockers “Hero Takes A Fall” and “Going Down To Liverpool.” On the first, Susannah lashes out at an ex-lover, while on the second, giving a nod to their influences, the Beatles, Debbi avers that she’s “going down to Liverpool and do nothing all the days of my life”

Then comes five songs from Different Light (1985), the album that broke them wide open. The Prince-penned “Manic Monday” sure beats the old Garfield refrain of hating Mondays, as it incorporates the rush to get to work on time or else not get paid, the Byrdsy “Tambourine Man”-like rhythms of “If She Knew What She Wants”, and the wacky dance tune “Walk Like An Egyptian” are so memorable to me. The poppy “Walking Down Your Street” is the single version featuring different vocals in the beginning and deserved a Top 5 rating at least. The haunting guitar-only “Following”, sung by bassist Michael Steele proves she is a vocal force to be reckoned with.

With Everything (1988), the Bangles began to write their own material. Before that, they hit the Top 5 with a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade Of Winter,” which outdoes the original with its fierce guitar and drum attack. All the Bangles sing in unison here, and the haunting lines “Seasons change with the scenery/weaving time in a tapestry/won’t you stop and remember me” give an enchanting feel to it.

The psychedelic sounds of the frantic “In Your Room” has a Tommy James-type beat, a la Mony Mony, and incorporates weird strings, organs, and distorted Indian sounds. Yes, the sixties are back.

Then comes the lush torch ballad that has been redone by Atomic Kitten. Sorry, but the original of the #1 “Eternal Flame” burns twice as bright and more eternally than the remake, sung as it is by the one and only Susanna Hoffs, with some angelic chorals by the remaining Bangles.

The upbeat “Be With You” failed to break the Top Ten, as did the mid-paced sad number “I’ll Set You Free,” which has an a capella beginning, echoing vocals, and Indian sounds instead of the usual guitar of the original version.

Now the new songs. The engaging guitar rocker “Everything I Wanted” could’ve been a big hit, as it features Susanna on vocals and is classic Bangles instead of the matured songs from Everything. Finally, there’s their cover of the Grass Roots’ “Where Were You When I Needed You”, sung again by Susanna, with sweet harmonies by the others, and which was the B-side of “Hero Takes A Fall.” Dipping back into the Sixties was so fun for them, as they were heavily influenced by that music.

Mondays won’t be manic, I’ll always be in my room, walking like an Egyptian, and I’ll be listening to a CD whose flame will burn eternally.

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African Playground Description:

Putumayo’s award-winning Playground series of world music CDs for children travels to Africa, a continent that is exuberantly rich in music and culture. African Playground is filled with great songs by artists from Senegal to South Africa, including a previously unreleased track by world music superstar Angelique Kidjo. Children and their families will love the upbeat rhythms and appealing melodies on this musical tour. Parents and educators will appreciate the accessibly presented cultural information and musical fun facts. African Playground includes entertaining and informative multi-lingual liner notes, song lyrics, cultural information, a music glossary and colorful illustrations. Awards: 2004 ALA/ALSC Notable Recordings for Children Award2003 Parents Choice Gold Award”" 5-star Award of ExcellenceNAPPA Gold Award 2003

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3497 in Music
• Released on: 2003-02-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Customer Reviews:

Authentic African Tunes with Western Production Values
All ethnic music appreciation education should be this fun! The Putumayo production company has done what had previously seemed impossible: Allow African artists to play THEIR music, not westernize it into unrecognizability (ala Deep Forest), but expertly produce it with a quality and clarity not previously available in that continent. This is one excellent album.

Some high points: 1) The music is a fine cross-section of African musicology. There’s representation from literally every continental compass point. The selections demonstrate a fine variety from the South African song that according to the liner notes inspired THE TOKENS hit “The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)”, to a West African tune that has shades of a breezy mediterranean luluby.

2) The performances are excellent. (I lived in Kenya for a number of years and THEM MUSHROOMS, the presenters of “Jambo Bwana”, were very frequently on the AM dial, though they never sounded this good!) These are authentic African groups (not afro-americans/europeans making music that attempts to SOUND african). That makes all the difference, as AFRICAN PLAYGROUND sounds decidedly non-western (those looking for a Lion King or Rugrats-like soundtrack are likely to be surprised but not for a second disappointed), but still holds all the joy and spontenaety that African music is known for. A number of songs (eg: Battu, and Kalimba) practially dare you not to bob your head in time, regardless of your age.

3) There’s educational value here, and not just from the experience of new music. Putumayo provides outstanding liner notes, explaining the origin and meaning of each song, providing some info about its nation, and phoentically spells out a number of the lyrics. My three-year-old now knows how to greet someone in Swahili, and that happenned effortlessly and inadvertantly through the catchy tune “Jambo Bwana”.

4) It’s FUN! “Kalimba”, a favorite of mine and my little one, will have you imagining yourself bouncing along on a dusty safari almost instantly. Each tune brings new energy to the listening experience and there are no “throw-away” tracks. Please pardon the cliche, but this is an album that the whole family can enjoy. The songs are lively and colorful enough to hold the attention of the little ones, but sophistocated enough for the adult palate. Just note that this is not a bed-time disc…

Of the Putumayo albums I’ve sampled, this is by a wide margin my favorite. It comes highly recommended to anyone who enjoys good music, and especially to those seeking to expand their music library with a bright, upbeat, African album.

Batu! Batu!!!
This is the perfect CD for the whole family to enjoy in the car. Our children from ages 1 to 13 love it. One year old Eleanor can hardly speak English, but she can sing along to these colorful, rhythmic songs from all parts of Africa. Listening to this CD is a truly enjoyable experience and it is hard not to sing along. Buy it, you’ll adore it forever.

FUN FUN FUN!!!
I originally purchased this CD to listen to with the twins I care for (I am trying to expose them to all the music of the world). This CD turned out to be an awesome everyday CD for me. I like to listen to it while I am cleaning because it is upbeat and fun. Buy this CD. You will LOVE it!!!

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Take One Description:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2416 in Music
• Released on: 2009-11-17
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .20 pounds

Features

• ISBN13: 0605687200974
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Reviews:

SAD…
I am ashamed to say that even though Adam was not going to profit from this CD, I had to have it merely because it is ADAM. And let me say this before I get into any trouble, Adam’s voice is flawless in anything he sings. But I am so disappointed in this and in myself for ordering it and benefiting this company. I should have known better as Adam says himself he does not endorse this product. The songs are so slow and Adam seems to be held back, not the Adam we know and love. These songs will be on other sites soon enough, please do not put anymore money in this companies pocket. Amazon is an amazing company and none of this comment is in any way aimed at them.

If you loved Adam on AI , this cd will disappoint
The songs on this album are very generic, and are sung straight up without any of the glory notes or subtle nuances that Adam is known for.
The first time I listened to this album a couple of days ago, I found myself constantly skipping ahead to the next song because each song seemed too long and boring.
I went back again and relistened to see if it was better on second listen, but it was not.
Each song has the same instrumentation and the same tone, making them almost indistinguishable from each other.
Many of the songs don’t even sound like Adam at all.
Each song seems to drone on forever.
These demo songs do exactly what they were supposed to do, show the artist what the bare bones of the songs sounded like.
It’s then up to the artist that chooses to record these songs to make them their own, and up to the producer to produce them in a way that brings out the best of the singers attributes.
Unfortunately, Adam was just hired as a voice to sing these as straight demos, without any of his own embellishments, and that’s what you get- a cd full of boring , sound alike demos of uninspired songs.
I am glad I didn’t spend any money on this throwaway.
I wanted to give it no stars, but there was no option for that.

If you want to hear the Adam as he presented himself on American Idol and on tour , and in the many projects he has endorsed such as his Upright Cabarat and Zodiac shows, buy his real debut album “FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT” on RCA records.
Now THAT is an Adam album, in every sense of the word!

Adam Lambert smooooooth!!!!
OK. I admit that I like this CD more than “For Your Entertainment” for the reasons many other reviewers disliked it. I like to hear Adam’s voice backed by real drums, guitars, pianos, etc. not techno created sounds.

Album Description
2009 expanded reissue of the American Idol finalist’s debut recording featuring three bonus tracks. This collection of songs was recorded before Adam’s climb to fame on AI. 13 tracks.

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The Who: The Ultimate Collection Description:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #445 in Music
• Brand: Ultimate
• Released on: 2002-06-11
• Number of discs: 2
• Formats: Extra tracks, Limited Edition, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .27 pounds

Features

• ISBN13: 0008811287726
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Reviews:

Top Ten Reasons To Buy “The Who: The Ultimate Collection”
10. It’s more concise than the 4-CD boxed set.
9. The inferior 2-CD “Hooligans” compilation is out of print.
8. It has informative liner notes, listing the date each song was recorded.
7. The booklet includes pictures of all the Who album covers, and has some great photos of the band in action.
6. The remastered songs sound great, even on a moderately priced stereo system.
5. The song selection is superb, without a single weak track.
4. The recently deceased John Entwistle plays the greatest bass guitar licks of all time on “My Generation.” This has never sounded clearer than the version on this compilation.
3. Roger Daltrey’s vocals and Pete Townshend’s songwriting are perfectly showcased on this great collection.
2. The first CD clocks in around 67 minutes. The second CD clocks in at nearly 69 minutes. Add in the bonus disc, and you have nearly two and a half hours of great Who music!
1. The bonus disc of 4 songs feature noticeably different versions of well known Who songs. Particularly outstanding is the acoustic version of “Happy Jack.” Because it’s a limited edition, you shouldn’t wait too long to buy the aptly named Ultimate Collection.

The Who By Numbers
I’d like to start by saying that a best of, or greatest hits compilation, always leaves some fan’s favorite song off. A compilation should really be judged by its inclusiveness of all the top 40 hits, as well as key album tracks. A compilation is not procured for fans who have all the artist’s cds. It designed to make money and to appeal to window shopping fans who want all the hits, plus a little extra. Does this two disc compilation of The Who satisfy that kind of buyer? Yes. The Who have 16 top 40 hits to their credit, and they’re all here except “The Relay” and “Athena”. So in that sense, this compilation gets a thumbs up. Does this compilation have many non-top 40 classics? Yes. Too many to just list here, but as a compilation, this is the first to encapsule such a dearth of music from The Who. Unless you want to get The Who’s box set. For those who don’t want to buy all 10 studio recordings, this two disc pit stop has everything you’d want. It’s about time someone realized that The Who deserves a two disc compilation instead of one. “Eminence Front”, though not a hit, has been absent from Who compilations until now. All the tracks are digitally remastered, another plus when shopping for a compilation. The liner notes are alright, tracing the band’s history, but it doesn’t offer an exciting read. In my opinion, aside from The Who’s box set, this is the best compilation of The Who thus far. A testament of a great rock and roll band. There’s plenty more positive things to say about The Who, but I’ll keep my critique to just this compilation.

Screwed up the sound, big-time
I love The Who. And I traded in “The Very Best of” from 1996 as I bought “The Ultimate Collection,” excited that MCA had finally brought most of the best tracks together in one package. Problem is, they remastered these tracks again and, as a long-time listener, I find them unbearable to listen to.

The problem is that they are bright and edgy without enough of the lower sounds to balance it. So the snare drums go “splat” and Roger’s voice sounds shrill and, worst of all, the basic bass drum is hardly audible. What you have is a very crisp, hard-edged sound that just doesn’t sound like previous releases.

I’m NOT talking about vinyl, I’m talking about the remasters that came out in the mid-1990s. When I first listened to “Won’t Get Fooled Again” on “Ultimate” I went running for the “Who’s Next” CD to make sure I wasn’t making this up. Immediately you hear a smoother high end and Daltrey’s voice sounding natural and the drums sounding like Keith Moon.

Sorry to be a party-pooper, but I rushed back to see if I could retrieve the “Very Best of” that I’d sold back. Fortunately, I can buy it back. For those of you who haven’t plunked down the money yet, if you care about the difference in sound I’m describing, be sure you can give “The Ultimate” a listen before you buy it!

Album Description
This fully comprehensive 2CD collection charts the career of one of the most significant and formidable bands of all time. All tracks have been 24-bit digitally remastered.

Amazon.com
The Who’s mighty catalog of beautiful, poignant, and often silly pop songs bashed out with Cassius Clay finesse has suffered in the past at the hands of multiple, butcher-shop best-ofs and horrible packaging. But this thrilling band-undeniably one of ye classicke rocke’s greatest-gets the career-spanning entry-point compilation it deserves with the double-disc Ultimate Collection. The songs included here are no-brainers, for the most part-if they aren’t huge hits like “My Generation,” “I Can See for Miles,” or “Baba O’Riley,” they’re long-standing fan favorites such as “Boris the Spider,” “Pure and Easy,” and “Squeeze Box.” And while this reviewer wishes different songs were chosen from Tommy, and more than one tune was gathered from their arguably finest (and definitely silliest) album, The Who Sell Out, this record really isn’t for fans (aside from the total trainspotter types) but for newcomers. -Mike McGonigal

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In Between Dreams Description:

• Amazon Sales Rank: #177 in Music
• Released on: 2005-03-01
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .17 pounds

Features

• ISBN13: 0602498800331
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Customer Reviews:

blown away…
it it was possible, i would have given this cd 6 stars… it’s been on constant repeat in the background ever since i got this cd the day it came out (i pre-ordered it as soon as i heard word of a new jack johnson cd…gasp!)

i have liked jack for several years, ever since his debut album “brushfire fairytales.” since then, he’s also come out with “on and on,” (making this his 3rd) and i honestly would never be able to choose my favorite. he’s got a soothing, raspy voice and perfectly harmonizing guitar, and he has such a way with words: he doesn’t just write about love (although his love songs will make your heart flutter!) but he also writes about worldly issues that get you thinking.

back to this new cd… wow. if you can’t tell by now… i HIGHLY recommend it; it’s one of those cds that’s good the very first time you listen to it. highlights are “better together,” (the tune is infectious and his voice is dreamy) “banana pancakes” (because it’s such a cute concept and such a rainy summer day anthem) and “sitting waiting wishing” (which i got addicted to before the release of the cd; the video can be seen on his website, www.jackjohnsonmusic.com)

DEFINITELY buy it… you won’t regret it

We all need more Jack.
I introduced Jack to a friend of mine and he fell in love with this album. He listened to it so often that he started to refer to Jack’s lyrics in ‘Better Together’ and kept it with him where ever he went. Not long after he discovered Jack’s beautiful rhythms, he got into a vicious car accident and passed away.

Every time I hear Jack’s ‘Better Together,’ I think about different moments that I filter through, especially the ones with my friend.

This album is reflective; there is always something special about Jack and his way with words. Maybe it is the melodic guitars; maybe it is the memories that keep to each song. Or maybe it is the fact that if you were to take Jack with you onto the beach and watch the sun set, you will realize how special this album is. The breeze on the beach alone will let you know how strong each song is. It is soothing to the ears, and it will leave you with a homely warmth at life’s random moments, whether they be good or bad.

It’s not always easy,
and sometimes life can be deceiving.
I’ll tell you one thing:
it’s always better when we’re together.
Yeah, it’s always better when we’re together.

Great Beach Music
This album is one of my favorites from Jack Johnson. My 2 1/2 old daughter also loves singing to it.

It is great music to listen to and relax while doing household chores, cooking etc… It just puts you in such a happy and relaxed mood. My favorite time to play it is when we’re staying at the beach. I highly recommend it..

Album Description
UK special edition of Jack Johnson’s 2005 album adds one live bonus track ‘Mudfootball’ (featuring Donavon Frankenreiter & G Love). Universal.

Amazon.com
For a man who gets his biggest kicks surfing the waves and strumming his guitar on a lonely beach in native Hawaii, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson has carved out quite a remarkable career on the mainland. His 2003 album, On and On, debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200 and subsequently went platinum on the back of hit single “The Horizon Has Been Defeated.” The follow-up, meanwhile, seems destined to shine even brighter. The drifting chords and soft voice are still in place, only now Johnson’s instinct for melody has sharpened alongside his ability to self-edit. These small concessions make third album, In Between Dreams, his most conspicuous, particularly on tracks like the three-minute relationship drama, “Sitting, Waiting, Wishing,” and “Breakdown,” a song he originally recorded for Handsome Boy Modeling School’s White People album remade here to reveal its full stripped-down loveliness. Imagine all the coconuts it will buy. - Aidin Vaziri

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Babylon Product: Babylon Sale-Price Too Low To Display!! List Price: —- Amazon Price: Price Too Low To Display! Click Here To See Amazon Sale Price Add to cart to see low price@ Availability: In Stock Usually ships in 24 Hours Free Shipping Available

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• Amazon Sales Rank: #1444 in Music
• Released on: 2009-10-27
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

I’m sorry but this is 3 out of 5
I wanted this to be a 5 star review.
I really did. It’s just NOT. Blackie sounds good but not great.
The songs are good NOT great. He played it VERY SAFE and it sounds like an album from WASP in the 80’s only the songs aren’t as good.
Worth getting just not what I was hoping for.

3 Stars Because:

I still love his hair:
It seems to have some rehash of guitar lines that I faintly hear in the background from other albums but I really thought his ‘Crimson Idol’ CD was and still is excellent as well as his Double Live album and it also reminds me of his ‘Electric Circus Live’ CD and we all know that Blackie is a bit older nowadays but I’m glad to see he’s back on the scene after all the controversy that he’s endured, I’ve seen a couple old videos that popped up on the TV for the Metal Mania program that the run on cable and at that moment wondered whatever happened to him and now I know now that he back on the scene. I also went thru my collection and found his ‘Last Command’ CD and thought it was pretty well done. That picture on the cover could have made for a better CD had the sound been really metallized.

Best drummer Blackie has ever had!
I could take this or leave it minus the drums.
WOW!
Awesome drummer.
Hands down the best drummer Blackie has ever even dreamed of having!

Wrinkle Filler

Love Is on the Move Description:

No Description Available.
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music
Media Format: Compact Disk
Rating:
Release Date: 25-AUG-2009

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4060 in Music
• Brand: LEELAND
• Released on: 2009-08-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .19 pounds

Customer Reviews:

Leeland on the move again!
I have loved Leeland the first moment I heard them on “The Sound Of Melodies.” I was amazed at their talent, music, and the fact that Leeland (the singer, not the band!) was still a teenager! Sound of Melodies had a very passionate, worship feel to it with good music and a wide range of vocals. “The Opposite Way” showed maturity in songwriting and musicianship, and although it may have lost some of the catchiness of the debut album, I felt like it was a step in the right direction for them…With that being said, I feel like “Love Is On The Move” has the best of both worlds. It is catchy, spiritual, and the music is stellar. Once again, they combine British-esque musicianship with soaring vocals and my favorite part about it is the imagery of the lyrics. Songs like “Carry Me On Your Back” which speak of Jesus helping us through storms, “Via Dolorosa” which speaks of Jesus trading his crown for a crown of thorns and dying and suffering on the cross, and my favorite song on the CD “Follow You” (with special guest Brandon Heath) speaks of us recognizing the love that Jesus has given to us and sharing that to the world through faith and deeds - it’s a song of showing love and hope to the broken. Amazing! This album definitely did not disappoint, although if I had one criticism, it’s that the bass seems non-existent. Whether that was intentional or the mixer’s fault, I don’t know. But other than that, a truly beautiful, passionate, and spiritual album that begs to be played again and again.

Mellow at first, but awesome
I didn’t really like it all that much when I first listened to it. But after the second, third+ plus I now LOVE it. Much more mellow than the previous album but in a good way. Love Leland.

Brilliant!
Bright, upbeat music; uplifting lyrics combine to make this collection simply brilliant! I can’t listen to this one enough. Add this one to your basket without reservation!

Nail Fungus