Supergrass Live Brazil

Genre Britpop Alternative Pop Rock

year: 06 - bio: Like many other British bands of the '90s, Supergrass' musical roots lie in the infectiously catchy punk-pop of the Buzzcocks and the Jam, as well as the post-punk pop of Madness and the traditional Brit-pop of the Kinks and Small Faces. Perhaps because of its age -- two of the trio were still in their teens when they recorded their debut single -- the band also brings in elements of decidedly unhip groups like Elton John, as well as classic rockers like David Bowie, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones. With an exuberant, youthful enthusiasm, Supergrass tied all of their influences together in new surprising ways, where a Buzzcocks...

Jeff Buckley - So Real, Songs From

year: 07 - review: Among the legions of rockers who died way too young--including Jeff Buckley's father, Tim--few have approached the artistic range and seemingly limitless potential on display here. In the decade since Buckley's death, there has been such a flood of posthumous releases that it might be hard to remember that he issued only a four-cut live EP and a studio debut album while he was alive. This anthology serves as an effective introduction for the initiate, showing how Buckley could rock with the slash-and-burn intensity of Led Zeppelin on "Eternal Life (Road Version)," turn rapturous with the reverie of "Lover, You Should've Come Ove," and cover the likes of Edith Piaf ("Je N'en Connais Pas La Fin") and Leonard Cohen (his by now iconic transformation of "Hallelujah"). Completists will need this for the live versions of "So Real" and the Smiths' "I Know It's Over," previously unreleased commercially. Whether Buckley would ever have been able to balance the control that mature artistry requires and the ecstatic abandon that distinguished him, such raw talent continues to startle.

Paramore - Riot

Genre Emo / punk

year: 07 - info: Opening Williams' 13-year-old eyes to the likes of U2, the Cure, Sparta, and Failure, the teenagers began performing together under the name Paramore following the addition of Jason Bynum on rhythm guitar and Jeremy Davis on bass. Local hangouts and a school talent show helped the young bandmembers hone their chops before at last moving up to gigs at area rock clubs. .

Tommy Shaw - What If

Genre Album Rock

year: 85 - review: Shaw's second album explores more lyrical territory than his debut, including songs about alcoholism and anticipation of nuclear war. Like the first album, however, the songwriting, while good, does not live up to his prior work with Styx.

Steppenwolf vs Deep Purple

German immigrant Kay got his professional start in a bluesy Toronto band called Sparrow, recording for Columbia in 1966. After SparrowKay relocated to the West Coast and formed Steppenwolf, named after the Herman Hesse novel. " disbanded,

Deep Purple was formed in Hertford, England, in 1968, with an inaugural lineup that featured guitarist Blackmore, vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice. Initially dubbed Roundabout..

Ocean's Thirteen Soundtracks

info: The critically acclaimed soundtrack albums for both movies won BMI Film Music Awards for inventive techno-funk composer David Holmes. Both on screen and on album, Ocean's Thirteen epitomizes the cinema of cool.

New York Dolls - Lipstick Killers

Genre New York Punk Proto Punk

year: 07 - review: Nine great songs, three of them covers, including the previously unavailable "Don't Mess With Cupid." If I knew no other versions, I'd recommend these 1972 demos, but as it is Johnny sounds tame, doomed drummer Billy Murcia halting, Arthur out of tune (shocking!), and David perhaps halfway to the wit and assurance that brought this great band together.

Cult - Ceremony

Genre Hard Rock

year: 91 - review: Things start off promisingly with the record's title track, which is quickly followed by a classic Cult single, "Wild Hearted Son." Unfortunately, what follows the stomp and chant of "Earth Mofo" are eight of the most contrived, lyrically mundane songs that the Cult ever released. Although noble in his intentions, Asbury's ongoing fascination with the plight of the Native American Indian accounts for the majority of the lyrical content of Ceremony. Another promising ballad-turn-rocker, "If" quickly evaporates into nowhere land as the song's main guitar riff sounds like a slower, recycled version of every bad generic AC/DC L.A. hair band. Sadly, as the ensuing tour rolled across the U.S., it was obvious that the Cult had lost their edge (they were upstaged nightly by a young, hungry artist named Lenny Kravitz). In the three years that would follow, Astbury would get clean, shave his head, and rekindle his desire to make records.

the Charlatans U.K. - Some Friendly

Genre Alternative Pop- Britpop

year: 90 -review: Historically, children, the organ has occasioned vague-outs and one-shots. Unless you count the Animals, which I don't advise, or the Zombies, where Rod Argent favored piano, the only '60s pop legends to feature one were the Small Faces, and not as a "trademark." When you record your "96 Tears," or even your "Itchycoo Park," call. "The Only One I Know" ain't bad and ain't it.

SuperTramp Classics Volume 9

Genre Album-Arena Rock Pop

review: Supertramp released two long-winded progressive rock albums before Miesegaes withdrew his support. With no money or fan base to speak of, the band was forced to redesign their sound.

Phil Collins - Face Value

year: 81 - review: This is a terrific addition to any Phil Collins collector. It gives fabulous insight into the production process and origins of the songs.

Johnny Rivers: Greatest Hits

info: Unlike many of the single-disc Johnny Rivers anthologies available, the Capitol edition of GREATEST HITS includes the original singles from Rivers' tenure at Liberty Records and his own imprint, Soul City. This 10-track compilation is a concise summation of his '60s hits, although '70s singles like "Slow Dancin' (Swayin' to the Music)" are, unfortunately, not included. All meat, no filler, this is good-time blue-eyed soul at its finest. Fans wanting a more substantial selection should try Rhino's 1991 two-disc set ANTHOLOGY.

Paula Cole - Harbinger

year: 95 - review: Her overlooked debut album, this collection of 14 meticulous songs, is a gem certianly. It demonstrates this nightingale's voice and talent. Songs that stand out include "Watch the Woman's Hands" and track 6