A Retrospective [Import]

Track Listings

1. Back On The Streets

2. Fanatical Fascists

3. Dont Believe A Word

4. Spanish Guitar (P Lynott Vocal)

5. Parisienne Walkways

6. Put It This Way

7. Desperado

8. Castles

9. Fighting Talk

10. The Scorch

11. Spanish Guitar (G Moore Vocal)

12. Spanish Guitar (Instrumental)

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Mid-price reissue features 11 tracks including 'Back On The Streets', 'Fanatical Fascists' & 'Castles'.

Tracks:

House Of The Rising Sun
I'm Crying
Baby Let Me Take You Home
Gonna Send You Back To Walker
Boom Boom
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
Bring It On Home To Me
We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
It's My Life
Don't Bring Me Down
See See Rider
Inside - Looking Out
Hey GYP
Help Me Girl
When I Was Young
A Girl Named Sandoz
San Franciscan Nights
Monterey
Anything
Sky Pilot
White Houses
Spill The Wine

Amazon.com

The 22 tracks on Retrospective deftly chronicle the best years of the Animals, who were far and away the grittiest band in the British Invasion of the mid-1960s. Eric Burdon's magnificently raw vocals and the stabbing chords of Alan Price's Vox Continental organ gave their covers of American blues and R&B classic such as Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home" and John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" an authenticity that no other British groups could match. Their rough sound also gave songs like "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" and "We've Got to Get of This Place" a real sense of rage and menace. By 1967 Burdon was the only remaining original member and he formed a new band that eschewed the blues and R&B of his early years in Newcastle in favor of a psychedelic, San Francisco-influenced sound. Songs like "When I Was Young" showed he had a real gift for the type of personal songwriting that was becoming popular in the late 1960s while the lyrically obscure "San Franciscan Nights" and "Sky Pilot" suggested he spent too much time hanging out with hippies. Even when they stumbled, the Animals were interesting, and when they hit the mark, they were as good as any band from the British Invasion. --Michael John Simmons

Customer Reviews:

best animals collection on CD.......2007-06-22

This collection of The Animals songs is excellent.One gets all the best big hits of The Animals.From the greatly arranged "it's my life" to the all time classic "the house of the raising sun".Also included is a couple of Eric Burdon solo hits.This is a must buy for any "Animals" fan.You get it all in one CD,which also in includes a short telling of the group's history, in the liners notes.I highly recommind this CD.

The Animals Retrospective.......2007-06-09

One of the best reissues of 2004 the Animals finally get a concise career spanning compilation that shows why they deserve the same recognition as the Rolling Stones. Retrospective is a generous 22 tracks that ends with "Spill The Wine" where Eric Burdon and War prove to be a great match. All the classics are here including "House Of The Rising Sun", "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", and "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place" as well as lesser known classics like "See See Rider" and "It's My Life" making Retrospective the perfect collection for casual fans as well as completists. Any rock fan should add this album to their collection.

time to give em their props.......2007-05-08

the Animals are probably the most underrated bands of that era. they are the most raw and gutsy of all the british bands incorporating the real blues and true grit in crafting of their body of work this cd is the Best , including hey gyp + dont bring me down ,among ALL their best including all the Eric Burden's acid days in San Fran

All the great Animals songs you remember and then some.......2007-05-01

The only compilation that had everything I wanted and remembered from their heyday. "Anything" surprised me and I've grown to like it. Of course, what Animals compilation would be complete w/o "House of the Rising Sun", "San Franciscan Nights", "Monterey" and definitely "Sky Pilot". If you want the most bang for your buck, this is it!

The best compilation of Animals.......2007-03-16

I think that in this compilation there are the most important songs of this band,and a young man who did'nt know the Animals, can appreciate their musical production.

Retrospective: The Best of Buffalo Springfield

Average customer rating:

GREATEST MUSIC EVER
THE LEGEND OF BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD LIVES ON WITH SOME OF ROCK'S GREATEST ANTHEMS EVER.
Good, but needs an update
Unique tunes that will stick with you
ANOTHER 60's "GREAT GROUP"

Retrospective: The Best of Buffalo Springfield
Buffalo Springfield
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002IAZ
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

For What It's Worth
Mr. Soul
Sit Down, I Think I Love You
Kind Woman
Bluebird
On The Way Home
Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing
Broken Arrow
Rock and Roll Woman
I Am A Child
Go and Say Goodbye
Expecting To Fly

Amazon.com

Only a handful of bands have made a greater impact with fewer recordings than the short-lived Buffalo Springfield. Their history is told in the titles of their three albums: 1967's eponymous debut was followed by the peak-performance Again later that year, which was followed by 1968's Last Time Around. While their entire recorded career encompasses a mere two years, the Stephen Stills-Neil Young-Richie Furay-led quintet produced a number of '60s rock classics. Stills chipped in "For What It's Worth" and "Bluebird"; Furay's "Kind Woman" is one of the touchstones of country-rock; and Young fired off the likes of the raucous "Mr. Soul," the gentle "I Am a Child," the ambitious "Broken Arrow," and the breathtakingly pretty "Expecting to Fly." They're all on this 12-song overview, a suitable option for anyone who isn't up to stocking up on the entire catalog. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

GREATEST MUSIC EVER.......2007-05-14

WITH ALL THE GREAT VOCALS ON THIS, YOU CAN'T GO WRONG. IT IS JUST A CLASSIC.

THE LEGEND OF BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD LIVES ON WITH SOME OF ROCK'S GREATEST ANTHEMS EVER........2007-04-16

I will be writing a review on the legendary masterpiece compilation album entitled "RETROSPECTIVE - THE BEST OF BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD" by one of Rock's all-time greatest legendary bands ever. I give you one of America's pride and joy's, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD. This legendary compilation album was originally released in 1969 on Vinyl/LP and 8-Track on the ATCO Records label in association and division of Atlantic Records which is a Warner Communications Company. This compilation album would see its first release on Compact Disc in the late 80's. As always, if I hear any new additional information concerning this legendary compilation album or the artist, I will edit this review immediately so that you the consumer will get the best informative and most accurate review possible.

BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD will forever go down in Rock n' Roll history and be remembered for recording some of Rock's most legendary sacred anthems ever. When Stephen Stills met up and joined forces with Neil Young, Richie Furay, Dewey Martin and Bruce Palmer, later replaced by Jim Messina, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD would be born and a great multi-talented group would soon be a mega force to be dealt with. Although BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD only lasted a mere two years, the band would record only three albums and numerous hit singles. BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD contributed and accomplished so much in a short period of time that the band can never be denied the amount of great Rock anthems that were recorded in that short two year span. "RETROSPECTIVE - THE BEST OF BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD" is the result of the many great hit songs that the band recorded during their two year reign. In my opinion, this legendary masterpiece compilation album is without a doubt, a definite true testament of five extremely talented musical masterminds and is a fine fitting tribute to a great legendary band that was truly indeed, far ahead of their time.

It is now time to let the Rock n' Roll music of BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD to speak for itself and back it up by doing all of the talking musically. This legendary masterpiece compilation album begins with one of the all-time greatest Rock anthems to ever document the Vietnam War, "For What It's Worth," the breathtaking Rocker "Mr. Soul," the slow and smooth sounding "Sit Down, I Think I Love You," the slow soothing "Kind Woman," the beautiful uplifting "Bluebird," the beautiful heartfelt "On The Way Home," the incredible beautiful sounding "Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing," the blistering half live and half studio version of Neil Young's "Broken Arrow," the beautifully well arranged mild number "Rock And Roll Woman," the encouraging Country Rocker "I Am A Child," another great Country Rocker entitled "Go And Say Goodbye" and the the slow and beautifully orchestrated song "Expecting To Fly." May I also add that this legendary group mainly comprising of the talented mega-star lineup of Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Jim Messina contributed some of Rock's most beautiful musical arrangements while including and containing some of the most powerful lyrics ever.

Overall, this is one hell of a greatest hits compilation album worth seeking further research into and checking out especially if you are a hardcore diehard BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD fan or a devout music historian or collector. As for all of the curious newcomers and new beginners that are not familiar with the sound and music of BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD but have to write a book report in U.S. History on Rock anthems during the Vietnam War in the 60's and early 70's, this album is definitely for you.

I would like to highly recommend purchasing this legendary masterpiece compilation album to own as a valuable and important part of his or her own personal music collection. This greatest hits treasure album has already proven to stand the test of time and will always be around to be enjoyed, appreciated and cherished for many years to come, NOW AND FOREVER. This is one great compilation album that no hardcore music fanatic or devout music historian or collector would want to be without. Please buy this album, you'll be glad that you did. You can research and purchase all of BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD'S catalog collection either through Amazon com or your local Borders books and music store.

In closing, as I stressed earlier in this review, BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD would only last a mere two years. However, three of the band's legendary members would move on to bigger green pastures and greater things which would only add more fuel to the BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD storied legend and legacy. Stephen Stills, Neil Young and Jim Messina would not only have successful solo careers, but would enjoy being in other bands as well. Stephen Stills and later Neil Young would become part of the legendary band CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG while Jim Messina would enjoy success as part of a dual act in the band Loggins and Messina with Kenny Loggins. With all of the great albums that these combined legendary bands have recorded, their roots and influence while in BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD is fully intact and can never be denied. BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD has forever left their mark in Rock n' Roll history and will never be forgotten. So here's to you Stephen, Neil, Richie, Dewey, Bruce and Jim. Thanks for the great memories. Keep The Faith. And as the saying goes, "AND THE REST IS ROCK N' ROLL HISTORY," need I say more? Thanks for reading my review and I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it for your reading pleasure. I also hope that all of you will read all of my other reviews in the near future when time permits. BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD FOREVER. Long Live Rock n' Roll. Rock out always and take it easy. Forever In Rock, John L.

Good, but needs an update.......2007-04-10

Buffalo Springfield only had one big hit "For What its Worth" but their influence was felt beyond their impact on the charts or the sales of the few albums they released. They helped keep the folk/coutry-rock movement moving and launched the careers of Stephen Stills and Neil Young. This is a good overview of their brief career, but it is just a song-for-song reissue of the vinyl LP. They could put twice as many songs on a CD. It is time for an update with some bonus tracks or an all new release.

Unique tunes that will stick with you.......2007-03-19

The seminal group that produced Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Richie Furay and Jim Messina. This CD shows all the different flavors the members contributed to making Buffalo Springfield songs unique and compositions that you'll want to listen to over and over again (my personal favorite is "Broken Arrow"). "Mr. Soul" and "For What It's Worth" notable radio hits on this CD. Take a trial listen--you might be surprised. Once you've heard the songs a few times you'll want to hear them over again. Another one of my albums that was a favorite in late '60's & early '70's before album wore out!

ANOTHER 60's "GREAT GROUP".......2007-01-10

The group didn't last long....but their impact with last forever!! There was just too much talent in this group- i.e. Steven Stills, Neil Young,Bruce Palmer (later replaced by Jim Messina) and Dewey Martin & Richie Furay... A rich collection of harmony, & the songs that were compliled for this "Retrospective" is AWESOME!! Try it...you'll LOVE IT!! ENJOY!! (As I did...my son too!!)

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Fantastic
Impeccable overview of Afghan Whigs

Unbreakable: A Retrospective 1990-2006
The Afghan Whigs
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000N0LIBW
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Retarded
Crazy
Turn On the Water
Debonair
I'm a Soldier
66
Be Sweet
Come See About Me
Uptown Again
What Jail Is Like
Magazine
I'm Her Slave
Going To Town
Gentleman
Let Me Lie To You
John the Baptist
Crime Scene
Faded

Amazon.com

For all Greg Dulli's earnestness and thorough self-deprecation, maybe he and the Afghan Whigs just showed up to the post-punk, soul-tinted party a little early. Beyond the nervy-edged guitar riffage of "Retarded" and Dulli's muted, growly vocal, there isn't a whole lot on this retrospective to suggest that the Whigs couldn't just appear in 2007 and be hugely popular. The big-guitar and piano combination on "What Jail Is Like" and Dulli's unmistakable presence as a singer rekindle the listener's desire that the Whigs get solidly beyond niche-level acceptance. Dulli's astringent lyrics are centrally important throughout the band's oeuvre and stand out here (witness the heartfelt vocal tug of "Be Sweet" get countered by the famous "I got a dick for a brain" line). The Whigs are believably radio-ready--especially after so many male singer/songwriters have confessed to so much on the FM dial. As for this 18-song collection, fans will quibble over song selections. What they'll agree on is that the two new tracks, "I'm a Soldier" and "Magazine," both slow(er) and groovy, could make great strides for a new Whigs' era--which is apparently unlikely, given Dulli's commitment to the Twilight Singers. --Andrew Bartlett

Album Description

Nothing sounds quite like their raw, unflinching music, which as amassed a large and loyal cult following over the years. This is their first ever compilation and is an extraordinary portrait of one of American rock's most distinctive bands.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Fantastic.......2007-06-17

Actually, "Going To Town" and "What Jail Is Like" are NOT on the album 1965 as suggested below. The former is on Black Love, the latter on Gentlemen. The other two tracks that hail from 1965 are "John The Baptist" and "Uptown Again". Also, a great many hardcore Whigs fans will tell you that the "difficult" Black Love is their favorite AW spin (myself included). This retrospective's two ending cuts, "Crime Scene Part One" and "Faded" are the bookends to that wonderful album and are presented here as an exclamation-point mini-suite encore to Greg Dulli's dream live set. He did, in fact, do exactly that at the helm of his Twilight Singers live in '04...

Amazing stuff here - fans will always quibble about the tracklistings of compilations, but this is a superb look back at perhaps the most underrated band of all time. Super selection of songs hand-picked by Greg and bassist John Curley. Outstanding packaging by Rhino with nice liner notes and cool rare photographs from throughout the band's run. If this is your introduction to the Afghan Whigs, congratulations. I envy you. After you round out your AW collection take a nice, long pull from Greg Dulli's Twilight Singers and Rick McCollum's Moon Maan. You will not be disappointed!

Impeccable overview of Afghan Whigs.......2007-06-10

The Afghan Whigs were one of the critically revered bands on the alternative/grunge 1990s scene. After singer-songwriter Greg Dulli decided to hang it up in 2001, it's taken 6 more years for a comprehensive compilation of their work.

"Unbreakable: A Retrospective 1990-2006" (18 tracks; 76 min.) rightfully focuses on the band's 2 essential albums, 1993's "Gentlemen" and 1998's "1965", which are both represented by 4 tracks here. "Debonair" (from "Gentlemen") is on here of course, the closest the band ever came to mainstream success, and the band's signature song. "Be Sweet", "What Jail Is Like" and "Gentleman" are also included from the "Gentlemen" album. "1965" is represented by the single "Going To Town", "Crazy", "66" and the other single/EP "What Jail Is Like". The band's seminal Motown cover "Come See About Me" remains as fresh as ever. The controversial/difficult 1996 album "Black Love" is conveniently shoved all the way to the back of the compilation, with 3 songs on the last third of the compilation. There are also 2 new songs: the excellent "I'm A Soldier", and the pensive "Magazine", both recorded last year in a one-off reunion studio session. (Greg Dulli has made it clear that there are no further reunion plans.)

In all, this is a terrific overview of/introduction to the Afghan Whigs. It still boggles me to this day why the Whigs never broke through big-time in the 90s. They are just as good as, say, Pearl Jam, but for whatever reason it never happened. I hope this compilation will earn them renewed interest in their music. And I cannot omit the fact that the Whigs hail from Cincinnati, and are one of the best bands to hail from our city, ever... Greg Dulli has gone on to create great music with the Twilight Singers, so check them out if you are not familiar with them yet.

Last but not least, the compilation comes with great liner notes and background information on the band's history and legacy, another great job by the folks at Rhino, which issued this. In all, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Average customer rating:

Absolutely amazing
A great introduction with a...wilfully commercial air.
Nice compilation of hu\its, nice new songs.
Mary J. 5++++ stars, but this release is not a true retrospective, not even for casual fans
Could have been better!

Reflections - A Retrospective
Mary J. Blige
Manufacturer: Geffen Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000JU8HHE
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Tracks:

Reflections (I Remember)
We Ride (I See The Future)
You Know
King & Queen
No More Drama
Family Affair
Real Love
No One Will Do
Be Without You
I'm Going Down
911
Not Gon' Cry
My Life '06
Be Happy
I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By

Amazon.com

Mary J. fans are about as likely to put up with chain-pulling as the queen of hip-hop soul herself--which is why a good many of them have been quick to point out that this disc, exceptional as it is, doesn't quite equal a greatest hits package. Where among these favorites are biggies such as "Love @ 1st Sight," "You Remind Me," "Your Child," and "Dance for Me"? The answer is it doesn't much matter. Because Reflections, as its name suggests, is a mere dip in the Mary J. memory pool--a meatier hits package is likely on the way. There's no time like the present, then, for rolling with the latest on offer from R&B's reigning bruised-hearted lady. Threaded through evergreens like "Family Affair," "Not Gon' Cry," and "No More Drama" are four new tracks, not a one of which is a throwaway: "We Ride (I See the Future)" coasts on attitude and a hand-clappy beat; "King & Queen," a duet with John Legend, seems spun from some ecstatic fantasy; "You Know" breaks itself down to a dizzy-headed disco vibe; and opener "Reflections (I Remember)" is a proud look back on a lifetime of heartbreak and healing. It may not be as definitive a disc as some would like, but in determining whether to buy it, take a cue from Mary J.: don't hold back. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

To state that 2006 was one of the biggest years of Mary J Blige's career isn't hype. It is truth. In 2006 there was no bigger story or artist, in any genre, than Mary J Blige. Thanks to a chart-topping album, history making #1 single, galvanizing television appearances and a sold out tour, 2006 became the 12-month span in which the multiple platinum selling, Grammy winning Queen of Hip Hop Soul scaled new creative, personal and commercial heights. So after all of those dazzling achievements what does Mary J do to top it? Simple. She rewards her fans by recording yet another classic in the making - REFLECTIONS - A RETROSPECTIVE.

A much anticipated and long awaited collection Reflections -A Retrospective not only gathers together all Mary J's timeless greatest hits but features FOUR NEW GREATEST HITS TO BE - the first of which is the hot single "We Ride (I See The Future"). Spanning the entirety of Mary J's spectacular 15-year career Reflections- A Retrospective is more than a greatest hits collection. It's a soulful shout out to Mary J's loyal fans, and a celebration of the year when one of R&B's most influential singers "broke through" bigger than ever.

Released on December 20th, 2005, Mary's 7th cd The Breakthrough debuted at #1, and sold an astonishing 727,163 copies its first week: making it not just the best opening week for a solo R&B female artist in SoundScan history but the biggest opening week of 2006 to date. Period. Yet even more explosive than The Breakthrough's success was the album's lead off single "Be Without You". Written and produced by BRYAN MICHAEL COX and JONATA AUSTIN (the same creative team responsible for "We Ride (I See The Future"), "Be Without You" had the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B charts on lock; and stayed there for a record breaking 15 straight weeks. "Be Without You" was not only the biggest hit of Mary's already brilliant career, it entered the history books by becoming the longest-running No. 1 song on the R&B chart since it was reintroduced, after a brief hiatus, in 1965. You'd have to go back to 1949 to find a #1 song with as lengthy a chart run as "Be Without You."

The Breakthrough was equally dominant. The emotive CD was the recipient of universal critical acclaim, with Vanity Fair declaring, "...she's still the Queen..." USA Today stating "Another Blige `Breakthrough' ...Blige still touches souls..." and the Boston Globe hailing the cd as "...a start-to-finish triumph."

Fans also felt The Breakthrough's power. Following Mary's stellar performance on the 2006 Grammy Awards, (dueting with U2 on their ballad "One"), The Breakthrough recaptured the top spot on the Billboard 200. Along with that electrifying appearance -which the St. Petersburg Times declared was "chills-inducing" - Mary also performed on the finales of "Dancing With the Stars" and "American Idol", "Oprah", and the ABC soap "One Life To Live".

RON FAIR, Chairman of Geffen Records says of Mary's success "Mary J. Blige has reached the defining moment of her life - as a vocalist, as a songwriter, and as a human being. Her new album "Reflections- A Retrospective" is an essential collection of songs that solidifies Mary as one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Anyone who has ever suffered loss, experienced pain, been in trouble, gave love or been loved, can find themselves in the music of Mary J. Blige."

With her landmark 1992 cd What's The 411 Mary J Blige became R&B's standard bearer, setting both its sound and style. Since that debut Mary has earned 3 Grammys, had 7 multi platinum albums, lent her support to a slew of high profile charities and earned the unqualified respect of fans, critics and her fellow performers. With a soulful power that knows no equal, Mary J Blige owned 2006 and the Queen continues her reign with Reflections - A retrospective.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely amazing.......2007-07-03

I knew MJB could sing, but this album proves beyond any doubt that she's amazing. Each song was awesome and the overall feel is the best yet. Don't even think about passing this one up. It's a must have.

A great introduction with a...wilfully commercial air........2007-05-27

Although sequenced non chronologically, "Reflections" is a fascinating insight into Mary J Blige's evolution as both a woman and artist, from street savvy youth fighting to get her family out of the Schlobam housing projects in Yonkers, New York, to hip hop soul pioneer wrestling her own personal demons to the reigning queen of soul at one with her world.
Although itis indeed a retrospective collection of songs spanning the R&B superstar's 15 year career, it also boasts four brand spanking new tracks, including her hot single "We Ride (I See the Future)".
Highlights include the yearning, Chaka Khan influenced funk of "Real Love"; the Norman Whitfield penned soul ballad "I'm Goin' Down" - in which Blige comes across like Aretha Franklin at her most pure and tormented - and the cathartic gospel tinged pop of "As" (featuring George Michael).

Of course, at only 18 tracks it could be argued "Reflections" is too short for someone with such a rich back catalogue as Blige ("Mary Jane", "All That I Can Say" and "Not Today", for example, are noticeably absent), but this is nitpicking.

Brimming with timeless slices of soul, "Reflections" serves as an excellent introduction for anyone looking to explore Blige's work for the first time, while the very thought of a few fresh cuts is sure to satisfy fans' thirst for new material until her next studio album arrives.

Nice compilation of hu\its, nice new songs........2007-05-12

Love it. She have a great voice and can fill it up with pure emotions.

Mary J. 5++++ stars, but this release is not a true retrospective, not even for casual fans.......2007-05-06

I flat out love Mary J. Blige. From the first time I heard her sing "Real Love" in 1992 (that's 15 years ago!) until the amazing 4 new songs on this "retrospective" release, she has proven to be she's here to stay as she has the brains and raw power that comes across in the way she connects with her songs.

While Amazon usually gets things right, it wrongly states in its product description that this release is a "reward" to her fans after making her critically and commercially praised "The Breakthrough," when in reality this retrospective was initially being pushed by her record label to cash in on the 2005 holiday season. Mary J. refused to go along with the plan and pushed hard for the release of "The Breakthrough" before any greatest of release. The importance here lies in that Geffen was ready to release this AS IS as a full 1 disc retrospective and as such does not cut it, especially for fans who would want to have her greatest hits/retrospective/best of, in one package. She is one of few artists who even at this stage of the gaem requires at least a 2 CD retrospective to cover her essential material. I won't go into details of what is missing as fans probably know what's missing.

Geffen was very smart (yet annoying) in that this release has 4 killer new songs (almost 1/3 of the release) and SOME of Mary's greatest hits, so it made hard for any true fan to overlook it even if he/she had all of Mary J.'s releases. What is also great is that these songs are at the start of the release and directly address the listener with Mary's declarations of self-love/no more drama and while she has made the claims before, it's clear that this is always an ongoing process. Obviosuly any listener will see that she's as eloquent as ever as speaking to her fans about the journey.

I "only" give this 4 stars in order to warn the casual listener that this is not by any means a full retrospective and for hard-core fans to know that the 4 new songs are worth the price of the release (I love them), but to buy with caution.

To resolve this impasse, I have made my personal 2 CD best of, which include songs from a release that just came out that has most of her favorite duets. You can only find this duet release at a particular CD vendor (initials C.C.).

I would still recommend this release to all, but just want to help spread the word about the real story behind the timing of this release and what you should expect. Thanks for reading and for the nice e-mails.

Could have been better!.......2007-03-27

This is a weak GH!!! Mary has had a lot more hits then what was included on this compilation package!!! They could have done a lot better and spent a little more time putting this GH together!!!

Average customer rating:

If you want to discover one of the most under-rated artists out there, start here...
Moving
A Generous Retrospective & Fair Assessment Of Works
An Introspective RETROSPECTIVE!
A wonderful compilation

Retrospective: The Best of Suzanne Vega
Suzanne Vega
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008PRS4
Release Date: 2003-04-22

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Marlene On the Wall
Caramel
99.9 Degrees Farenheit
Tired Of Sleeping
Small Blue Thing
Blood Makes Noise
Left Of Center
(I'll Never Be) Your Maggie May
In Liverpool
Gypsy
Book Of Dreams
No Cheap Thrill
Calypso
World Before Columbus
Solitude Standing
Penitent
Rosemary
The Queen And The Soldier (Live)
Woman On The Tier (I'll See You Through)

Amazon.com

It's the rare singer-songwriter whose emotional confessions rise above bathos to find true resonance with their listeners; rarer still the one who can connect their audience with the plight of everyday strangers. Suzanne Vega not only managed that feat on her unlikely, child-abuse themed breakthrough hit "Luka" in `88, but opened the door for a renaissance of intelligent, female folk-oriented music in the decade that followed. This 21-track anthology spans Vega's career before and since, a chronicle of cool, sharp-eyed detachment infused by a restless, oft-underrated sense of musical invention that spans club-mixes (the "Tom's Diner" here was originally a "pirate" deejay mix by DNA that Vega wisely adopted), Latin jazz ("Caramel"), electro-percussive rhythm explorations ("Blood Makes Noise," "99.9F," and ""Woman on the Tier" from the Dead Man Walking soundtrack) neo-classicism ("Small Blue Thing") and a sharp-edged pop sense ("I'll Never Be Your Maggie May," "Book of Dreams") that can't be denied. That it's all still clearly rooted in a diverse pantheon that includes Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Woody Guthrie is all the more remarkable. Rarities include "Left of Center" from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack, a live "Queen and the Soldier" and previously import-only "Rosemary." Also features all lyrics and the insightful recollections of Vega colleague/Patti Smith guitarist Lenny Kaye. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

If you want to discover one of the most under-rated artists out there, start here..........2006-10-08

Because Suzanne Vega has, over the past 20 years, produced some of the very best rock-poetry you'll find. An artist that's prepared to push things out to the edge lyrically without losing sight of the fact that what makes a song work is a great tune, an exciting, carefully executed arrangement and... beautifully sincere delivery. And, when she gets it right, as this compilation more than adequately shows, the results are quite stunning.

So, if you want to be introduced to the joys on offer start with this and, once you've taken it all in, get ready for a pleasant surprise because, so far, there are only six albums to spend you're hard earned money on. And, unlike most artists' output all of them contain enough "gems" that aren't included here to justify the expense. Sometimes less is better and in Suzanne Vega's case the vast majority of what she's released deserves inclusion in any comprehensive "retrospective" - which, of course, means that an album like this can only be a "sampler" for her superbly consistent and intriguing music.

Moving.......2005-10-03

How relevant could the female, quasi folk, New Yorkish musical perspective be to a man in Australia? I don't know but I love it. She is moving, personal, "feministic", sensual, chameleonistic, and above all- the tunes rock. She is not mainstream but will leave a legacy that is second to none. Nearly every track on every album is a gem or simply a pleasant few minutes of this short life. If any artists songs convey pleasure and pain concurrently it hers. Go for any of it!

A Generous Retrospective & Fair Assessment Of Works.......2005-09-15

After new wave, dance and more agressive sound of the early 80's, Suzanne came on the music scene during the mid 80's as the return of more acoustic, folk and new age music was on the rise. Suzane's vocals were quiet and her arrangements were simple, making her mark with her debut as a cross between her past Joni Mitchell and her contempoaries Tracy Chapman & Enya. With songs like Marlene On The Wall, Freeeze Tag, The Queen & The Soldier and Crackling from her debut and her classics from Solitude Standing Luka, Tom's Dinner and the title track, have lead her to more experimental types of music.

This collection pulls it all together and includes rare tracks like Left Of Center (feat. Joe Jackson, from Pretty In Pink) and Woman On The Tier from Dead Man Walking. It even includes the track Rosemary from her first Collection called Tried And True. It contained 17 songs. This one has 21 and includes most of them.

An Introspective RETROSPECTIVE!.......2005-07-23

"Haven't you ever heard Suzanne Vega before?" my friend asked me about 2 years back. And when I replied in the negative, he hummed the tune of 'Tom's Diner' to me and I was like, "That sounds familiar..." He lent me his copy of 'Retrospective' and today it's one of my favorite albums!

See, when I like particular albums or music, especially if it's a female artist, it's usually because their lyrics, their beliefs as expressed in their music, their philosophies and so on, appeal to me in some way. That's the reason I've long liked arists like Madonna, Sarah McLachlan, Enya, Dido...to mention a few among the female artists I like... With Suzanne Vega it was and still is a bit different because I don't actually understand her songs to be very honest... Perhaps I'm not old or mature enough to understand them but still I've enjoyed listening to this album SO much, I listen to it over and over again! I just like her music - every song is different and has a new thought to offer... I like that her songs are at times pensive (Small Blue Thing), wistful (I'll never be your Maggie May, Caramel), whimsical (Gypsy..), nostalgic (Rosemary), some are plain eccentric (Blood Makes Noise) and then there are the "everyday" songs like 'Tom's Diner' or 'In Liverpool'. I find almost all her songs wonderfully reflective. I love 'Penitent' for its music, 'Solitude Standing' for her personifictaion of Solitude as a woman who's been through so much in life.. 'Tom's Diner', besides it's great catchy tune, captures a regular experience so simply and vividly! 'Calypso' reminds me of Dido's 'My Lover's Gone' - both have kind of a similar mythological strain to them that I like a lot. There's 'Rosemary' which is nostalgic enough to give one goose bumps and 'Gypsy' which is so enchantingly dreamy...such an unabashedly comfort-seeking little ode! And then there's 'Luka' of course which is so hummable and also subtly moving...

Suzanne Vega is a difficult artist to understand. She's certainly a gifted, original artist with a very good voice. I hope that gradually as I keep listening to this album I'll realise things that I hadn't realised before...and new insights into her music will keep coming... I give this album a thumbs up! Great music, great reflections and a refershing alternative to some of the other music currently around...

A wonderful compilation.......2005-07-15

This is the first Suzanne Vega album I have bought. Some reviewers say that the choice of songs here are disappointing and that better tracks could have been lifted. All I can say is that the track list here in my opinion is outstanding. There is a lot of material here that I was unfamiliar with and yet these tracks have now become such favourites of mine that I find I am humming them at work! These tracks include:

- Tired of sleeping
- Caramel
- Gypsy
- Columbus
- Small blue thing

Yes, we all know Suzanne for the 80's hits (ie. Tom's Diner, Luka, Marlena on the Wall, Left of Centre etc) but she is so much more than this. Take a listen, you will be pleasantly surprised. If anything, it will wet your appetite and you will want to hunt down her other albums (I plan to).

Overall - an impressive collection which you won't regret adding to your library.

Average customer rating:

GREAT AMERICAN SONGWRITER
Retrospective......Leon Russell
Retrospective
LEON RUSSELL RETROSPECTIVES
Leon Lives! Leon Rocks!

Retrospective
Leon Russell
Manufacturer: The Right Stuff
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Leon Russell and the Shelter People
Carney
Will O' the Wisp
Leon Russell
Ultimate Collection

ASIN: B000002UP2
Release Date: 1997-11-04

Tracks:

A Song For You
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
The Ballad Of Mad Dogs And Englishmen
Delta Lady
Roll Away The Stone
Tight Rope
Out In The Woods
Shootout On The Plantation
Stranger In A Strange Land
Hummingbird
Lady Blue
This Masquerade
Back To The Island
Magic Mirror
Crystal Closet Queen
Bluebird
Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
Queen Of The Roller Derby

Customer Reviews:

GREAT AMERICAN SONGWRITER.......2007-06-23

EVEN THE FABS ADMIRED THIS GREAT AMERICAN POP SONGWRITER. WHO EVER WRITES OR LOVES GOOD SONGS THIS IS INSPIRING.

Retrospective......Leon Russell.......2007-05-08

Very well done intro to Leon Russel's library of work. A collection of all of his better known work. If you find that you like this, try any of his other cd's and you will not be unhappy.

Retrospective.......2007-05-08

Leon Russell, is there anything else? His voice, piano, guitar that Leon uses, he's the master. The CD goes back to the begining and thru the present. Marvelous! Gif

LEON RUSSELL RETROSPECTIVES.......2006-07-14

I FOUND THIS TO BE A GREAT SAMPLING OF GOOD OL'TULSA ROCK N ROLL AT IT'S FINEST.

I WAS ALSO PLEASED AT THE EFFICENT SERVICE I RECIEVED IN PLACING THIS ORDER.

I WILL BE BACK TO ORDER MORE PRODUCTS FROM AMAZON.

SINCERELY,

LINDA LUTTON

Leon Lives! Leon Rocks!.......2006-03-16

This CD is a "Best of" better than Leon's previous selections of favorites. Featured are my favorites, his incredibly fine ballads, now multi-genre classics: "A Song for You", "Lady Blue", "This Masquerade". From the great "Carney" album also come more ballads, "Magic Mirror", "Tightrope", "Out in Woods". "Back to the Island" is achingly yearning, and hypnotically atmospheric. But there's lots of hard-rocking stuff, too. The recordings are the originals, and sound quality is excellent.

Leon Russell was at the epicenter of the rock world when he came on the scene in the 60s, playing keyboards with many other rock greats, not least of whom was Joe Cocker -- Leon headed up the Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour band. Though Cocker was better known, Leon had the ultimate 'chops.' When you listen to his own music, you can see that he is a composer and player of greater depth and sophistication than most of his peers. And he can boogie like no one else.

I had the good fortune to stumble upon a small concert by the new Leon Russell band last year at The Cutting Room in New York. What a thrill to be so close up to this old idol after so long! It was impossible to sit still! Surrounded by his huge mane of now-white hair, the ole "Master of Space and Time" is infirm, he walks with difficulty. But his fingers are totally alive, and he seems to be doing well. Two of his daughters are in the band, which is tight as can be -- raising hopes for more recordings beyond this retrospective.

This is a fine introduction to the music of this rock legend. It's as fresh now as it was then!

Average customer rating:

A CD of radio-worthy songs
P.S. -- This album is bloody brilliant.
Massive
super critic
This CD bring up good atmosphere.

P.S.: A Toad Retrospective
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Outside Looking In: The Best Of Gin Blossoms
Dulcinea
Fear
Welcome Home: Live at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara 1992
Greatest Hits

ASIN: B0000296KN
Release Date: 1999-11-09

Tracks:

P.S. (New Version)
Come Down
All I Want (Remix)
Something's Alway's Wrong (Edit)
Good Intentions
Crazy Life
Come Back
Walk On The Ocean
Fall Down
I Will Not Take These Things For Granted
Way Away
Jam (Non-Album Version)
Hold Her Down (Remix)
Whatever I Fear
Eyes Open Wide
Silo Lullaby

Customer Reviews:

A CD of radio-worthy songs.......2007-06-27

As a DJ on Radiostarone, an internet radio station, I am always on the lookout for music. P.S.: A Toad Retrospective provides song after song after song of broadcast worthy material.

P.S. -- This album is bloody brilliant........2007-06-13

Let me start this way: If I were marooned on the proverbial deserted island, and could only bring five albums with me, Toad's "P.S." would certainly make the list. Some albums are "instant classics", but this one is "instantly indispensible": once you've jammed to it a few times you can't imagine your music collection without it. And don't want to.

The outstanding features of TtWS, and what differentiates it from so many of its contemporaries, are the superb songwriting, emotionally honest vocals, and the wide emotional range of the songs. "Something's Always Wrong" is as sad-hearted and bleak a song as you can imagine; "Way Away" is beautifully written life-advice that comes off as profound rather than pretentious; "Walk on the Ocean" alternates between humor and melancholy while also offering pointed guidance about seizing the moment; "Jam" is stirring, powerful and replete with the brilliant, quirky lyrics that are this group's trademark ("Such a quiet din!"); and "Hold Her Down" is just all up your face and tough from first strum to last. Wow.

Since I keep mentioning the lyrics, it's only fair I give you a taste (from "Good Intentions"):

It's hard to rely on my good intentions
When my head's full of things that I can't mention
It seems I usually get things right but I can't understand what I did last night
And it's hard to rely on my own good senses
When I miss so much that requires attention
I have to laugh at myself at sometimes
And I can't see that I'm not blind
There's little relief
Give us reprieve
For all the things I've left behind
I'm positive that I'm not blind

I'm not afraid things won't get better
But it feels like this has gone on forever
You have to cry with your own blue tears
Have to laugh with your own good cheer
I can't be hard on you
'Cause you know I've been there too
Learned a lot of things from you
But life gives little relief
Give us reprieve

And when everyone is cold as ice
I clinch my fists and close my eyes
Imagining the world outside
But I can see that I'm not blind

"P.S." packs 16 songs, which include this band's better known hits ("Walk on the Ocean", "Fall Down", "Good Intentions" etc.) as well as some lesser-known gems and a couple of remixes. If you were going to introduce a newcomer to the group, you probably couldn't do better than to hand them "P.S.": they'll be surprised how many of the songs they already know.

Long and short: if you're a Toad fan, this album is a must-have, and if you're not, it will make you one in 56:30 flat.

Massive.......2007-02-19

This CD holds a treasure trove of massively nostalgic tracks. I think Toad were guilty for many of those great hits we heard on radio but never quite knew who sang them.

Of particular sepia-toned effect was the track 5 Good Intentions.

super critic.......2006-09-03

I bought this one for the remix of "all i want" and there are some other remixes to the original that sound better than the original and there are some of the other songs besides the remixes that i had not heard before that i like too!!!

This CD bring up good atmosphere........2006-09-01

I didn't know this band before, but than I heard "Fall down" at the radio, loved it and decided to give this band a try.
It was a pleasure to discover this band. Great songs, very melodic, cosy.
The fellow's at the local pub loved it as well.

Average customer rating:

Greatest Hits
Wonderful
scorching guitar
Tigerlily album is a better intro
Great Introduction To Natalie Merchant

Retrospective 1995-2005
Natalie Merchant
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

MTV Unplugged
Tigerlily
Ophelia
The House Carpenter's Daughter
Motherland

ASIN: B0009NR7YK
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

Wonder
Carnival
Jealousy (Single Version)
San Andreas Fault
Kind & Generous
Break Your Heart
Life is Sweet
Living
Build A Levee
Not In This Life
Motherland
Owensboro
Sally Ann

Album Description

Album Information: Following a phenomenal early run in the '80s and '90s with alt-rock sensations 10,000 Maniacs, Natalie Merchant went on to even greater success as a solo artist. Her 1995 solo debut Tigerlily delivered the Billboard Top 10 Smash "Carnival," as well as "Wonder" and "Jealousy," #20 and #23, respectively. Through subsequent albums, Merchant's emotive vocals and literate songs have established her as one of the most distinctive and popular women in contemporary pop-rock. Compiled by Natalie herself, Rhino's new collection represents her first-ever solo "best of", beautifully highlighting her socially conscious and melodious signature style.

Customer Reviews:

Greatest Hits.......2007-01-03

You don't need to own any other Natalie Merchant compilation or album/CD. All of her best stuff is right here!

Wonderful.......2006-12-30

Somewhere along the way I lost my copy of MTV Unplugged, the live 10,000 Maniac CD. After finally replacing it, I wondered why it took me so long. The music was wonderfully melodic, with a gypsy music quality. This CD was my subsequent purchase of Natalie Merchant's solo work. At first I found the differences between her solo work and 10,000 Maniac not to my liking. I have listened to this several times now and have found some hauntingly beautiful songs. This is dreamy music, a pleasure to enjoy alone or with your loved ones.

scorching guitar.......2006-04-07

so many reviews

let me just say that the guitar work on Carnaval scorches

Natalie rules with her celestial beauty

Tigerlily album is a better intro.......2005-12-30

Let me just say first that I'm not fanatical about Natalie Merchant. I heard Tigerlily a few times at my friend's house and really liked the mellow sounds. I thought I'd treat myself and bought this greatest hits album. As an album, the tracks don't flow so well from one to the next, but this is a compilation I guess, and not a single 'work of art'. The non-Tigerlily tracks I like best are #9 and #13.

Great Introduction To Natalie Merchant.......2005-11-24

This CD is a very good introduction to the solo works of Natalie Merchant. I am a bit more of a fan of 10,000 Maniacs and her earlier solo work, and while no CD retrospective meets everyone's desires, I think this set is good for the fan who is just starting to appreciate Natalie; fans who own all of her solo CDs would be advised to skip this CD entirely (as they already own all the material), or better yet pay a few dollars more for the limited edition of this set which contains a second CD of rarities and lesser known gems.

The CD is great in that it features the big hits (including my favorite, "Jealousy") as well as cuts which were largely ignored by the mainstream (though they shouldn't have been.)

In an age of popular music where the recording industry can't wait to get the newest augmented pop princess on the cover of "People" magazine, Natalie Merchant stands out: she is not flashy; rather she is graceful and humble. She also has one thing going for her which is so often sadly missing in the contemporary music world: genuine talent. If you are not familiar with Natalie Merchant, this is a great place to start. If you are familiar with her, then you probably own her CDs already.

I recommend this CD to any fan of thoughtful, original music.

Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective

Average customer rating:

Whew!
good mix of everything
Anything but Tepid!!!
GOD ANTON!
Hard to describe and thats how it should be

Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective
The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Manufacturer: Tee Pee Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Shoegazing | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia
DiG!
The Dandy Warhols Come Down
Strung Out in Heaven
Welcome To The Monkey House

ASIN: B00065U036
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

All Around You (Intro)
Who?
When Jokers Attack
Servo
Open Heart Surgery
If Love Is The Drug
It Girl
Sailor
Straight Up And Down
Anenome
Wisdom
Just For Today
Stars
Vacuum Boots
Prozac Vs. Heroin
She's Gone

Tracks:

Nailing Honey To The Bee
That Girl Suicide
Nevertheless
Evergreen
Starcleaner
Let Me Stand Next To Your Flower (Live)
Hide And Seek (Live)
In My Life
Mary Please
Talk-Action=Shit
Oh Lord
This Is Why You Love Me
Not If You Were The Last Dandy On Earth
Swallowtail (Live)
Feel So Good
Fucker
#1 Hit Jam
Ballad Of Jim Jones
Free And Easy Take 2
Stolen
Mansion In The Sky
Sue

Customer Reviews:

Whew!.......2007-03-08

Right. I bought this after watching Dig! - mainly because the music sounded wicked-cool and the visuals rocked. Impulse purchase, I guess.
For the most part Tepid Peppermint Wonderland is great, the only problem is that there's so much material on the two dics! There's simply no way to listen to this record and go - 'Wow! I'm totally hooked!' and leave it sitting in your CD player for three weeks - just too much going on, I'm afraid. So for now I'm patienly getting to know (and love) this record little by little. Just don't buy this thinking that it's going to instantly make BJM the greatest thing you've ever heard. It takes a bit of time, but it is well worth the effort.

good mix of everything.......2007-02-01

This is a nice, all-encompassing collection of BJM. It includes songs from all the categories of their music, which is more good than bad. BJM has stuff that really lives up to the band's classification as a neo-psychedelic role-model, but also a lot of stuff that would be better described as a predecessor to current trends in contemporary indie rock. That is to say, the latter is more "hard", with chords dominating, rather than any 1960's-style lead electric guitar melody. You will notice that BJM's albums tend to stick closely to one style, and then make the next album, perhaps, completely differently; but since this is a compilation, you will not find this to be the case here.

Overall, it's a pretty good introduction to The Brian Jonestown Massacre, although it does have some faults. The organization of the songs could have been better, considering they had two whole CD's to mess with (i.e., could have lined up the songs more "logically"). However, you WILL find any super-great song that you might have heard (from which you presumably decided to research BJM because you liked the style) on the album.

Anything but Tepid!!!.......2007-01-19

I have loved The Brian Jonestown Masscre ever since I first saw them play in SF back in the early 90s. This retrospective is an excellent collection of their work dating from the conception of the band in the 90s up until today. Its a collection that can be appreciated by old fans as well as those who are new to the band. As for the music, well its indescribeable. You have to hear to to believe it!

GOD ANTON!.......2006-11-19

The Brian Jonestown Massacre are the best band you've never heard of. I've always liked them from the beginning and have talked to Anton Newcombe after several shows. He is just the most ordinary, coolest guy ever, except don't mess with him because he don't take lip. He's also got a very sensitive side also and just wants everyone to listen to his music and start a sort of peaceful revolution, just like in the 60's when they used to make music that was halfway as good as this. He's like ALL-IN-ONE, just like God. Everything he says is like scripture, especailly that thing about Eric clapton's baby-he sucks!!! LOL. All you people are idiots for not listening to this band becasue you're too busy listening to hip-hop crap. VIVA LA UNDERGROUND!!!
If you just got into Anton because of D!G, you're just a poseur. I heard of them like back in 2003, so there!

Hard to describe and thats how it should be.......2006-11-16

BJM really is amazing. The influences range from the obvious psychodelic 60s bands like the Animals all the way to Cure, The Kinks?, Dave Clarke 5 et al. The CD really sets a mood and if you are inclined to put your fold up chair on the apex of your roof and bring out the party favors of your choice then BJM should be exactly what you are looking for. Oh, and Open Heart Surgery is like one of the best songs I have ever heard.

Average customer rating:

What a joyful piece of music!
The best of The Indio Girls
Indigo Girls - Great Introduction To What These Girls Are All About
The Power Of Two
Indigo Girl Classics!

Retrospective
Indigo Girls
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Despite Our Differences
Rarities
Indigo Girls
1200 Curfews
All That We Let In

ASIN: B00004Z3SS
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Tracks:

Strange Fire
Closer To Fine
Kid Fears
Watershed
Three Hits
Galileo
Ghost
Reunion
Power Of Two
Least Complicated
Shame On You
Get Out The Map
Go
Trouble
Devotion
Leaving

Amazon.com essential recording

Try to think of an enduring, widely respected, artistically progressive female songwriting duo. Now, try to think of one besides the Indigo Girls. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been pounding the folk-rock pavement since the early 1980s, filling the ears of eager listeners with their ethereal harmonies, lush arrangements, and evocative lyrics. Retrospective traces their progression from budding singer-songwriters to stunning musicians, arrangers, activists, and artists. Progressing chronologically, the album allows the listener to appreciate the depth and breadth of the pair's musical growth--from the reedy, passionate plea of "Strange Fire" to the blithe bounce of "Least Complicated" to the dark electricity of "Go." As time passes, more instruments are added, more sensitive political topics are addressed, and more experimental techniques are incorporated. The two new cuts--Ray's uptempo but slightly turbulent "Devotion" and Saliers's heartfelt road ballad "Leaving"--are reminiscent of the Girls' younger days but also reflect their artistic growth through subtle lyrical turns and deft melodic variations. --Sally Weinbach

Customer Reviews:

What a joyful piece of music!.......2007-06-15

Though I like the Indigo Girls this was the first piece of their music I actually purchased. I LOVE IT!

This collection is such a nice compilation. There is a fine mixture of music - what is standard throughout is their perfect harmony....and those sometimes haunting, sometimes poignant lyrics.

A great purchase that I will make good use of!

Buy it - you won't be sorry!

The best of The Indio Girls.......2007-06-12

I am not a huge fan of the Indigo Girls but I certainly do like a lot of their songs. I remember listening to their songs in the car whenever I was with my brother as a teenager. He would often throw in the duo's first album Indigo Girls. I always loved listening to their song "Closer to Fine" and I still do to this very day. OTher favorite songs includes songs from their album Rites of Passage. That was a main staple of mine during my freshman year in college. Since I am more of a casual fan, "Retrospective" is perfect for me. The album consists of all of my personal favorite Indigo Girls songs. It is good road music to listen to during the summer.

Indigo Girls - Great Introduction To What These Girls Are All About.......2007-05-19

"Retrospective" is a compilation disc from the Indigo Girls that cover their 7 studio albums up through the year 2000. It features 16 tracks with two previously unreleased. The album is a really nice representation of what the Girls are all about and contains some great songs. The tracks are presented in chronological order as the band expands over time with forays into harder rock at times while never abandoning their folk rock roots. The fact that the Indigo Girls career has continued at such a high level with virtually no airplay or publicity is a testament to the talent that they posses. There are lots of great songs here including "Galileo", "Three Hits", "Get Out The Map" "Least Complicated", "Strange Fire", "Closer To Fine" and "Kid Fears". Really every song is good and the two new songs fit right in as well. If you like well done folk rock with great vocal harmonies you can't do much better than the Indigo Girls. This retrospective would serve as a fine introduction to what they do.

The Power Of Two.......2007-05-18

Folk Vanguards. GLBT Icons. Voices for social change. All of these describe the Indigo Girls and their over two decades of music making. They also have another big plus...they make great music.

I first encountered Amy Ray and Emily Sailers at a radio broadcasting convention in San Fransisco. I felt awful for them. I'd already been enthralled by the magic of "Closer To Fine" from "Indigo Girls" and was lured into the album as an REM fan. When I heard they were playing in a CBS suite, I raced to get there. As they played songs from the album, biz-whackers and scavengers stood around slogging free drinks and talking loudly to each other.

Too bad for them, because I got to see a great new duo from just feet away. Album after album, they kept getting better. Those acoustic gems kept coming...from the questioning of authority with "Galileo" to the statement of purpose embodied by "The Power Of Two." In my humble opinion, they peaked with 1994's "Swamp Ophelia," blending and highlighting Amy's darker to Emily's lighter.

That is not to say that albums after were slouchers. They were willing to experiment with harder rock (like the protest/history lesson of "Go"), but the forte was still the campfire type of folk best done on songs like "Get Out The Map." There are two previously unreleased songs here; of the two I prefer the more uptempo "Devotion." While I will say that I have alternate song choices (like "Hammer and Nail" from "Nomads Indians Saints") and the occasional strident case of over-reaching occurs ("Shame On You"), this is still a great introduction to one of the most influential female and folk acts of the last twenty years.

Indigo Girl Classics!.......2007-04-05

This CD, a compilation of 16 of the Indigo Girls' popular hits, is a great addition to any IG collection. In my opinion, there isn't a bad track on the CD. It's incredible acoustic guitar and wicked harmonies through and through.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Dawning of a New Era: The Roots of Skinhead Reggae [Import]

Schumann: Romanzen Op.94, Adagio & Allegro Op.70

Music for a Moonlit Night

Get Rhythm [Import]

Parsley Sounds [Import]

Romantic: The Ultimate David Lanz Narada Collection

Noir Desir [Import]

Makin' Deals of a Lifetime [Explicit Lyrics]

Los Atrevidos "El Sonido de Puebla"

Maurice Ravel: Musique Symphonique

Smile

Over An Hour of Irish Folk [Import]

Monster Db's

We Are at War

Feeds You!

1. Back On The Streets
2. Fanatical Fascists
3. Dont Believe A Word
4. Spanish Guitar (P Lynott Vocal)
5. Parisienne Walkways
6. Put It This Way
7. Desperado
8. Castles
9. Fighting Talk
10. The Scorch
11. Spanish Guitar (G Moore Vocal)
12. Spanish Guitar (Instrumental)