Cool And Calm (The Ras Collection) - Israel Vibration

Advantages: Australian Rockers with a Rebellious Sound
Disadvantages: Some Songs a Little Too Hardcore

...This Australian band that were big fans of Nirvana released “Frogstomp” at the age of 15!!! This best of is a great selection of amazing songs… its hard to believe so many good songs are written from so few albums. “Ana’s Song” sticks out in both formats. “Israel’s Song” with its very strong bass line stands out as a very rocky anthem; turn this one up nice and loud!!! “Tomorrow” is the song that rocketed there careers with some simple yet very effective riffs. Not all songs are rocky “miss you love” is gentle, on the other hand “freak” and “minor threat” have all the classic rock-esque attributes. Silverchair have youthful rebellion in this album and you can feel this in there songs. A truly raw and youthful collection of songs.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good catchy tunes
Disadvantages: Tracks do tend to sound similar

...For me, this is one of those albums you’ve wanted to buy, but not quite got round to doing so. Having done so, however, I was not disappointed. Well, if I was, then only a little bit. This album has well known tracks such as ‘The Sea’, which, viewers of Channel 4’s ‘Shipwrecked’ would recognise as the title song. It also has ‘Part of the Process’ which a lot of people are familiar with and is a personal favourite and ‘Big Calm’, the title track. This is a good album if you want something to chill to or have on in the background. The only disadvantage is that, the almost word ‘samey’ can be applied. But none the less, I think it is a good album to have as part of a collection.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Good classic hits!
Disadvantages: Will eventually get repetitive

...’ sound, one of the first things that comes to my mind, and I’m sure does for other people, is the tight harmony, which has been described as a ‘choir like harmony’. A strong sense of unity, guitar music, and often instruments such as an organ, or electronic instruments such as a Theramin in Good Vibrations also feature (spot the one who’s doing the music degree!!). The Beach Boys also don’t convey what is seen as the modern day connotation of the boy band. This also relates back to what I said about the strong sense of unity. All the singers support each other, and there is no notion of a superior performer, which is something I really like. Even when Mike Love, the lead vocalist sings, I still can hear unity and equality. I find the Beach Boys very soothing and calming to listen to. Having said that, their music can still make me dance... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful