Saturday, May 31, 2008

Arcanium

So Friday May 23rd I went to a show at Hodi’s Half Note. There was a band called Arcanium (http://www.myspace.com/arcaniumband ) that I wanted to see playing there. They were also having a CD release party to promote their first self-titled CD. Overall I didn’t get to stay for the whole show so much of my experience with them is based off their myspace page and their CD, which I was able to snag before I had to go.

I’ve always been a fan of hard rock music. Slowly over the years my tastes have pushed the heavier stuff into the realm of death metal and such. Things like Hatebreed, Engel (http://www.myspace.com/engelmusic ), and Black Label Society. While my tastes vary the main thing that I need to make something enjoyable to me is a melody or somewhat of a melodic part to the sound.

Arcanium does this by multiple vocalists providing the various bits of melodic singing to support the growling-harsh singer. Some bands use the studio magic and bits of prerecorded sound files to duplicate something that can be achieved by having band mates provide. In Arcanium’s case it works rather well and they are enjoyable to listen to.

They have melody. They have intriguing lyrics. They have the ability and skill to entice and pound your skull into the ground while they perform. Only thing they don’t have is a major record deal in order to get them more exposure. They are also a young band and may evolve into something better. They already have 2 people doing vocals now and then with other band members they could explore that more. The effect of several overlaying melodies can be a sweet assault on the senses.

So I give their CD a rating of a sore neck and 2 bittersweet but hurting eardrums for standing closer than I should have.

Monday, May 12, 2008

ReMIX 08 show.. a few words..

Recent...
Went and saw the ReMix 08 show at Hodi's Half note. This was a contest where based on votes by the audience they determined who was #1. Out of 8 contestants I heard Improv one. Of the first few acts he was better than them. What made his set different was you could tell he had been doing it a while. His stage presence was good and he easly slipped into one song from the other. Also I believe he ended his set early instead of going for the full 20 minutes people got. At the end of the song "call your bluff" he dropped the mic and walked off stage. Here is a clip of the last song. Audio is poor dude to being so close to the stage.




I' of show soon.
Here is a clip of just the vocals for that song.



There were a few other notable acts. Native and Limbo. Limbo had on song I remembered from another show I saw him in but now can't find it on his myspace to hopefully share it. http://www.myspace.com/limbomajor also havn't found the myspace link for Native yet.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

It doesnt matter if the crowd is 15 or 200

I first heard Improv at a music festival in Fort Collins CO. Called New West Fest. I heard part of a song called Crowd Control. The key thing that got me was the line "Hip-hop needs to act its age and quit the face lifts"

I've always been a big fan of rap. Ranging from EazyE to JayZ. My collection is huge and varied from gangsta rap to outkasts and Eminem. So hearing that one song which was all I really caught of their set I decided to buy his CD from the little booth. Have not regretted it since. After that show I made it a point to catch Improv when I could live. Saw him open for another band called Flobots and the crowd was good. Saw him play in a Local musician contest where he was the only rap act and saw him give 110% even though there was literally 15 people in the crowd. He gave it all when he preformed for the Hip-hop Congress Breakdance battle also which had a significantly much bigger crowd. I imagine if you were to play a 6-degrees of Colorado Hiphop you would find Improv is linked to quite a few people.

"Conscious, intelligent hip-hop." - Improv

http://www.myspace.com/improvmusic

I ask once if he has thought about ring tones and tell him good show and he recognizes me the next time I'm there. I throw together a little vid showing some breakdancing with his music in the background and hes like "That's dope". It is that attitude like that which draws me to small acts. How long will it be until others discover Improv I do not know. Until then I will at least be 1 in the audience cheering for him.

How to describe his style. One could say he is quick and astute in both his performance and when he freestyles. However instead of making music that follows usual popular hip-hop rap he goes a more intelligent route. Songs that tell stories and try to provoke thought. You see the stories in the songs on his Grace EP... "Castles made of Sand" "Fort Granted" However you also have a song that try to go for a change as seen in "Inner-World Blues" Then the usual fun songs but contain hidden gems of intelligence in them such as "Party" and "Crowd Control"

Intelligent hip-hop. I know of another group of white rappers who are pursuing the same thing. I'm hoping this is the next wave for rap. Socially Critical(So-crit?) and Intelligent. I'm tired of bling, ho's, 40's, huge rims, and gold-plated everything. I'm sure others are getting to that point to. Where 80's rock got too glam and too flashy I'm hoping current hip-hop will get to that point also and then we will have a huge change as a new wave comes out and takes over the music world much like what Grunge did.

That wave I hope will have Improv and another group Whiskey Blanket at their forefront.
While I've had the CD Grace EP for quite a while now and I imagine my review is long over due I highly recommend giving this guy a try and seeing if you like his style. You can hear some of his music off his myspace. There is also a link to listen to or download his Grace CD.
So ditch your bling and cheap ho's. Give real a chance.


May 2 2008 8:00P --- The Roxy (18+) Denver, Colorado

May 10 2008 7:00 --- REMIX ’08 "Hip Hop Performance Competition" @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins, Colorado


Get this CD which I give a rating of :2 hot intelligent ladies willing to discuss 3rd world poverty and hopefully the direction hip-hop will take us in the upcoming years.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Sooo.... What? Sofo

For the most part when a stranger approaches me and tries to start up a conversation I am hesitant. It is only when I'm around people I know that I truly act natural. Everything else in public is usually reserved and shy'ish.

Myspace challenges that for me though. Constantly I'm approached by people I do not know. While it is online and I would think it would be easier it is not. Sometimes the person asking to be my friend or saying hello is a band who saw I liked other bands and figured they would see if I would like their music also.

Sofo is such a band. I'm not sure how they approached me or found out my myspace page but I'm glad they did. I was originally going to turn them down because they have this red drawing on their page of a sailor. While it may seem shallow to think I would judge them on that... well I was worried it was going to be some sea shanty songs or something. Luckily for me their music loaded quickly and I liked what I heard.


It sounds like your standard and modern rock. You have your guitars, vocals and drum kit. You have your standard tool set for what could be an entertaining combo. When I first started listening I heard with a critical ear and jotted down a note that at times the vocals seemed too soft and the rest of the sound too loud. So the lyrics were often lost either as either incomprehensible or due to being drowned by the drums and bass. After listening to them a bit more I realize I could have just been not listening enough. Overall I have little to criticize them on at this point. It is nothing an day in a studio with some careful mixing wouldn't fix.
On one of their songs they carefully meld a piano into their sound. Where it isn't too much it is neither too little. If you listen to their songs you will hear other components added into the mix.
Sofo is:

Tommy Oviatt:Vocals/Guitar/Keys/Didgeridoo

Will Oviatt:Vocals/Bass/hand drums/keys

Matt Oviatt:Drums/Electric Drum FX

http://www.myspace.com/sofosound

Rush - I'm not gonna say anything except load up their myspace page, select this song, turn the lights down low, and relax.

Passing signs - Soft and semi slow song. This song has most varied of the vocals. Probably one of my favorite songs. They have the vocals and instruments balanced well. The vocals are clear and audible and the drums and guitar provide an equal backdrop with the various other bits added in for extra. I could turn off the vocals and enjoy listening to that by itself. I could lower everything except the vocals and probably have a nice slow melody which this song does well. At the moment I cannot think of a band to compare it to. I would say the band "The killer and the star"(used to be When November Falls - has the ex-cold Frontman Scooter Ward's new project) would be close to thier sound but I doubt many listen or have heard that group. So for the moment

Cool Rain - A song that starts off a little acoustic and slow. Almost like the title of the song. Slowly though with the vocals dragging it gives the feeling something is coming up. And it does. The brief pause and the rock begins. At times some bands over do this and it can get annoying but for these guys it does seem to fit with this song at least. It is also one of the songs they have where there are multiple vocals. I'm not sure if they are prerecorded or the drummer and guitarist taking a step in. It is always cool when the band takes a hand in vocals or helping out with other parts but not many bands have guitarists or drummers who can hold a melody or have a decent singing voice. Now I'm not sure with this band but it is a good try.

Underplumb - With a start off of just guitar and drums it takes 20seconds for the vocals to start up. The beginning of the song is where it sounded like the vocals were not clear or loud enough. approx 40-60sec is in the point. However it could be a stylistic choice by the band to make the vocals hold a back seat to the excellent guitar playing. Clearly I over-ananlyze things too much. The drums sounded a little prefect so I dumped the song into a recording program and saw the drum beats were off by .02sec or something (1.8sec or so cycle for most of the song) But I'm not here to over analyze but sometimes it is hard to stop myself. I also went as far as to dump the song into a sound editing program and toned down the bass and upped the treble a bit. While I achieved what I wanted (louder vocals) the song lost something in the mix(surprising how this song feels without the drums or guitar being what they are). So style or could be they just play like that and the original would be more closer to their live sound (which is also good because bands that sound one way then play live a completely different way is kinda annoying... See any band who relies on pro-tools for vocals).

The band is good. They play well together. I would attempt to describe them as a progressive rock band with much a head of them. I'm hoping to catch them live someday and will see if they have any words in regards to my over analytical criticism of their one song but I do enjoy listening to them. Give them a shot and if you like them check out one of their live shows.

May 8 2008 8:00P Laramie Lounge Denver, Colorado

May 17 2008 8:00P The Toad Tavern/Acoustic show!! Denver, Colorado

May 22 2008 10:00P Surfside 7 w/VONNEGUT!!!! Fort Collins, Colorado

May 30 2008 8:00P The Bluebird/SOFO CD Release!!W/VONNEGUT & The EPILOGUES Denver, Colorado


What Do I know. I am just the listener who is enjoying what he is hearing. I would give this band a rating of : ZERO cheesy sea shanty's and 2 thumbs up.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Introduction

So this is the start of my music blog. Here I hope to cover a wide variety of music and hopefully introduce people to bands they havn't heard about. I know that musical taste is dependant upon the palate of the person listening. So I can understand if my opinion will differ. Also know that as I go on my tastes and style evolve a little more. I'm sure everyone has expierenced it. Bands or sounds we enjoyed when we were younger now seem more foriegn. I think that music and if one likes it is often dependant upon on your state in life when you hear the song. So music that you like or enjoy more when your upbeat is going to be different from when your depressed.

Though the years I've gained access to some Advance CD's from various recordstore sales, yard sales, and flea markets. So if I do cover something of such know that it will be available soon. The other thing is I want to give more attention to local bands and unsigned acts. Recently a band I like called Flobots ( www.flobots.com/media ) has been signed and they have a bright and wonderful future in front of them. Another artist named Improv ( http://www.myspace.com/improvmusic ) keeps pushing along. Both I like equally however I do like to root for the underdog. So if you get tired of me about one artist or band at least understand I want to share what these people have created.
A previous CD sale from Sept 2007... figured I would share. Part to show my style and another part to show how varied my taste is.


Dashboard Confessionals - Unplugged - Double disc which contains the soundtrack and DVD to their unplugged concert for MTV. While I could go into a rant about early Dashboard confessional’s work I do admit this is an excellent disc. If you’re a fan of them or just a fan of soft rock/emo rock this is decent. The concert shows how into the music the fans are. Often they will break out into singing the chorus and you see people mouthing or singing along throughout the whole concert. Well worth the time and money. I would give this disc a rating of 2 razorblades and a bucket of crocodile tears.

Sting - Desert Rose Single - Back in the day record companies came out with singles which contained a popular song and probably some B-sides or remixes of other songs. This disc came a Radio edit and a remixed radio edit of the song Desert Rose and two remixes of A Brand New Day. While I do not really like a Brand New Day I do enjoy the song Desert Rose. It was always one of those songs I would catch on the radio and enjoy but never bought nor downloaded for whatever reason. A wonderful song that I wish I could share with everyone I run across. I give it a rating of 2 praise Allah and death to 11 Infidels.

Singles - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - The movie Singles came out around 1992. It is a romantic drama type of movie that had a killer soundtrack. Cameron Crowe choose songs that reflected the youth at the time and you ended up with a movie that contained clips, appearances, and even a concert of some of the most popular bands from the “grunge” era. With Pearl jam, Chris Cornell, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, and Screaming Trees you have a soundtrack that appealed to the youth of the day. In addition to being a good movie this soundtrack both surprised me and honestly if I had the option of paying 5$ for it I would’ve. Well worth every penny and more. I give this disc a rating of 3 heroin injections along with 2 trips of acid with a pair of horns thrown up for good measure.

Tori Amos - Hey Jupiter single - Another single that I picked up. While I own Boy’s for Pele I got this because it has what every single should have. The song and b-sides/rarities. This has the live version of Somewhere over the rainbow along with Sugar, Honey, and Professional Widow. Since I first heart Tori’s voice off of Little Earthquakes I’ve been hooked. There is just something about her voice and the piano. If you have not ever heard her I recommend giving her a try. Check out some of her early works or heck just sample little bit of them all. I give this CD a rating of 50 little ears and a piano named Scruffy.

Tori Amos - Cruel Single - Yet another single that I snagged. This one has the song Cruel and Raspberry Swirl remixes. Both songs are from the .. From the choirgirl hotel CD. My feelings regarding Tori are the same and this disc I give a rating of 50 little ears and a piano named Scruffy.

The Crow - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - The crow was an excellent movie. If you have not seen it then please gouge out your eyes and sprinkle some salt upon the holes. The soundtrack has music ranging from Stone Temple Pilots to Nine Inch Nails, from The Cure to Pantera and Violent Femmes. It covers a wide selection and like the movie has its ups and downs. For rating I would give this disc 2 sticks of black lipstick and 1 dead action star.

Ace of Base - The Sign - The infectious song that I’m sure many remember from their early high school years. Not really a fan of the band I do like the song and my dislike of the band was mostly from the overabundance of radio play the song and their other hit “All that she wants and Don’t turn Around” . I give this disc a nostalgic 2 thumbs up.

Waynes World - The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - With an opening song of Bohemian Rhapsody and songs from Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Eric Clapton. This soundtrack like its movie covered a wide variety of genres. I’m sure everyone has seen this movie and with the soundtrack I too can experience getting a few friends in a car together to sing along to the only Queen song I will admit that I like. I give this disc a rating of "A Party On Garth."

Linkin Park/ Jay-Z - Collusion Course - A few years ago a DJ named Danger Mouse (he is now part of Gnarls Barkley I believe) did a remix of Jay-Z’s Black Album with the Beatle’s White Album. It was a big hit on the internet as people downloaded it and many were introduced into the Mash-up genre. Jay-Z must have enjoyed the remix as he collaborated with Linkin Park and they took songs from each and mixed them together. They even did a special Live show on MTV which was lots of fun. If you like either Jay-Z or Linkin Park I recommend this disc and it exposes you to a music style you may not have really experienced and with it combined together its not as big of a change from the usual. If you’re a fan of both then I recommend it because its kind of cool and some songs just work together. Others… well not as well but due to the mixing capabilities of Linkin Park they are still good. I give this a remixed cellEXent.

Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness - I already own this double disc album. However a long time ago I lost my lyric book. I don’t know if I could describe this album to anyone really. If you live in Fort Collins and have not heard it let me know. I consider this THE Smashing Pumpkin album. Somewhat epic in its scope it has a variety of sounds and songs to quench any thirst. However regarding the lyric book ITS MINE AND YOU CANNOT HAVE IT!

Boiler Room - The original Motion Picture Soundtrack - One of those composed soundtracks that went with the movie. An enjoyable movie featuring young stars at the time Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Nina Long, and Ben Affleck. While it doesn’t really have any songs that have vocals it makes for good chill out type of music I imagine looping a few of the tracks would make good mood music for some gaming sessions.

Korn - ADIDAS Single - Yet Another Single CD. It contains 3 different version of ADIDAS from their Life is Peachy album. It also has a remix of Wicked. While I’m not a big fan of Korn’s cd Life is Peachy (it wasn’t until follow the leader and Issues that I really got into and liked their music) the ADIDAS song is a fav of mine. I give this CD a rating of 18years of a messed up life and 1 broken childhood.

Lennon - 5:30 Saturday Morning - I already own this disc. In fact I paid 18$ to order it through The Finest ( http://www.thefinest.com/ )about two years ago after I found a Single of hers at a CD sale. The single held my attention so much I special ordered her debut CD. Why did I pick this up though I already own it. Well I gave away my single to a friend in hopes it would inspire her to buy the album also. I picked this up so I have a copy that I can give away to someone if they do show interest in her. Lennon Murphy has not had an easy time while trying to make her own way in the recording industry. From personal tragedy to bad timing (her CD 530 Saturday morning was released Tuesday Sept 11th 2001 and was quickly forgotten due to the 911 attacks and the resulting drama after that. ) I give her CD a rating of 1 HOT rocker chick and 18 piercings.

Mariah Carey - Daydream - Before the ego, before the huge drama about her mental state, before much of the ballyhoo… there was this voice. Mariah’s voice is quite the instrument. With a star studded selection of Boys 2 men, Jermaine Dupri, Old Dirty Bastard, and even Puff Daddy she had the support and help from some of music’s top people to ensure you were entrapped with her voice. She deserves 2 lines of coke and 1/2lb of crazy and hopes that she shares.

Ours - Distorted Lullabies - Haven’t really listened to this but will try to fill in later.

Dropbox - Dropbox - I originally heard about this band when reading an article about Godsmack as one of the guitarist of Godsmack left the band to form Dropbox. Haven’t really listened to it.. Will fill in later…

Filter - Hey Man Nice Shot - Another CD single. With 4 different versions of the song and White like that I decided to get it because I really do like the song. I give this CD a rating of an empty chamber and 5 ejected casings.

Dangerous Minds - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack - A thoughtful movie from 1995 regarding a white teacher who went to an inner city high school to teach with the purpose of opening minds. The song Gansta’s Paradise from Coolio enjoyed massive radio airplay and that’s honestly the only song I remember really from the movie.

Electra - The Album - While I imagine this is just a soundtrack CD at the moment I’m not sure as I have never seen the movie. It has music from bands like 12 stones, Alter Bridge, evanescence, and Jet. I figured I would give it a shot. … Will write more about it later depending on things.. It may end up sitting on my shelf gathering dust…

New Jack City - Music from the Motion Picture - New Jack City was one of the first DVD’s I ever owned. It is a action gangster movie with a message and a killer soundtrack that fit’s the movie. While I never really desired to own the soundtrack now that I have it I’m sure I will enjoy it as I’m a fan of hip-hop/rap. I’m going to rate this CD two hits of crack and a very long line of cocaine.

Ben Moody - Everything Burns Single - This song from the Fantastic Four soundtrack features Anastacia and Ben Moody (formerly of Evanescence) The guitar work and lyrical ability of Ben combined with the wonderful voice of Anastacia. While Ben himself really doesn’t have the greatest of voices you can hear that his old band will miss his abilities. When it came out there was a big bright future for Ben awaiting however we have yet to really see his solo CD appear. However him collaborating and working with other artists and even writing songs for some you see all over. Maybe it is possible that he realized his talents as great as they are do not lie in the vocal section and he needs a wonderful female voice to really showcase it. As it does in this song. A huge ego and bad breakup give this CD a rating of 5 hopes for a reunion tour with Amy Lee.

The Union Underground - Killing The Fly Single - An education in Rebellion was the debut CD for Union Underground. Killing the Fly was the second single released. Since I already own the Debut CD I bought this because it would serve as a introduction CD to someone if I meet someone who likes rock but has not yet heard of the band. Their sound like somewhat like Godsmack.

Smashing Pumpkins - 1979 Single - This 4 song Single has 1979, Ugly, Believe, and Cherry. While I own Mellon Collie I got this because it would add a little more to my CD collection.

Train - Drops of Jupiter Single - I own Train’s debut CD and I have a copy of Drops of Jupiter and just never got around to buying the actual CD. I’m certain this single will make a good gift or something to a friend if I ever run across her because she absolutely loved this song.

Genika - The Purity - I’m not exactly sure.. it’s a double disc one with the songs and a disc full of remixes. Will have to write more later on it.

Sunscreem -Pressure Us - Again not exactly sure.. Will write more. it’s a single but has 2 cd’s so I imagine its tons of remixes.

The Major Motion Picture show - Fall tour 2000- A CD with different songs from different bands ranging from Barenaked ladies to Filter.. Not exactly sure also.. I think it was a promo disc from Voltzwagon as there is a VW logo and website on the cover.

Rednex - Cotton Eye Joe Single - Contains the single to the song and a few remixes of other stuff it’s a weird song and I can only recommend you check it out online somehow.

Chevelle - Sampler - More like a single as it has Comfortable Liar, The red, and Its no Good from their CD Wonder what’s Next. Its one of those disc’s the record company sends out to record stores and radios trying to get airplay of new bands. I will use it the same way by giving to a friend somewhere down the line in trying to introduce them to the band.

The Refreshments - Fizzy Fuzzy Big and Buzzy - I’ve only heard a single song from them called Bandito’s which is just a weird but cool song. I’m not sure what the full length cd will contain and will try to update when I do figure it out.

POD - The Fundamental Elements of Southtown - POD the Christian/punk/rock band and well I’ve only heard a few of POD’s songs. Only 2 from this CD from a single that I got a long time ago. I know I will like the 2 songs but the rest of the CD well.. Not sure at the moment.

Kate Mann - Devil’s Rope - Not sure but it’s a female artist with so far a good voice. Will have to update later.

Bush - Razorblade suitcase Interactive CDROM - Occasionally you run into Cdrom disc’s mixed in and this is one of them. Early guess is that it has interviews, videos, and possibly even an interactive game. Will have to review it and post later..

Susie Suh - Up close and Personal With - This is a DVD which contains a small bio on Susie Suh. Its like 5minutes long and has snippets of music in the background while trying to introduce you to her. Her voice sounds deep almost like Mary Fahl. Will have to research it more later.

Music Blog..

It was that time of the year again... the time where Kasmiur wakes his happy rear up early and goes digging through thousands of CD's trying to find new and interesting music.
The fun part of this every 6th months is the expierence it provides. You have 50-100 people also looking for an old CD or something new. In the background you have people talking about different music and styles while a dj provides actual music to eliminate the sound of passing traffic.

Along with various used discs and random CD's that you find there are lots of Imports and singles so using this as a way to learn about new music is an excellent choice. Where you may not always find a really good band at the cost of 50cents its low enough to not worry about only getting 50% quality ratio. It is also one of the few times I would purchase a CD based off the cover and art. One time I took a CD player there to listen before I finalized my purchase but ended up spending waaay too much time there. So now its just grab what looks interesting then at the end filter out what I would expect to be crap and then make my purchase. Sometimes I would go from having 50cd's to 40 after removing out 10... other times I would keep all the first grabs and still snag a few more.

With the possibility that my local record store(The Finest - http://www.thefinest.com/ ) is going to go out of business I went to this one with a heavy heart. This could be the last time I would expierence one of these things here in Fort Collins. This was one of the best memories and events I have expierenced here in FTC. When I first came here and didnt have many friends this was something that cheered me up and was one of the coolest things I did for a good amount of time.
So here is the list.. Will update with notes and stuff as I still dig through the material.

1. Apocalyptica - Worlds Collide
Apocalyptica is a Finnish cello metal band. While it seems wierd I recommend these guys. Orginally I heard of them a while ago when they did cover's of Metallica songs ( www.youtube.com/watch?...J3C-c&NR=1 ) . Thinking that was cool when I saw this disc I figured I could not lose. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptica has tons more info about the band itself. The CD though... I just think wow when I listen to it. They dont have vocals on all the songs its about 40-60% split. Where they dont have vocals the mix of your traditional rock elements of guitar, drum, bass, and the cello.
Probably the best song for me on the CD is the one where they have Cristina Scabbia sing - S.O.S. (Anything but Love). Part of it is her voice as I'm a fan of Lacuna Coil. Another part of me wishes this was a duet but eh.. I recommend listening to it if your a fan of rock and female vocals... www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-owrCJXUx4 is the video. This song is something I would expect to hear out of Cristina if she was to ever try a solo project.
While I like the whole CD there are some songs I listen to more than others obviously. Surprisingly the top 4 only 2 are songs with vocals. The other vocal song is a song featuring Corey Taylor as the vocalist. I dare say this reminds me a lot of the band A Perfect Circle's second cd 13th step.
Otherwise the track Peace and Worlds Collide are excellent tracks. I'm hoping in the future they do continue to have guest vocals as this is an excellent CD.

2. Jump Start Advanced 2nd Grade - Computer software 3 disc set PC and MAC
Somehow computersoftware got mixed into the boxes. This isn't completly unusual. You get a computer disc out of every thousand CD's or so. I have a young neice and nephew so I snagged it because.

3. NASA Triumphs and Tragedies - 2 dvds of various NASA Footage.. probably an TV mini-series.
Started to watch this. Appears to be part of a series or something probably a mini series on discovery channel. Its cool but its also kinda boring unless your into that. I figured what the heck and snagged the 2 disc's I saw.

4. Elton John - Orginal Soundtrack to "friends"
I've been trying to listen to more Elton John stuff. While I'm not a big fan of his music he can write some good songs and his playing is excellent. So figured something I could listen to. Havn't listened to the disc yet.

5. Wakeland - Magnetic -http://www.myspace.com/chrissullivanmusic
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

6. Sylvie Lewis - Translations - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvie_Lewis
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

7. PJ Harvey - "You said Something" single
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

8. Music from the movie Twister
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

9. Enochian Crescent - Babalon Patrale De Telocbobim - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enochian
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

10. Helen Stellar - Below Radar helenstellar.com/
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

11. Helen Stellar - The Newton
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update.

12. Michael W. Smith - The First Decade
Not sure havn't listened to it really... will have to update. I do however own several other Michael W. Smith CD's. When I was younger a "Big Brother"(Part of a Big Brother/Big Sister program to help troubled youth) bought me the "Go West Young Man"(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Go_West_Young_Man ) album. The First Decade CD is effectivly a greatest hits disc. With songs like Kentucky Rose, Go west young man, and friends. In the early 80's and 90's he was a popular christian artist and I imagine he still is. While I can imagine the idea of christian music may seem counter to what I may present to people in general, my friends do know that I have a side that likes this type of music. Sometimes you just need something inspirational. While this does not have the duet he did with Amy Grant for the Friends song its still an excellent song. Probably transport a few people back to highschool when they first heard the song as it was often played at the end of year cermonies. www.youtube.com/watch?...re=related

13. Urkraft - The Inhuman Aberration - http://heavymetal.about.com/od/cdreviews/fr/urkraft.htm
Havn't really listened yet...

14. Hanson - This Time Around - Single
Yeah.. I know..It is pop music. but eh.. listen to the song then mock me at least. www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOchEMY1K3w also check out them covering the song "never been to spain" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlajKoLYhlo

15. X Levitation Cult - Happiness in Hell
Havn't really listened yet...

16. Amy Lee - Use me - http://amyleesax.com/ Not to be confused with Amy Lee from Evanescence(who I do like some of her stuff..) this Amy is a saxophonist.. havn't really listened to it yet.. but wiki is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Lee_(saxophonist))

17. The Goo Goo Dolls- Dizzy up the Girl
No comment at the moment...

18. Metallica - The unforgiven 2 - CD single
As a Metallica Fan I got this because well.. It was a decent song. Just something else to add to my collection.

19. Elton John - Candle in the Wind 1997 - CD single
Suck it long and hard Elton John Haters! This is a beautiful song.

20. 4 Him - The Message -Another Christian music band. Havn't listened to the CD yet. I have heard some songs by 4 Him previously from the various WoW (world of Worship) cd's that I have. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4Him

21. Arthur Verocai - Encore -
Another one I havn't listened to yet..

22. Collision - Collision
Another one I havn't listened to yet..

23. Filter - Short Bus
I think I already own this CD but wasn't sure. I know I have the mp3's on my computer so I either had it and ripped it and lost it over the years or I snagged it illegally. So regardless I have a copy for my collection..

24. Jewel - Pieces of You
Yeah.. Not much I can say about this CD choice...

25. Marcille Wallis - A Celtic Heritage
Was hoping for some background celtic music for gaming with friends but its not that much to my flavor.. eh.. oh well.

26. Iona - Heaven's Bright Sun - Live CD
Havn't really listened to it yet..

27. This Aint no Tribute - House of Blues - Songs of Janis Joplin
My Mom and Dad were always into the old classic rock and such. I remember her song Piece of My heart from waaay back when. So I got this thinking it would be fun to listen to.. Havn't listened to it yet but I doubt they will have a female vocal as moving as Janis's.

28. Creation - http://www.motherearthrecords.com/creation.htm
Mood music for relaxation or gaming with friends. can't really describe it at the moment.

29. Isole- a CD of Epic Doom metal... or at least thats what it says on it.
Epic Doom Metal! How could one not resist getting this CD. Thier thrash is so heavy its EPIC! Thier lyrics soo deep they are DOOM!!! Only those who truly trusted in the fact thier music was the most epic or most DOOM would put this label on thier cover riiiight? hehe... I have listened to it some. It is rather epic sounding. Not sure where the doom fits in yet hehe. If your a fan of metal and probably Goth/metal or a fan of european Metal this may appeal to you. Luckily they have a myspace so you can check out and help determine if thier doom is enough or if they are just slightly less than epic. http://www.myspace.com/isole

30. 30 seconds to mars - A beautiful Lie
Havn't listened to it really...

31. DJ Rap - Learning Curve
I like DJ Rap. I first heard about her off a BT song (Never gonna come back down.. where he says "Donde esta los digits du dj rap" ) But how can one deny a beautiful woman who knows her way around a turntable and can pump out some heavy bass and sweet beats? www.myspace.com/therealdjrap is her myspace. This is music to help get you moving at times If you do like her also check out Touching Bass

32. Will Smith - Big Willie Style
Eh.. Will smith.. I like a song so figured what the heck..

33. Will Smith - Willennium
Eh.. again.. Will smith.. I like a song so figured what the heck..

34. Eminem - When I'm Gone single
Now I've been a fan of Eminem for quite a while. I have the video for this song on my computer so I snagged this because its something I wanted. It has both the clean and dirty version. Funny enough they censored out Wrist on the line "Her wrists are bleedin" blah.. I hate censorship.

35. Crushed - advance CD of thier debut disc - www.myspace.com/crushed Havn't really listened to it also..