Smoke and Mirrors

Smoke and Mirrors

Track Listings
1. Intro
2. Ride 4 My Nggz
3. MthaFckz On My Block
4. Sometimes
5. Hood Money
6. Whateva Bytch
7. Just Like Dat
8. Make It Home
9. Pimp World
10. Smoke Break
11. The District
12. Who Dat Nigga
13. I'm Shot
14. The Classic
15. M.F.T.S.B.W.
16. All 4 U
17. See What I See (outro)

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Smoke and Mirrors is the debut album from the underground production team Funkmatixx. Boasting a full 17 tracks of pure sonic funk, the label has finally hit the street with a generous helping of urban tales and trunk thumping audio cooked up in the lab they called the Blue Room. Artists included on the album are the underground superstar Rueben Rockwell, McBlick, Mario the Silent Assassin, and Swindlez. If you like to ride then this is one disc that belongs in your rotation.

Smoke 'N' Mirrors
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Vintage Lee
  • "Smoke 'n' Mirrors" Smokes!
  • ?
  • Lee Ritenour Smoke and Mirrors
  • Review of Smoke 'N' Mirrors
 Smoke 'N' Mirrors
Lee Ritenour
Manufacturer: Peak Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Africa | International | Styles | Music
BrazilBrazil | South & Central America | International | Styles | Music
Brazilian JazzBrazilian Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Smooth JazzSmooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
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  1. X
  2. 20th Anniversary
  3. Shine
  4. Playin' Favorites
  5. Givin' It Up

ASIN: B000G8P1JQ
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

  1. Smoke N' Mirrors
  2. Capetown
  3. Southwest Passage
  4. Waterz Edge
  5. Blue Days
  6. Spellbinder
  7. Memeza
  8. Povo
  9. Lovely Day
  10. Township
  11. Forget Me Nots
  12. Stone Cool
  13. Motherland
  14. 4 1/2 Storm

Amazon.com

As comfortable as guitarist Lee Ritenour has always been in the smooth jazz format, he has strived to go beyond it with his embrace of world music and serious jazz stylists including Wes Montgomery. Smoke 'N' Mirrors is a characteristic production in gathering up a sizable cast of contemporary cronies including Patrice Rushen, Dave Grusin, Richard Bona and Abraham Laboriel, but Ritenour's involvement in South African and Brazilian music and his emphasis on acoustic guitar give it a fresh identity. The wistful "Blue Days (Dias Azuis)," written and arranged by Daniel Jobim, son of Antonio Carlos, and featuring the singer Joyce, is one of the album's highlights. The young South African vocalist Zamajobe, featured on three songs, is a real discovery. You may wish Ritenour had stayed on ethnic turf and saved the more familiar, keyboard-sweetened fare for another album. Or you may enjoy the variety of Smoke 'N' Mirrors, which ranges percussively from Sheila E.'s congas to Satnam Ramgotra's Indian tablas. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Vintage Lee.......2007-07-12

Lee Ritenour continues to bring us his honest, professional e wonderful delivery.
No smoke and mirrors in his music... just pure artistry !

5 out of 5 stars "Smoke 'n' Mirrors" Smokes!.......2007-07-04

I should begin by making you aware of three things: (1) I'm partial. As a musician myself (hornman), I've literally worshipped Lee Ritenour since the first day I heard him play (try "Harlequin" with Dave Grusin!). (2) I plead 'guilty' to purchasing a CD for a single song because you can't get that rendition anywhere else. And (3), being a 70s teenager, the Lee + Patrice Rushen combination was something I simply couldn't pass up. When I added it all up, "I simply had to have "Forget Me Nots." After listening to the tune at least 100 times repeated, my wife suggested I listen to the other tunes on the CD. MAN! I wasn't the least bit disappointed! For me, a tune either "cooks," is "hot" or "smokes" - the threee levels of burn. Lee, Don and Eric REALLY put this one together. If music has to start out "cookin'" for you, this CD is a must!
The Doctor

1 out of 5 stars ?.......2007-05-07

What happened to the Lee Ritenour sound? I didn't care for this CD.

5 out of 5 stars Lee Ritenour Smoke and Mirrors.......2007-03-10

An excellent CD by a great artist

5 out of 5 stars Review of Smoke 'N' Mirrors.......2007-03-06

Lee Ritenour has been a favorite of mine for years. It's always good to get Lee's latest work when their released.
Wendy Lands Sings the Music of the Pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A loving tribute to a father from his son
  • Hunt down the originals
  • Huge Disappointment
  • Who is this woman!?!
  • Truly Sublime!
 Wendy Lands Sings the Music of the Pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman

Manufacturer: Hip-O Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Pianist: Original Recordings of Wladyslaw Szpilman

ASIN: B00007E8QH
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Tracks:

  1. Fall In Love Again
  2. Turn Away
  3. I Wish You'd Ask to Dance with Me
  4. Dancing with Antonio
  5. Someday We Will Love Again
  6. Without You
  7. I'm Set Free
  8. True and Tender
  9. Smoke and Mirrors
  10. Prisoners of Evening
  11. My Memories of You
  12. Hold Me a Moment

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A loving tribute to a father from his son.......2005-03-25

It has always been Andrej Szpilman's dream to have his father's songs published in the western world. As the executive producer of this cd, he has fulfilled that dream. Some of his father's songs recorded for the cd were composed during his times in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1941. Wendy Lands lovingly sings these songs with a beautiful heart-wrenching voice.

2 out of 5 stars Hunt down the originals.......2005-01-20

happened to be living in Poland at the time of the release of Polanski's film 'The Pianist', and Polish Radio issued a commemorative boxed-set of archive recordings of Szpilman as pianist and composer. Unfortunately, this set does not seem to have been released outside Poland (though some of the piano tracks have been issued separately by Sony). One of the discs is devoted to some 25 of Szpilman's 'Piosenki' (chansons, popular songs) in archive recordings from the 50s, 60, and 70s of (predominantly) the composer's own arrangements - typically for sumptious dance orchestra or big band, and featuring some of Poland's most popular singers (unknown of course in 'The West').


Only when one hears these songs with their original Polish texts (whether one understands them or not), harmonised, arranged and sung in a style that bears the authenticity of their own time, can one appreciate the (no doubt well-intentioned) folly and inadequacy of this Wendy Lands collection. These new English texts are not translations, so the words have been artificially grafted onto a melody that has been crafted to set and convey text with quite another meaning. Of course the quality of Szpilman's material ensures that the new songs based on his melodies are perfectly respectable as atmospheric bluesy-jazzy numbers, but I can't help wishing that some executive had had the courage to release an album of the songs in their original language and colours... They are incomparably more atmospheric, haunting, charming, melancholy and elegant than the 'versions' presented on this new disc. Any lover of Edith Piaf or Jaques Brel, for example, would fall for them immediately - the inpenetrability of the language only adds to their charm, and is far more meaningful than the second-rate doggerel shoe-horned to the melodies here. I hope these Polish recordings will become generally available soon - if not, you'll have to make friends with a Pole, get a cheap flight to Warsaw, or petition Polish Radio! It really is worth it - the old recordings are charming and heartbreaking.


1 out of 5 stars Huge Disappointment.......2004-02-27

After enjoying the autobiography and the movie, my family's expectations for this recording of Szpilman's songs were extremely high. From all angles, these hopes were crushed. The songs were probably - after their composition - given their first performance in a nightclub and that later exposure over Polish radio would hve retained the European night club feeling. The arrangements were far off the mark , both in their choice of instrumentation and in their composition. As for Miss Land, her voice is better described as "dreary" and "monotonous" rather than 'dark" and "smoky" as some have described it. To put it blunt.ly, she has no "voice" only breathy sighs.

I suggest that Andrzej Szpilman, Wladyslav' son, have another go at this project. During my Foreign Service career I have spent many months in Warsaw 1960-1962 and many hours at the Congresova and other night clubs. It shouldn't be too hard to persuade some Polish musicians to cooperate in a project to re-create Wladyslav's songs imbued with their original charm and spirit.

Finally, I wonder if the English lyrics followed the original Polish or were completely different.

5 out of 5 stars Who is this woman!?!.......2003-06-17

What a beautiful voice, what sensitive, expressive delivery. I bought this album on a whim and I am blown away by the whole ensenble of fine musicians - but especially by Wendy Lands. The recording quality is clean and crisp, the songs evocative, intelligent, and melodic.
The last album that similarly impressed me was Norah Jones.
Then to realize that these melodies were written by Wladislaw Szpilman (the subject of Roman Polaski's "The Pianist") just adds to the wonderment of this beautiful album.
Please, more Wendy Lands! Bravo!!!

5 out of 5 stars Truly Sublime!.......2003-06-15

I was suprised to learn that Wladyslaw Szpilman wrote contemporary songs. I was aware that he wrote compositions, but it never entered my mind that he wrote such beautiful songs that are on this CD. After seeing "The Pianist" and reading Spzilman's book and then seeing the DVD with an added documentary on the making of "The Pianist", my curiosity was piqued. Andrej Spzilman, the son of Wladyslaw, long dreamt of introducing his father's songs to the west and he chose Wendy Lands to sing these hauntingly beautiful songs. Upon purchasing this CD, I was hesitant that I might find them too much in the vein of 'Easy Listening'. I am glad to say that was not the case. I played it three times and should Wendy Lands continue to sing the songs of Wladyslaw Spzilman, I would be grateful. This is a very beautiful album and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Wladyslaw Spzilman did not merely survive the most grim conditions of The Holocaust, he thrived through his love of music and this album is proof of what a genius he was. I look forward to a second CD of his songs sung by Ms. Lands. Her heartrending interpretations draw the listener in. This is a truly sublime album!
Smoke & Mirrors
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Smoke & Mirrors
    The Datsuns
    Manufacturer: V2 Int'l
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Dear Independence
    2. Because of the Times
    3. Rose Hill Drive
    4. Era Vulgaris
    5. Shine On

    ASIN: B000GPI2TU
    Release Date: 2006-10-07

    Tracks:

    1. Who Are You Stamping Your Foor For?
    2. System Overload
    3. Waiting for Your Time to Come
    4. Stuck Here for Days
    5. Maximum Heartbreak
    6. All Aboard
    7. Such a Pretty Curse
    8. Blood Red
    9. Emperor's New Clothes
    10. Too Little Fire

    Album Description

    2006 album, the third from this New Zealand band of rockin' rollers who like to party like its 1973 again! Features the single 'System Overload'. V2.

    Album Details

    2006 Third Album from the Hard Rockers.
    Murder on My Mind
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • repeat
    • A good rock album, but not a great one.
    • Raw Emotion & Energy!
    • external now
    • Breathe of fresh Air that rocks big time
    		 Murder on My Mind
    Lovehammers
    Manufacturer: Swinging Lovehammers
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Post GrungePost Grunge | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    Adult AlternativeAdult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
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    1. Marty Casey & Lovehammers
    2. Rock Star: INXS The DVD
    3. Rock Star: A Night at the Mayan Theatre
    4. Switch
    5. The Best of INXS

    ASIN: B0002IQK6S
    Release Date: 2004-07-27

    Tracks:

    1. Tunnel
    2. Eyes Can't See
    3. Wait for No One
    4. Better Off (Walk Away)
    5. Clouds
    6. Say You're Sorry
    7. Over and Out
    8. This Town
    9. Call of Distress
    10. Low-Life Insurance (Let's Get Wasted)

    Product Description

    1. Tunnel, The
    2. Eyes Can't See
    3. Wait For No One
    4. Better Off (Walk Away)
    5. Clouds
    6. Say You're Sorry
    7. Over And Out
    8. This Town
    9. Call Of Distress
    10. Low-Life Insurance (Let's Get Wasted)


    Format: CD

    Customer Reviews:

    3 out of 5 stars repeat.......2007-07-06

    I thought this CD was a repeat of the Lovehammers first CD. Marty DID take advice from INXS and stopped screaming so much but some of the remakes just didn't sound as good as the originals. The CD is good but if you purchased the first Love Hammers CD the only song really missing from it is "Trees." I look forward to some new material.

    3 out of 5 stars A good rock album, but not a great one........2006-09-08

    I'm sure the Hammerheads will slam me for this review, but that's okay. I've given this album a long time to grow on me, but I haven't changed much of my initial impression of it, so my opinion stands.

    Like many others, I first "discovered" Marty Casey thanks to his memorable appearance as a contestant on "RockStar: INXS" in the summer of 2005. I was immediately captivated by his incredible stage presence, his intensity, and his voice. Enthusiastically, I sought out his two previous albums with The Lovehammers, "L'Strange" and this one, "Murder on My Mind". While my love for Marty did not diminish, I have to admit that I was not as overwhelmed by these albums as I'd hoped to be.

    My first problem is with the vocals. Perhaps it is just the mix, here. Perhaps it is an over-use of ProTools to smooth out the edges, but it feels at times that Marty's voice on this album is barely recognizable as the same Marty Casey we heard on TV. Much of the "edge" that I loved about his voice on the show seems to be missing, and that is a major downfall of the album for me.

    The songs themselves start out strong, with the best two--lyrically and musically--kicking things off: "Tunnel" and "Eyes Can't See". After that, however, things begin to settle into a sameness of sound lacking strong hooks and originality. The impression I am left with is one of a strong "local" band, yes, but one that lacked that certain special something to propel them to more national acclaim. Perhaps that is why Marty sought out a fresh start on RockStar? It does leave one to wonder.

    There are a couple other solid tracks, particularly the atmospheric "Clouds" and the punky "Call of Distress", but again, nothing that packs the instant catchiness of "Trees" as we heard on Rock Star. Perhaps Marty and the Lovehammers are a band that simply needs better production to be captured properly on disc?

    I do look forward to hearing their next release, to see if they can break away from some of the more generic hard-rock aspects of their sound into something more fresh and original. I have no doubt that Marty Casey has the talent and skill to do this. I'm just still waiting to hear it all truly come together.

    5 out of 5 stars Raw Emotion & Energy!.......2006-08-12

    What is it with major labels? They always suck all the life, energy and emotion out of a recording. They try and make it palatable for a wide audience. That's a mistake because when you try and please everyone, you end up pleasing no one. That's what happened with Marty Casey and Lovehammers major label release. It's a great album because of the musical content, but it's just just missing all the live, raw energy that this band is capable of. With the production of the songs on the Marty Casey and Lovehammers cd, I can completely see why people might want to compare them to bands like Nickelback. It's the production of the songs that make it sound like Nickelback, not the music.

    Anyway..

    Murder On My Mind is a stellar cd! I'd have to say that it's in my top 5 of all time and just kills the Marty Casey and Lovehammers' cd. If you listen to Call Of Distress on both cd's, it's perfectly obvious. The version of Call Of Distress on this cd makes me weep every time I listen to it, but the version on Marty Casey and Lovehammers leaves me cold. I completely blame that on the producer and sound engineer, who ultimately work for the label.

    Bottom line.. If I could only buy one cd, I'd buy this one in a heartbeat. Too bad that this isn't their major label debut.

    Hopefully, the Lovehammers will get a clue and go back to a more live, raw sound like on this cd when record their next cd.

    5 out of 5 stars external now.......2006-07-01

    Great!!!! It is Marty Casey & Lovehammers before Rockstar INXS. This is what they do best. I liked hearing them before they hit it big. You can really tell they poured their heart into this.

    5 out of 5 stars Breathe of fresh Air that rocks big time.......2006-04-23

    This band is so intense and so together that their enegry almost blows out my ipod!
    Buy this CD now! It is so refreshing to hear great rock again in a music world of lame pop, constant rap and lame.
    Smoke and Mirrors
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Smoke and Mirrors
      Dixie Witch
      Manufacturer: Small Stone Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Death MetalDeath Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Hard RockHard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
      Southern RockSouthern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
      Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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      1. Into the Sun
      2. Sasquatch
      3. One Bird, Two Stones
      4. High Five
      5. The Mystery Spot

      ASIN: B000E6UX48
      Release Date: 2006-04-11

      Tracks:

      1. Set The Speed
      2. Shoot The Moon
      3. S.O.L.
      4. Out In The Cold
      5. Ballinger Cross
      6. Getaway
      7. Bridges
      8. What You Want
      9. Thursday
      10. Gunfight
      11. Last Call

      Album Description

      "Dixie Witch's...`Southern by the grace of God' rock is a welcome respite from plebe rock." - AUSTIN CHRONICLE

      With thousands of miles under their belts, Dixie Witch has honed their talent to a razor-sharp point, culminating in the epic Smoke & Mirrors. Produced, engineered and mixed by considerable talent Joel Hamilton (who has worked on recordings by everyone from Unsane & Mike Patton to Elvis Costello & Gil Scott Heron), Smoke & Mirrors packs the punch of six long years on the road into just under an hour of the loudest, dirtiest rock `n' roll the boys could muster. Southern charm comes oozing through the thick riffs and powerful percussion of what can only be called classic American songwriting. With this masterpiece under their belts, the tour that never ends will rise up again this spring, bringing the explosive fury that is Dixie Witch back where the boys feel most comfortable...on the road again.
      Smoke and Mirrors
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Jule Brown - the best music you've never heard
      		 Smoke and Mirrors
      Jule Brown
      Manufacturer: Enabler
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Blues | Styles | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. I Need You
      2. Occurrence at Jule Brown Bridge
      3. Peas and Collards

      ASIN: B000HEWGAG
      Release Date: 2006-09-19

      Tracks:

      1. Do The Best You Can
      2. Every Night There's A Dance
      3. The Losers
      4. Where Are You?
      5. Green RIver Blues
      6. Big Time Loser
      7. Rhythm And Booze
      8. Can't Get It Right
      9. Talkin' To The Judge
      10. Young Boy
      11. You Can Do It Overnight

      Album Description

      Co-produced by Dean Wareham (Galaxy 500, Luna, Dean and Britta) and Rick Miller (Southern Culture on the Skids), Jule Brown's new release, Smoke and Mirrors, contains 10 original tracks and one cover of roots music with a mixture of socially conscious and introspective lyrics. Standard Jewel Case.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Jule Brown - the best music you've never heard.......2006-10-19

      If you're a serious fan of music, Jule Brown may be the best, most original music you've never heard. Eclectic blues rock with some serious talent to back it up. Some remarkably original songs and sounds are on this album - If this hits your ear in the right way, you should also check out the band JennyAnykind which is Jule Brown (Mark) with his brother Mike.
      Smoke & Mirrors
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • This CD is by Jana Thornton, not Jana Mashonee
      • CAUTION: Not the "Real" Jana
      • Worthwhile !
      • Jana's vocals are beautiful, strong and melodic
      • INTELLIGENTLY WRITTEN, ARRANGED AND PLAYED
      		 Smoke & Mirrors
      Jana
      Manufacturer: Maple Island Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Folk | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
      Similar Items:
      1. Flash Of A Firefly
      2. American Indian Christmas
      3. Near Me
      4. American Indian Story
      5. Stairway to Heaven

      ASIN: B0001B43LK
      Release Date: 2004-01-31

      Tracks:

      1. For You
      2. Surviving So
      3. Stick to You
      4. To Know
      5. Lucky Day
      6. Private Gates
      7. Enchanted Minds
      8. Many a Time
      9. Sit Me Down
      10. Hey Yeah
      11. Darn Right

      Album Description

      Jana's songs are of a rare breed. Pure, honest, unpretentious....Jana is a true original - above and beyond. The album comprises material of many genre's including Singer/Songwriter, Jazz, Folk & Rock. Fantastic music & Vocal production work.

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars This CD is by Jana Thornton, not Jana Mashonee.......2007-04-08

      Troy Santi's March 31 review got it right, this Jana is not the one who did "Flash of a Firefly". The photo in the CD liner is of a blonde white woman (Jana Mashonee is Lumbee Indian, at least enough that it shows in her face)who- by indications of her website link (nothing like Ms. Mashonee has)is a woman named Thornton.
      The musical style is as Amazon describes it, not too bad at times although I found myself skipping ahead pretty often.
      This Jana's voice might be pretty good but the music tends to overwhelm it, not like the Jana most people buying the CD are expecting.
      Amazon really needs to check closely when singers have such similar names, I know I can't be the only one who wouldn't have bought this CD if they'd been correct in who/what they associated it with.

      1 out of 5 stars CAUTION: Not the "Real" Jana.......2007-04-01

      FYI. This is not the beautiful, talented, native american singer Jana who produced Flash of a Firefly, American Indian Story, American Indian Christmas, plus various singles. The other reviews made it sound as if it could be and even Amazon's editorial review is somewhat vague. They should be a little more clear when there are two artists of identical names. Seems as if others thought as I did since Amazon shows those who bought this album, also bought all of Jana's other albums. Just wanted all to know since this is not readily apparent.

      5 out of 5 stars Worthwhile !.......2004-06-24

      Jana's music subverts traditional structures by moving freely without paying heed to convention. The opening track, "For You", is a fine example of this - the song has only one line without rhyme, which is repeated at various junctures throughout the track. By doing so Jana makes her first track with neither traditional verse/chorus structure nor typical rhyme schemes and predictable song segments. In fact, unlike most albums, the music here doesn't feel segmented at all. Rather the songs feel natural because the usual swift transitions from verse to chorus are gone and replaced by music that more gradually rises and falls.

      The instrumentation on this record is unpredictable as well. Disparate elements exist throughout the record - from the hard-rock guitar wail at the end of the folk laden "Enchanted Minds" to the soft soulful patches on the otherwise funky "Lucky Day". Several tracks on what could be characterized as a new age folk record represent genres by mimicking their conventional forms. "Private Gates" is the repetitive blues track, "Many a Time" the rocker which attempts to break Neil Peart's record for the most drum rolls in a single track.
      Jeff Tweeter and Jeff Thornton produced this record to good effect making heavy use of echo and layering to give Jana a slightly different voice on virtually every track. Acoustic guitars sound lucid and dominate the soft bass and drums. Considering the wide assortment of styles on Smoke & Mirrors the production incorporates different elements to better suit the specific songs. Overall the production and instrumentation combine to make this a worthwhile record.

      5 out of 5 stars Jana's vocals are beautiful, strong and melodic.......2004-06-05

      First of all, you need to know that in listening to this CD you are going to hear sounds and stylings which cross many musical borders - from light, ethereal pop to harder-edged pop-rock. Along the way, you'll notice an overall infusion of light jazz elements, and of course, Jana's soaring vocals.
      Jana's vocals are beautiful, strong and melodic. The musicianship is absolutely topnotch.
      The production is strong, even and sensitive to the music and the vocals.
      She sings about love & life in a very simple and straightforward way.
      To me, this CD is very very good, and Jana's words and melodies carry the tunes very well.
      I would recommend this CD highly to anyone who is interested in a laid-back pop/jazz feeling or to anyone who appreciates very high-quality playing in that genre.

      5 out of 5 stars INTELLIGENTLY WRITTEN, ARRANGED AND PLAYED.......2004-06-05

      The music on "Smoke & Mirrors" is pleasingly difficult to categorize. I hear what
      I would describe this as folk rock, new age, r&b pop. It is by no means elevator music or sleep inducing yet it is peaceful and relaxing.
      The music is very groove laden and layered. The lyrics are more to create an atmosphere or point the way to a mood than they are literally telling us a story.
      Jana does all the writing of words and music and Jeff Tweeter plays all the instruments. I'm quite impressed with his versatility and the way he has shaped the sound. It seems a perfect match to Jana's poetry and expression.
      This is a unique sound that is intelligently written, arranged and played.
      Smoke & Mirrors
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Smoke & Mirrors
        The Datsuns
        Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000J1036Q
        Release Date: 2006-10-23

        Tracks:

        1. Who Are You Stamping Your Foot For?
        2. System Overload
        3. Waiting for Your Time to Come
        4. Stuck Here for Days
        5. Maximum Heartbreak
        6. All Aboard
        7. Such a Pretty Curse
        8. Blood Red
        9. Emperor's New Clothes
        10. Too Little Fire

        Tracks:

        1. Stuck Here for Days [DVD][*]
        2. System Overload [DVD][*]
        3. Bonus Material [DVD][*]

        Album Description

        Limited CD / DVD (PAL/Region 0) edition featuring: On The Road documentray (24 mins), the 'System Overload' & 'Stuck Here For Days' videos!! 'Smoke & Mirrors' is the brand new album from the rockin' New Zealand quartet. This is the band's third album, which at last establishes the breadth of what The Datsuns are about musically on record. 'Smoke & Mirrors' was produced by the band themselves with help from engineer Nick Abbott and mixer Cenzo Townshend. V2. 2006.

        Album Details

        Limited Edition CD and Dvd Version Featuring: On the Road Documentary, and the Videos for System Overload and Stuck Here for Days. 'smoke and Mirrors' is from the Rockin' New Zealand Quartet, the Datsuns. This is the Band's Third Album, which at Last Establishes the Breadth of What the Datsuns Are About Musically on Record. 'smoke and Mirrors' was Produced by the Band Themselves with Help from Engineer Nick Abbott and Mixer Cenzo Townshend and features the Single, 'system Overload'.
        The Perfume of Creosote: Desert Exotica Part 1
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • oh yeah, this is a great cd!!
        • An album that is greater than the whole of its 23 tracks
        • Gifted Musicians!
        • World-jazz-rock-ethno-ambient fusion!
        • Best CD I've bought in months!
        		 The Perfume of Creosote: Desert Exotica Part 1
        Smoke & Mirrors
        Manufacturer: Aural Fixation Records
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
        ElectronicaElectronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Styles | Music
        Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B0000AYDVE
        Release Date: 2003-07-20

        Tracks:

        1. Surya, the Divine Sun
        2. Tarantulas
        3. Inside Saguaros
        4. Mirage
        5. Rattlesnake
        6. Adventures of a Pack Rat
        7. When the Devil Was a Little Boy
        8. Ocotillo
        9. Petroglyphs and Bones
        10. Thunderbirds
        11. Monsoon
        12. The Perfume of Creosote
        13. Riparian Oasis
        14. Roadrunner
        15. Rock Gardens, Swimming Pools and Barbeques
        16. Turquoise and Copper
        17. Sonoran Sunset
        18. Pink Fairy Duster and Hummingbird Moths
        19. Ring Around the Moon
        20. Dance of the Scorpions
        21. Javelinas
        22. Night Blooming Cereus
        23. As Heaven Falls From the Sky

        Album Description

        Although each track on "The Perfume of Creosote" stands on its own, this body of work is intricately crafted to take the listener on a daylong sojourn through the desert from emboldened sunrise (Surya, The Divine Sun) to the dreamlike, UFO-infused night sky (As Heaven Falls from the Sky). With repeated listenings, the journey becomes more joyful and compelling. These unique electronic soundscapes contain elements of ambience, world music, alternative rock, lounge music, music for film, and hints of psychedelia and jazz. From the lush and romantic Inside Saguaros to the bewitchingly ambient Mirage, from the wild, uptempo, When The Devil Was A Little Boy to the beautiful and haunting Tarantulas you'll hear underlying shades of exotica inspired by such artists as Martin Denny, Arthur Lyman, and Les Baxter. Instead of the tropical flavor favored by those artists, each piece is inspired by the desert—the lush Sonoran desert in particular—capturing the exotic essence of the creatures, fauna and climate.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars oh yeah, this is a great cd!!.......2004-05-31

        I LOVE THIS MUSIC. JAMES AND MICHAEL HAVE MADE A GREAT CD, SO FULL OF LUSH SOUNDS (AND VISIONS).THEY PUT SO MUCH VISUALLY INTO THE MUSIC-TARANTULAS, RATTLESNAKES, DUST DEVILS, THUNDERBIRDS, ROADRUNNERS, SCORPIONS, SUNSETS, EVEN A PINK FAIRY DUSTER(WHATEVER THAT IS!). PUT ON THE HEADPHONES, CRANK IT UP! MY FAVS ARE- SURYA,THE DIVINE SUN- ADVENTURES OF THE PACK RAT- WHEN THE DEVIL WAS A LITTLE BOY- ROCK GARDENS- ROADRUNNER- AND THUNDERBIRDS!!! THE PERFUME OF CREOSOTE: DESERT EXOTICA PART 1! I'M HOPING FOR MORE MUSIC FROM SMOKE & MIRRORS!!! PEACE & ENJOY

        5 out of 5 stars An album that is greater than the whole of its 23 tracks.......2004-05-13

        Every day, I have a different tune stuck in my head. Few things in life give me greater joy than discovering a musical gem that I find myself wanting to listen to over and over again. The Perfume of Creosote is such a gem. Each track has a definite hook. The variety keeps the album interesting, and the images it invokes are as vivid as the accompanying soundtrack. Yet, the soundscapes do not hit you over the head as much as the track titles might suggest. For example, I never would have guessed the dreamy, hypnotic, earworm-inducing "Tarantulas" was inspired by large furry arachnids, yet now that I know, I can easily envision the gentle creatures methodically combing the desert at twilight. The various tracks are lush with plenty of exotic percussion (a personal favorite of mine) yet not so overpowering as to leave nothing to the imagination. There is nothing deceptive about Smoke & Mirrors. These guys have nothing up their sleaves. They know exactly what they are doing, and it is brilliant.

        5 out of 5 stars Gifted Musicians!.......2004-01-14

        I expected I would enjoy the CD because I have met you and how often do we get to meet and know the composers and musicians of the CDs we listen to on a regular basis. I was, however, extremely pleased when I began listening to the CD to find that I truly enjoyed the music for itself, not only because of who composed and performed it. What a wonderful surprise to find so much talent and an unexpected gem quite literally in my own backyard.

        You both are truly gifted musicians and I am grateful that you have chosen to share your gift with other music lovers. This is a CD that I am sure I will find myself playing over and over again as I have a feeling it has a complexity that will be revealed layer by layer each time I listen to the music. I also look forward to your second release which I understand is coming soon.

        Thank you for what I know will be many hours of very enjoyable listening!

        5 out of 5 stars World-jazz-rock-ethno-ambient fusion!.......2003-11-18

        East meets southwest in a vibrant world-jazz-rock-ethno-ambient fusion[whew]. This is definitely a unique recording blending many different genres together. In the first track "Surya,The Divine Sun" for example, didgeridoo, electric guitar, drumkit, percussion and vibes join forces in a loping, strutting, rhythm across the desert floor, with an eastern sounding melody.

        There are 23 tracks on this disc that blend together expertly. Most tracks feature some type of drumkit, keyboard, percussion, and guitar, with desert textures. Some other highlights: "Mirage"-dreamy, echoing guitar with percussion and cymbals. "Rattlesnake"- a perky electro strut with spaghetti western guitar. "Adventures Of A Packrat"-nice piano melody with percussion, synth, electric bass and drumkit. "Monsoon"-juicy bass and guitar work in a nice groove over a swaggering rhythm. "Roadrunner"-a rapid fire synth, nice guitar and a sturdy rhythm propel the listener down the highway. You can see the heat rising off the sand and feel the desert wind. This list could go on and on. Pretty much every song on this disc is a highlight. There are enough killer grooves and ideas packed in here for three or four albums,and the quality of musicianship is excellent!

        Not exactly ambient,but good music is good music! Fans of fusion music will love this. If you are looking for a different sort of musical adventure this is a sonic vacation you may not want to come back from. Pack your bags and go away for the weekend.

        5 out of 5 stars Best CD I've bought in months!.......2003-09-20

        Acrid, airy, warm and rhythmicly inspiring, this CD brings to mind the psychedelic dreams of a desert landscape. A sprawling cascade sideswiping Eno, Fripp, Numan and post-punk, it's a soundscape to spur your creativity. Great background music if you're a painter, sculptor or writer. Some DJ friends of mine are mixing with it.

        The composers are well-known former LA punkers who directly influenced everyone from Jane's Addiction to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. I thoroughly enjoyed this CD and recommend it highly. More!
        Smoke and Mirrors
        Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
        • Surprisingly Good!!!
        • Adequate
        • O.C brings the realness
        • Smoke+Mirrors....no camera tricks, just magic!!
        • www.sportofdistraction.com
        		 Smoke and Mirrors
        OC
        Manufacturer: Hieroglyphics
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
        Pop RapPop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
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        5. Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop

        ASIN: B000BHO99U
        Release Date: 2005-11-01

        Tracks:

        1. Intro - Smoke And Mirrors
        2. You Made Me
        3. Martyr
        4. My Way
        5. Emotions
        6. Distortion
        7. Going Nowhere
        8. Young World
        9. Gone
        10. The Good The Bad The Ugly
        11. Guns And Butter
        12. I'm Da Boss
        13. Challenge Ya'll
        14. Brothers Keeper
        15. What I Need
        16. Shorty
        17. This Is Me
        18. Coldwaxa Speaks

        Customer Reviews:

        4 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Good!!!.......2006-09-02

        Always liked OC...one of the best mc's in live performance. This record is surprisingly Good. Like most albums, it's a little too long, with some nondescript songs..but what's Good is Very Good! Recommended!

        4 out of 5 stars Adequate.......2006-07-10

        O.C. has a resume that is certifiably impossible to live up to, and understandably, he doesn't really manage to do so with this record. The disc isn't bad, but when compared to either of his first two releases, it sort of fades into the background. There are only a couple of tracks that could be considered for radio release, and most of the album is spent ruminating on various and sundry inequities and inadequacies in the music industry, which, for underground fans, could start to drag a little at this point. For fans, I would certainly recommend this without hesitation, but for newcomers, Jewelz is probably a better place to start.

        5 out of 5 stars O.C brings the realness.......2006-05-29

        I just got this album and was glad it's as good as it is.It sounds like O.C was mad at the whole game while rcording this with ruthless tracks like "You Made Me"

        anywayz i gotte be out so i'll just give you the best 6 tracks though it's hard to

        1.Going nowhere
        2.You made me
        3.I'm da boss
        4.Emotions
        5.The good the bad and the ugly
        6.Brothers keeper

        4 out of 5 stars Smoke+Mirrors....no camera tricks, just magic!!.......2006-05-22

        What a return to form for O.C. First he drops the brilliant "starchild" that proves "bon apetit" was just a speed bump in his career now he capitalised+solidified his status as underground legend once more with this amazing album. The most startling point is that it all seemed to fit into place with 1 very easy step, change of producers. With no D.I.T.C. (or wildlife as they're known nowadays) members anywhere in sight on either album he's seemed to be rejuvenated and up the ante to anyone trying to take his spot. Make no mistake this is O.C's best work for years. With tracks like "you made me", "my way", "martyr", "the good, the bad, the ugly", "im da boss", "challenge yall" (my favourite), "guns+butter", "what i need" and "this is me" we are treated to all sides to O.C.'s vocal repatoire. His barotone battle hardened delivery pulls no punches as he rides on each beat like it was his last chance to shine+prove himself to the hiphop masses. On tracks like "emotions", "distortion", "going nowhere", "gone", "brothers keeper" and "shorty" you're treated to the more insightful, deeper almost sensitive side of the man. Filled with narratives, battle rhymes, street anthems and even 2 or 3 joints that wouldnt sound out of place in a club this is definitely worth adding to every real hiphop fans collection. Top drawer quality!!

        4 out of 5 stars www.sportofdistraction.com.......2006-03-31

        This OC's rawest effort since "Jewels", but slightly different in its attempt to address issues rarely touched upon by the majority of artists. OC's flow is as rough as it's always been, but the beats illuminate his flow and elevate the album to great heights.

        The talent is not a question.

        Rap Music:

        1. Southwest Riders [Explicit Lyrics]
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        3. Tha 4' 3" Giant
        4. Tha Re/Up [Explicit Lyrics]
        5. The DEFinition [Enhanced]
        6. The Macuscripts, Vol. 1 [Explicit Lyrics]
        7. The Riddle Box [Explicit Lyrics]
        8. The World I Live In [Explicit Lyrics]
        9. This Week [Explicit Lyrics]
        10. Thug Livin' [Explicit Lyrics]

        Rap Music

        rap music

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