Best Contemporary Folk
The album also topped many critics' "albums of the year" lists and gathered major music awards in the process, including eight Grammy Awards.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I like to play her music at home, while having a glass of wine and cooking and it's a good end to the day or to start a weekend."
"Her voice sounds even better than ever in this format. The combination of her voice and this music, along with the spaciousness of the sound, make for a great SACD."
"I highly recommend this CD if you love female vocalists - jazz, pop, country western - and to be introduced to a singer who will certainly make her mark on the music scene for years to come."
"Very talented, great voice and great songwriting as well."
"If I feel crappy, I put her on, and she can make me smile just about every time."
"This record is perfect for laying on the floor on a warm afternoon with the sun shing through the window."
"A must have SACD for every Jazz collection!"
"Listened to this CD 50 times minimum."
Rock's first great double-album and home to many of Dylan's finest songs: Rainy Day Women #12 & 35; Visions of Johanna; I Want You; Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again; Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Just Like a Woman; Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine), and the side-long epic Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The first time I heard "Everybody must get stoned," from "Rainy Day Women # 12 & # 35," I was at Lardano's Pizzeria in Peoria, Illinois, while attending Bradley University, having a pizza (what else?). Later, as I aged, I came to see it as a great Bob Dylan song ("I was so much older then; I'm younger than that now"). Just so, the album on which this song was located, "Blonde on Blonde." Part of a great run of Dylan albums, reflecting dramatic changes in his art, among which were "The Times They Are A-Changin'," "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," "Subterranean Homesick Blues," and "Highway 61 Revisited" (perhaps one of the five best rock and roll albums ever made??). Some of the songs--"Rainy Day Women # 12 & # 35," "Pledging My Times," "Visions of Johanna," "One of Us Must Know," "I Want You," "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues again," "Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat," "Just Like a Woman," "Most Likely You Go Your Way and I Go Mine," "Temporary like Achilles," "Absolutely Sweet Marie," "4th Time Around," "Obviously 5 Believers," and "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands." "Visions of Johanna" is an elegiac song, poignant, very different from "Rainy Day Women."
"After enjoying reviewing Johnny Cash/Willie Nelson VH1 Storytellers yesterday ****, thought it would be fun to review one of Bob Dylan's seminal records "Blonde on Blonde." But I usually listen to tracks off it randomly not the album as a whole, so this will be fun. Rainy Day Women #12 & #35 -- The carnival rambunctiousness of everybody get stoned, as it's often known. Visions of Johanna -- One of Dylan's more underrated songs. Captures the wonderful, surreal spirit of this album. I just love the playfulness of Dylan's voice on this song. And "I want you, I want you, I want you, so bad" sounds like a trite line, but totally works. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again -- A song I don't listen to enough. Reminds me of one of my favorite Dylan songs "Ballad of a Thin Man." I don't mind him cheating on me, but I'd sure wish he'd take that off his head, you brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine) -- A lot of long titles on this album. Absolutely Sweet Marie -- The playfulness and great melody is back. Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands -- Dylan is good at the long, storytelling song. There is a reason Bob Dylan is my all time 2nd favorite music performer to Johnny Cash. So many great songs on this record in ranking order (4 stars plus): Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat, Just Like a Woman, Visions of Johanna, Absolutely Sweet Marie, I Want You, Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again."
"This has to be in the top three although in saying that I also must add that Bob has at least 7 or 8 five star albums so add this to the very long list of master works."
""Everyone Must Get Stoned" brings it all back home!"
"Great CD."
"No Dylan fan should be without Blonde on Blonde."
The trio's passionate commitment to peace and social justice made them the conscience of an era as they soulfully communicated political concerns through music in an unprecedented way.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I prefer the newer version of "The best of..." But I'm sure there are many who prefer this older version of the songs."
"To that end, this must be a part of your classic collection of songs by Peter, Paul & Mary."
"I am so used to hearing Peter, Paul and Mary as older performers on their Christmas and 25th Anniversary DVDs that are regularly broadcast on PBS that I had forgotten how haunting their music was when they were at their best."
"I have their vinyl records, going back many years, but I now play CD's, so it was time to update."
"Love listening to the best of any group, but Peter, Paul and Mary transport me back to the sixties."
"This is the music that my generation (born late 60s) grew up with - listening to the songs that our parents loved as well."
"My favorite find on this album was the last song "Don't Laugh at Me"."
"So disappointed in the sound quality."
Best Country Folk
After his career peaked with one of the most unlikely top five hits ever, the gloom-laden 1976 narrative "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald," Lightfoot's production tailed off sharply, though this anthology's "Stay Loose" ('86) and "Restless" ('93) are testament to his enduring skills as a songwriter and performer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We watched a CBS Sunday morning interview with Lightfoot, which shared his continued devotion to native Canada and his type of ballads and story songs."
"Brings back a lot of good times cant go wrong with this one."
"Great collection of many of his favorites."
"Always loved his ballads."
"He has been a favorite of mine for years... this collection brings not only memories and the feelings from long ago, but a new interpretation of the classics he has given us through his long career."
Best Folk
Rock's first great double-album and home to many of Dylan's finest songs: Rainy Day Women #12 & 35; Visions of Johanna; I Want You; Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again; Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat; Just Like a Woman; Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine), and the side-long epic Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The first time I heard "Everybody must get stoned," from "Rainy Day Women # 12 & # 35," I was at Lardano's Pizzeria in Peoria, Illinois, while attending Bradley University, having a pizza (what else?). Later, as I aged, I came to see it as a great Bob Dylan song ("I was so much older then; I'm younger than that now"). Just so, the album on which this song was located, "Blonde on Blonde." Part of a great run of Dylan albums, reflecting dramatic changes in his art, among which were "The Times They Are A-Changin'," "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan," "Subterranean Homesick Blues," and "Highway 61 Revisited" (perhaps one of the five best rock and roll albums ever made??). Some of the songs--"Rainy Day Women # 12 & # 35," "Pledging My Times," "Visions of Johanna," "One of Us Must Know," "I Want You," "Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues again," "Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat," "Just Like a Woman," "Most Likely You Go Your Way and I Go Mine," "Temporary like Achilles," "Absolutely Sweet Marie," "4th Time Around," "Obviously 5 Believers," and "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands." "Visions of Johanna" is an elegiac song, poignant, very different from "Rainy Day Women."
"After enjoying reviewing Johnny Cash/Willie Nelson VH1 Storytellers yesterday ****, thought it would be fun to review one of Bob Dylan's seminal records "Blonde on Blonde." But I usually listen to tracks off it randomly not the album as a whole, so this will be fun. Rainy Day Women #12 & #35 -- The carnival rambunctiousness of everybody get stoned, as it's often known. Visions of Johanna -- One of Dylan's more underrated songs. Captures the wonderful, surreal spirit of this album. I just love the playfulness of Dylan's voice on this song. And "I want you, I want you, I want you, so bad" sounds like a trite line, but totally works. Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again -- A song I don't listen to enough. Reminds me of one of my favorite Dylan songs "Ballad of a Thin Man." I don't mind him cheating on me, but I'd sure wish he'd take that off his head, you brand new leopard-skin pill-box hat. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine) -- A lot of long titles on this album. Absolutely Sweet Marie -- The playfulness and great melody is back. Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands -- Dylan is good at the long, storytelling song. There is a reason Bob Dylan is my all time 2nd favorite music performer to Johnny Cash. So many great songs on this record in ranking order (4 stars plus): Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat, Just Like a Woman, Visions of Johanna, Absolutely Sweet Marie, I Want You, Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands, Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again."
"This has to be in the top three although in saying that I also must add that Bob has at least 7 or 8 five star albums so add this to the very long list of master works."
""Everyone Must Get Stoned" brings it all back home!"
"Great CD."
"No Dylan fan should be without Blonde on Blonde."
Best General
An aptly named album if ever there was one, Not for Kids Only combines the talents of two legendary performers, the late Jerry Garcia, singer-guitarist of the Grateful Dead , and David Grisman, mandolinist and father of "dawg music," a melding of bluegrass, jazz, swing, Latin, and Jewish klezmer sounds. On this 1993 recording, the two devoted friends make seemingly effortless music, adapting traditional and old-time folk into a personalized sound so "homemade" (with jew's-harp and tambourine) as to inspire any child, young or old, to pick up whatever's at hand to play along.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Thinking of buying two for gifts........... Purchase during July when everyone else is at the beach - and get a steal of price.. on Amazon or ebay .... sometimes better prices on Amazon and better selection of sellers."
"This is now our favorite kids music album."
"Great for parents who know other less enjoyable kids songs by heart, but want to listen to something they enjoy."
"Unlike a lot of children's albums, this offers music that won't drive parents batty."
"Gift for neighbor kids."
"Everyone loves this album, such beautiful music."
"If you are tired of listening to Barney or the Wiggles, or any other obnoxious children's CD in the car with your kids, buy this CD."
"Got it for the Teddy Bears Picnic."
Best General
Sting's "Fields of Gold" finally lives up to its title through the alchemy of Cassidy's transcendent rendition, while other tracks on this anthology showcase her ease in the realms of pop (Christine McVie's "Songbird"), soul ("People Get Ready"), gospel ("Wade on the Water"), and traditional standards ("Autumn Leaves" and "Over the Rainbow"). Framed by understated jazz and pop arrangements, Cassidy's clear, soulful voice and exquisite phrasing make her that rarest of vocalists whose interpretations are a complement to any song.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Heard of Eva Cassidy on NPR and thought she would sound great on phono."
"Voice of an angel."
"I was happy to find this CD."
"I needed music to illustrate a power point I was making as a gift. Immediately I thought of Eva Cassidy so I needed her CD."
"While I love Sting's version of 'Fields of Gold', I find Eva's compelling as well."
"I first heard of Eva Cassidy in a small quilting store in Syracuse Nebraska where my wife was shopping. The masterpieces of Beethoven and Brahms and the playing of Hilary Hahn are more my kind of stuff. The songs are so heartfelt, both the lyrics themselves and Eva's singing of them that I could not help but be drawn into the music. Her passion and expression makes the music sound as if she was singing directly to me and no one else."
"It was this beautiful song and voice and I googled the artist and came up with Eva Cassidy."
"Hauntingly beautiful!"
Best Old-Time Country
Includes Drunkard's Special Coley Jones; Peg and Awl Carolina Tar Heels; Frankie Mississippi John Hurt; Engine 143 Carter Family; Indian War Whoop Hoyt Ming & His Pep-Steppers; Newport Blues Cincinnati Jug Band; John the Revelator Blind Willie Johnson; Fifty Miles of Elbow Room Rev. McGee; Sugar Baby Dock Boggs; See That My Grave Is Kept Clean Blind Lemon Jefferson; The Lone Star Trail Ken Maynard, and many more! The Harry Smith Connection: A Live Tribute To The Anthology Of American Folk Music. Classic Maritime Music from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Smithsonian Folkways American Roots Collection. Classic Mountain Songs from Smithsonian Folkways. Classic Blues From Smithsonian Folkways. Folkways: The Original Vision See all Editorial Reviews.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great gift."
"It is all it's cracked up to be."
"As much as I love Bob, I have to say that everything on this album is better than most of Bob's work."
"As someone in their mid sixties the folk music resurgence was very popular in my formative years."
"I have been waiting a long time to get this."
"What an unbelievable compilation of old musi; lyrics, history, original old "stuff" thoughout."
"this is simply the most astounding collection of music ever assembled."
"Harry Smith's carefully chosen selection of folk, religious, and popular music from the early days of American sound recording still sounds weird and wonderful--like music from a parallel universe that's strangely familiar."
Best Alternative
Mx Px ~ Life In General.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The CD arrived before the date I expected it and in the condition advertised."
"great songs, real speed and melodic punk rock all the time."
"Or punk music played by people who happen to be christains."
"if you don't own this cd, buy it."
"If you listen to the CD, it will get stuck in your head for days."
"Lots of great, fun, little songs that keep you moving."
"MXPX is the best band ever!"
"The first album they truly sound produced and professional. This album instantly brings back memories of me listening to this CD as a 17 year old kid singing along to songs like "Doing Time" and "Wonder Years." On July 17, 2010 MxPx performed the whole album from beginning to end in Las Vegas Nevada at the Hard Rock Casino's "Wasted Space.""
Best Blue-Eyed Soul
Pressed on 180 gram vinyl, original packaging.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The only bummer is the Blu-ray audio won't play audio through a DAC."
"I bought the 2-disc expanded version when it first came out, but finally got the 4-disc version and I’m thrilled with the Blu Ray 5.1 mix."
"Thanks so much to Rhino for finally giving this release the care it deserves."
"This is my very first blue ray audio disc and with the 5.1 mix it is superb!"
"The out-takes have some funny and interesting studio chatter from Van."
"It was my first Van CD and opened my eyes to a soulfulness the likes of which I had never witnessed."
"Didn't think any album would be as good as Astral Weeks and I was blown away by how good Moondance was."
"What's not to love?"
Best Blues
The album also topped many critics' "albums of the year" lists and gathered major music awards in the process, including eight Grammy Awards.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I like to play her music at home, while having a glass of wine and cooking and it's a good end to the day or to start a weekend."
"Her voice sounds even better than ever in this format. The combination of her voice and this music, along with the spaciousness of the sound, make for a great SACD."
"I highly recommend this CD if you love female vocalists - jazz, pop, country western - and to be introduced to a singer who will certainly make her mark on the music scene for years to come."
"This album was a gift to that young women who has enough of an ear to know that vinyl has a better sound than the compressed electronic formats that kids download today."
"Very talented, great voice and great songwriting as well."
"This record is perfect for laying on the floor on a warm afternoon with the sun shing through the window."
"I love the mix of tunes on this album -- and Nora sings every song from her heart."
"One of my favorite vinyl records."
Best Music of El Salvador
Chanchona, literally "big sow," takes its name from the size & shape of the stringed bass that anchors this ensemble's music.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great cd whose loves salvadorian music..."
"I also love that the singers sound so real and unedited, instead of musically mastered by studio equipment."
"I enjoy this cd; however, i bought it for our nanny to play to our little boy."