CD-Charts Position 51
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Black Ice (Deluxe)

CD-Charts > Music > Format (binding browse-bin)
by: AC/DC

Release Date October 20, 2008
I was taken to an office in Soho and a young lady put a CD on and told the assembled throng (3 of us actually) that this was the next AC/DC album. It could only be played once and we couldn't make notes or use mobile phones etc. Now I'd only gone out with my mate for a quiet drink and having beem lured into this office it was only fair that I listen.

And I was sort of impressed. I'm not a fan as such - just got the live albums as a sort of "best of" substitute (why have they never released a best of album?) so I can come at this one with what I hope is an unjaundiced view.

It rocks! Lets get that straight for a start. There are even some more thoughtful moments - the track Rock'n'roll dreams (I think) for one. The ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 52
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Somewhere

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by: Eva Cassidy

Release Date August 25, 2008
I'm a longtime fan of Eva Cassidy's wonderful voice and style. I think I have all her albums and those albums provide a lot of the background music for my life. Her all-too-soon death took a marvelous talent from this world.

That said, though, I found this album a bit disappointing. I think that with every now-deceased beloved artist, there exists a file somewhere of recorded songs that were considered for earlier albums and put aside because they weren't quite good enough. Then, when the artist dies, there's a scramble to unearth these items and create an album from them. It doesn't always work: those songs were filed away for good reason.

And while I find this album enjoyable, that seems to be the case here. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 53
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First Love - Songs from the British Isles

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by: Bryn Terfel

Release Date September 15, 2008
I have to admit that I had concerns about buying this disc. But it has surpassed my expectations. It is not as sentimental as so many of these interpretations are, and Bryn Terfel's singing is excellent. The duets provide appropriate and beautiful diversifications. I think 'Danny Boy' may have worked better as a solo, but it is still a great duet which works well. I say this as someone who also loves 'Led Zeppelin' 'The Who' 'Beethoven' and 'Wagner'. Whether that adds anything to my opinion I know not; but this disc is worth buying if you enjoy listening to a darn good song, sung by a master, and supported by a great cast.

CD-Charts Position 54
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Perfect Symmetry

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by: Keane

Release Date October 13, 2008
The first three songs are a pathetically transparent rip-offs of Berlin period Bowie (seriously, I really believe Bowie could sue for royalties on the third track - it's "Ashes to Ashes" dumbed down) before the album returns to the usual boring Keane fare.

How that can be described as "truly original" I'm not sure.

CD-Charts Position 55
Average Rating:

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This is Alphabeat

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by: Alphabeat

Release Date June 02, 2008
It's a brave band that tries to recreate that mid-90s indie sound. Infact, if you think back to recent years, most bands would rather hark back to the 80s, so when Alphabeat came along, basically trying to reproduce the feel of 90s Scandanavian indie (which let's face it, gave us brilliant bands like the Wannadies and the Cardigans), I have to admit I was very excited.

Thankfully, the album lives up to the obvious hype it generates. 'Fascination' could easily have been a Wannadies song, right down to the slightly punky 'the word is on your lips' chant in the middle. 'Boyfriend' is very reminiscent of the Cardigans around the time of Lovefool, and Stine's voice is just lush. Elsewhere, 'What is Happening' sounds a bit like Blur collaborating ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 56
Average Rating:

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Ode to J. Smith

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by: Travis

Release Date September 29, 2008
I shall begin with a summary of each song.

Chinese Blues is very catchy and sounds very commercial and upbeat and would be great on the radio but this vibe masks a more profound set of lyrics. This track is very similar in these characteristics to their previous hit single Side.

J. Smith is, according to Travis, just a randomly made up name, one of the most common out there, just to devise a name for a character. As someone who studied Latin and still can decipher it to this day, I find the addition of this language in the second verse highly amusing, especially the line which translates roughly as "coal in your arse for eternity." Naughty Mr Healy!! Another big point of interest is the choir. Brilliant, unique track which ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 57
Average Rating:

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Kind of Blue

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by: Miles Davis

Release Date April 07, 1997
Miles Davis and his band ( and what a band ) explore modes in this record beggining a new era in jazz improvisation previously based in chord changes.
That was quite a big step .First , it gave greater freedom.Second, you must knew what to do with the freedom to avoid a musical disaster.
The truth is that this is one of this exceptional albums that you can listen to 1000 times and discover new layers and rewarding musical moments.
I mean , if you want to understand Jazz after 1950 buy this and if you want to listen to exceptional music buy it too.

CD-Charts Position 58
Average Rating:

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Live at Shea Stadium: 13 Oct 1982/Remastered/Special Edition

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by: Clash

Release Date October 06, 2008
Although I'm a huge fan of The Clash, I wasn't 100% convinced about this release but, thanks to the previous reviews, decided to take the plunge and I'm glad I did. As already mentioned, the audio quality and musicianship are superb. This is the sound of the band at the top of their game. My only gripes are the, somewhat annoying, intro by Kosmo Vinyl and the absense of Topper Headon on drums. Terry Chimes is a solid enough player but they really miss someone with Topper's power and versatility. However, don't let this put you off buying as what's on offer here is well worth your money and attention. It also makes you wonder where the band would have gone musically had they not imploded shortly afterwards!

CD-Charts Position 59
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Snowflake Midnight

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by: Mercury Rev

Release Date September 29, 2008
An extreme dissapointment from a band I've loved for years. They've gone for lush ambient sounds this time with echoey vocals on top that float aimlessly around and get nowhere. It's tuneless and dull. The only thing I will take my hat off to them for is that they've tried something different (with exception of Hello Blackbird maybe!?!) but for me it isn't a good result.

for those interested, the free download album "Strange Attractor", which is available from mercury rev's home page isn't much cop either, mainly ambient off-cuts from Snowflake Midnight by the sounds of things.

All in all then, wasn't worth the wait, save your cash.

CD-Charts Position 60
Average Rating:

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Vampire Weekend

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by: Vampire Weekend

Release Date January 28, 2008
After hearing A-Punk what sane music lover couldn't want this album?

But with few tracks being as fun or catchy I was slightly disappointed. The album failed to make me bop continuously for the 34.2 minutes like i was expecting instead bringing out a slightly less catchy side. It's still listenable... Just not as listenable as I wanted it to be.

I'd give it a 7/10 in all.