As We Fall - Imperative Reaction

Advantages: a new take on a familiar warhorse
Disadvantages: is it worth full price?

...It's unlikely that any music lover who has a good recording of Beethoven's violin concerto on CD (say: Perlman, Grumiaux or Szigeti) would ever say to him or herself: 'boy, I wonder what that sounds like on the clarinet'. In fact, the only people who might would be clarinetists, for they tend to feel (mistakenly, as it happens)that there just isn't enough original repertoire written for their instrument. So here, spanking new, is a Deutsche Grammophon CD offering us an original work in Mozart's Clarinet Concerto and an arrangement of the Beethoven prepared by Russian pianist/conductor Mikhail Pletnev. The soloist is Michael Collins, who plays the familiar Mozart on his basset horn with all the joy and panache we expect. The Beethoven is a different cup of tea. It's difficult to listen to the famous melodies without hearing the fiddle (or... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Quality Album, a must-have for all rancid fans
Disadvantages: Only disadvantage is a couple of 'feel-good' songs which seem out of place

...This long-awaited album initially brought mixed reactions. There were several people who thought that Rancid had 'sold-out' by signing to Warner. However, a few listens to this album and its plain to see that Rancid are still very origninal. Standout tracks "Red Hot Moon" and "Tropical London" deal with serious issues such as heroin addiction and the break-up of Tim Armstrong's marriage. The lyrics are written from the heart and are poetic and haunting. Although this isn't a traditional punk album it has rancid's unique sound. A mix of punk-ska-harcore that is unforgettable and unique. Even the feel-good "fall back down" grew on me. All Rancid fans old and new will love this. It brings together the elements of "And out come the wolves..." as well as "Rancid (2000)" to create a fine specimine of punk-dom. The price has gone down... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The rousing climax
Disadvantages: It classical so is not appreciated by the masses

...I remember the first time I heard Beethoven's 7th Symphony. It was awful. Didn't enjoy it all. Then through the perseverence of a friend, I was helped to appreciate the many aspects of this intricate piece of music. The different tunes all adding to the greater sum, the sense of something building up and how Beethoven has the incredible ability to go from the bottom of the scale to the very top in an instance. I have also found that is it imperative to play this piece at relatively high volume. For added effect turn off all lights and immerse yourself in the magic that is the 7th Symphony.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful