While most of the bands of the "New Wave" movement were busy being political or more concerened about their next music video, the boys from Akron, Ohio were busy lampooning everything from classic rock to the theory of evolution. Quirky, eclectic and instantly recognizable, Devo blasted onto the scene, but were never able to repeat the unique sound found on this disc. A great document of the New Wave era, "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo" is required listening for fans of the era.
What's great about it: A sound like no other at the time
Recorded in a time when artists were more concerened with social causes and self-aggrandizing lyrics, Warren Zevon released this assault on the sensitivity of the times with a cold-water-in-your-face album that showed the decedance and excess that lurked under the surface of the times. From a werewolf to a headless mercenary, the continuum of humanity (and lack of) is well documented. A great album that still holds up well today, almost 30 years after its initial release.
What's great about it: Great songwriting, a celebration of the weird wonderful world of Warren
Few comedies hold up well over the years, but this one does it as well as any. The plot is hilarious, the comic timing impeccible, and the direction stunning. The movie moves along at a great pace and is chock full of lines that you will find yourself repeating over and over. If you run into another big fan, you will be trading lines all night.
The irreverence of not only the legend of King Arthur, but everything from God to government is fair game, as is usually the case with the Pythons. A great movie, one that will be enjoyed by our grandchildren.
What's great about it: One of the best comedies ever
What's not so great: Some extras are pretty pointless
While a great primer for one of the seminal artists of the late 1970's, this collection just scratches the surface of 10 of the most creative years in songwriting from Elvis Costello. While anything less than a box set of these albums is almost a disservice to the artist, at least a good starting point has been established in bringing Elvis to a new generation.
What's great about it: Nice variety of songs
What's not so great: As with most "Best Of" collections, some great material left out
Probably one of the better compilations in the "Essentials" series, this collection does an excellent job of mixing studio and live tracks and does a very good job of covering a career that was cut tragically short.
What's great about it: Great selection including some live tracks
This is a package that revisits one of the best bands of the 1970's before and after they lost one of their key members, Duane Allman. The live album captures the band at their peak with Allman and Dickey Betts and their first studio attempt after Duane's tragic death. Both albums are classics by themselves, but together the reissue is a must-have for all Allmans fans and a must hear for the uninitiated.
What's great about it: Addition of bonus tracks
What's not so great: Little heavy on the vocal mix
Palm Pictures' DVD treatment gives this landmark concert film the respect it deserves. For starters, it includes three audio settings. "Feature Film Mix 5.1" is a remixed and remastered version of the original soundtrack, "Studio Mix 5.1" uses the old mixing board tapes, and the two-channel stereo mix ensures that those without 5.1 Surround Sound don't miss out. The widescreen, 16:9 anamorphic presentation helps the movie look almost as good as it sounds. The extra features aren't nearly as sharp, but they're fun. Three songs ("Cities" and a version of "Big Business" that segues into "I Zimbra") emerge as bonus tracks. In another extra, frontman David Byrne dons ridiculous costumes and interviews himself, asking all the obvious questions and answering in a stunned monotone. Storyboards and Byrne's notes reveal how much of the show's on-stage lunacy was choreographed ("Now David does a spastic dance"). A commentary track features all four Heads and director Jonathan Demme, recorded separately, discussing Byrne's famous Big Suit, '80s new wave, song origins, and the anal-retentive work that went into the Stop Making Sense tour and film. For obsessive and casual fans alike, this disc makes sense after all.
Customer Rating
5
Maybe the best concert film ever
on October 9, 2007
Posted by: ChesterB
An absolute joy to watch. It seems as fresh the tenth viewing as it does the first time you see it. This film does an amazing job of capturing one of the most influential bands of the New Wave era. The combination of David Byrne's artistic vision with Jonathan Demme's direction make it a must-see even if you only have a passing interest in Talking Heads music.
What's great about it: Great music, great directing, great editing, great movie
What's not so great: It would have been nice to include the bonus songs in the movie
One of the most overlooked cartoons from the 1960's, Jonny Quest can now be seen by a new generation with all the action and great music that made it one of the best animated series ever. The extras are excellent, especially the vintage commercial that is included in the set. It's a wonderful trip down memory lane when cartoons were truly art.
What's great about it: Excellent quality and extra features
If you have never heard of this band, this is a great first album to get. The opening track, Voodoo Cadillac, has a great CCR/swamp groove that grabs you and doesn't let go. Soul City is a fun sing-along about not being too picky. Skullbucket, Make Mayan A Hawaiian, and Galley Slave are all instrumentals, while good, are much better live. The other tracks range from songs about food (Camel Walk and Fried Chicken And Gasoline) to pretty much everything celebrating a culture that doesn't take itself too serioulsy. This is an awesome album by a too-long overlooked band.
What's great about it: Very little filler
What's not so great: Some instrumentals that are much better live