Brown Album [Import]

Brown Album [Import]

Track Listings

1. In Conversation With Pete The Clown

2. Mick The Clown (No Relation)

3. Put Some Pants On

4. Poofburger

5. Crap-Tel My Two Annoying Dads

6. Frightful Hoo-Ha

7. Bit Of Knifework

8. Martin/Molloy Fantasy Line

9. Good Plan Fumio

10. Shoko-Licious

11. Urinal Cakes

12. These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

13. Female Premier

14. Why Black People & White People

15. Keating Twins

16. Pokies Scones & The Midday

17. Tum & Phil

18. Damn This Actor's Strike

19. Auld Mug

20. Wacky Tabacky

See all 84 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Over Two Hours of Comedy featuring Guest Artists Catherine Garrett and the Artist Currently Known as Pete Smith. Originally Aired Between April and October of 1995 on Martin/Molloy.

Tracks:

Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Tower Of Babel
Bitter Fingers
Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
Better Off Dead
Writing
We All Fall In Love Sometimes
Curtains
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
One Day At A Time
Philadelphia Freedom

Amazon.com essential recording

Elton John has always liked having it both ways. He's flamboyant and vain, yet empathetic and sincere. He sits at his piano playing sentimental melodies, but the words come not from inside his soul but from friend Bernie Taupin. For Captain Fantastic, he and Taupin wrote a concept album which sketches their career together. "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" is easily the strongest song outside of the concept. The addition of several songs "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" featuring John Lennon, "Philadelphia Freedom," and "One Day at a Time" blow the concept but up the entertainment value considerably. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

The Story of their lives in song.......2007-06-18

Elton John and Bernie Taupin closed the chapter of their peak years by writing a song cycle about how they got there. "Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy" put away the glitter and the costumes and painted an austere portrait of the artists in their hungry years. By reigning in the excess and making many of the songs modest and sincere, "Captain Fantastic" gave fans of Elton the best of both worlds. The simpler storytelling of the earlier part of Elton's career was matched to the increasing confidence of his and Bernie's songwriting. While there was no glammy-hit with catchy chorus to be found on this album, it is easily the most consistent work of their glory days. It even made history by becoming the very first album to enter the charts at number one.

It is also the most sentimental of Elton's albums. The humble beginnings are underscored by the title track, and the orchestrated original closer of "Curtains/We All Fall In Love Sometimes" is beautifully done. The late Producer Gus Dudgeon made this album glow rather than flash - he may be one of the most underrated participants in Elton's career. (He passed away in 2002.) This was such a departure for Elton stylistically that only one song became a hit single, the song of love lost without regrets "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," in which Long John Baldry and Bernie talked Elton out of going through with a marriage that would have seen him ending his musical career. It is a powerful ballad and fits in even better when positioned in the "Captain Fantastic" storyline.

Because the album is a concept album, it is best listened to as a piece. The angry "Meal Ticket" is a great rock song, as is "Bitter Fingers." But it is the way all the pieces fit that brings out the brilliance of this album. Even though two of the three bonus tracks are number one hits, they are actually a distraction here. Even the liner notes concede that point, claiming that Elton and Bernie were really trying to stay true to form, and had no issues with recording singles as items not album specific. Even so, how many albums can have bonus material as terrific as Elton's cover of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" or concert classic "Philadelphia Freedom?" Anyway you look at it, bonus tracks or no, "Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy" is a classic, the moment that captures all parties at the pinnacle of their powers at a time when they were also at their most commercially successful.

After-note: I received this album for a gift on my 15th birthday, and met Elton John in Philadelphia in 1989. When I told him how I got the album (and the poster), he laughed and said "you're making me feel f'n old." That poster - also signed by Bernie - is framed and hanging in a treasured spot on my office wall.

Are there more stars..........2007-05-08

Of all of the dozens of CD's you could get with this guy, you can't beat "Fantastic". The best of Elton John and Bernie Taupin is RIGHT HERE. You don't have to look no more!!! Gif.

Brown Dirt Cowboy~ Elton John.......2007-05-06

Bought this in vinyl but lost all my albums so
I bought it again when cassettes were the fad.
Just had to have it on CD..... bought it again!
Now I have in on my computer forever.
Love it!

Ending An Era In Style.......2006-12-02

Elton was just a singles machine, when this album came out. But he used all those singles to guarantee an audience for this brilliant, very uncommercial masterpiece. The album debuted at number one, but people expecting more "Daniel" or "The Bitch Is Back" were undoubtedly shocked, but hopefully not disppointed. This album has it all. It rewards the true Elton John fans who waited through numerous commercial hits for an album worthy of his earlier work. As if inspired by the story line, his early career with Bernie Taupin, Elton and Bernie seemingly go back in time and come up with just an incredible album as good as anything he had ever done to that point, and miles better than anything he would ever do again.

The bonus tracks include two number one monster singles. Not bad for bonus tracks.

Absolutely one of the greatest albums of all time!.......2006-11-05

Elton John was a 70s version of the fab four
rolled up in one... he's on full display here..
his band sounds amazing...

Average customer rating:

Go buy this CD
Great uncomplicated blues
Pretty good but not great
Blues with attitude
THE BAND'S LOWEST POINT!

Steel
Savoy Brown
Manufacturer: Blue Wave
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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Close as You Get
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Albertville

ASIN: B000MRA3PS
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Tracks:

Monday Morning Blues
Lons As I've Got You
I Don't Remember You
You Don't Do A Thing For Me
Fly Away
Crying Forever
Daybreak
Echo Of A Sigh
I'll Keep On Singing The Blues
Keeping The Dream Alive

Customer Reviews:

Go buy this CD.......2007-07-12

I have been a Kim Simmons fan since there was a Savoy Brown. I saw the band in the late 70's here in our little East Texas town. They were great then and they are still great today. I loved this CD. (sorry 5 stars are reserved for Beatle music) I like Kims vocals on this, a great vocalist is not needed for his kind of blues, he nails this one right on the head. Don't waste any more time readin and buy the CD.

Great uncomplicated blues.......2007-07-11

I heard Monday Morning Blues on XM and I decided I had to have this one. I love the straightforward, uncomplicated , rockin' blues. Frankly, I was surprised at how good the album is. I don't understand the less than great reviews. If this isn't good music, then what is it?

Pretty good but not great.......2007-07-07

This CD does not represent the true Savoy Brown, primarily because it is a studio production. The only way to enjoy the true hard edge English R & B that Kim Simmonds is famous for is to see him do it live.

There are some good cuts on the CD,but as a whole the CD is fairly "vanilla". For my taste, a little slide guitar goes a long way, and there is a lot of slide on the CD. There is some blues, and its pretty good, but pales in comparison to what Simmonds is capable of doing. Perhaps that's the disappointment for me in this production.

For died in the wool fans, recommend you buy it for the 3-4 good cuts on it, and because there are so few English R & B rock masters, as Simmonds clearly is, left and active.

Blues with attitude.......2007-05-22

This album comes out of the gate blazing with "Monday Mornin' Blues", and doesn't ever let up. Searing guitar by Kim Simmonds throughout, especially on the misogynistic "I Don't Remember You", and first rate blues playing on "Daybreak" and "I'll Keep On Singing The Blues". The blues rock flag is flying high on this one.

THE BAND'S LOWEST POINT!.......2007-05-16

Can't Greg at BlueWave get Kim a REAL singer, like Jumpin' Joe Whitting? A band of Savoy Brown's class needs a quality vocalist, if not for dates, at least on sessions. Kim must be hurting for money to put out this embarrassing material. You're only as good as your latest record. "No nods to the crowd." Well, he's not going to have many fans after this amateur effort! If you like the band's catchy Robert Cray soul blues, you won't find much here. There's a forgetable instrumental, ECHO OF A SIGH; a rockabilly sounding number, KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE; a boring slow blues, I'LL KEEP ON SINGING THE BLUES; and some heavy metal pop blues stuff, which is OK. The first selection is very good, MONDAY MORNING BLUES, but suffers from Kim's lackluster singing. On the bright side, I just love his raw gutsy guitar on I DON'T REMEMBER YOU, a John Lee Hooker type selection. If you're a fan, you may want to get the album for this, and the fairly good blues rock DAYBREAK. In closing, I can find much better stuff on free downloads. Goodbye Kim. You're still the best rock n' roll and blues rock band in history, but I can't afford to waste my retirement money.

Average customer rating:

60's English Band
Good, But Could Be Better
Oh yeah, I feel all right with my Youlden and Simmonds!
Wow!
Another Step Furthur!

Raw Sienna
Savoy Brown
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

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Looking In
Street Corner Talking
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Hellbound Train
Blue Matter

ASIN: B000001FX0
Release Date: 1991-04-02

Tracks:

A Hard Way To Go
That Same Feelin'
Master Hare
Needle And Spoon
A Little More Wine
I'm Crying
Stay While The Night Is Young
Is That So
When I Was A Young Boy

Customer Reviews:

60's English Band.......2006-11-10

This is a great album.I own an original vinyl of this bought brand new.The songs are a great mixture of blues and ballads,guitars and brass which was popular in the 60'sSongs also carry a message and a few deal with drug use.Kim Simmonds and Lonesome Dave went on later to form the band Foghat.

Good, But Could Be Better.......2006-02-28

If you are a Savoy Brown fan, this early configuration of the group probably suits you. The English version of Blues discovered so famously in the 60' and 70's. However, the quality of the recording mix is somewhat lacking. There are available remastered CD's with dual album titles from this group that cover this early and blues oriented Savoy Brown that is better to listen to and more adept for listening, recording and dubbing. Your money is better spent there than with these sub par vinyl copies.

Oh yeah, I feel all right with my Youlden and Simmonds!.......2004-11-10

This 1970 album represents one of the greatest triumphs in British blues history. And by triumph, I mean musical as opposed to commercial.

When this album was recorded, Savoy Brown had just finished campaigning in the States, in support of the moderately successful 'A Step Further' (# 71 on Billboard's Top 200). Their previous albums were essentially a mix of standards and various band member's compositions. However, 'Raw Sienna' features only the blues scripture of Simmonds and Youlden. And though it was hoped all prior success would be eclipsed - it was not.

For despite the opportunity to expand artistically, Youlden was not happy with the situation, feeling that the band had peaked. So, this would be his final hurrah with Savoy Brown, and arguably his greatest artistic achievement. Youlden's subsequent work with the likes of Danny Kirwan (i.e. 'You're Just a Little Cog In a Big Wheel'), though excellent, also lacked any big commercial success.

Meanwhile, Simmonds was competing with the likes of Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, along with all the other axe slingers of the day, who were in fierce competition for the dollars of guitar mad music fans. And Kim certainly delivers the goods here, while expanding upon his artistic depth and vision, by featuring an array of bravura styles and monumental tones. One listen to 'Raw Sienna' and you'll agree that Simmonds stands in peerage among Britain's elite - Marvin, Green, Clapton, Beck, Townshend, Page, Blackmore, Frampton, Richards, Taylor, and Moore, to name a few.

The prime cuts start with 'A Hard Way To Go', with Youlden's gritty vocals and Simmonds jazzy fretwork.

Next, 'That Same Feelin' starts with a horn intro supplemented by Simmonds strong riffing. Youlden careens about seemingly crazed, to be followed by Simmonds hard edged yanking over a haunting pedaled piano tone. Then Youlden scats in dementia, until Simmonds mows everyone down with shards of massive steely tones.

'Master Hare' is one of Simmonds greatest fret board achievements. With its angular scalar runs and psychedelic tones, it doesn't sound at all dated, but rather illustrates the work of a virtuoso.

The drug tome 'Needle and Spoon' comes across like an epitaph, as Youlden practically begs to be committed into the Betty Ford Clinic. And all the while, Simmonds' call-and-response fretwork is astounding, like all very Otis Rush with fish 'n chips. This tune should've been rolled out for that whole "Just Say No To Drugs" campaign. No wait, if that'd happened the whole country would still be strung out. I mean, Savoy Brown makes it all sound very cool, so pass me those works!

Say, didn't Diamond Dave cut 'A Little More Wine' for the Vegas crowd? I'm not sure. Although, you'd think that any association whatsoever with this album would help boost Roth's ailing career, all I think it did was increase this album's sales. You know, because people want to hear how it's really done. (Yes Dave, I do want fries with that. And no, I will not apologize to Eddie for you.)

On 'I'm Cryin', Youlden elicits in the listener, thoughts of deep depression and ultimately suicide. Only Simmonds' upbeat jangling finger gymnastics can get one's karma back in focus. Thanks Kim, I'll ditch the Prozac and take sixteen more bars of that funky music, white boy.

The next tune can be put on when you're with that bit'o'honey, because 'Stay While The Night Is Young' will relay your intent, while leaving nothing left open to interpretation. Get down Brown! (Ac'shully Diamond Dave covered this one, so hopefully no young love is getting spoiled out there.)

The track 'Is That So' features Simmonds jazzing it up ala T-Bone Walker, while 'When I was A Young Boy' allows us to hear Youlden at his most pensive and tender.

Now, buy this thing already and help Kim Simmonds in his declining years. Right!

Oh yeah, go see Savoy Brown soon at a concert hall near you!

Wow!.......2004-11-05

The guys at the loading dock downtown have been urging me to listen to this cd since I was ten. Finally I did and I was not disappointed. I didn't even know what "blues" were. I kept thinking "Blues Clues". Imagine dark, soft, your lover, fine wine, good cough syrup, great smoke; imagine forever. No recording will take you there like this one will. John 10:16. This cd is 16 years older than me, and though clearly ancient, it's immeasurably urgent. The cd you would take with you if "Lost". This stuff will walk with you forever. I almost can't believe it. Thanks you guys at the loading dock. Really thanks.

Another Step Furthur!.......2003-09-20

With the release of their fifth album, Savoy Brown starts hitting their stride. Raw Sienna is the first of three masterpieces in a row for Kim Simmonds and company, as well as Chris Youlden's finest hour with the band. (So fine, in fact, that he would leave the band soon after for his own solo career.) He and Kim would continue their experiments, begun on the previous album A Step Furthur, with horns and orchestration, and thus continue to expand the vocabulary of blues/rock. Some tracks, such as "Needle and Spoon," swing as well as any produced by jazzman Dave Brubeck, with intense lyrics that undercut the nonstop groove with pain. (Does anyone out there really think this is a prodrug song? Listen again: "You married to H, you know you married for life!") "Hard Way to Go" and "A Little More Wine" would deservedly become concert staples, while "Stay While the Night is Young" finds Youlden at his most romantic and tender. Kim was also beginning to compose some of the most eloquent instrumentals in rock: "That Same Feelin'" continues the 1960's-adventure-movie-soundtrack feel of "Waiting in the Bamboo Grove" from A Step Furthur, while "Is That So" foreshadows the deep introspection of Savoy's next masterpiece, Looking In. Most bands would be lucky to have one album half as good as Raw Sienna; the fact that Savoy Brown climbed so many peaks in their illustrious career shows the desire and the determination of leader Kim Simmonds to constantly reinvent and challange both himself and his fellow musicians.

Average customer rating:

Uhhh... It's Ok...
Key songs are missing
Nice mix of score and soundtrack
Beautiful, sensitive, sad and hopeful.
Dear Frankie- CD

Dear Frankie

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0002W18RU
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

Opening Title
Everyone Will Have Their Day - Clarksville
Frankie Reads
Stamp Album
Leave These Shores - Obi
A New Beginning
Spiegel Im Spiegel (Extract) - Arvo Part
Football
Secret Sun - Jesse Harris
Present From His Daddy
The Kiss
Your Friend Frankie
The Final Letter
Reprise - Clarksville

Amazon.com

The tale of a mother who poses as her son's estranged father in letters, yet eventually has to enlist a stranger to play the role, director Shona Auerbach's intimate indie became a film festival perennial. Given the movie's tearjerker tendencies, its musical score becomes an even more crucial component of its deft, if relatively non-manipulative dramaturgy. Young composer Alex Heffes more than rises to the occasion, providing a delicate score fueled by spare, elegant piano and emotionally-longing string arrangements. Heffes work here mines the same intimately scaled, soulfully resonant vein as Rachel Portman's Oscar-nominated music for Lasse Hallstrom's Ciderhouse Rules and Chocolat, a skillful musical tack that's openly emotional, yet seldom cloying. The contributions of modern rockers Clarksville (the buoyant "Everyone Will Have Their Day" and more intimate ballad "Reprise") and singer-songwriters Obi and Jesse Harris organically mesh with Heffes' score in a way that's all to rare in an era where pop songs often contribute little more than marketing shuck to film projects. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Uhhh... It's Ok..........2007-05-01

I really loved the movie and especially little Frankie. There where three songs that just stuck in my head for weeks, so I bought the CD... unfortunatly out of the three songs, only one was on the CD... I was alittle dissapointed but overall it is a good CD. I really like Jesse Harris. He is the best on the whole CD.

Key songs are missing.......2007-02-21

After watching "Dear Frankie" on cable several times, I decided to buy it and the soundtrack album. I did not read the detailed list of songs before buying. Although the soundtrack is good for what it is, I was disappointed that the song "Delicate" by Damien Rice was not included. Nor was the song about the "white horse" that was sung twice during the movie, once by Lizzie and once by the club singer. It would have been nice also to have the "Macarena" song which was in the movie.

Nice mix of score and soundtrack.......2007-02-07

This album is nice because it has all the score music along with all the other music played in the movie on one CD. The "Dear Frankie Main Title" is especially nice to have. I bought this CD for my sister for Christmas, but now the whole family wants to listen to it. I would recommend it for anyone that liked the movie!

Beautiful, sensitive, sad and hopeful. .......2007-01-21

I stumbled upon this quiet little movie and feel like I've discovered a wonderful jewel. I was immediately enamored by the soundtrack and worked hard to purchase it right away. The music along with a few dialogue excerpts communicate much of the emotion and power of the movie. There's one song that was, regrettably, not on the soundtrack but I recommend be added to the CD or your collection: Damien Rice, "Delicate" from the "O" album. The music communicates such a sense of loss and longing while maintaining just enough of a glimmer of hope that you end up feeling alright.

It's a wonderful soundtrack and definitely worth the purchase.

Dear Frankie- CD.......2007-01-09

I liked the music in the movie so much that I bought the CD and was not disappointed at all. It's wonderful and I listen to it constantly.

Average customer rating:

Love it or Hate it
Primus' Most Unique Record
Love the Sound - Top 3 Primus
a stand alone album of the 90's
definitely not the best, but definitely some great songs.

The Brown Album
Primus
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Antipop
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Pork Soda
Sailing the Seas of Cheese
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ASIN: B000001Y47
Release Date: 1997-07-08

Tracks:

The Return Of Sathington Wiloughby
Fisticuffs
Golden Boy
Over The Falls
Shake Hands With Beef
Camelback Cinema
Hats Off
Puddin' Taine
Bob's Party Time Lounge
Duchess And The Proverbial Mind Spread
Restin' Bones
Coddingtown
Kalamazoo
The Chastising Of Renegade
Arnie

Customer Reviews:

Love it or Hate it.......2007-05-02

In the last year I became a Primus addict. I'd always had Sailing the Seas of Cheese - one day it just clicked for me when I dusted it off after a few years. I soon acquired everything this group has released. When picking one to review, I chose the Brown Album because it so universally dichotomous among fans. Everything from the title (simplistic sarcastic genius or utterly stupid?) to the production (classic rock sludge sublime or amateur lo-fi crap?) is polarizing.

In my humble opinion, this is not their greatest album, but it is certainly unique in every way. I believe the production is superb, but I love the garage rock sludge sound. The drums just BOOM throughout. The bass just envelops you. The guitar is just haunting throughout. Ler finally get his due and gets mixed a little higher. Still, Les Claypool is the driving force behind this band. And here he decides to lay back. True, he's still dominating the sound like no other bassist ever has in a rock band, but his playing is more groove and riff oriented, and less obsessed with insanely wacky and irreplicable technique. On "Over the Falls" we have Primus' first straight up pop composition - no insane instrumental passages, just acoustic bass, guitar and drums, and Claypool's most (yes I am saying this seriously) heartfelt vocal performance (he has quite a few, for those of you laughing - see Bob on Pork Soda, American Life on Cheese, to name a couple). Lyrically, I love this album. There is an 1800s and early 1900s theme, and if history is your thing, you just get an awesome vibe from the lyrics and artwork. "Kalamazoo" is a semi-cover of an old jazz standard. "Fisticuffs" (an incredible song) tells tales of bare knuckles boxing. The aforementioned "Over the Falls" is an old fashioned sounding song that speaks of the bizarre early 1900's obsession with building vessels that could protect an adventurer on a trip down Niagara Falls.

"Brain" Mantia joined the group upon Tim Alexander's departure, and it seems the band decided to latch onto his snare and hi hat dependable rhythms. If you like riffs, solid grooves, and garage rock production, this is the Primus record for you. Primus dabbles in a bit of blues, stoner rock, raggae, and jazz here like never before. And the bottom heavy stomp is suited perfectly to this kind of dirty production. An outstanding effort and unfairly mischaracterized release from Primus.

Primus' Most Unique Record.......2007-01-14

The "Brown Album" was initially rather disappointing for me. For one thing I found the songs to be a little too drawn-out, resulting in a sense of monotony, but also I really disliked the production. Unlike past Primus albums where the instruments have sounded very clear and punctuated, the "Brown Album" sounds like it was recorded underwater. This is especially the case with the drums, which have a very thuddy sound, especially the snare drum which sounds like someone thumping a mattress. But gradually I have found this murky production to give the album a special feel, and certainly the most unique of all the Primus albums. I have also come round to many of the songs I initially deemed uninspiring, and therefore this album has become one of those classic 'growers' that take months, sometimes years to really click.

Now, reviewing this album years down the line, I can honestly say there really isn't a poor song here, and may well be the band's most consistent release. For reviews sake, I shall pick out a few of my highlights, starting with the groovy "Golden Boy". Initially this was my favourite song on the album, and one of the few I would return to, mostly due to its fantastic lead bass riff, which has Claypool's groovy and complex styling all over it. "Shake Hands With Beef" is a powerful and lurching song with a great confrontational vibe, boosted by menacing lyrics concerning growing up and violence (thematically similar to "Fisti Cuffs"). This is a song that really complements the low-end, fuzzy guitar production, and the muddy drum production I mentioned earlier. "Bob's Party Time Lounge" is another favourite, combining Claypool's soft, almost 'childlike' vocal effect with a fun, energetic and typically groovy chorus motif. The song also contains Claypool's bent for off-centre, slightly disturbing lyrics about drug abuse, violence and sex, all executed with tongue firmly in cheek. My last album pick, and personal fave is the brooding "Restin Bones", similar in style and feel to "Shake Hands With Beef" with a slow tempo, fuzzy guitars and somewhat laid-back vocal delivery, lyrically telling an 'edgy' narrative story.

The "Brown Album" is not as technically proficient as previous releases, such as the classic "Sailing The Seas Of Cheese" and "Frizzle Fry" albums. Nor is it as disturbingly off-centre as the weird and wonderful "Pork Soda". Yet, I believe this is their most consistent album from front to back, and has a unique production and vibe, making it a necessary purchase for fans of other albums, and an interesting focal point for new fans.

Love the Sound - Top 3 Primus.......2006-08-04

I believe several reviewers have mistaken the production techniques of this album for defects in the sound or instrumentation.

This album has an incredibly raw and echo-y mix that sounds both bright and muddy at the same time. The main culprits are the drums, which have a short echo built into every hit. It gives the album a very curious sound - in other words the album has a real homogeny to the overall sound of the album, but if you are expecting a clean, tight production, you're going to be disappointed.

The production reminds me of Nirvana's In Utero - off and raw but very tasty and well produced.

I'm not very fond of the opening track but I love every other one. With Frizzle Fry and Pork Soda, this completes my triumverate of favorite Primus albums.

a stand alone album of the 90's.......2006-05-27

I'll admit it, this was the first Primus album I bought and I recall distinctly that the thing which drew me to it (other than this kid in my high school singing Shake hands with Beef all the time, which is definitly odd) was the heavy sound. Man, as a 16 year old hearing bass and drums that hard, with those great distorted guitar riffs over it, and crazy storyteller lyrics which brought other dimentions and times to mind, I was blown away. I didnt know the band then, I had no idea this was their first work with a new drummer, but hearing something this powerful and unique I quickly bought all of the other Primus albums out there and was pleased to find that they all are distinct and different from each other. It is years later now but I still think this album stands alone as its own bizzare genre of music, a completely unique experience to subject ones self to, Id recommend giving it a listen just to hear something you definitely havenet heard before.

definitely not the best, but definitely some great songs........2006-02-26

This definitely isn't primus at their best. You know you're getting something a little different just from the cover art. That's not to say it's bad by any means, just as far as primus goes, it's not their greatest. This was the first album with the new drummer (who would later prove to be a good fit on albums like Antipop, CCBBB, and Buckethead's work) but, on this album, it was a little rough.

The whole album has a kindof noisy, tinny sound to it, and not nearly as polished as their other work.

However, no track is bad, just some are far better, and up to the primus standard. Golden Boy is a really good track. It doesn't sound the same, but it's slightly reminiscent of John the Fisherman. Over the falls is also a really good track, although it sounds like it would fit better on the holy mackerel album. Then Shake Hands With Beef is amazing. This is by far the best song on the album in my opinion. The drums actually work very well, and brain sounds quite comfortable on this track. The guitar is subdued, and the bass the most prominent instrument here, and it's one of my favorite claypool riffs. Kalamazoo is the next real standout track. It's ultra funky, and everything fits.

Unfortunately, those pretty much are the standout tracks. All the tracks are good, just way different from any other primus album. This is probably one of the last primus albums you should purchase, simply because it's definitely the least primus. If you're new to primus, sailing the seas of cheese, pork soda, or frizzle fry are where you should start. This album is good, and Shake Hands With Beef is one of my all time favorite primus songs, but the album is deinitely an acquired taste and not their best

Average customer rating:

The ultimate blues and boogie band!

Street Corner Talking/Hellbound Train
Savoy Brown
Manufacturer: Beat Goes On
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Raw Sienna/Looking In
Blue Matter/A Step Further
Lion's Share/Jack the Toad
Shake Down/Getting to the Point
Steel

ASIN: B000GIW8VU
Release Date: 2006-09-11

Tracks:

Tell Mama
Let It Rock
I Can't Get Next to You
Time Does Tell
Street Corner Talking
All I Can Do
Wang Dang Doodle
Doin' Fine
Lost and Lonely Child
I'll Make Everything Alright
Troubled by These Days and Times
If I Could See an End
It'll Make You Happy
Hellbound Train

Album Description

2006 digitally remastered two-fer from the legendary Savoy Brown featuring two of their most popular albums (Street Corner Talking from 1971 and Hellbound Train from '72). The line-up on these albums feature the ever-present Kim Simmonds on guitar with Dave Walker (vocals), Andy Sylvester (bass), Paul Raymond (keyboards) and Dave Bidwell (drums), all of the formerly of Chicken Shack! Standard jewel box in a slipcase with extensive liner notes. BGO.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered, Slip Cased Edition of Two of the Best Albums in the Savoy Brown Catalog on a Single Compact Disc! These Albums Datie from 1971 and 72 Respectively and Feature the Ever-present Kim Simmonds on Guitar with Dave Walker (Vocals), Andy Sylvester (Bass), Paul Raymond (Keyboards) and Dave Bidwell (Drums) - all Ex-chicken Shack. During the 70's and 80's Savoy Brown (With Varied Lineups) Spent all of their Time in the United States Trying to Break that Vast Market. Includes Extensive Liner Notes.

Customer Reviews:

The ultimate blues and boogie band!.......2006-10-27

Kim Simmonds has been Savoy Brown for doggone near 40 years now (Shakedown came out in 1967). Every incarnation of the band has had Simmonds on guitar. Early formation saw part of the band (Dave Peverett, Roger Earl, and Tone Stevens) split to form FOGHAT.

Just like there's no mistaking Simmonds' guitar, the same can be said for Chris Youlden's voice. And this two LP combo on one CD gives you a few of Savoy's best tracks.

First, I think 'Tell Mama' is one of my all-time favorite songs PERIOD! Here it is from the Street Corner Talking release. 'Let It Rock' is another goodie. 'Can't Get Next To You' is a Motown ditty that's been redone a time or two by different folks. I think Rare Earth did a great job on it, but Savoy Brown does a darned fine job, as well.

'Troubled By These Days And Times' and 'If I Could See n End'... Hmmm. Prophetic titles, eh? (Hockey term)

'Wang Dang Doodle' is spectazmagoric! I made that up, but I think you get the idea.

But to round out the whole thing is the epic tale of the 'Hellbound Train.'

"I'm goin down the road on the hellbound train. Take a last look baby 'cause you won't see me again."

What to expect? Very good guitar. Unique vocals. What I classify as psychedelic blues. Extended jams to showcase Simmonds talent.

What not to expect? Mainstream, Clapton/King blues. Foghat-esque boogie. Two or three minute songs. Can't tell a good story in that length of time!

When you get tired of hearing the various 'new' bands who sound the same vocally or sound the same as far as guitar is concerned, etc., just grab any of the early Savoy Brown albums - this pair is a great place to start!

Average customer rating:

Great
Savoy Brown at Its Best
Desert Island Disc
See Ya Later Alligator!
Lost and Found

Looking In
Savoy Brown
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Raw Sienna
Street Corner Talking
Hellbound Train
A Step Further
Blue Matter

ASIN: B000001FX1
Release Date: 1991-04-02

Tracks:

Gypsy
Poor Girl
Money Can't Save Your Soul
Sunday Night
Looking In
Take It Easy
Sitting An' Thinking
Leavin' Again
Romanoff

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-01-12

Savoy Brown was/is one of the rockingest groups to come out of the late sixties. This album is one of their better releases. This version of Savoy Brown became Foghat after their lead guitarist decided to go in a different direction.
Amazon sent it in a timely fashion.

Savoy Brown at Its Best.......2006-07-11

You can feel the birth of Foghat from this music. Lonesome Dave is the voice of Savoy Brown and Foghat. A definite buy for anyone who loves the blues and is a fan.

Desert Island Disc.......2006-06-18

Hmm... Why, out of thousands (millions?) of albums out there, would I pick this oddball? Good question. I love many types of music. In the course of a day I might listen to progressive country, bebop, alt-rock, Bach, Led Zep, jazz fusion, reggae, etc., etc. We call that being open-minded.

So, again, why this?

Well, it's three-fold. For one thing, this is one of the earliest albums I owned at age 13 in 1971. I won it in a shoe store drawing (yes, a shoe store), and, when I saw the cartoonish cover, was highly skeptical. "What kind of weird stuff could this be?" It turned out to be excellent. Even a dorky kid who sawed away badly on the cello could recognize the talent.

Secondly, it's a unique slice of British blues-rock from that era, the era that was ushering in all the heavy rock soon to be known as "metal," but which had its roots in the blues that most of the British Invasion bands were grounded in. Savoy Brown just held to the core longer.

Finally, the playing--the interaction between Simmonds, Stevens, Peverett, and Earl--is superlative. It's simple stuff, but if you listen to what everyone is doing you can't help notice how much they were in the groove with each other. That, babies, is what it's all about. (Great mix, too, if you are a guitarist or bass player.)

I listened to this thing about 200 times between 1971 and the mid-80s, when I sold my LP collection, but now that I have it again on CD I'm still in love.

I don't know why anyone born after 1960 would be reading this review, but if you're a young player exploring the early rock days, do yourself a favor and buy this unusual album. (You'll be the only one on the block, I guarantee.)

See Ya Later Alligator!.......2005-11-30

I wore out my 8 track tape of the most excellent "Looking In" back in the 70's. I just picked this up and it sounds as great as it did back then. Kim Simmons & Co rock out, jazz it up, and wallow around in the blues for 39 minutes and 38 seconds... and they do it all seamlessly, effortlessly and flawlessly.

Lonesome Dave and Kim Simmonds were probably two of a handful of otherwise ham-fisted, rock-n-roll guitarists who actually knew how to play altered/extended jazz chords and solo on the changes - just like a REAL jazzman! Not to worry. Jazz this ain't. These dudes flat-out ROCK!

But just listen to Kim Simmonds play on Leavin' Again as his lead lines effortlessly slide between fire-breathing (yet smooth) Wes Montgomery-esque jazz stylings and then into the power blues of Eric Clapton ala Crossroads and then into BB King and then back to Wes Montgomery and so on and so forth. Yet Kim makes it all sound so cohesive and brands it with his own trademark sound. Really smart, stylish, yet wild and crazy playing on this one.

Dear reader: this is one of the great releases from the tail-end of the 60's. I always thought it was a shame that Stevens, Earl, and Lonesome Dave bailed to form Foghat. This round of Savoy Brown was superior in every way to ANYTHING Foghat ever accomplished. I always hoped the lineup would return. Alas, it is too late as Lonesome Dave left the physical realm several years back.

Anyway, click it! You'll love it! Give it to your favorite blues fan as a treat! Entertain your friends! Impress them with your superior musical knowledge and taste with this somewhat unheralded blues/rock masterpiece.

"See ya later alligator!"

Lost and Found.......2004-10-15

My friend's older brother gave me the vinyl version of this record back when I was 15 or so in the early 80's. The GREAT COVER sure looked like an Iron Maiden album but did not sound like one. The sound of the record seemed a bit laid back for me and I never listened to it again. In the early 90's I sold some LP's to reduce clutter. Some guy bought it for $5 because he loved the cover. A few years later I regretted selling that cool loking Savoy Brown album. I picked up the CD version 20 years later after figuring I need to re-own that great looking album. What a surprise!!!!!! The music is addictive. Slow burning blues that is way more soulful and seductive than Ten Years After, FREE or any other U.K. blues outfit. Thank goodness for Savoy Brown's Looking In on my portable MP3 player. Highly recommended!....(can anyone point me in the right direction to the next Savoy Brown album to purchase?)

The Savoy Brown Collection (Chronicles Series)

Average customer rating:

Distance Travelled
A Space In Time
The Savoy Brown Collection sans Vicksburg Blues?
Start Your Collection With This Collection!!!
Savoy Brown

The Savoy Brown Collection (Chronicles Series)
Savoy Brown
Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Anthology 1967-1971
Pure Blues
The Best of Spooky Tooth: That Was Only Yesterday
Looking In
Raw Sienna

ASIN: B000001FXB
Release Date: 1993-07-20

Tracks:

I Ain't Superstitious
Shake 'Em On Down
Stay With Me Baby
Mr. Downchild
Train To Nowhere
She's Got A Ring In His Nose And A Ring On Her Hand
Louisiana Blues
Made Up My Mind
I'm Tired
A Hard Way To Go
Needle And Spoon
Stay While The Night Is Young
Poor Girl
Money Can't Save Your Soul
Sunday Night
Leavin' Again

Tracks:

Tell Mama
I Can't Get Next To You
Street Corner Talking
All I Can Do
Wang Dang Doodle
Hellbound Train
Shot In The Head
Second Try
Coming Down Your Way
Everybody Loves A Drinking Man
Stranger Blues
Walkin' And Talkin'
Double Lover

Customer Reviews:

Distance Travelled.......2006-02-24

This compilation spans a large time period. Over 10 years I believe. Quite a range of personnel, talent and sounds. Generally I was quite pleased, however there are a few tracks included which won't make your favorites list.
Mostly the blues are very well done.
Many of your favs or soon to be.
Alot of talent and this will provide a super guide on which albums to follow up with as most or all are represented.
Worth the time and money.

A Space In Time.......2005-11-09

These tunes really take me back to the late 60s and early 70s when nearly every aspiring rock band felt they had to learn to play the blues. A few of them, like Savoy Brown, actually became decent blues bands. But rather than thinking of Savoy Brown in the strict blues vein, I see them for where they took their own music. These guys played live with big energy and they had an infectuous boogie groove. In that respect, they did play an important role in rock during their peak. I think that one reason they didn't maintain their popularity is because they didn't change much over time and since the music world was morphing rapidly, they kinda got left behind. But that doesn't take away from the great music they made.

I went a little low on the rating for a couple of reasons. First, if there were half stars available, I wouldn't hesitate to bump this up to 3.5 stars, but can't manage to go to 4. The reason I'm hesitant to go up to 4 is that I feel these tunes hold up better in their original LP than in a compilation. So I'd put 4 stars on Street Corner Talking and Looking In without hesitation. Maybe it's because of all the times we sat around (or danced around) at parties when the whole LP was played. Secondly, I find some of these tunes a bit weak and I reserve 4 and 5 star ratings for albums that are more consistently strong.

The Savoy Brown Collection sans Vicksburg Blues?.......2004-07-01

This collection is good! Before the group degenerated into Foghat,they pretty much answered the question: "Can white men sing(and play) the blues ?" I believe Chris Youlden's version of "Vicksburg Blues" is the best evidence of this . I consider it a gross oversight to have excluded this song from this collection.Also the live version of their boogie tribute in which the name of the city of Detroit is mentioned is also missing. Yes, I am aware it is hard to please everyone . Perhaps the record company should have polled the listeners and fans of one of the greatest blues groups to come out of the United Kingdom. Now with the current technology it is possible for myself and others to correct this by burning a cd or downloading an ipod. Only for personal use of course. I am happy that "Hellbound Train,Tell Mama,Louisana,Needle and Spoon,Stay While the Night is Young,and Train to Nowhere" are on the collection. I hope one of the instrumental song's whose title I can't recall is on this collection . What i remember about this song are the great guitar solo and a surprise violin string section which added quite a dramatic flair to this song. I strongly suggest that people purchase this collection to see what music was like B.C.C. (before corporate control) and for the pure enjoyment of listening to Savoy Brown.

Start Your Collection With This Collection!!!.......2003-10-03

So, a sibling, lover, or real good friend has got you all hot and bothered about Savoy Brown, that they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, etc., and you want to run out and buy some of their unforgettable music! What a great idea! But, just one question: which album to get? Well, how about all of them! And since you don't have a couple hundred extra dollars just lying around to spend on music, get this fabulous compilation instead. Starting at the very beginning with the British-only (and hard to find) CD, Shake Down, and concluding with the Mutt-Lang produced hard rock epic Savage Return from 1978, there is plenty of music to suit your every mood and whim. Whoever put this collection together (wonder if Kim himself had a hand in it) knew what they were doing: Of the 29 tracks in the album, no fewer than a dozen are taken from SB's three greatest albums: Raw Sienna, Looking In, and Street Corner Talking. Also, only one cut apiece was drawn from such "lesser" works as Boogie Brothers, Jack the Toad, Wire Fire, Skin 'N Bone, and Savage Return, and this was probably a wise decision as well. Personally, it's regrettable that only two tracks should be drawn from such an excellent set as Getting to the Point; how about including "Walking By Myself", "Big City Lights", or "Taste and Try Before You Buy?" (Now that we're on the subject: What about a second collection chronicling the years 1981 to the present? True, SB's glory days were in the sixities and early seventies, but there is enough good material on their later releases to warrant a new compilation.) In any case, the listener will be blown away by the range and depth of this material, from traditional blues covers ("I Ain't Superstitious", "Louisiana Blues") to startling new originals ("Mr. Downchild", "Money Cant Save Your Soul"); from rabble-rousing party anthems ("Tell Mama", "I'm Tired") to lengthy but never tedious jams ("Leaving Again", "Hellbound Train"), this band could do it all. Thanks for such a long history of great music must go to the fantastic musicians that helped make it over the years: Lonesome Dave, Chris Youlden, Roger Earl, Tone Stephens, Dave Walker, Paul Raymond, Bob Hall, Andy Pyle, Dave Bidwell, Jackie Lynton, Stan Webb, and Miller Anderson are some of the many talented players that made it happen for SB album after album, concert after concert. Last but not least, the listener should thank Kim Simmonds, SB's founder, leader, and guiding force, for having the courage to reinvent himself and to insist on only the highest standards for himself and his music. Welcome to the World of Savoy Brown! This collection, large as it seems, holds only a small sample of the hours and hours of musical enjoyment you can experience with Kim and Co. on your stereo. GET IT NOW!!!

Savoy Brown.......2003-06-12

Nothing will ever replaced seeing these guys live in some small club - but this is close. One of the all time great and unique blues groups and I can still see them nailing the drums to the stage before they went on. For those of us lucky enough to see these guys perform - a must album that will be played over and over and over...

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy

Average customer rating:

The Captain and The Kid embellish a classic
Captain Fantastic CD
Elton John and Bernie Taupin at the Top of Their Game
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL ALBUM, PLUS UNIQUE WEMBLEY SHOW BONUS
A True Masterpiece

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
Elton John
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Captain and the Kid
Caribou
Peachtree Road
At Carnegie Hall, Vol. 1-4 (Chicago IV)
Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player

ASIN: B000AOF9UW
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Tower Of Babel
Bitter Fingers
Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
Better Off Dead
Writing
We All Fall In Love Sometimes
Curtains
Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
One Day At A Time
Philadelphia Freedom
House Of Cards

Tracks:

Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy
Tower Of Babel
Bitter Fingers
Tell Me When The Whistle Blows
Someone Saved My Life Tonight
(Gotta Get A) Meal Ticket
Better Off Dead
Writing
We All Fall In Love Sometimes
Curtains
Pinball Wizard
Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting

Amazon.com essential recording

Customer Reviews:

The Captain and The Kid embellish a classic.......2007-06-19

Elton John and Bernie Taupin closed the chapter of their peak years by writing a song cycle about how they got there. "Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy" put away the glitter and the costumes and painted an austere portrait of the artists in their hungry years. By reigning in the excess and making many of the songs modest and sincere, "Captain Fantastic" gave fans of Elton the best of both worlds. The simpler storytelling of the earlier part of Elton's career was matched to the increasing confidence of his and Bernie's songwriting. While there was no glammy-hit with catchy chorus to be found on this album, it is easily the most consistent work of their glory days. It even made history by becoming the very first album to enter the charts at number one.

It is also the most sentimental of Elton's albums. The humble beginnings are underscored by the title track, and the orchestrated original closer of "Curtains/We All Fall In Love Sometimes" is beautifully done. The late Producer Gus Dudgeon made this album glow rather than flash - he may be one of the most underrated participants in Elton's career. (He passed away in 2002.) This was such a departure for Elton stylistically that only one song became a hit single, the song of love lost without regrets "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," in which Long John Baldry and Bernie talked Elton out of going through with a marriage that would have seen him ending his musical career. It is a powerful ballad and fits in even better when positioned in the "Captain Fantastic" storyline.

Because the album is a concept album, it is best listened to as a piece. The angry "Meal Ticket" is a great rock song, as is "Bitter Fingers." But it is the way all the pieces fit that brings out the brilliance of this album. Even though two of the three bonus tracks are number one hits, they are actually a distraction here. Even the liner notes concede that point, claiming that Elton and Bernie were really trying to stay true to form, and had no issues with recording singles as items not album specific. Even so, how many albums can have bonus material as terrific as Elton's cover of "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" or concert classic "Philadelphia Freedom?" Anyway you look at it, bonus tracks or no, "Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy" is a classic, the moment that captures all parties at the pinnacle of their powers at a time when they were also at their most commercially successful.

I received this album for a gift on my 15th birthday, and met Elton John in Philadelphia in 1989. When I told him how I got the album (and the poster), he laughed and said "you're making me feel f'n old." That poster - also signed by Bernie - is framed and hanging in a treasured spot on my office wall. So imagine my delight when this deluxe version contained not only a replication of that infamous Alan Aldridge cover art and the two booklets from the original 12-incher?

Then there is the matter of the extra-CD. Shortly after the album was released, Elton joined a concert that opened with The beach Boys, The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Rufus with Chaka Khan and ended the day by playing the Captain Fantastic album from start to finish. You can hear the wonder in the crowd, who are all getting to hear almost brand new material for the first time. (Elton recently debuted "The Captain and the Kid" to an NYC audience in the same fashion.) Elton is obviously hyper-enthused about this showcase and it comes through in the performance. The between song comments are telling, and worth hearing for his brief explanations about the creation of this classic.

The Deluxe edition of "Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy" is one of the rarities in its expanded version; all the extra goodies justify the extra cost. It takes an already classic album and makes it even more desirable.

Captain Fantastic CD.......2007-01-05

What a fabulous CD. The original tracks, plus a concert recording. The music is crisp. It was a great bit of music years ago and sounds fantastic now. Elton John is timeless.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin at the Top of Their Game.......2006-11-17

I could hardly wait in 1975 to acquire Elton's new album, one of the hundreds of thousands of people who bought the album as soon as it was available in record stores, making it the first album to be #1 at its release. I placed the record on the player, sure that I was going to hear another "Yellow Brick Road." Then I was puzzled. What kind of music was this? It was not simple pop with catchy tunes. It was - well - complicated, and sophisticated. It was also Elton's first concept album and it took me a while to realize that this album was the story of Elton and Bernie's rise to fame in what appeared to be a relatively short period of time, but which actually took from 1966 to occur.

As I said, this music is very complicated, sophisticated, and beautiful. There are faster songs, but some of Elton's most carefully crafted music is here as well. The album begins with the title tune, a rock song with a bit of country flavor that represents the flamboyant heart of Elton and the quieter, western-loving Bernie Taupin. The song alternates between a style reminiscent of "Madman Across the Water" and a style that was more fully realized in "Rock of the Westies."

In "The Tower of Babel" and "Bitter Fingers" the dynamic duo lament the difficulties of getting into the entertainment industry. The first song is about the difficulty of entry, the second is about being a stable hack for a record company, churning out songs by the basketful to make ends meet, never seeming to work fast enough or to earn enough. "Bitter Fingers" has a beautiful piano entry, which extends into the song.

"Tell Me When the Whistle Blows" can play on several levels. The style of the song is quite similar to songs such as "Danny Bailey" or "I've Seen That Movie Too" from "Yellow Brick Road." There is a fast rock beat, but the violins give a rich, lush feel. Part of the song longs for being home and part of the song wonders whether the maturing individual in the song still has the talent and enthusiasm he had when he was a wild kid.

Then "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" comes, one of the most phenomenal songs that Bernie and Elton have ever written. This song is about a time when Elton was nearly ready to get married and Bernie talked him out of it. The complexity of this music is symphonic. The piano chords and the harmonies are full and show Elton John having fully mastered the art of creating music.

The next two songs, "Gotta Get a Meal Ticket" and "Better off Dead," are faster and are about aspects of being starving artists. Both are decent songs, but they are preludes to the last three songs of the original album.

"Writing" is a song about success. Once we are successful, how long can we sustain that success? Also, what will people in the future think about what we did. Will it have meaning for them, and will they think it is good? Bernie's lyrics tell a story, and Elton's music and performance does an outstanding job complementing the lyrics.

The next two songs remain among my all-time favorite Elton John songs. "We All Fall in Love Sometimes" and "Curtains" transition from one to the next. Though the topics are different, the tenor and beauty of the music is common. When Elton allows his piano to come to the forefront of his music the result is nearly always wondrous. "We All Fall" also has one of the best bridges in an Elton John song. Elton also plays a harpsichord and a mellotron, used so effectively by the Moody Blues in the previous decade. The results can only be appreciated by listening.

"Curtains" begins so beautifully that when I am mellow it brings tears to my eyes. The lyrics are brought to life by Elton's vocal and musical interpretation, striking into your heart and soul. Only the emotionless could fail to appreciate this fragile, emotional music.

This album was the culmination of years of effort. The music is mature and well-crafted. Beautiful seems a paltry word to describe much of it. The production was the best ever of any Elton John album to date. The skill of the art was Elton and Bernie's, and they capitalized on it to create one of the best rock albums of all time.

Included on the first disk of this two disk set are four bonus songs. "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" was a big hit in 1975 for Elton John, and featured the talents of Elton's friend John Lennon. "Philadelphia Freedom" was another big Elton John hit, and was written as a tribute. "One Day at a Time" and "House of Cards" are decent songs that help fill out this disk.

This edition of "Captain Fantastic" includes a second disk that is a live performance of "Captain Fantastic" and two encore songs, "Pinball Wizard" and "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting." I am amazed at the quality of Elton John's live albums. "17-11-70" and "Here and There" are joined by the amazing second disk of this set. I loathe buying second copies of CD's, but in this case fans of Elton's early music should strongly consider buying this edition.

Unfortunately I am inadequate for the task of adequately reviewing this CD. While Elton had many creative moments and beautiful songs prior to this album, and had many other excellent compositions, for one magical album the music, the lyrics, and the production all came together to create an album for all times and all ages. While I generally feel that people are silly for saying they want to give a CD dozens of stars, this album would rate more than five stars if I could give them.

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL ALBUM, PLUS UNIQUE WEMBLEY SHOW BONUS.......2006-10-18

such a big difference between the elton from this era and now, the voice is not the same, and the melodies are not the same. and captain and the kid, even if it's a good attempt to rivalize with what he used to do is still nothing compare to this or goodbye yellow brick road.
"saved in time, thank god my music's still alive", that's one of those lines that is history and it turns you a bit happier or a bit sad but it does something to you and that's emotion. the druming is heavy, the snare sounds so plain, it's good to hear that and the acoustic guitar is put forward, and some of the harmonies remind those of the beatles. every song on this album is a masterpiece, and the wembley show on the second disc is such a unique experience, what an amazing thing to play the whole album plus john lennon's "one day at a time", very pretty song.
i rate this album along with "blue moves" and "goodbye yellow brick road" as the best john's albums, that's why i highly recommend that record.

A True Masterpiece.......2006-06-14

Perhaps it was the otherwise gaudy cover of the previous album, "Caribou", which drove Elton to commission a serious artist for the cover of his next project. One's first contact with this album is the album cover...and one's first impression is simply "wow!"

That "wow" feeling continues as one listens to the album. Every song is a keeper. Elton's melodies are varied and catchy, and Bernie's lyrics tell the autobiographical story of their rise to stardom, from lowly songwriters on Tin Pan Alley struggling to get by to the greatest songwriting duo in pop rock (excluding perhaps Lennon/McCartney of course).

The title track starts off country before rocketing off into a jamming chorus. "Tower of Babel" is a catchy pop tune. It is amazing how much Elton's voice has progressed at this point. He hits all those really, really high notes like it was nothing. "Bitter Fingers" shows off Elton's spectacular piano work. "When the Whistle Blows" has a phenomenal backing string arrangement and oozes with that "Philly sound" that was so en vogue in 1975.

"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" commemorates old Bluesology bandmate Long John Baldry (from whom Elton got his new last name) and how he saved him when Elton tried to commit suicide. He was scheduled to marry the daughter of a slaughterhouse magnate in the mid 1960s. Following the failed suicide attempt, Baldry talked him out of it. Oh, by the way, this is also one of the greatest songs ever written, period.

"Meal Ticket" is a pure rocker. The album ends in classic form with the tender "We All Fall in Love Sometimes" and the crescendo of "Curtains". Note the appearance of a scarecrow in this song, for the first song Elton and Taupin penned was called "Scarecrow."

The remastered version makes a great album even better by adding two number one singles Elton had at the time, "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds" recorded with John Lennon in 1974, and "Philadelphia Freedom" from 1975.

The 30th Anniversary deluxe version features Elton's June 21, 1975 concert in Wembley where he performed all of Captain Fantastic, cover to cover. Elton was headlining the performance. He was following up the Beach Boys and the Eagles who were performing on the same bill. It was a tough act to follow and Elton perhaps overstated his popularity with the fans. They were not willing to swallow the new, yet-to-be-released album whole and, yearning for the classics like "Rocketman" or "Crocodile Rock", they flocked to the exits.

Luckily you don't hear the fans flocking to the exits, but rather the thankful few who stuck around. Those who did leave missed a hell of a performance. They are surely kicking themselves for it thrity years later given the subsequent popularity of "Captain Fantastic". Elton's playing with his new band (minus Dee Murray and Nigel Olson) is energetic. The title track really smacks of country here. The extended jam on "Meal Ticket" is impressive as is the rocking jam at the end of "Curtains". The sound quality is superb. The concert ends with two hard rocking numbers, Townsend's "Pinball Wizard" and "Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting."

This album was the first EVER to enter the Billboard charts at Number 1, and with good reason. While there are no big singles on this album, the most refined critics consistently name this as Elton's best album.

Company of Strangers - Brown Bag Edition

Average customer rating:

Colin Hay is awesome!
Colin Hay at Largo In Los Angeles
As Always, Good Stuff
Colin Hay is Amazing!
colin is brilliant

Company of Strangers - Brown Bag Edition

Manufacturer: Lazy Eye America, Inc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Going Somewhere
Topanga
Man at Work
Are You Looking At Me?
Peaks & Valleys

ASIN: B00006LACJ
Release Date: 2002-09-09

Tracks:

I Got Woken Up
Small Town Big Hell
Lucky Bastard
Company Of Strangers
No Win Situation
Dear J
Small Price To Be Free
How Long Will It Last
Lifeline
Don't Wait Up
Beautiful World
And If You Only Knew

Album Description

The 7th solo album from singer/songwriter Colin Hay (from Men at Work). This album shows Colin Hay at the top of his game. It is a most compelling work from a brilliant songwriter. The album has a full electric sound with lush string and horn arrangements. Undoubtedly his best album to date.

Customer Reviews:

Colin Hay is awesome!.......2006-05-11

My husband turned me on to Colin Hay as he and his best friend from high school were big "Men at Work" fans and subsequently followed his solo career. "Company of Strangers and "How Long Will It Last?" are beautiful, beautiful songs. I love the strings in "Company of Strangers"; it's a mesmerizing song. Of course, the lyrics on this CD are fantastic, as always, especially in "How Long Will It Last?"

This is my favorite CD right now. Buy it. You will NOT be disappointed. All of the songs are good. (The only one I skip is "Lucky Bastard" because I listen to the CD in the van with my 6-year-old and 4-year-old sons. They love Colin Hay and know the lyrics!

Incidentally, my husband and I were fortunate to have seen Colin Hay in concert at a club in Denver this past year. Colin is an OUTSTANDING performer -- funny, too! I can't wait to see him again!

Colin Hay at Largo In Los Angeles.......2006-04-09

Just saw Colin tonight in the tiny club Largo on Fairfax in Los Angeles where he is a egular since he lives here - He began the set acoustic and then brought on four others, including his wife. The set lasted about 2 hours and was filled with Colin's humor and an absolutely amazing array of his solo work and some MAW singles as well. I hadn't purchased any of his solo work, but after tonight, they are all part of my collection - "Company" being the favorite since he played many of the songs found here -

As Always, Good Stuff.......2005-12-30

You may find this one a bit sleepy at first, but stick with it. It's more mid- and slow-tempo than previous Hay albums like "Looking For Jack," "Wayfaring Sons," and "Topanga." On the first pass, only "Small Town Big Hell," "No Win Situation," "Don't Wait Up," and the haunting title track really jumped out at me. However, if you give it a few tries, songs like "I Got Woken Up," "Dear J," "How Long Will it Last" and the closer really start to grow on you. I started out mildly disappointed and ended up thinking it's among the best work he's ever done. It also features the third recording thus far of "Beautiful World," this one virtually indistinguishable from the version on "Man @ Work." It's a gorgeous song, though, so fine by me. All in all, a very worthy buy for fans of this underrated artist.

I provide the following as a checklist for Colin Completists who are stymied and frustrated by the lack of availability of his solo albums. If you wanna have it all, this is what you gotta get (wherever you can get it):
- LOOKING FOR JACK [1986, not commercially available]
- WAYFARING SONS [1990, not commercially available]
- PEAKS & VALLEYS [1992, available on import]
- TOPANGA [1994, available but expensive]
- TRANSCENDENTAL HIGHWAY [1998, available]
- GOING SOMEWHERE [2000, available]
- COMPANY OF STRANGERS [2002, available]
- MAN @ WORK [2003, available]

Good luck!

Colin Hay is Amazing!.......2005-08-19

There is so much to say about this extremely talented artist, but the other reviews have done such a fine job in doing so. Along with Jeff Lynne (of ELO), Colin Hay is one of the most talented, yet under-appreciated musicians of our time. And, this album is truly one of his finest compilations. Colin is one of the few artists that can bring me to tears with the beauty of his music (in a weak moment). :) Order this CD while you can and try to see Colin in concert. You'll see exactly what I mean.

colin is brilliant.......2004-04-03

well I have seen him twice in Australia in the last 4 years and he is not to be missed.The last time was in Melbourne I flew from Perth Western Australia to see him. I love all of his album but my favs are peaks and valleys , T>Highway and Going somewhere.
There are two sites that fans can visit my page at http//www.downundercom.tripod.com which has photos reviews , articles and mosaiscs on colin hay and men at work and also another site called http//www.menatwork.br.com

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