Rock the DJ [Import]

Rock the DJ [Import]

Track Listings

1. Killing in the Name

2. Feel It - Antoine Clamaran,

3. Seven Nation Army - Punk Division

4. Rock Machine - Laurent Wolf

5. Spin It Right [Mousse T. Remix] - Charles Schillings

6. Why [Bob Sinclair Remix]

7. Money - David Guetta, Mone, Chris Willis

8. Modern Times [Rove Dogs Remix]

9. Ca C'est Vraiment Toi - Telephone

10. Time Is What You Need - Benassi Bros., Paul French, Paul French

11. Song 2

12. Behind the Whell - Central Park

13. I Know You Don't Like Me (I Hate You) - Geeza

14. Voices [Eric Prydz Remix] - Steve Angello

15. Fast Track

16. Italian Fireflies - Black Strobe

17. Real Life - Audio Bullys

18. Burning Down (London's Burning) - Tiga

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
A Blend of Rock and House Tracks to Excite Your Player featuring Danceable Versions of Songs by Rage Against the Machine, the White Stripes, the Rove Dogs and More from the Likes of Tiga, Benassi Brothers, David Guetta, Etienne De Crecy and Super Discount, Charles Schillings, Laurent Wolf and Many More.

Tracks:

Eppur Si Muove
Feel Me Heaven
Dreaming Of Andromeda
Dancing With Mephisto
Northern Lights
Invisible Love
Message From IO
Hello And Welcome
20,000 Miles Over The Sea
Sitting On The Moon
The Alchemist
Goodbye Milky Way

Amazon.com

Sixth in a series of never-quite-the-same recordings from Michael Cretu, the Bucharest-born electronic musician/studio wiz known as Enigma, A Posteriori has the capacity to delight one camp of Enigma devotees while it perplexes another. Less overtly sensual than earlier recordings and devoid of female singers in lead-vocalist roles (no Ruth-Ann, no Sandra), A Posteriori nevertheless stands as a worthwhile recording that at its best moments handsomely displays Cretu's talents for effective songcraft and imaginative sound design. The 54-minute disc--an ode to science and discovery rather than brainy erotica--launches with two impressive instrumentals, "Eppur Si Muove" ("and yet it does move," a phrase attributed to Galileo following his heresy conviction for asserting that the earth rotates around the sun) and "Feel Me Heaven," gorgeous tracks that are part audio space probes, part pulsing Euro electronica. Momentum wanes (or chills) until Cretu strings together a series of tracks that use a heady amalgam of ambient, techno, dance, and rock textures: "Hello and Welcome," "20,000 Miles Over the Sea," "Sitting on the Moon," and the dense, edgy "The Alchemist," which evokes notions of a 21st-century version of Ultravox. "Moon" stands out in particular, guided by a subtle pop melody that exudes the gentle irresistibility of Dido's best work. Cretu wisely limits (or eliminates) the use of Gregorian chants and ethnic voices, once-fresh ideas now demoted to gimmickry. He lets his own voice, a raspy take on Peter Gabriel, carry this disc's three vocal-driven tracks to mixed effect. While not everything glitters here, enough does that A Posteriori warrants investigation by earnestly inquisitive Enigma followers. --Terry Wood

Amazon.com

There are no black holes in Enigma's musical universe. Nothing ever just vanishes here. It's been 16 years since October 1st 1990, when Enigma's debut, "Sadeness Part 1," rocked the earthly airwaves and hit the top of the charts with sounds the planet had never heard. All of a sudden Enigma was no longer a UFO but the most famous spaceship of world music - and the music world. On September 22nd, 2006 A Posteriori, the sixth album of Michael Cretu's Enigma project was released.

You can get an idea of where A Posteriori is heading from song titles such as "Dreaming Of Andromeda," "Message From Io" and "Goodbye Milky Way." It takes you on a voyage through a multilayered soundscape, to the limits of your sonic experience, but always stays true to the essence of Enigma. The album will carry any hitch-hiker along to explore extraordinary new galaxies aboard the sound-ship Enigma. There is also the overture that, as on the five predecessors, welcomes the listener to Enigma's latest album, before creating the first tonal Fata Morgana 30 seconds later. Wafting through a soft carpet of sound come mysterious voices suggestive of power, shouting something Latin into this new sound-sphere—a sphere where A Posteriori will linger. Enigma once again create associative sound-signals that embed themselves in your head forever like a mental tattoo.

Enigma Photos

More from Enigma

Love Sensuality Devotion: The Greatest Hits
MCMXC A.D.
The Cross of Changes

Voyageur
Enigma 3: Le Roi Est Mort, Vive Le Roi!
MCMXC a. D. - The Complete Album DVD

Customer Reviews:

I like it.......2007-07-17

Well we are now in a new "age" for Enigma. The sounds are new and maybe the fans can't adapt easily.

Anyway i think this CD is beautiful, i like it a lot.

I was taken away from this planet........2007-07-06

Enigma has a great pro: Takes its escence of its music, while blends it with fresh beats and sounds. This work shows great traces of soft and aggresive electronica blended with an "outer space" atmosphere. When I listened to the CD, I felt taken to somewhere next to the moon, looking at the stars and the Earth in front (possibly most of the track titles would push me into that thought). Enigma evolved for the good through time, and this is the product. Song like "Good bye Milky Way", "Dreaming of Andromeda" and "Northen Lights" would relax yourself and feel great emotions; while "Dancing with Mephisto" and "Feel me Heaven", would give you a great blast with a little more agrresive electronica and faster beats. Something I would have prefered is a different picture for the CD cover, I think I would be great a great space picture of a nebula, the Pleyades, a supernova or something; but anyways, after listening to this, that will be the last thing you might be thinking about. Great job Michael!

Nice to chill out with.......2007-07-05

I am an Enigma-holic who owns all the albums and love them all. As a musician myself I'm always searching for the ultimate unique musical experience and "A Posteriori" is awesome. As a whole the ambient spacey grooves here tend to be more similar from track to track and never change much dynamically or tempo wise - they tend to put the listener into a hypnotic trance and that is a good thing when you want that type of feeling.

Check out Breathe

Enigma's comeback.......2007-07-02

1st album of Enigma was a masterpiece. Second was not as good, but great. The rest were not worth listening to (in my opinion). After about 15 years of producing, frankly, junk Cretu is back with a new album I enjoy and listen to a lot. It is not the classic Enigma - this horse has been beaten to death already - but rather a new, more electronic direction with some Enigma sounds and hints. I think this is the right direction for Cretu - there simply will never be another "MCMXC A.D.". This album proves that he does not need another "MCMXC A.D." to give his fans wonderful music to listen to. Cretu should go and explore new worlds - we all know he can!

Enigma.......2007-06-02

Love them or hate them Enigma has a sound all of there own. I never tire of listening to their unique sounds that give me a great sense of relaxation.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic
Fabulous
Fantastic
If you like downtempo and lounge house, this is for YOU!
No match for Air

Simple Things
Zero 7
Manufacturer: Palm Pictures (Audio
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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When It Falls
Details
The Garden
Moon Safari
Versions

ASIN: B00005R5M6
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Tracks:

I Have Seen
Polaris
Destiny
Give It Away
Simple Things
Red Dust
Distractions
In The Waiting Line
Out Of Town
This World
Likufanele
End Theme
Salt Water Sound
Spinning

Amazon.com

Zero 7's ability to conjure beautiful lullabies with all the romance of 1960s French pop (as found on their debut LP, Simple Things) would have made them the toast of soundtrack composers and chill-out connoisseurs the world over. Unfortunately, two Frenchmen beat Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker to the title of "masters of comedown cool," leaving the London duo to be forever called "the British Air." And this is fair; the similarities between Zero 7's lush cinematic soundscapes and those of Air's Moon Safari and the Virgin Suicides score are so strong as to sound almost intentional. Nonetheless, their debut is a truly gorgeous album. It has all the tried and tested atmospheric tricks--bleeps and whooshes layered over plodding Fender Rhodes chords, swathes of strings and tender trumpet parps--but it's Binns and Hardaker's languid grooves and the soft melancholy of their melodies that make dream-state instrumentals "Give It Away" and "Polaris" utterly enchanting. The real power of Simple Things, however, is in its songs. As beautiful as the ambient strains are, when laid beneath the seductive vocals of Australian diva Sia on the ethereal "Destiny" or the heart-breaking "Distractions," their potency becomes apparent. --Dan Gennoe

Album Description

2001 debut full length for dance act described as, 'the British Air', the follow-up to two limited, critically acclaimed EPs. Highlights include the awesome African influenced instrumental passage 'Likufanele', the velvety 'I Have Seen' feat. Mozez & the quiet storm of 'Destiny' feat. Sia. Quango.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic.......2007-04-05

Suave, Refined -- So Cool. I really enjoy this album.
My favorites in this album are "Destiny", "Distractions" (sublime) and "In the Waiting Line".

Fabulous.......2007-03-16

This album is absolutely a must-have. My music library would be incomplete without it.

Fantastic.......2007-02-25

I feel like I have discovered a whole new world of music with this CD and I have both listened to a ton of music and am also a musician. I recommend this highly to anyone that wants to reinspire their musical pallete after feeling like they've reached a lull in their listening. I realize this is an older CD, but I had not listened to much electronica earlier and I almost think to categorize Zero 7 and particularly this album as electronica is oversimplifying it. There is much depth to the music.

If you like downtempo and lounge house, this is for YOU!.......2007-02-18

Ever since I bought this CD, it has not left the CD changer in my car. It's one of those CDs you can listen to over and over again when you first purchase the CD. Over time, the entire CD has grown on me. The music has hints of disco mixed with downtempo and occasional light lyrics. The standout tracks for me have been Destiny, Red Dust, In the waiting line, This World, and the bonus track Salt Water Sound. Great for driving, relaxing at home, and for setting the mood wherever you go!

No match for Air.......2007-02-01

I bought this based on all the comparisons to Air, a band I can listen to endlessly. The music is indeed highly similar. Unfortunately, the banal, faux-soulful vocals turned me off completely.

Average customer rating:

Silent Shout
The Knife
Manufacturer: Mute U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Volta
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ASIN: B000N3SSVM
Release Date: 2007-07-17

Tracks:

Silent Shout
Neverland
The Captain
We Share Our Mothers' Health
Na Na Na
Marble House
Like A Pen
From Off To On
Forest Families
One Hit
Still Light

Tracks:

Pass This On
The Captain
We Share Our Mothers' Health
You Make Me Like Charity
Marble House
Forest Families
Kino
Heartbeats
Silent Shout
From Off To On

Tracks:

Pass This On
The Captain
We Share Our Mothers' Health
You Make Me Like Charity
Marble House
Forest Families
Kino
Heartbeats
Silent Shout
From Off To On

Tracks:

N.Y. Hotel
Heartbeats
You Take My Breath Away (I)
Pass This On
Handy Man
You Take My Breath Away (II)
Silent Shout
Marble House (I)
We Share Our Mothers' Health
Like A Pen
Marble House (II)
When I Found The Knife (Short Film)

Album Description

Silent Shout Deluxe Special Package 2CD+DVD. This 3-disc Deluxe Edition includes the SILENT SHOUT album, a DVD containing 'Silent Shout - An Audiovisual Experience' live concert, plus every video they've ever made, and a bonus audio disc of the content. SILENT SHOUT was awarded Pitchfork's #1 Album of 2006, and ended 2006 a critical favorite!

Average customer rating:

"As we jam, the rhythm gets stronger."
It always remained close to me, and always will
discover this
A quiet, peaceful explosion
I love this album!!!!

Discovery
Daft Punk
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Homework
Human After All
Daft Punk - Interstella 5555
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LCD Soundsystem

ASIN: B000059MEK
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

One More Time
Aerodynamic
Digital Love
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Crescendolls
Night Vision
Superheroes
High Life
Something About Us
Voyager
Veridis Quo
Short Circuit
Face To Face
Too Long

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The French twosome behind Daft Punk, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel De Homem-Christo, get away with an awful lot. They go around impersonating aliens and robots in their interviews, they put records out only once every three years, and they make music that evokes a million other artists--while not really sounding like any of them. The keyboard noodlings of Jean-Michel Jarre are in there somewhere, along with the otherworldly imagery and giant hooks of '70s rock icons like Boston or even Electric Light Orchestra. There are dashes of 1999-era Prince and oodles of new wave and disco cheese, from Harold Faltermeyer and Gary Numan to the Bee Gees, all set off with efficient house beats. So how have they managed to position themselves as electronic music's next great crossover artists? On Discovery, the follow-up to the 1998 worldwide smash Homework, the answer is obvious: they have no shame, and they know how to make us dance.

Starting off with the irresistibly hummable "One More Time," the record blows through a head-spinning array of styles and samples, creating a pop-culture stew of funky loops and dance-floor anthems. "Aerodynamic" eschews breakbeats for an Yngwie Malmsteen-ish guitar interlude that somehow ends up meshing in a crazy blend of stomping bass lines and hyped-up harmonics. "Digital Love" starts off silly and gets sillier, but the monosyllabic lyrics lull the senses just right, allowing the song's summery groove to grab hold with authority. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" is a resounding standout amidst the retro/Vocoder deluge that transpired after Cher's Believe turned the kitchy disco device into a worldwide pop music trend, spinning a clever groove around an ever-escalating string of computerized seduction. Everywhere on the record, gigantic beats are dropped with pinpoint precision, giving songs a momentum that transforms repetitive melodies into sudden revelations. The record's only misstep, the aptly named "Short Circuit" utilizes a keyboard riff that is nails-on-a-chalkboard awful, but it can't keep this from being one of the best records of 2001. --Matthew Cooke

Customer Reviews:

"As we jam, the rhythm gets stronger.".......2007-07-01

I don't listen to much electronica/dance/house/techno/whatever you want to call it, so it takes quite a bit to make me actually pay for an album of it. But Daft Punk is too good at not just cool computery noises, but also just making music, that it's hard not to like. Unlike some artists whose work consists of the same basic riff or melody over and over again for an insane amount of time, Daft Punk makes actual songs with structure and points, and their instrumentals are a lot of fun without being too long. They do a fair amount of sampling of music from some older songs, some credited and some not. But they're not lazy with the samples, they usually work them around and integrate them into a song, making it their own.

The album starts with "One More Time", and it's a perfect opening, throwing you into exactly what the band is and making you feel really good. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" is maybe the most recognizable song on the record, and for good reason I guess. It's really catchy and sticks in your brain, although I've heard it a lot before and I'm not sure how well it fits with the rest of the tracks. The album has a good variety and vocal and instrumental songs. The vocal ones are more instantly memorable but there's some good stuff in the other tracks. I really like "Superheroes", which samples "Who's Been Sleeping In My Bed" by Barry Manilow but changes it to make it sound completely different. "Aerodynamic" has a really cool guitar solo part that maybe gets repetitive but it's just a fun song to listen to. That describes pretty much the whole thing, on which every song, excepting one filler track, is unique and enjoyable. If you can get into something different at all, it's worth it.

It always remained close to me, and always will.......2007-04-27

Sometimes, you will listen to a really great album, then when you're done listening, you'll wonder, "Wow, that was great! How do those guys write songs like that?". That may be a question to ponder about Daft Punk. While their music contains an element of minimalism (and there's nothing wrong with that), there's just something about their songwriting that captures me. Now for those of you that haven't read any of my other reviews, I listen to a wide variety of music (which is not only fun for me, but a great thing to do as I am a musician and should gather aspects from various forms of music), and no matter what, I think that Daft Punk's, "Discovery" has something for everybody.
I bought this album when it first came out. Granted, I was younger than and, like my other friends that loved Daft Punk, I thought of it as very entertaining. However, I still do now, and I love these guys even more for their talent and creativity.
"One More Time": A great way to start off the album, this song being just about infectious as you can imagine. I love that mystical, spacey break in the middle with just a swirling synth note and Romanthony's digital voice. This is endless fun and I'm sure you'll love it.
"Aerodynamic": The energy that this song displays lets you know that it's all right for you to let loose, as well. The speedy riff and Yngwie Malmsteen-esque guitar solo make this another great song. As a guitarist and guitar aficianado, this is especially a great song.
"Digital Love": Picks off right where "Aerodynamic" left off, with the ringing bell, progressing into a lush riff and lyrics that kind of remind me of those arena rock/hair metal ballads of the '70s and '80s. This a very beautiful, happy, and overall wonderful song that will leave you feeling great. And you gotta give it up for the outstanding guitar solo! I printed the tab for it and am currently trying to perfect it, even if it takes some time. Great song and an essential part of the album.
"Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger": Definitely a great song, and the interesting part of this song is the lyrical flow. At first, they seem to be just short passages of words, but eventually flow into each other to create one awesome groove, complimented by the cool, digital vocals. Believe me, you'll love this song.
"Crescendolls": A funny keyboard line that I would probably wanna learn (yeah, I'm a keyboardist, too!), and a crowd shouting things like, "Hey!", and "Whoo!". Just goes to show how good Daft Punk will make you feel.
"Nightvision": Bring out your lover, it's time for a love-making session! Love the airy synths on here and the electronic percussion. As one reviewer previously started, this is quite a sexy number. "Nightvision" makes for a great love-making song, but then again, the whole album ironically does. Just another thing to love about "Discovery"!
"Superheroes": Starts off with some snare drumming, then a heavy, throbbing bass drum, and some vocals that seem to be purposely recorded backwards. Love the keyboard work here, this would be another song I would wanna learn on my keyboard. This song basically displays the aura of "superheroes" as best as possible in four minutes. From the previously mentioned, heroic vocals, keyboard work, and the sexy, feminine vocals, this is one awesome song!
"High Life": Don't really listen to this song much, but it has more feminine vocals, if I recall correctly.
"Something About Us": A very romantic song with lyrics that could be used as words in a movie with a dramatic romance scene. The interesting part of this song that should be noted is the gutteral bass and keyboard combo. Very interesting, although somewhat unusual, it works.
"Voyager": Man alive, these guys can do it all! In just 3:45, Daft Punk combines funky guitars, throbbing basses, danceable drumbeats and techno keyboards into a fantastic, epic, spacey and just about perfect tune! This takes me on a space voyage, and always makes me think of just drifting out in the distant galaxy. You're gonna love this one!
"Veridis Quo": Don't really listen to this song as much as some others, either, but it's got some nice flute work.
"Short Circuit": The first minute and a half is all right, but the rest of the song kinda declines from there. Don't worry, the first, 90 seconds is enough, as it's got some amazing electronic keyboard usage. The main riff is kind of goofy, but enjoyable, and the soloing is quite on the freaky-naughty make-out side of things. Very cool.
"Face To Face": I love the guitar riff, and the opening drum rhythm really works. More purposely recorded backwards vocals are here, along with some interesting lyrics that could mean a lot of things, depending on where you stand. If you listen closely enough, you'll hear distant, background violins in the second use of the chorus in this song. It just adds a lot of meaning to this song and along with the rest of it, it's just so good.
"Too Long": Aptly titled name, with this song being at ten minutes, but it's terrific nevertheless. This song has probably the most vocal usage of all the songs, I love how it becomes muffled towards the end and adds pumping, keyboard lines.

Overall:
This album has something for everybody, with its fourteen songs running at about 61 minutes. I still listen to it and am really glad that I got it. This would make a great album to listen to while cruising in the nighttime, chilling out in your room, or makin' love with your lover. It's great for all of these things, and I hope it makes a great addition to your musical library. See you later!

discover this.......2007-04-23

My friend left 'Discovery' in my car a few months ago and I still haven't returned it. I was a fan of Daft Punk's singles but never heard a full album by them until now. I had NO idea how talented this duo is. This cd gets better and better with each listen. Every song is solid gold, these are some serious beats! Whatever mood you're in, you'll find a song that fits it. I couldn't tell you my favorite track on this album because it changes everytime. Pick this cd up today, it's truly a work of art and music at it's finest.

A quiet, peaceful explosion.......2007-03-04

In a word, unforgettable. In a sentence, profound electronica with strong beats and fine melody.

In a paragraph...

Daft Punk is special. They're a synth-rock (A.K.A. "electronica") band that takes a little noise for a long ride. They do so much with so little, an oft-forgotten necessity of music production. With an ear for attention-getting tone and a razor-sharp sense of rhythm, an artist can whisk you to the moon and back while keeping you on your feet, stomping out the explosive beats. It's easy to see - or rather, hear - that the Daft Punk duo possesses this profound ability. Powerful two-chord progressions and a bridge are pretty common here. Raging, well-engineered rhythms (Aerodynamic; Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger; Crescendolls; Short Circuit) mix delicately with well-groomed romanticist fare (Digital Love; Something About Us; Veridis Quo; Face To Face) with a fine selection of kickin' noise in between.

And don't forget to check out Interstella 5555, the zero-dialog 60-minute "Japanimation" music video crafted around this album.

I love this album!!!!.......2007-03-04

This album is probably the best album in the last 10 years. Aerodynamic and Superheroes are my favorite. Absolute masterminds behind this album!

Average customer rating:

Idealism
Digitalism
Manufacturer: Astralwerks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000N87X4U
Release Date: 2007-06-19

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Magnets
Zdarlight
I want I want
Idealism
Digitalism in Cairo
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Pogo
Moonlight
Anything new
The pulse
Home zone
Apollo-Gize final mix
Jupiter approach
Jupiter room
Echos

Album Description

15-track debut album. EMI. 2007.

Average customer rating:

I really dig Zero 7
Different, yes, but excellent nonetheless...
My review of The Garden
Great ambiance!
Very Little For Such Talent

The Garden
Zero 7
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Versions
Simple Things
When It Falls
Colour the Small One
Pocket Symphony

ASIN: B000FC2G8W
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

Futures
Throw It All Away
Seeing Things
The Pageant Of The Bizarre
You're My Flame
Left Behind
Today
This Fine Social Scene
Your Place
If I Can't Have You
Crosses
Waiting To Die

Amazon.com

"Upbeat" seems like an odd description of a recording that includes song titles like "Throw It All Away" and "Waiting to Die." Yet fans of Zero 7 (the English sound-design duo of Henry Binns and Sam Hardaker) will indeed discover that the group's third release exhibits a slightly more animated pace--more multitempo than downtempo--than its predecessors, the seductively trippy Simple Things and the like-minded When It Falls. Craving a follow-up to the breathy, interstellar soul of "Destiny" from the group's debut disc, or "Passing By" from When It Falls? You may struggle to find similar magic here. Even so, The Garden is an intriguing listen, showcasing the sophistication that makes Zero 7 the Steely Dan of chillout--wry, intelligent lyrical observations, inventive musicianship, a detached sense of cool forged by the duo's heady blend of folk, jazz, '70s soul, and electronica. The Kraftwerk-like "Seeing Things"--the disc's lone instrumental--and the pulsing "You're My Flame" are useful tracks to gauge this album's elevated vibrancy. Sia Furler is the group's only returning vocalist, and the absence of Sophie Barker and Tina Dico, the gentle Christine McVie counterpoints to Furler's rough-hewn Stevie Nicks, is noticeable. Mozez and his Seal-like soul is also gone, replaced by more folk/pop-oriented José Gonzãlez. Binns even spends 80 seconds as the quiet lead voice on the slow-building brass outburst "Your Place." Furler's up-and-down vocals on "The Pageant of the Bizarre" will stick in your mind, but her best work comes on two clever lampoons of pampered lifestyles, "This Fine Social Scene" and "Waiting to Die." (Sample lyric: "Now is a good time for tasty glass of wine; let's not worry ourselves about carbon dioxide.") Different, yes, but worthwhile. --Terry Wood

Album Description

Zero 7, aka Sam Hardaker and Henry Binns, are back with a gorgeous new album, The Garden. It was produced by Sam and Henry and mixed by Phil Brown, who has worked with such luminaries as the Rolling Stones, Brian Eno and Talk Talk. It features vocal performances by Jose Gonzalez, Sia Furler and Henry Binns. The band's previous albums, Simple Things and When It Falls, were critically acclaimed and rooted them firmly alongside Royksopp & Lemon Jelly as leaders in their field. The Garden sees Zero 7 take a fresher, more upbeat musical direction while still maintaining their trademark sound, and could well turn out to be the soundtrack to the summer.

Customer Reviews:

I really dig Zero 7.......2007-06-10

The band, their music and art have found a great new, welcome home in our collection. I'm glad I was turned onto this band. Great for downtempo and coolin' out.

Different, yes, but excellent nonetheless..........2007-06-07

I began to listen to Zero 7 around the same time that this album was released, but held off until I was able to assimilate and process their earlier releases. Clearly the band has evolved into something more complex and dynamic, while trending towards a style which put off many of its early listeners. When subjectively measured against Zero 7's previous album, this release can come off as a rude departure from their old styles. However, if objectively analyzed by its own merits, this CD easily holds up to the musical quality of Zero 7's previous releases.

Songs like "Throw It All Away" and "This Fine Social Scene" exemplify the versatility of the band and will, most likely, provide a glimpse of future albums in a style more refined and cohesive than previously explored.

My review of The Garden.......2007-05-26

Never really was a huge fan of Zero 7 especially when they first came out with the song "Destiny". I did though like their second cd "When It Falls". A few years ago I was in to chill out music but now I am not so much in to the genre anymore. When I saw "The Garden" at my local library I thought I would check it out. "The Garden" shares the same warm vibe that "When it Falls" possesses. The music is nice to listen to on a weekend morning with a cup of coffee and the morning paper. Unfortunately I just couldn't really get into the cd. I especially wasn't big on the more groove laden tracks like "This Fine Social Scene" and "Crosses". Not a huge fan of the cowbell and it really got on my nerves in the song "Crosses". It makes me think of the old Blue Oyster Cult song "Don't Fear the Reaper". The instrumental tracks were far more interesting because they weren't bogged down by such boring vocals from everyone who contributed to the album. I wish I was able to get into this album like I did with the last Zero 7 cd but I just can't. Too boring and lifeless which is what chill out music has become.

Great ambiance!.......2007-05-07

This is one of those CDs that can stay in the spinner for months, really great for car or home.

Very Little For Such Talent.......2007-04-05

I was surprised when I purchased this album. Not as interesting as I
thought it would be. I found it boring. The only song I liked was
"the Pageant of the bizarre"; it's truly Zero 7.

Average customer rating:

Amazingly Thrilling Rollercoaster Ride!
A perfect trance collection...
Cool
MOODY
VOCALS

Nightmusic, Vol. 1
Thrillseekers
Manufacturer: Water Music Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tri-State
State of Trance 2006
Ibiza '06
DJ in the Mix 3
Anjunabeats, Vol. 4

ASIN: B000BYR9WC
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

By Your Side - The Thrilseekers
Air For Life - Above & Beyond Vs. Andy Moor
Who's Knocking (Ferry Corsten Remix) - FB
Piiska - AR52
Alone - Kay Stone
Infinite - Skyform
Starfighter - Haylon
Blossom (Haylon Remix) - Summer Sessions
Zonderland (8 Wonders Remix) - Acues & Elitist
Second Day (Martin Roth Remix) - Jose Amnesia Vs. Serp
A.K.A. - Sander Van Doorn
Shibuya (Got Drums? Remix) - Orkan
Lyteo (Rank 1 Remix) - Mr. Sam
1:1.618 - Mike Koglin
Behind Silence - A Force

Tracks:

Square One - Pulser
The Morning After - 8th Wonder
Eternity - Armin Van Burren
Sincere For You - Lange
Surreal - Free Radical
Emotions In Motion - Witness Of Wonder
Mr. Blue - Usual Aspect
Safe To Dream - Evolve
Affinity - The Thrilseekers
Can You Feel (What I'm Going Thru) - Matt Schwartz
Sublime - Ferry Corsten
Calling Your Name - Jan Johnston

Customer Reviews:

Amazingly Thrilling Rollercoaster Ride!.......2007-06-15

I expected there to be only a handful of songs that would sound great but it turns out that the entire CD is really just one crazy roller coaster of unique trancey sounds. This is the first CD I ever bought that I can listen to all the way through to the last track enjoying each track along the way, while not skipping past anything.

When I first bought this CD I thought I was making a mistake because I never heard of "The Thrillseekers", who apparently is one guy, not the assumed two-three DJ's. However, I should never judge trance by it's jewel case anymore. This CD amazed me and I'm starting to like the Nightmusic series better than In Search of Sunrise and A State of Trance. We'll see what happens in the second volume coming out this month.

A perfect trance collection..........2007-05-21

Wow! What a powerful trance collection... This collection, together with Armin's State of Trance 2006 and ATB's In the Mix 3, are the most perfect trance collections of the last 5 years (I would add Tiesto's In search of sunrise - Los Angeles, but it's not 100% trance, since it has some chill out tunes).
I'll be anxiously waiting for the next Thrillseeker's album!

Cool.......2007-05-15

Hey it turns out everyone who liked this was right .... I do too. Good solid trance to dance to.

MOODY.......2007-03-09

I love this cd its the best in the world and I cannot explain the intensity of the music better than that.

VOCALS.......2007-02-17

WHY IS IT THAT VOCALS ARE SHOWING UP MORE AND MORE IN TRANCE?

To me their distractions!

DJ's and Producers PLEASE LEAVE THE BUBBLEGUM POP VOCALS for the teeny-bopper radio!

This set lost the fifth star just because of Who's Knocking (Ferry Corsten Remix).

Take the songs with vocals in them out and you still have 22 good trance songs.

Disc: 1
1. By Your Side - The Thrilseekers VOCALS (NOT TO BAD, BUT I COULD DO WITH OUT THEM)
2. Air For Life - Above & Beyond Vs. Andy Moor
3. Who's Knocking (Ferry Corsten Remix) - FB VOCALS (CHEESY!!!!)i hate this, even if Ferry did remix it.
4. Piiska - AR52
5. Alone - Kay Stone
6. Infinite - Skyform
7. Starfighter - Haylon
8. Blossom (Haylon Remix) - Summer Sessions
9. Zonderland (8 Wonders Remix) - Acues & Elitist
10. Second Day (Martin Roth Remix) - Jose Amnesia Vs. Serp
11. A.K.A. - Sander Van Doorn
12. Shibuya (Got Drums? Remix) - Orkan
13. Lyteo (Rank 1 Remix) - Mr. Sam
14. 1:1.618 - Mike Koglin
15. Behind Silence - A Force

Disc: 2
1. Square One - Pulser
2. The Morning After - 8th Wonder
3. Eternity - Armin Van Burren
4. Sincere For You - Lange VOCALS (NICE FEMALE VOICE, BUT I COULD DO WITH OUT IT)
5. Surreal - Free Radical
6. Emotions In Motion - Witness Of Wonder
7. Mr. Blue - Usual Aspect
8. Safe To Dream - Evolve
9. Affinity - The Thrilseekers
10. Can You Feel (What I'm Going Thru) - Matt Schwartz VOCALS (NOT BAD, BUT I COULD DO WITH OUT THEM)
11. Sublime - Ferry Corsten
12. Calling Your Name - Jan Johnston VOCALS (I LIKE JAN'S VOICE, BUT AGAIN I COULD DO WITH OUT IT)

This is a cd I made for myself, with no VOCALS. I mixed it with Sony's CD Architect 5.2
4. Piiska - AR52
5. Alone - Kay Stone
6. Infinite - Skyform
8. Blossom (Haylon Remix) - Summer Sessions
9. Zonderland (8 Wonders Remix) - Acues & Elitist
12. Shibuya (Got Drums? Remix) - Orkan
13. Lyteo (Rank 1 Remix) - Mr. Sam
14. 1:1.618 - Mike Koglin
1. Square One - Pulser
2. The Morning After - 8th Wonder
3. Eternity - Armin Van Burren
5. Surreal - Free Radical
6. Emotions In Motion - Witness Of Wonder
7. Mr. Blue - Usual Aspect
9. Affinity - The Thrillseekers

Average customer rating:

Intoxicating
Oh, the memories...
Total Waste
Score!
best house album

Homework
Daft Punk
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Discovery
Human After All
Daft Club
D.A.F.T.
Daft Punk - Interstella 5555

ASIN: B000000WCV
Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

Daftendirekt
WDPK 83.7 FM
Revolution 909
Da Funk
Phoenix
Fresh
Around The World
Rollin' & Scratchin'
Teachers
High Fidelity
Rock 'N Roll
Oh Yeah
Burnin'
Indo Silver Club
Alive
Funk Ad

Amazon.com

After rocking the suburbs with the infectious and persistent "Da Funk" (with its amusingly pointless Spike Jonze video), Gallic pranksters Daft Punk unleashed Homework, an album that combined everything good about house music with everything bad about French pop and changed the face of dance music in the process. The sound of production duo Thomas Bangalter and Guy Manuel de Homem is a raw and dirty collage of cheap drum machines (wired for maximum swing) welded to endless filtered loops and embellished with everything from guitars to talk-box vocals. The beats are lifted straight from the Chicago House textbook, but the simple bass lines and catchy hooks make a listenable pop song from what would normally be a stripped-down DJ tool. Uncompromising yet totally accessible. --Matthew Corwine

Album Description

French band, a highly danceable mix of disco, house and techno, who just recently supported the Chemical Brothers on their European tour dates. The band is currentlybuzzing in the U.K. music press. 16 tracks. Domestic available on Virgin as of March 25, 1997.

Customer Reviews:

Intoxicating.......2007-07-19

How do Daft Punk do it is what I liked to know. Daft Punk is really bass driven, and often has the beat most jocks like to beatbox (badly). I don't know how they do it.

Maybe it's because Daft Punk's house (at least that's what most label Daft Punk, not sure) beats are intoxicating, both physically and internally. Whether it's simple or sophisticated, everything is just __________ mesmerizing. It's more than just _________ techno, with a lot more talent than the average metalhead will be able to comprehend (not Comrade Ren or Wastoid, those guys are cool), it's something some people just can't understand. I do.

The music may have all the beats that most idiot pop-rap fan have memorized, yet those beats are varied during songs and little changes make Homework stay fresh (Irony, bi_________!). Coupled with addicting talk boxes (with a couple of annoying ones) and weird samples (a waterfall) make Homework stay fresh (enough with the irony). THe fade ins and sound samples (the intro to Revolution 909, the radio station promo) make Homework not your average house cd.

A great way to get into electronic music, it's easily accessible, yet sounds like nothing else.

9.5/10

Oh, the memories..........2007-07-18

Sometimes, a band will have two albums that will fall into two, different categories: One category is the release of an album that's a pop smash, attracts numerous consumers, inspires shirt designs, and launches them into superstardom. The second category is the release of an album that's considered an underground masterpiece, hailed by fans and critics alike, the type of album that's usually released before the "pop smash" album.
Basically, "Homework" qualifies as the latter of the two. "Discovery" will be remembered as putting Daft Punk on the radar with its songs, and while it's still a great album, "Homework" is that proto-smash success that nonetheless became an influential and essential piece of electronica, house, etc.
But just what is it that makes "Homework" so lovable? After all, this seems more a technical thing. "Discovery" had much more vocal work and seemed to catch the duo having a blast in the studio.
There are quite a few things that make "Homework" a great buy, one of them actually being the minimalism of it. Daft Punk is the kind of band that can take a few riffs, beats and backwards phrases, put it into a seven-minute song and make it awesome. So, in fact, minimalism can be a good thing when done right, and Daft Punk sure did it right. Another thing is the progression between the different parts of each song. It makes for an interesting twist every now and again. Something else of note is that percussion (the hi-hat cymbal, maracas, bass drum) is at times as important as the keyboards.
Every song on "Homework" is catchy and interesting, putting the listener in a different state of mind with each song. At one point, you'll want to get up and jump like you were at a dance club, at another point, you'll imagine yourself going on cheerful, peaceful adventures. And that's a key factor into the album; the mix-up of the songs add a level of interest that make you want to explore deeper into it.
And for me, "Homework" is like times revisited for me. I got this a long time ago and loved to listen to it while my parents and I went out somewhere, especially on longer trips. In my room, I could relax and let the images fill my mind as I played this. And even today, long after getting this, it still tugs on the heart strings to recall those good times.
"Daftendirekt": Love the vocal track on this and the catchy, simple bassline. The energetic hi-hat adds to the song, which makes for a great intro.
"Wdpk...": The first half of the song is the word, "Music" song over a few times with a catchy drumbeat, and then it sounds as though it's an advertisement on an all-Daft Punk radio station.
"Revolution 909": The first, thirty seconds are a bunch of recorded conversations, which paints the image of, for me, an anime music video, where everybody's gathered for a concert, before the police officer says, "Stop the music and go home. I repeat, stop the music and go home!". The song fades in, goes through several, different changes and leads directly into the next track.
"Da Funk": Sounds like an urban city, possibly near the subway, as more pre-recorded sounds occur. The funky rhythm, wah-wah lead and danceable rhythm come in, and make for a great, slow groover.
"Phoenix": The intro takes a little bit too long, with the riff coming in at about 1:23, but the rest of the song is really cool, with an organ line that makes me picture a wedding scene. Very cool, indeed.
"Fresh": Starts off with the sound of the ocean, then a slow, melodic, psychedelic, distorted guitar line comes in. The last note holds as the keyboard riff comes in. A great song to relax to and imagine yourself flying over the waves...
"Around The World": A seven-minute masterpiece! This is a spacey, feel-good, adventurous type of song that creates very hypnotic effects with the keyboard work and the repetition of "Around The World". Beautiful, awesome, inspiring, you get it!
"Rollin' and Scratchin'": I actually haven't listened to this song in a long time, but it's about seven and a half minutes (I'll update my review after listening to this song again.)
"Teachers": I love the beat on this song, and it's basically a deep-voiced guy and squeaky-voiced guy saying all of Daft Punks influences, from Romanthony, who would appear on "Discovery", to the ever-quotable rock band Van Halen.
"High Fidelity": This is a very interesting, six-minute song. It combines a funny, two-note, saxophone riff with a nasally-voiced person saying something very jumbled. It's pretty funny and makes for another interesting listen.
"Rock 'n' Roll": The longest song on the album, another I haven't listened to in a while, but will, and if memory serves me, there's almost a touch of industrial sound with the tones on this one.
"Oh Yeah": A funky, two-minute, percussion-heavy song with a bunch of funny, male vocal work and hot, female vocal work. A short but sweet dance number that is very catchy and fun!
"Burnin'": I'm sorry, I'll really update my review by now! I don't, quite remember this song, but I actually remember that I like it. Ironic, no?
"Indo Silver Club": This is probably the hottest, more uptempo song on the entire album. Love the riff and the swaying beat, the bass and maracas combo in the middle makes for a cool interlude, until it fades back in and rocks you till the end of it!
"Alive": Big, heavy drums start this off and another hot riff repeats itself to create Daft Punk's hypnotic effect. A tasty, late-night-styled dancer.
"Funk Ad": A 50-second sample of "Da Funk" backwards. Actually, this one sounds a lot like that snake charmer song that's always so associated with Egypt. Very cool and a fun way to end the album.

Well, I'm sorry my review seems a little incomplete, but my opinion of this album is still certain: "Homework" is an excellent album full of catchy songs, danceable fun and has left a huge influence on modern-day dance music. I've always considered Daft Punk the greatest, recent electronica/house/dance band of this era, and I hope this album will prove it to you. After this, you should definitely check out "Discovery" for more great music served up Daft Punk style. And until I update my review, peace!

Total Waste.......2007-02-01

Written by a non-ringer, who is not stuffing the ballot box... Except for track 7, this album is a total waste of resources. And track 7 is only mediocre. This falls into the worst of the worst albums ever. The only reason I am rating it 1 star is because I can't give it anything lower.

Score!.......2006-10-24

I've always loved listening to Daft Punk songs. While Discovery IMO is a better album, Homework is better for dancing and clubbin. There are classics like Revolution 909, Da Funk, and Around the World, and then there are kickass songs like Phoenix and Burnin, enough to make you want to dance around. If you are new to Daft Punk, get both Homework and Discovery. You can't go wrong with either.

best house album.......2006-07-04

This was my first house album and my first taste of house. And, I couldn't possibly imagine a better introduction than Daft Punk's Homework. It has every sound you'd find in early house tracks

Average customer rating:

Yes!
Delicate Melancholy and Vivid Revelation
Perfection : Beautiful
Melankton
Sounds familiar

Melankton
Kate Havnevik
Manufacturer: Republic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lady Croissant
The Reminder
Miss Halfway
Out of the Woods
The Story

ASIN: B000N0QVGE
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Tracks:

Unlike Me
Travel In Time
I Don't Know You
You Again
Not Fair
Nowhwere Warm
Serpentine
Kaleidoscope
Sleepless
Suckerlove
Timeless
New Day
Solo

Album Description

"THE VOICE OF GREY'S ANATOMY," Kate Havnevik's music has had an unprecedented 5 songs placed on the show and several have made it to the Grey Anatomy's soundtrack albums.

Kate's debut album is title "Melankton". Melankton means "Black Rose" which describes Kate's idea of the album's sound-scape and production perfectly: dark, yet beautiful.

The 12 songs on the album range from symphonic pop extravaganza to the most intimate of melodies. A truly beautiful body of work, Melankton is heady, intoxicating and evocative with its mix of wistful lyrics, mellifluous orchestration and cinematic electronica.

Customer Reviews:

Yes!.......2007-07-13

Kate Havnevik is of the same twisted genius of Bjork and Kate Bush and her music is something of a fusion of these two styles. But a fusion can be more than the sum of its parts, and Kate achieves sonic beauty better than Bjork or Bush. She's somewhere in the stratosphere and I'm looking up--God it's beautiful!

Delicate Melancholy and Vivid Revelation.......2007-05-31

"There are no guarantees in life
Not for the present,
Nor for the future.
All I know is
That I'm here"
~Unlike Me

Norwegian singer and songwriter Kate Havnevik creates euphoric melodies within an exquisite world of electronica with classical appeal. "Not Fair" has darkly poetic lyrics where she shows the full range of her vocal expression. "Travel in Time" contains magical whispery sweet lyrics with hints of longing and ecstasy.

"Serpentine" has a classi-tronica appeal but what makes Kate Havnevik's songs ornate is the way she uses her voice. She makes the world seem more sensuous and like Björk, her voice becomes part of the musical landscape in a unique creative soul expression. Within the lyrics there seems to be a death and a rebirth, as if the petals of a black rose have been tossed across a sea of change.

"I go nowhere high
Go nowhere warm
Until you're by my side
Your hand in mine
And I've always known
You're like a feather
You go where wind and fire melt together"
~Nowhere Warm

"Kaleidoscope" has a similar appeal, but dives even deeper into delicate melancholy that suddenly awakens into more vivid revelation. From here, the album mellows sweetly into a deep relaxing contemplation. "New Day" is an awakening from the sleepy classical mood as electronica again takes the stage. Since Kate Havnevik is working on two more albums I can only imagine the directions she will take within possibility.

If you enjoy Zero 7, Balligomingo, Hooverphonic, Magnet and Imogen Heap, you will want this for your collection.

~The Rebecca Review

Perfection : Beautiful.......2007-05-14

Through a series of intensely rich and innovative musical compositions, Kate Havnevik's lush vocals flow seamlessly. This fresh genre, best described as `classica', combines the best elements of electronica and classical music. The live orchestra and subtle synthetic pulses are a sugary treat for the ears and the soul. As warm and laid back as this album is, it's extremely uplifting. In fact, Kate herself describes it as `euphoric'. During production of "Melankton", Kate simultaneously worked on two other albums. She felt that "Melankton" would best introduce her style to the musical world, and so it was released first. "Melankton" translates into `black rose'.

Kate initially trained as a classical musician. She joined a punk rock group as a young woman and quickly lost herself in the electronic sounds, and began experimenting with her own contemporary pieces. Before the release of "Melankton", she previously collaborated with other artists and musicians, providing backup vocals for various singers and assisting in the production of dance tracks.

The vibes of "Melankton" are slow and melodic, but intriguing and extraordinarily beautiful. Every song includes a lovely assortment of brass, strings, rich electronic chords and subtle beats. This album could easily be compared to Bjork's lullaby masterpiece album, "Vespertine", but contains less angst and growls, and includes more smoothness and sensitivity.

"Unlike Me":
As it opens with Kate's wispy vocals and sweet conviction, "Unlike Me" quickly draws the listener in. This song sets the album tone beautifully. Strolling lower string arrangements and subtle vocal edits swell and shrink in the ears. The song is very much like the ocean, rising and falling musically. Kate's love of glissandos (the slow pitch slide of a continuously played note) is extremely obvious in this tune, especially toward the end. In general, the tone of "Unlike Me" is rather dark and mysterious, rich and warm. The harp arrangement is particularly beautiful. With no percussion, Kate's vocals take center stage. (5/5)

"Travel In Time":
Plucking strings remind the listener of a lazy rainy morning. This track is a bit more contemporary, with modern beats. The intense sweeping melodies are still present, as Kate's voice flows effortlessly. The intricate musical arrangements are a treat for the ears. Simple but gorgeous, this track is a wonderful mix of choral sounds and sparkling arpeggios. (5/5)

"I Don't Know You":
The second track is sweeter and less aggressive than the first. "I Don't Know You" opens with a delicate piano, airy synthetic chords and slowly layering strings. Kate's vocals are a bit more reserved, almost childlike. As the song progresses, soft clicks begin to build and create a light percussion sound. The track concludes with harmonious horns. The emotion represented in this tune is struggle and intense wanting. Far less dark, but just as powerful as the opening number. (5/5)

"You Again":
Kate delves into unfamiliar musical territory here, using more brass and more experimentation. The structure of this song is less grand and more focused on individual sounds, such as the gentle hopping of the horns, exotic drumbeats and twinkling keyboards. "You Again" adopts a jazzier groove, and a more intimate setting. This song would sound beautiful performed in a small club. (5/5)

"Not Fair":
Initially, this was one of my personal favorites. It's the first tune that includes a typical drum arrangement, and though it feels a bit more modern and less eccentric than the previous tracks, it makes a huge impression. The strings fly quickly up a musical scale and reel the listener in within the first few seconds. Kate sings with anger and passion, longing for justice. The bridge is particularly intense, with her vocals reaching into a high falsetto. There are also some incredibly beautiful string arrangements throughout the entire song. This is a fantastic song to belt out during those moments of extreme frustration. (5/5)

"Nowhere Warm":
Starting off similar to "I Don't Know You", this song has a similar disposition, but reaches a higher climax toward the end. The string arrangement has a bit more movement and expression. It's difficult to single out the best portions of this song, as it all flows so wonderfully together (most of Kate's pieces are like that). Lyrically, it ends on the lovely conclusion that, after Kate has so emotionally proclaimed her thoughts and feelings, there is `nothing more to say.' (5/5)

"Serpentine":
Much slower and more subdued, "Serpentine" is a fantastic musical soundscape with full string chords, brass, and plucking strings. The crescendo of this track is fantastic: it begins softly, as a mist through dark trees. Once the song matures, it sounds like a full wind on the coast, only to die down to a light breeze once again. Kate's vocals are, as always, warm and inviting. Her higher range sounds lovely here, especially toward the end of the tune. (5/5)

"Kaleidoscope":
Twinkles and lazy strings carry this tune. The vocal arrangement is stunning: Kate's lyrics are absolutely breathtaking. This song seems to be a perennial favorite. It's less aggressive and a bit more vulnerable. The strings swell gently, opening the song with expressive emotion and intensity. The electronic pulses add dimension as the first verse closes. With all the harps, glockenspiels and sparkly arpeggios, one can't help but think of music boxes and Christmastime. There are some beautiful reverb effects included here. (5/5)

"Sleepless":
Slow and subdued, this song reflects the emotions one might feel while crawling endlessly in place. The music perfectly compliments the lyrics, slowly growing into a serious proclamation of hopelessness and sadness. Insomnia was never presented more beautiful than it is here. The bridge features falling and rising arpeggios, and closes with a gentle digital manipulation, blending into the arriving choral strings. As always, Kate closes the track with grace, slowly fading to nothing. (5/5)

"Suckerlove":
The angriest song of the album, Kate's conviction is effortless. The song opens with an exotic dulcimer, rich horns and audio samples sounding like gentle crashes and booms. As always, Kate weaves many strings into the mix, perfectly combining sensitivity with angst. Kate sounds strong and confident here, a switch from most other tunes. In short, she's telling a recent lover how horribly wrong the relationship has gone, and there is no saving it now. A bit brutal, this is a wonderful breakup song for strong and independent women. (5/5)

"Timeless":
After the high of the previous track, it's nice to come down to this lullaby. The same four chords are featured throughout the song, but it's the arrangement and sudden genre switches that make this a fantastic tune. The majority of the song sounds soothing and gentle; perfect for romantic nights and adoring a gorgeous sunset. As the second verse closes, light timpani and electronic beats begin to take over, and it's then that you'll find yourself wanting to hear more. Arpeggios are featured throughout the last portion of the track, with Kate's gentle improvisations adding intensity. Suddenly, the beats drop out and the only sound left is the simple melody line. This is a fabulous track. (5/5)

*"Someday":
This song sounds a bit like something you might hear in a period film, with dramatic horns and classical string arrangements. The lyrics are sensitive and sweet, and Kate sounds wonderful next to the rich chords. While it's a gorgeous song, it sounds a bit out of place on the album. (4/5)

"New Day":
Kate's glissandos are featured here more than any other track on the album. She somehow makes them likable and intriguing, rather than bizarre. The most upbeat track on the album, this is one of the most recognizable songs, thanks to "Grey's Anatomy". Echoing beats and a fuzzy bass are prominent and there are more digital effects to be heard throughout the song. In particular, Kate's pieced-and-placed vocals toward the end make for an interesting and beautiful listen. There are no drastic changes in the song, but every little blip and beep make this the best on the album. The ending is simply gorgeous, with a soft arpeggio popping in one more time for a final moment of reverb bliss. (6/5)

Bonus Track "So:Lo":
The most commercial track, an acoustic guitar begins the song happily, only to be joined by Kate's melancholy lyrics. Despite the title and the general disposition, this comes off as a happy song simply because of the musical arrangement and the fact that Kate is confessing her deep love for another. This is another tune which was featured on "Grey's Anatomy". Kate was wise to include this as a bonus track, as it gives the listener the impression that the album actually ends with "New Day": it ends the album on a much more cohesive note. (5/5)

Finally, a true artist who is more than just another pretty pop face is getting some attention. Thanks to "Grey's Anatomy", Kate is getting the attention she truly deserves. Her innovative songwriting techniques and intricate compositions are both beautiful and likable, without being too far from the norm. You should snag a copy of this album, especially if you enjoy Bjork, Dido, and Enigma.

*Please note: this track is included on the initial `old' version of "Melankton", released in Norway

Melankton.......2007-05-13

It had a few good songs...they started to all sound the same after a bit. It reminded me of the music I listened to in highschool.

Sounds familiar.......2007-03-30

I'm a huge fan of Bjork, have been since her days with the Sugarcubes. It seems that either Kate is a huge fan or that because she worked with Guy Sigsworth and Marius De Vries, former Bjork producers, she has a sound that while not original it is refreshing to hear again.

Average customer rating:

Lounge with spunk
In Love With This Album!
Brilliantly different...
Relaxing AND Catchy!
Mixed bag gives bossa nova swing to olde inde faves

Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague
Manufacturer: Luaka Bop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Bande a Part
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ASIN: B0007YMVOW
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

Love Will Tear Us Apart
Just Cant Get Enough
In A Manner Of Speaking
Guns Of Brixton
This Is Not A Love Song
Too Drunk To ****
Marian
Making Plans For Nigel
A Forest
I Melt With You
Teenage Kicks
Psyche
Friday Night Saturday Morning
Sorry For Laughing

Amazon.com

Recycling the 1980s sound has been in vogue lately, so it's no surprise that the producing team known as Nouvelle Vague would find yet another way to mine the nostalgia for the early `80s, post-punk era. They're doing it bossa nova style.

The disc opens with a rendition of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart." It's a charming start, and with a breathy chanteuse on vocals, it's exactly the kind of sound that has some music critics proclaiming (admittedly with a touch of sarcasm) that Nouvelle Vague is the ironic dinner music for the new millennium. Unfortunately, this CD is somewhat less winning as it wears on. "Guns of Brixton" is annoying when done in a loungey mood, and sitting through "Too Drunk to F**k" in the wrong company could certainly ruin the amuse bouche. Nevertheless, the entertaining tracks do outweigh tiresome ones on this release. If this concept sounds like an interesting idea to you, you're bound to get a smile from the execution. --Leah Weathersby

Customer Reviews:

Lounge with spunk.......2007-07-08

Or is it punk? Anyway I've got a weak spot for lounge music and this may best, edgiest lounge you'll ever hear. Frankly, I'm not all that familiar with most of the originals so I have no idea how much they've been maimed here. All I know is that the vocals are inspired and impossible to ignore.

In Love With This Album!.......2007-06-07

I absolutely LOVE this album! I listen to many different genres of music but I have to say that this album is one of my ultimate favorite cd's! I don't get tired of listening to it! I'm so glad I was introduced to Nouvelle Vague and I have shared this cd with many friend of mine...I then recently purchased their second album Bande A Part, but I was disappointed however, it's not nearly as good as their first...I love 80's music, Bossa Nova, AND Nu Wave, definetly recommend this cd!

Brilliantly different..........2007-04-15

First time through this distinctly "left field" album is likely to leave you a bit confused... laid back interpretations of classic 80's rock tracks served up as nonchalant, bossa-nova driven Anglo-French lounge music. Ridiculous? Well, fortunately not, because in here are some absolute gems - so good that once you've locked into what's going on you'll find them completely irresistible. Which ones depends on where you were at the time but, for me, "Teenage Kicks", "Love Will Tear Us Apart", "We're Only Making Plans for Nigel" & "Just Can't Get Enough" are so beautifully structured and darkly exciting that they're worth the price of the album on its own. But, as you'll see from the other reviews, there's a lot more on offer. Sure, some tracks miss it... but most don't and, insidious and clever, they add up to a brilliant, very different and probably unrepeatable "one off".

Relaxing AND Catchy!.......2007-04-10

Well .... this album combines two of the better qualities I like in a CD. Nouvelle Vague is relaxing -- and extremely catchy! 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' sets the tone from the very beginning ... the comfortable bossa nova rhythm leads to a chorus I found myself whistling along with ... while Nouvellle Vague's catchy take on 'Just Can't Get Enough' had me humming along. I mentioned in another review that I'm not too familiar with the 70s/80s originals ... and because of that I find that this album of covers is a stand-alone, especially for those that are fans of rhythmic bossa nova, samba, and jazz. For me, every song on this album is strong ... As a picky and eccentric listener, this is one of the few times I can play through an entire album and never have to skip a track. It doesn't mean that I don't have favorites on this album -- 'Marian' was the reason I decided to buy the CD. I bought this CD with Bande a Part, because there were several songs on that CD that I felt compliment this one ... but this CD, Nouvelle Vague, is the stronger of two excellent CDs.

Mixed bag gives bossa nova swing to olde inde faves.......2007-01-23

This outing from the cover band Novelle Vague satisfies immensely in many ways, and just plain misses in others. If you are an old timmer who grew up on the originals (like me) then you may find this newly vamped bossa nova approach to 80s post-punk staples a fun filled romp down nostalgia lane. It isn't for everyone, though, and a word of caution to those of you who are missing out by not having heard the originals (all brilliant in their own right) first. The often covered Joy Division classic, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," gives us a warmer rendition than the bleak original, but not better, just different. Of stellar mention is their fun, catchy cover of the DK's hc classic "Too Drunk to..." and the Clash's London-calling era ska-soaked "Guns of Brixton." I will also add that their cover of the insufferably boring "This is not a Love Song" (of disco-era post-Pistols Johnny Rotten PIL fame) gets a great face lift...upwards: Simply awesome!! On the other hand, Nouvelle Vague miss almost entirely on the gothic realm, as best evidenced by their butchering of Andrew Eldritch's "Marian" (off the Sisters of Mercy's first LP, "First and Last and Always") and with their mediocre quickening of The Cure's "A Forest" (which seems to be popular in covering, especially with the techno / rave crowd). Overall this is a good buy, but it does have a couple renditions that deserve a quick skip with a toggle of the fast forward button. A better NV effort is showcased in their "Bande A Part" LP, where they do a fantastic cover of the power-punk-pop classic "Ever Fallen in Love," a former Buzzcocks masterpiece. 4 stars for effort and originality.

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