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All reviews by user Date  Helpful Rating 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  If garbage was gold...Posted: 10/5/2006A review of To The Extreme by cyclone259 Mr. Van Winkle has tried so many things over his tepid career to be famous (or infamous), like making up his torrid past in the gangs of rough streets of Rodeo Drive or re-inventing himself as a gangsta rapper. Time and time again he has proven that IT IS OVER... He reminds me of the guy who shows up for the party late and ends up moving into your house because he can not face the fact that the party ended months ago. The runaway fluke success of Ice Ice Baby was what is commonly called A FLASH IN THE PAN and all further attempts proved it. He is a tall, upper middle-class white guy from the suburbs, who went to a private school and can carry a tune, albeit a shallow one. Trying to parlay himself from his whitebread background meant he took a small amount of liberties with the backstory and for awhile (ten minutes or so) throngs of pre-teens bought into it, even if his story was thinner than public school toilet paper. Anyway, one failed album after another and a movie career (if you can call it that) and he is finally fading into the netherworld of washed-up performers that sing at the local Tri-State Fair (aka Eddie Money). Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  No More LiesPosted: 10/3/2006A review of Dance Of Death by cyclone259 I am a bit bias and sentimental for the good ol days of the perennial classics, The Number of The Beast, Piece of Mind, etc., but Dance of Death is a potent album. Even after many years, Bruce Dickinsons voice is still in fine form and the songs, as always, deliver the needed punch. Theres no complaints about the musicianship and mastery of the instruments, because even if these guys were in their 90s, theyll still be kicking it with the best of them. For me, I am more partial to the more non-keyboard songs of the previously mentioned albums, but that is just me. Bruce Dickinson is and always will be about the best singer in the genre. The most impressive thing about the band is even after 25 years and what Id call experimental line ups the classic Maiden has never lost its integrity and always learned from past mistakes. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  Hey Kind FriendPosted: 10/3/2006A review of Shaming Of The Sun by cyclone259 I heard the songs from this album before it ever came out, becuase the Indigo Girls did a mini-tour to try out the new material and stopped in Tulsa, OK. The amazing thing is that although the concert was only announced a week beforehand, it was packed. In any case, it was one of the best concerts Ive ever been to before or since and the songs played that night were just as good as when the c.d. finally came out. Its not my favorite Indigo Girls release, but it certaily holds its own and does not disappoint. I think it means more for me because of their live performance, but I do highly reccomend it. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Cookie-cutter rockPosted: 9/28/2006A review of Eliminator by cyclone259 I never liked ZZ Top the 2nd time around (the 80s) and was a bit too young to remember their original turn during the 1970s, but regardless, the big hits off this album were all seemingly cut from the same sampler. To me it sounded like they found one good guitar hook and ran with it, creating numerous songs to cash-in on the sound. I cant say that it wasnt a good game plan for a washed-up blues-rock band from the Zeppelin era to attempt a comeback with the New Wave crowd, but it must have been a cheesy in-joke. Having listened to their early works, the dismal deep-fried, repetitive Southern sound of Cheap Sunglasses, etc. I could tell why they made the attempt to move on. I am sure that I have probably offended every Lynyrd Skynyrd and Ted Nugent fan out there, but Im personally happy that ZZ Top is resigned to playing Casinos and strip malls. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Bit Part In Your LifePosted: 9/25/2006A review of It's A Shame About Ray by cyclone259 No non-paid reviews?! What a shame. This album is one of the best releases Ive ever heard, at least by The Lemonheads anyway. Ironically I bought it first for their cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic, but couldnt put it down. Every song is catchy, especially Alisons Starting to Happen and of course the title track. Its also great to hear Juliana Hatfield on backing vocals, because she does a good job there or solo. Aside from the music, I love the album art (which itself rates 5 stars). Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful The True Queens of MetalPosted: 9/21/2006A review of Fighting The World by cyclone259 I had a friend that just loved this band, well at least this album. I promise that Im not homophobic, but their outfits make them look like The Village People on steroids. Aside from the Boris Vallejo-esque cover (which is absolutely precious - that is a joke by the way) the lyrics are just more dumb rock and roll garbage aimed at getting airplay on the TOP 40 stations and MTV. One thing it did accomplish... it has certainly proven that it is NOT Headbangers Ball material and maybe more on the Lionel Ritchie or Air Supply side of the metal spectrum. Stay far, far away from this fruit-laiden disc of greased-up, muscle-bound jock rock. On a side note too bad there is not a ZERO star category. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Round HerePosted: 9/20/2006A review of August & Everything After by cyclone259 Unfortunately, Counting Crows get compared (or confused) with Hootie and the Blowfish, both of which emerged on the college scene around the same time. The major difference is that Counting Crows write songs as a craft and as cliched as it sounds with heart and soul while Hootie and co. spent their time writing songs that appeal to the TOP 40, frat crowd (or as Wayne Campbell said..they didnt write songs that everyone would like...they left that to the Bee Gees). The overall themes of the album are not what sets the album apart, its the fundamental storytelling in each song. The c.d. flows very well from one song to another. Even the two more pop-ish hits do not detract at all from the feeling. I think it is hard to convey exactly what the appeal is for me to this album and I can not promise everyone will like it, but that it ok... it works for me. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Secret HeartPosted: 9/20/2006A review of Ron Sexsmith by cyclone259 Very subtle and understated is the best way to describe Rons first major release. The true mastery of Ron Sexsmith are his lyrics, which on the surface dont reveal the depth and thought that went into each song. His uniqueness is not the subject matter because he covers old ground, but his seemingly innocent and reserved voice somewhat camouflage his insight and wisdom. When I first heard this c.d., I have to admit I was bored, but I was in a much different place in my life. This has turned out to be one of my favorite releases by him or anyone else. For me, it was the more I listen the more I learn. Everyone of his albums are superb, although not all of the reach me as deeply. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful CrucifyPosted: 9/14/2006A review of Crucify by cyclone259 This is an extremely worth EP, with some of Tori Amos better covers on it. I first heard her cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit a long time ago on NPR and immediately bought it. Her covers are not earth-shattering affairs, but they do take the songs in different directions, adding her own touch to each selection. I dont believe Tori Amos was attempting to do anything but honor Nirvana, because for her, music is extremely personal. Im a fan of many artists, including Nirvana among others and always welcome re-interpretation of their works, no matter what they style or genre. Yes Kurt Kobain is gone, but I am sorry to burst someones bubble, but his music is not sacred ground. The title track is really nothing special unless youre a diehard Tori fan and have to have EVERYTHING shes ever done. This cd is worth buying though just to hear her put other peoples material through the paces. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful The First TastePosted: 9/13/2006A review of Tidal by cyclone259 The paid reviewer said the album is unfocused, which it may very well be. The first time I heard this I couldnt believe she was in her late teens when she made this album. With age comes experience and at the time of this release she wasnt as seasoned as some of her peers, but she still spoke with a voice that had seen probably more than someone her age shouldve. Her personal appearance is fragile, with sad, sunken eyes and a frail frame, but she sings with power that belies whats underneath the surface. Ms. Apple is brutal and sweet at the same time and as many people have said already haunting. I havent listened to subsequent releases but, I always hoped shed mature and get better with each outting. I tend to listen to the artist and ignore the stupid rock star stuff they do to boost their following, like when she decided that quoting Maya Angelou would raise her street cred with the philosophical crowd. In any case, shes truly gifted and talented and at least on her first c.d., brilliant. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Sweet Dreams are Made of ThisPosted: 9/5/2006A review of Lest We Forget: The Best Of by cyclone259 First, I may not what youd call your typical Marilyn Manson fan,groupee,follower, etc. I dont dress in black, have any tatoos, body piercings or have to curse when I write reviews. Anyway, that being said, the reason(s) I admire Marilyn Manson the most is due to his showmanship, obvious dislike of the hypocrisy of the religious right, intelligence and of course that he doesnt compromise in his music or tone it down to suit a wider acceptance among the mainstream. At his heart, hes a performer. Some have called him the Elvis of his day and others have referred to him as The Spawn of Satan, corrupting the young and impressionable, a blight and an affront to Christian beliefs, blah, blah, blah. I think people are scared of him because through his music hes cloaked himself in the dark side of humanity instead of running from it. We all need a reminder that life is not all Leave It To Beaver and Thomas Kincaid paintings. On Lest We Forget... we get a decent cross-section of his more popular songs, which is a good introduction to those wanting to take a deep breath before totally immersing themselves in Mansons world. Although the covers of Depeche Modes Personal Jesus, Soft Cells Tainted Love and even Sweet Dreams (are Made of This) get Mansons personal touch, his own works stand out above the fray. Although I dont like all of the songs at the 100 level, theyre all good. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Out of the BluePosted: 9/5/2006A review of Sounds of the Eighties: The Late '80s by cyclone259 I do not know if there is a definitive c.d. collection for the 80s as each series or release usually covers a different genre pop, glam, new wave, arena rock, etc. and if its a record label, they put out complilations with their own artists on it. It all boils down to your personal tastes or if youre like me, just buidling a collection that encompasses the whole realm of all thing 80s (except country of course). I managed to nab the entire TIME-LIFE library at a local church rummage sale for a mere 25.00 (its a 20 disc set), which since the c.d.s are in near mint condition was quite a find. I already have quite a few of the songs, but this rounded out my own collection. Personally, Id steered away from pop rock for a long time choosing instead to focus on new wave, but I found the TIME-LIFE series a really good investment. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful I Figured You OutPosted: 8/31/2006A review of Martian Saints [EP] by cyclone259 While this release is just a 5 song EP, Mary Lou Lord once again manages to convey her well-worn attitudes towards life, love and just general existence. She has quite a knack for picking other peoples songs that she can easily adapt to piece together even a small set to convey a mood. Her own song, Salem 76 is very catchy and upbeat and even with all the other much lower key tracks fits in well and is a nice showcase for her writing talent. Although this is an EP, I find myself putting it on repeat and have never grown tired of it. If you like this c.d. youll like her full length c.d. Got No Shadow. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful Watch That Girl Destroy MePosted: 8/29/2006A review of Possum Dixon by cyclone259 I had never heard of this band until I ran into them in Tulsa after they had just played an in-store gig at the now defunct Mohawk Music (RIP). I enjoy collecting signed material and the band told me if I would spend the ten bucks on their c.d. they would sign it for me, so ten years later here I am. Actually, the c.d. was really good, kind of a punk, poppish Dead Milkmen vibe to it. The songs are pretty short, but all of them were actually very catchy and tongue-and-cheek. Sometime after they played Tulsa I saw them on David Lettermen and regret that I missed the show here. The following album wasnt as good but, but still had some of the same spirit. Was this review helpful? Sign In 0 out of 0 users found this helpful  Spin The Black CirclePosted: 8/29/2006A review of Vitalogy by cyclone259 Ive always enjoyed Pearl Jam, even after some of their songs were literally played into the ground on so-called alternative stations (that is why I listen to NPR now instead). I bought Vitalogy mainly because of the previous releases and also the artwork (not always the best reason I know). Well, I only give the album three stars because the artwork warrants notching it up 2 stars. Sadly, I personally found the album tedious and boring compared to their other work(s). Actually, Ive lost interest in Pearl Jam altogether, but still enjoy some of their other releases from time to time. Ironically, the c.d. I really wanted ended up being traded-in and from the overflow of the used c.d. bin, alot of other people felt the same way I did. Was this review helpful? Sign In |
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