CD-Charts Position 171
Average Rating:

Astral Weeks

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Van Morrison

Release Date October 25, 1990
I know that this is a classic, I know that it has sold a zillion copies and that it estblished Van as a "great and as an innovator." I know that everybody has covered "Moondance", probably even The New Christie Minstrels.

In spite of all that, I cannot stand it. I am not concerned that it is very much of its time. I am not concerned that it was the start of endless records of two/three chord bashes. I am not concerned that it encouraged Van to play sax, which is not good. No, my dislike is very black and white - I can't BEAR his voice. It's a yes or no thing, I guess. I am sure that it is deliberate but he cannot seem to hold a note for more than half a beat, and his tone is so harsh. Listen to the middle section of Moondance ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 172
Average Rating:

Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Dire Straits

Release Date October 27, 1998
Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits is a good compilation of a great rock band. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist, lyricist and a gruff but alright vocalist. Robert Sandall has written a well-written and informative short synopsis/bio about the band. The cover is ok but a bit boring. The photographs are all very nice and well done especially the one shot of Knopfler as it captures his intensity as he plays his guitar. I definitely recommend this album. 4 stars indeed!

CD-Charts Position 173
Average Rating:

Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Bob Dylan

Release Date June 01, 1999
I'm going to take a different approach to reviewing albums on Amazon. Instead of going in depth on each album and describe each album in detail, i'm going to simply rate each album with how many stars I feel each album is worth based on the below criteria. I hope this helps you make a better decision on purchasing this album with a simple individual rating. If it doesn't help read another review.
5 stars- Classic, Album goes beyond description, Perfect in every way, Could remind you of a certain time or place, Lifetime replay value.
4.5 stars- Near Classic, Incredible album, Maybe only one song that is skippable or just overall doesn't quite deserve classic status. High replay value.
4.0 stars- Awesome album. Very solid album ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 174
Average Rating:

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - Live in New York City

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
starring: Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Danny Federici, Clarence Clemons, Patti Scialfa
directed by: Chris Hilson

Release Date November 06, 2001
This DVD has it all--great music, high energy performances, after viewind it one realizes why Springsteen is such an icon, he has earned the title! The bond he shares with the E Street Band is evident in this show, they work so well together blending music with humor and the joy of just being together! I was very pleased by this DVD, its just a rockin' good time for all.

CD-Charts Position 175
Average Rating:

The Stoop

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Little Jackie

Release Date July 08, 2008
Bland, Poppy, psuedo-r&b style music. Nothing really creative about it. Self-Centered, shallow lyrics offer no depth to this artist.

Almost all the progressions are exactly the same. Ugh, please people, spend your money elsewhere.

CD-Charts Position 176
Average Rating:

A Piece of What You Need

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Teddy Thompson

Release Date June 17, 2008
Teddy (and his management) are smart/brave enough to allow you to stream his ENTIRE album from his website. After two listens, I am now buying the CD here on Amazon. I love to reward an artist as willing to let people hear before they buy. Teddy is a great singer, songwriter and player. His music is more uplifting than any drug (although it sounds EVEN BETTER after a few beers). GOOD JOB TEDDY! SEE YOU IN SEATTLE!

Just in case you're wondering why I don't give FIVE stars, there are probably on about a dozen 5-star albums in my book. FOUR stars is still awesome.

CD-Charts Position 177
Average Rating:

Home Before Dark (Deluxe Edition with DVD)

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Neil Diamond

Release Date May 06, 2008
This is Neil Diamond's first chart topping album in the USA (Billboard Hot 200 listed the album at number one - May 15 2008). I am amazed! This is one of those albums I have regretted buying. I bought it on the basis that it was a Neil Diamond album thinking it must be better than 'Hot August Night' and 'JL Seagull' to name just two of his albums that I thought were fantastic. What a let down! To me this is just bad singing with bad guitar playing. If you are an old fan of Neils listen to this album twice in the shop before buying it.

CD-Charts Position 178
Average Rating:

Born to Run

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Bruce Springsteen

Release Date October 25, 1990
In his ever expanding writing style to desribe the plight of the everday working man, his desparate need to create a hit record turns out one of the best albums of rock and roll and the best part is that you can hear his desparation through the singing. During the time of disco and progressive rock, it seemed as if rock would never be able to return to its roots, but Springsteen combined a big band sound or his own version of the 'wall of sound' with complex yet straight forward lyrics about escape for a better future. No better is this displayed than in the album opener, "Thunder Road," which serves as an invitation to the listeners to escape with the singer and Mary on that "dusty beach road."

Every song on this album has its own niche. Clarence Clemons ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 179
Average Rating:

This Storm

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Sonya Kitchell

Release Date September 02, 2008
Sonya Kitchell delivers an album that is not up to her potential with "This Storm". For the most part, this album is like listening to a low budget garage band from the late 70's or early 80's. The riffs are repetitive and easy to grasp, but not interesting or engaging. However, she does let some raw talent shine on a few of the songs. Here is a breakdown:

1- For Every Drop - As the first song on this album, I would expect a stronger opening. This lack luster performance touts a whinny hook (BLAH, blah, blah ... BLAH, blah, blah) that doesn't hook at all; but instead says - geeze, change the station
2- Borderline - The album improves a little bit, but still strikes like a garage band from the late 70's or early 80's - dominated by uncreative and repetitive ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 180
Average Rating:

The Best of Bonnie Raitt

CD-Charts > Music > Singer-Songwriters
by: Bonnie Raitt

Release Date September 30, 2003
I don't know if it was the great service or the fact this CD brings back such memories....I am thoroughly enjoying it! Thanks for the very easy shopping experience!