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Music is a matter of taste. Each song translates differently to every individual. We just like to share our views here. The following reviews are arranged according to latest review at the top. All reviews done by Chris. |
SWANS SOUNDTRACK FOR THE BLIND 2 CD DIGIPAK 1996 A "post punk" band lead by Michael Gira. This band has been around since 1980s and this was their last album released in 1996. Very erratic, weird instrumentations, use of samples, very experimental, tracks ranging from slow droning music, orchestral, noise, sounds and effects, to more straight forward rock, with some tracks accompanied by Gira's amazing vocals and also Jarboe's......this is a trip to weird and imaginative places and often dark soundscapes and atmospheres... Mmm...I'm not a fan of experimental music but it is an interesting listen, especially to the different instrumentations and atmospheres created. Got this album when it was released but i probably listened to this less than 10 times...including this time....Not an easy album to digest, the whole album is NOT boring...every track has a different soundscape that draws you in, wanting for more......It works like a dark play which you listen instead of watching...A fine piece of art indeed. Ratings:4.5/5 |
RADIOHEAD IN RAINBOWS CD ALBUM 2007 Ever popular band with ever changing music...every album is different and interesting. I must admit that i like their earlier releases compared to the electronic ones...This is a mix of both, a best of both worlds which probably will appeal to more fans. I find that it still is as atmospheric, but the tracks are a little repetitive though. Good effort and a welcome back guys.. Check it out if you will , and new album coming out soon... Ratings:3.5/5 |
AND ALSO THE TREES GREEN IS THE SEA CD ALBUM 1992 / THE KLAXION CD ALBUM 1993 This friend of mine in college introduced me this wonderful band from UK back then, and I was captivated by their unique style since.... They were formed in 1980 and has released many albums since then. Very good instrumentations and captivating vocals. Dramatic at times, moody, jazzy, bluesy, dark at times, poetic lyrics ...and vocals reminds me of Nick Cave slightly...or rather the other way round...Great atmospheric album with good production, that brings you to a different century, an old English era...with many stories being told.......A damn well crafted piece of fine art I would say.... Some samples here... Ratings:4.5/5 for both albums |
JETHRO TULL UP CD ALBUM (REMASTERED IN 2001 WITH BONUS TRACKS) OK now, let's go back in time again....1969 to be exact. 2nd album from these progressive/folk rock band. Amazing flute(among other instruments...Hammond organ, piano, mandolin) work from Ian Anderson , the gang of musicians have finely crafted a classy album of ALL time. It is an enjoyable listen from start to finish. The remastered version is pretty well done too, all individual instruments sounds really goooood, even the vocals........ Ratings:5/5 |
JETHRO TULL AQUALUNG CD ALBUM(1971) This album is CLASSIC! Already listed in many people's favourite album of all times, there is nothing more I can say ...Tracks like Aqualung, Crossed eye mary, cheap day return, up to me, slipstream, locomotive breathe... stays in your mind permanently. With Ian Anderson's flute works and other instruments like mellotron, organ, recorder (among others) ... They work like magic and proof that they ARE the best in their genre. It is really catchy and melodic. The flute especially, and the other additional instruments really goes well with the basic guitars rhythms and melodies, not to mention the drums and percussions. The songs are very well structured, never a dull moment, you have various instruments playing solos one after another... This is a musical masterpiece Ratings:5/5 |
KING CRIMSON IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING CD ALBUM (1969) One of the most influential bands from the progressive rock scene, King Crimson has released many albums to date, and has many fans around the world. This is their first album, which consist of 5 main tracks(split into different parts) with a running time of about 43 mins... Ratings:5/5 |
Nightingale The closing chronicles CD ALBUM 1996 OK , this is a rather short review. This is DAN SWANO's(multi talented musician who does production, song writing, vocals, guitars, drums and other projects etc etc) other band. This is a progressive rock band, much influenced by progressive rock bands like Marillion etc etc...Good compositions, nice catchy melodies, standard rock, good singing vocals. Though nothing really spectacular, it flows beautifully as an album, and it is a nice background listening pleasure with nice keyboards too. Good effort by these guys. Ratings:3.5/5 |
THE MISSION CARVED IN SAND CD ALBUM 1990 Gothic rockers from the 80s. Formed by Wayne and Craig(Ex-Sisters of Mercy)." Carved in Sand" album(4th) is one of the best releases from them. Amazing song writing and melodies.Very catchy and very memorable. (Example: Amelia, butterfly on a wheel, deliverance,grapes of wrath). Playing this album 20 years later, it still sounds wonderful. Timeless and beautifully recorded, the production is crystal clear. Check it out and relive ...Some samples...
Ratings:4.5/5 |
NEW MODEL ARMY THUNDER & CONSOLATION CD ALBUM 1989 Mmm...this was introduced by a good friend of mine back in the 1991-92...and I remembered that I kept playing this cd for weeks in my player....This is a Rock/post punk band from England, formed in the 80's. The above is their 4th album release and their song writing skills are amazing. Melodic, edgy(Angst), "driving" drums and bass. Really catchy rhythm and poetic lyrically (often political and social messages in their songs). Really memorable choruses, even for their slow ballads. Fav includes: green and grey, i love the world, stupid questions, ballad of bodmin pill., vagabonds, the charge..Even track is an instant classic. Plus, they have a really good vocalist who is able to deliver good stories. Check here out for one of their live performances. Ratings:5/5 |
BACKYARD BABIES TOTAL 13 CD ALBUM 1997 This is one hell of a fun "rock n roll" album. Really cool melodies, groovy catchy riffs. Thunderous drumming, guitars jarring and strong vocals, straight to the point(bone) songs with plenty of attitude. Well this is nothing new since the 70s, 80s, but this is just one of those bands that has a mix of all the right ingredients. Other few bands which i have heard from that time are The Hellacopters Gluecifer and Turbonegro and a more recent "Mustasch"... from that part of the world that is..... Mmm...there are probably thousands of generic rock bands (especially in the U.S??) that sound the same using the same "formula", and you can't even tell them apart sometimes. Well, don't worry about Backyard Babies, they definitely has their "identity" stamped all over their songs. Ratings:4/5 |
THE HELLACOPTERS SUPERSHITTY TO THE MAX CD ALBUM 1996 Well I might as well mention this band since I have reviewed Backyard Babies. Another Swedish rock band who has gain popularity worldwide these years. Great rock and roll attitude with lots of groove, straight to the BONE! Jarring guitars ,fast drumming, lots of energy, cool vocals, good production. A local(Sweden) classic and a pretty hard to get album when it was release at that point in time though...... Ratings:4/5 |
Pure Reason Revolution the dark third CD ALBUM 2006 This UK band was formed in 2003, very impressive debut(i think) album, with many styles incorporated in their music. Spacey Prog/rock, electronic, alternative, indie, very catchy with 2 vocalists(male and female), and reminiscence of earlier 60s/70s melodies too. Some people even says they are the "new prog". Fav tracks: ALL Check out some of their tracks here... Ratings:4/5 |
THE MARS VOLTA AMPUTECHTURE CD ALBUM 2006 OK, consider them as progressive rockers. They are heavy,erratic and over the top at times(especially the vocals, which some people might not get used to....i am one of them). Instrumentation, song writing and technicality, I think they are great. Songs are pretty well structured and captivating......it's just the vocals which i am not so used to(and mind you, I have listened to many different genres of music including the more extreme ones..:)) ...... just too overbearing at times that it overshadows the rest of the instrumentations...Errmmm.....how i wish they can just lower the vocals a little.....either that, or more variety in the vocal range and styles......Well that's me....You might like it... Pretty cool album covers though...Check out their albums if you like . Ratings:3.5/5 |
MARILLION BRAVE CD ALBUM 1994 These progressive rockstars have been around since the 80's (82) with their style of progressive rock with influences from Pink Floyd, Genesis (and similar 70s bands). Well known vocalist "Fish" has left the band in 1988 to continue his solo efforts, and was replaced by Steve Hogarth. Some people prefer the earlier albums with Fish, some prefer the latter..well i like them both... This is another concept album which the whole album is a story, very progressive and different tempos and moods are crafted. You have changes in moods and pace, really atmospheric with the use of keyboards and guitar effects(apart from the cellos, pipes and flutes in some parts). They do not use A LOT of different instruments besides the usual ones, kept it simple and straight to the point. Very 80's sounding to it too. On the surface, it sounds and looks like any commercial standard rock album. BUT, listen carefully and listen to the album as a whole...it is really gooood... Well, I shan't say more....leave it to you critics to check it out... To me, this is a really good rock album that fits in any person's collection, PERIOD. Some live performances: Ratings:5/5 |
MARILLION AFRAID OF SUNLIGHT CD ALBUM 1995 Well, being a fan of theirs, I will TRY to be more objective...Having said that, this progressive rock band has been around since the 80's, and NOT all of their albums are great...Like many bands, they have their ups and downs.... This album comes a year after the amazing "Brave". Well, a "lighter" album this is, it has catchy ballads and "poppy" tunes....probably a break from the "darker" "brave"......Beautiful relaxing melodies and vocals. Check out "afraid of sunlight, beautiful, afraid of sunrise,out of this world, king "...all tunes are certified radio friendly...Another nice release for us to enjoy and this seemed effortless to them. From one of their live performances Ratings:4.5/5 |
MARILLION CD ALBUM 2004 (SINGLE DISC VERSION) They have released another version of this album, which is a double discs set, which most people actually prefers. Well, it is pretty hard to get their albums here nowadays...especially I think there are not much of their fans here.....I would think......at least probably not with the younger crowds......Probably people above 35'sss (of age)would appreciate more...I would think..... Anyways, this is ONE of their better releases to date. Grab it if you like "Brave". Not as dark as Brave but equally as good. Enjoyable and atmospheric, better to listen to when the lights are off in the night. I have always loved their ability to create different moods with just the basic instruments(esp their guitars and keyboards) and their song writing skills... Another classic addition to their album collection. If I can find the Double disc version, it would be great! Anyone has it????!?!? Ratings: 4.5/5 |
PINK FLOYD DARK SIDE OF THE MOON CD ALBUM 1973 OK , here comes the easy & hard one....Easy one cos everyone knows how good this band is............Hard one .......How can I be worthy to even review their albums??!?! Pioneers of progressive rock, these guys have been making music before I was even born....This album was released a year before I was born... Grab it and listen to it yourself ...I shan't say more... Ratings:5/5 |
BEYOND DAWN FRYSH CD ALBUM 2003 (NORWAY) Well, used to be a fan of theirs in the past. They started as a doom metal/avant garde metal band, but has changed to a electronic -pop band then. I enjoyed all their releases and these bunch of talented people do have varied influences and ideas. Though they did not have much commercial success, they DO have a group of faithful fans all over the world. This is a electronic album. Very catchy songs, dark at times, good captivating vocals, with some jazzy, weird instrumentations, rhythm, effects & beats etc, very "loungy" most of the time... Very interesting listen especially if you have listened to them right from their first release... It's a pity they have stop releasing anything since 2005...and I'm not sure whether they have disbanded...I used to have their drummer's contact , but mmm...that's a long time ago...Album is definitely a keeper. Ratings:5/5 |
BEYOND DAWN ELECTRIC SULKING MACHINE CD ALBUM 1999 As you have read from the previous review. This band has evolved through the years and this album has a more "goth-rock/metal-electronic" feel...A mixture of their older styles and the new...a transition...a caterpillar turning into a butterfly....Well, hope you get my drift... Though production is not as good as your usual COMMERCIAL STUFF...but I think this album is a gem, hidden beneath the soil+ the dirt+ the thousands of album releases out there.... Ratings:5/5 |
MEW NO MORE STORIES CD ALBUM 2009 Alternative?Indie?Prog?Pop/Rock?Experimental? Well, try ALL OF THE ABOVE. This band has incorporated interesting ideas into this album, and they have done their balancing act very well...It is a catchy and poppy album. Though I have not listened to their previous releases, this is good enough to draw me in and kept me listening throughout...certain tracks reminds me of "Pure Reason Revolution" though...interesting beats and instrumentations, song structures and production are pretty good too............overall pretty cool , relaxing/ dreamy and enjoyable stuff.. Check it out ............. Ratings:4/5 |
KEANE UNDER THE IRON SEA CD ALBUM 2006 Keane has given us a very good debut album "Hopes & Fears", a melancholic atmospheric one which is as catchy as can be...an indie pop/rock band stands out amongst the thousands of acts.....How is this?? Slightly experimental, not as "sad" as the previous release....it is still a good album which the piano stands out the most with the melancholic vocals, 50 mins of radio friendly tunes enough for you to tap your feet til it hurts...:), OR something to listen to as you lie on your bed looking up the night skies... Check it out.... Nothing really new, just a little nice release to add to your collection. Ratings:3.5/5 |
NICK CAVE AND THE BAD SEEDS BALLADS CD ALBUM 1996 Another amazing and classy release from Nick Cave, which received many awards when it was released. A moody, slow-mid paced "western/country" styled story telling affair......featuring the hit single "where the wild roses grow" with Kylie Minogue, and also guest musicians like PJ Harvey. Listening to the album takes you back in time...or rather watching a movie set in the times of old England, and you sitting in the bar whilst the old bartender telling tales of murders, death, cases and whatever happening in town......pretty dark and good atmospheric album....You have a variety of instruments and good captivating vocals...A talented musician at his best. Pop/Rock at its best. Ratings:5/5 |
Mr.(HONG KONG)
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| RADIOHEAD OK COMPUTER ALBUM 1997 Do I still have to introduce? Guess not!! J Well, another dig from my cd vault, this is an amazing album which marks their classic change from alternative rock into a more “progressive and experimental” approach. Oh yea, “Bends” was good stuff, and THIS completes it. One of the BEST albums of 1997, this is a MUST HAVE in any collection! Moody, melancholic, atmospheric, dreamy, spacey, catchy ..and what else, a good production. For me, I still prefer their earlier releases( OK computer, Bends, Kid A) compared to later releases that has more electronics in it... Ratings:5/5 |
| NICK DRAKE PINK MOON ALBUM(1972) Well, think a lot of people IS aware of his music and works now. A singer/songwriter who has left this world in his early years. His style and music has influenced quite a number of musicians worldwide. His music is appreciated by the world after his departure and in these recent years. Beautiful songs with a tint of melancholy, simple and captivating. The instruments in the album consist of only his acoustic guitar, piano AND his captivating vocals. Really loved these tracks and this is simply a COOL album NOT to be missed by anyone! The album consist of 11 short tracks (nothing over 4 mins) and totalled at 28.4 mins to be exact. You will find yourself playing over and over again :P Now , switch off the lights and enjoy... Search the internet if you are interested in his other albums! Ratings:5/5 |
| DEPECHE MODE SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE CD 2009 Well, I must admit although I am not a DIE-HARD DM fan, I loved their songs and albums in the past, especially “Black Celebration” “Music for the masses”, “songs of faith” ,” 101” and “Violator” albums. Releasing an album after such a long time, there are definitely many fans out there who has high expectations! Ok, i shall not dissect track by track cos I don't think I have the time and I'm not that good enough! J To top those past albums are tough, but they definitely have their standards here. Almost the same style with some new ideas, they still retain the trademark sounds and instruments. Great synths and effects, Vocal is good, production is cool. I find that the album is not as “dark” as previous ones, pretty radio friendly catchy tunes. I do feel a bit little “mechanize” though... Well, 13 tracks to satisfy your craving, it is a good start and hope the next one will even be better! Enjoy and Cheers! Ratings:3.5/5 |
| CLASH CRASHING ALBUM( 2006) Sawadee krup!....Very popular Thai rock band which has released quite a few albums , and “Crashing” I think is one of the best releases they have so far! OK, we used to go to Thailand,Bangkok almost every year.........some people go there for shopping, relaxing, spa, food, understanding their culture, sighseeing etc etc...........and...mmm..well... I went there and checked out a couple of their bands(Bodyslam , Silent Scream etc etc ) some years ago. J Mainstream melodic rock, songs ranging from sentimental ballads to more “rockier” ones. Good vocals, catchy riffs, good production, straight to the point, what else?? They are pretty popular in Asia as well, fans in several countries and I can understand why.(and especially female fans for their sentimental hits). The melodies are very catchy, radio friendly at times, and if you take away the vocals (for some songs), it might be mistaken for Japanese band as well...As I noticed that the style and melodies are similar to some Japanese or even Mandarin rock bands too...Good stuff. Anyways, check them out in youtube or their official fansite for more info! Now, beer please!? FAV tracks :2,3,4,5,7,10,11 Ratings:4/5 |
The Tea Party
Ratings:4.5/5 |
| PORCUPINE TREE FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET(2007) This band has been around for some time. However, this album puts them on commercial music charts worldwide. A lot of people finds that this is one of their best albums, I think so too.(Don't really find the “incident” very good though) Steven Wilson has a couple of projects besides this band(steven Wilson,no-man, blackfield etc). All are pretty cool. This album also has Robert Fripp as guest musician. Well, what kind of music this band plays? Progressive rock it is. Pretty cool album and soundscapes, cool vocals and catchy songs, pop-py at times though. Great effort! Check them out at: http://www.porcupinetree.com/ Ratings:4/5 |
LUNATIC SOUL
Great debut album! Fav: Every track is a gem ! |
| THE MISSION (UK) GOD IS A BULLET ALBUM (2007) Well, DO I HAVE TO INTRODUCE?! NOO! Those that listened to 80's music probably already know this band as well. Well known Goth-Rock band, this is their last album released in 2007.(I thought they already disbanded before this ..heh). I have their previous releases up to “Carved in Sand” , and I must say that those are great albums with many classic songs “imprinted” in my memory. This album is more like a “nostalgic” item... it is not as good as previous releases; it will remind you of what they sound like; it will make you want to listen to their earlier albums(if you like and have not); you will probably not remember they released this album in time to come; the tracks are similar to their earlier releases(more like unreleased tracks); these veterans can definitely show what “goth” is, to the younger kids nowadays... Well, meantime, just turn on the tracks and bring back some good ol' memories! 18 tracks in total , enough for you to swim in “goth” waters for hours... Ratings:3.5/5 |
| U2 NO LINE ON THE HORIZON ALBUM (2009) CD Definitely one of my fav bands (like many many other people who likes them)........It's a tough job to review their albums, especially when they ARE THAT HUGE ! You risk being “slam” by their fans if the review is not good enough and/or ....for whatever reasons.... Luckily for me, this album is Easy to review..:) Why?! Cos this album is GOOD! Veterans like them can just “close an eye” and come up with an album with standards, OR , they can put their hearts into it and come up with an album that surpasses standards! This album is JUST THAT(the latter). No need to describe further, if you have not picked up the album, do yourself a favour and have a listen! Ratings:4/5 |
| RIVERSIDE RAPID EYE MOVEMENT ALBUM CD 2007 Progressive rock/metal band with normal singing vocals, which incorporates various styles into their music... Style is similar to “porcupine tree” in some ways...hypnotic, captivating at times, changes in moods and tempo, etc etc all in all, atmospheric. To me, this album is a little average, given their potential, can achieve much more...a few tracks stand out, but as a whole album, it is a passable one. Heard their other albums are much better. Check out : http://www.riverside.art.pl/en/dyscography Ratings:3/5 |
| U2 ALL THAT YOU CAN”T LEAVE BEHIND ALBUM CD 2000 Well, evergreen they are, early career albums are CLASSICS...What about their later (especially yr 2000 and after) albums? This album is a return to their earlier style, with incorporation of electronics. Guitars are the main rhythm and melodies instead of “electronics”. This album is AMAZING! Lots of catchy songs, hits you might say, right from the opening track “beautiful day”! Bono's song writing skills are amazing. Coupled with the rest of the members skills and Bono's vocals, this album belongs comfortably “RIGHT UP THERE” with their early releases . Production (Brian Eno) is great, crystal clear sound. You will feel the band's sincerity in the album..... A “beautiful” release and welcome our great band back! Ratings:5/5 |
U2 |
| THE OBSERVATORY A FAR CRY FROM HERE CD ALBUM 2007 Local band which needs no introduction, they have released their 4th album, Dark Folke CD last year. This album review is for their previous release. They have come a long way and one of the more influential bands in our time. All the musicians have come from previous bands and in the Singapore indie scene for at least 10 years or more... Very talented bunch of musicians- prolific, imaginative, and original. Very interesting ideas range from jazz/jazz fusion, noise, pop, ambient, electronics, rock, folk, progressive,experimental ...etc etc...all injected into their songs with intricate “designs” and technicality. Promising band which has gained a lot of fans overseas and touring these few years as well. I have not listened to “Dark Folke” album though, but it will be soon.... In short, Best of luck to them! Good stuff, do continue to support our local talents! Ratings:4/5 |
ANEKDOTEN (SWEDEN) Official site More reviews of the band |
| ANEKDOTEN FROM WITHIN ALBUM- 1999 Third full length album from this band. Continuing their tradition with better recording and a more modern feel. Slightly different approach from their previous efforts. Great atmosphere, bass, rhythm, solos, vocals etc etc...Well, they ARE excellent musicians ! However, album is not as dark as previous 2 albums(Vemod, Nucleus). Still as melancholy, very melodic and catchy, changes in tempo, chaotic at times, quiet and slow the next moment. The other instruments(cello, mellotron, piano, Rhodes etc )adds heaviness and symphony to the overall sound, which is what they are well known for. While their older releases are pretty hard to get in the past, I am sure you can find them now in a lot of stores as they got more popular. For this band, this album, as well as “Vemod” spend the most time in my cd player :) Thanks and Cheers. Do check out their site! Rating:4.5/5 |
GAZPACHO More reviews of the band |
MAYDAY (Taiwan)- POETRY oF THE DAY AFTER...後。 Ratings:4/5 |
RUBBERBAND (HONG KONG) Here is a mv of the new single on youtube:
Ratings:3.5/5 |
| LUNA SEA (JAPAN) SHINE ALBUM These guys are very popular when the band is still alive. Well, various members still have their solo albums and projects going on, and they still have a very wide fan base. Japanese Visual rock at their best, they have broken up couple of years ago. Very melodic rock with songs ranging from ballads to fast ones. This is my fav album of theirs actually. I find that this album is much more matured then their previous releases, they are not so “visual” anymore but have chosen to focus more on the music instead. Groovy basslines, guitars are clear and cool effects, drums are amazing, vocals are much better also compared to their earlier years. Talented musicians. Recording and production is quality, crystal clear. Definitely “made in Japan”. J This is their 2nd last full length studio album, released in 1998. Last one was “Lunacy”(2000), not including the BEST OF COMPILATION album “Period”. Ratings:4.5/5 |