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Ross Wood - 1/11/2011
When interviewed, Hans Zimmer pointedly observed: "I'm not interested in the massive heroic tunes anymore. Now I'm interested in how I can take two, three, or four notes and make a really complex emotional structure. It's emotional as opposed to sentimental. It's not b-s heroic; it has dignity to it."
It says more about his approach to scoring Inception, which has become a cinematic classic, than Zimmer's style and juxtaposes Zimmer's strengths and weaknesses. The two-note motif ideal popularised in the Batman Begins score is entrenched withn this score too, and as with his previous works, it can be considered both effective yet overused. Nearly every track is structured around a differing two-note motif layered upon one other, but as Zimmer states above, there's no identifying themes for the characters; it's all based upon the emotional impact of the scene itself.
Empathising this is an anecdote about Nolan's refusal to grant Zimmer any spotting sessions (previewing a rough cut of the film); all themes were composed from Zimmer's impressions of the characters from the script. It was only in the post-sessions that the suites and cues were tailored to fit the sequences. Radical? Of course. At times, the Inception soundtrack is compelling, but also often ends up as background noise - there's not enough to hold your attention for long. After attentively listening to it first time in the quiet of my sitting room, I duly switched to listening to it often, yet playing in the background. To be fair, this is one where you really should see the movie in order to fully appreciate it. The atmospheric composition and overall ambiance compliments the movie perfectly.
Highlights: *Potential Spoilers*
We Built Our Own World. Built upon a two-note pulsing rhythmic base underneath another two-note synth key, it captures Cobb's emotional disposition while revisiting the dream scape he and Mal fashioned together. I especially liked the Portishead-style 'vinyl skip' beat at the end.
Radical Notion. 'Vinyl skips' continue through the intro before flowing into a 'white noise' support. Brad Fiedel-style synths carry you along before the electric cello two-noters overlap with some bottom from Batman Begins (Molossus) before rising to pleasant tempo beat ending all too soon.
Waiting For A Train clocks in at 9:28, the longest track on the cd. Two-note motifs flood the composition, supported by a sub-harmonic rumble. At 7:03 the Edith Piaf vocal sample (Non Je Ne Regrette Rien/I Regret Nothing At All) used for the 'sound kick' makes its sole appearance.
Time. Ued in the movie's finale. It begins with the most familiar of the two-note motifs - alternating the second note's rise and descent - first as solo piano notes before morphing into synth. Alternate versions are layered into, coupled with an emphasizing guitar pick. At 3:37 it rises to its full potential before dipping into reflective solo piano keys and a tonal finale. Zimmer achieved his ends by effecting emotional response very well here.
*End of spoilers*
This is a hard one to rate. While it effortlessly epitomizes a soundtrack by enhancing the movie, you're tempted to yield to its appeal as an ambient release, and it doesn't quite have enough to stand on its own two feet. However, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. If there was a 10-point ranking, I would score it a solid 7.
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Bryony - 1/8/2011
Cheryl Cole's Messy little Raindrops is a great Album. It has lots of great songs, including the singles Promise This and The Flood. Four songs are featuring four other singers. They are Travie McCoy, Dizzee Rascal, Will.I.Am or August Rigo. I personally think these ones are the best.
I would definitely recommend this CD to anyone who likes singers like: Pixie Lott, Katie Perry, Pink, Rihanna, Black Eyed Peas etc.
Thank-You Cheryl, this is the best!!!
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Des Platt - 1/7/2011
This is the finest album of Christmas Carols I have ever heard. Every track is a joy and they even manage to make the Twelve Days of Christmas a pleasure to listen to.The choir is wonderful but the highlights are Anthony Way's solos; in particular "What Child is This" and "Do you hear what I hear" move me close to tears after 24 years of owning the tape.The only pity is that you only play it two weeks a year ; in my case as a Christmas traditionalist from about December 23rd onwards.
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Mark Dawson - 1/2/2011
I loved the scripts first album and eagerly anticipated their second. I was slightly nervous how they could follow up their smash hit debut album. I love this album. It seems like every song is designed to be a number one and there doesnt appear to be and mindles album filler. Am looking at getting tickets for them thig year. Excellent.
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Michelle Moore - 12/31/2010
'Persistence In This Game' is the debut album offering from Straight Lines and consists of the type of music that will put a smile on your face and a beat in your step. After listening to these twelve tracks you instantly want more. They are upbeat examples of the dynamic tunes that these four can create.. while recording in a garage!
Each of the tracks is vocally driven and this is the most notable and intriguing aspect of the songs. Vocals are energetically and emotionally passionate. What makes them so different and stand out are the fact they sound unperfected and incredibly natural, like Bryce Avary of The Rocket Summer or Alex Band - unique and one of a kind. There is no falseness about the voice of vocalist Tom Jenkins. When backed up by Dane and Todd Campbell, the harmonies are united and make you want to catch the guys live. When it comes to writing, these guys put pen to paper to create an anthemic tune with real talent. No one song can be classified as of a high quality as each has the ability to be remembered for its catchy and united choruses as well as at times fast moving lyrics.
Each of the twelve songs is similar in style with upbeat and punchy guitar melodies from James Pugh, but how each is used is completely different when surrounded with the vocals. At times subtle at other times crashing out with riffs. 'The Ballad of Peter Devine' is an emotionally and vocally driven song that is enough to make your heart sink. It is slower than the other songs but is much more impressive in sound with slower melodies yet a larger atmospheric sound. The chorus is especially breathtaking as the backing vocals sing in the distance with the dominant Jenkins voice powering the song.
With the snow continuing to fall, this debut is the perfect stay in and listen to record.
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Chris Kelly - 12/31/2010
No Guts, No Glory is Airbourne's 2nd full length album to be released and continues the balls to the wall attitude implemented in their first release (Running Wild). From the very first chord of 'Born to Kill' to the last drumbeat of 'Back on the Bottle', this album is an assault on the senses carrying on the tradition of Australian straight ahead no-nonsence rock 'n roll, set out by bands such as AC/DC and Rose Tattoo. Airbourne are obviously a band much more in their infancy, but what they lack in long term experience, they make up with sheer energy and heart (their tour schedules alone are testament to this), and each song is a powerhouse in its own right, 'Raise the Flag' being a personal favourite (it's also worth noting the Special Edition version has an additional 5 tracks providing even more bang for your buck). In a time where every other band seems to want to 'save the world', it's good to know there are still bands whose only message remains Drink Beer, and Rock and Roll! Airbourne remain firmly in this camp.
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Gareth - 12/28/2010
Echo and the Bunnymen stormed back on the scene in the 1997 with the album 'Evergreen' and stunning single 'Nothing ever lasts forever' containing backing vocals from Liam Gallagher. Another great album followed 'what are you going to do with your life' (1999). However in 2001, the release of 'flowers' halted that bands progress with an uninspired and poor album. This album seems to have a point to prove that they are not over the hill and I believe it has succeeded. Every song on the album has great sounding chiming guitar riffs coupled with Ian McCulloch's ever so slightly broken vocals. Although his vocals are not as strong as they were on 'Evergreen' and 'What are you going to do with your life', they, through their experience make for great story telling in the songs.
The first song 'Stormy Weather' is a very catchy tune accompanied by a great vocal from Ian McCulloch that really gets you in the mood for what's to follow, as it sets up the album well. There is a great run of songs that follow, which produce, just what you expect from Echo and the Bunnymen 'All because of you days', Parthenon Drive', In The Margins', 'Of A Life', 'Make Us Blind' and 'Everything Kills You'. If I had to say there were any weaker songs on the album, I would have to say they are probably 'Scissors in the sand' and the title track 'Siberia'. From the off the album gets you in a groove which continues right the way through the album, until the last track, which is a stripped back song called 'What If We Are?', which is a softer sounding finish to album, then the 10 songs that precede it. I would say this album is definitely a return to form for the band without a doubt.
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Jake - 12/17/2010
Feline was the stranglers seventh studio album released in 1983. It was described by David Buckley, in 'No Mercy', the stranglers biography as being; 'the first stranglers album which could be played at a dinner party, or could be put on after the hours of darkness without spooking out the rest of the family'. Whilst it is true that is a more serene affair than albums regarded as punk classics 'Rattus Norvegicus' and 'No More Heroes' and barely recognisable as the same band, Feline is not simply a commercial pop album. Hugh Cornwell's autobiography 'A Multitude of Sins' reflects that Roxy Music's 'Avalon' was partially influential on the albums sound. One might go further and say there are hints of Japan and more than just a hint of Kraftwerk to be found on Feline, but it is also very distinctly the stranglers. It sits comfortably alongside the influences mentioned and has just a slight Bowie vibe to it, unsurprisingly perhaps when Tony Visconti co-produced/engineered the album with the band. Cornwell's autobiography also describes the tension between himself and the rest of the band during the making of this album, Cornwell would of course go on to make just three more albums with the stranglers following Feline. Cornwell's other revelations of the time speak of the fact they were highly under the influence of various substances, even recalling being laid out on the studio floor, off their heads on smack during the recording of Feline.
Feline is often remarked as musically reflecting Northern Europe meets Southern Europe. The harsh industrial sounds of Jet Black's drum programming, Dave Greenfield's synthesisers and the trademark JJ Burnell bass, representing the North. This contrasts with Cornwell's contribution, having largely hung up his electric guitar for this album; he represented the South through acoustic guitar, which at times has a distinct Spanish feel to it. Feline is a very interesting almost experimental album, it is one of a kind not just for the stranglers, but generally speaking- there are not many albums out there that can make such claims about representations of European music. Feline had a similar feel to previous efforts like 'The Gospel According to the Meninblack' and 'La Folie', but it was very much a one off. The experiment on Feline was largely not repeated on future albums, the follow up album, 'Aural Sculpture' is almost a jazz album by contrast. However 'Fire and Water' the solo offering from JJ. Burnel and Dave Greenfield continue in a similar direction to Feline, minus the acoustic guitars.
The Stranglers were in many ways at the height of their success at the time of Feline's release. Feline saw the stranglers depart EMI and sign a lucrative contract with Epic (CBS). This was in the wake of achieving top ten hits with 'Golden Brown' and 'Strange Little Girl', the latter was followed by the first single from Feline 'European Female' which went to score further top ten success. Feline additionally made the top ten album charts, and was the last stranglers' studio album to do so since. The Stranglers also headlined at the 1983 Reading Festival, so it is reasonable to suggest the band were at the peak of their commercial success at this time.
From 'Midnight Summer Dream' through to 'Never Say Goodbye', Feline is a remarkable collection of songs that somehow encapsulates a tonal contrast perhaps best summed up in the lyrics of the latter:
"Black friend of the night
Why did you leave in such a hurry?
White friend of the day
You left us juggling our worries"
As a final word each song on 'Feline' is an audio delight, highlights are 'Midnight Summer Dream', 'Ships That Pass In The Night', 'European Female', 'Paradise', 'All Roads lead to Rome' and 'Never say Goodbye'. This review is a personal opinion; Feline is an album which seems to divide fans, but as far as I am concerned it was and still remains an excellent album. Feline is topped off with great artwork, the cat on the front sleeve has a Mona Lisa effect with eyes that seem to follow you- fantastic stuff, Feline is highly recommended get yourself a copy today!
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Kevin Stanley - 12/16/2010
Russell Watson's opening theme for Star Trek: Enterprise, "Where My Heart Will Take Me" which he recorded in 2001 for the US TV show is excellent. Diane Warren wrote the song and I liked it so much that I listened to it time and again when watching Star Trek. However that seems a very long time ago now and the only other time that I heard anything about Watson in the interim was that he once again sang "Where My Heart Will Take Me" in 2007 for something to do with the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which I thought was very fitting, and of course when he hit the headlines more recently with news of him fighting brain cancer, which he has now reportedly recovered from thankfully.
Watson debuted in 2001 with an album entitled "The Voice", now in 2010 he has released with his latest album entitled "La Voce (The Return of The Voice)". So I put the CD in to my CD player and it was at this point that I found out something interesting... Watson sings the majority of his songs in another language; hell I don't even know what language it is! Italian I imagine. But I do not understand it. There are two tracks performed in English though: "Be My Love" and "Someone To Remember Me" as well as "Io Che Non Vivo (Senza Te)" which might sound familiar as it is "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me"
I really enjoyed this album, despite the language difficulties, Watson's voice is strong and clear, he sings both expertly and beautifully and his music and songs are a wonderful crossover between popular songs and operatic singing.
Don't be put off by a perceived language barrier, jump in and enjoy it.
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Oliver Sizeland - 12/16/2010
While Kanye West has always been an object of scorn, with his big personality and even bigger mouth, his music as been almost universally lauded. And after the experiment of his last album, 808s And Heartbreak, he has returned to what he does best with this, his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Here Mr. West is found firing on all cylinders, tearing up the rulebook once more with a daring, fascinating, complex and undoubtedly brilliant album that encompasses his talent and persona wonderfully. Every track is a tour-de-force, a window into epic music in the making. The track that has received the most critical attention is Runaway, partly since it is accompanied by a 35-minute film that acts as a music video of sorts, but also since the song itself is nearly 10 minutes in length and acts as the heart of the album. Elsewhere there are the usual creatively chosen samples, lyrical wordplay and epic beats that harken back to West's best work on his debut album, The College Dropout. It would be churlish to pick tracks however, since every one ties together to form a very satisfying whole.
This new record is a stunning listen from start to finish, solidly put together and indeed beautiful, dark and twisted in equal measure. It is truly unique in amongst the current crop of hip-hop releases, in music as a whole in fact. It simply sees Kanye West raising the bar once more, higher even than he himself has previously. It'll take something pretty spectacular to top it.
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Valery Cooper - 12/12/2010
This album is very good sung both in spanish and english and Marc Antony's voice is amazing, the high notes show how beautiful and unique his voice truly is and the lyrical love songs are so romantic, a must have to download on your MP3 player.
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dawnymare - 12/5/2010
My interest was pricked when I saw this album advertised on TV. Straight away my senses where transported back to a time when music aroused fun and happy feelings - a feel good factor I think you would call it. Of course I remember the 80's music with fondness as that was what I grew up with and it brings back fond memories of a carefree time in life when all was new.
This album is like a soundtrack to my life back in the 80's but it is also a great soundtrack for life now too - just pop it into the CD player and bounce back to the magic of that 80's electronic vibe - a new romance indeed!
Favourites on the album for me have to be :
Don't you want me - Human league
Sweet dreams - Eurythmics
Hungry like the wolf - Duran Duran
Living in a box - Living in a box
Gosh I can't really say anymore fav's because more or less the whole album will be listed! I guess that says a lot then about how good this album listing is. It is a great selection of Athems from the electronic time back in the 80's.
A great album - love it!
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Carson Warnes - 12/4/2010
Whichever label you choose to give this release - dubstep, UK funky or er, future bass, there's no denying it's the freshest dance music genre right now. Each track on this compilation forces you to listen; such is the diversity of what's on offer and how unpredictable it is. This isn't music to wash over you or play in the background. Crank up the volume (and the bass), turn off the lights and imagine you're on a small, smoky dance floor somewhere in Bristol. Stand-out tracks from recognisable names such as Four Tet (not usually associated with this scene) as well as less recognisable ones like Distal make for an exhilarating listen. Highly recommended.
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Kevin Ryan - 11/30/2010
The National have been steadily building an audience over the years with critically lauded albums and sold out tours. When Barack Obama started using their song 'Fake Empire' to soundtrack his appearances it seemed like they were on the cusp of entering the mainstream and their fifth album 'High Violet' maybe the record to help do that. The music is brooding and introverted and many of the songs build to a soaring epicness. The lyrics seem an unusual mix of stories of urban middle class life and bursts of surrealism and fantasy and Matt Berninger's voice is a compelling, resonant instrument. The single 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' is terrific and there are a scattering of memorable lines like the repeated 'I'll explain everything to the geeks'. Unfortunately there is a distint lack of light and shade though and too many of the songs are indistinguishable in their muddy, plodding miserableness.
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Jessica - 11/24/2010
This album was abosolutely brilliant! Love Blondie!
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Gareth - 11/15/2010
Very different from the guise of Maximo Park, the band from which Paul smith is the lead vocalist. This selection of songs recorded by Paul over the last 5years that make up this, his first solo album are slower, less guitar orientated and well perhaps maybe more arty.
Clever use of sentence structure and words that are, well, maybe not used so much in the usual realms of the pop world.
In some songs there is a real stripped back vulnerability in Paul's voice which is endearing. However some songs such as 'Improvement/denouement', Alone, I would've dropped' and 'I wonder if' the lyrics obviously mean something, however as the listener I found it hard to connect with exactly what the message was. Sometimes there seems to be an attempt to make the lyrics and words too clever and therefore any connectionfor the listener is lost. There seems to be too much synth, feedback and echo in places on the production of this album and unfortunately there doesn't seem to be enough change of pace on the album, with all tracks keeping to a similar pace. 'North Atlantic Drift' and 'Out Lady of Lourdes', are the most well produced songs on the album, with other recordings sounding like a little like demo quality. All in all and after the first listen, I would say this could be a grower but I'm not counting on it.
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Mr T McKinstry - 11/15/2010
Was hoping for a LOT better ! It's just AWFUL !!!
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Alex Thomas - 11/9/2010
I am a big fan of 80s metal in particular Poison, Def Leppard and Motley Crue and listening to Hinder just brought the genre bang up to date and sounds excellent.
On the back of their debut album - EXTREME BEHAVIOR - I bought this album and still cannot stop listening to it. My favourite track is 'Thing For You' but every track is fantastic especially the lead single 'Use Me'. Full of a mix of party tracks and ballads - generally about losing a girlfriend or beign cheated on and drowning your sorrows but all good with great guitar solos and some heartfelt lyrics.
All in all if you like Skid Row and the like then well buy this album now!
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HelenBelle - 11/2/2010
I ordered this and when it arrived I was a bit puzzled as there did not seem to be anything "deluxe" about the CD. After doing some research with Amazon and HMV, it turns out that the "deluxe" refers to the "special packaging", which consists of a cardboard cover instead of the standard plastic CD case. This cover is all very pretty but really looks no different to the standard pack and it is less robust that the plastic case. It is definitely not worth the extra £3-£6 (depending on where you buy it). Just get the standard version!
Having said all of that....the music is FABULOUS!! Bryan at his best!!
The music is worth 5 stars but the deluxe version packaging is worth 1 star!!
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Josh Frankpitt - 11/1/2010
All I can say is that there are at least 10 good tracks on this.... and the other 3 songs are of a good quaility as well...... I loved Tinchy Stryders album but this album is excptional, with collabs with ellie goulding, labrinth and the swedish house mafia.