Reviews Written by Benjamin

Louder, louder, louder!

Pros: a few select tracks are ON

Cons: too sloooow

No surprises here, Hans Zimmer's Da Vinci Code soundtrack is heavy on cathedral choruses and strings, with tracks starting softly, then building, building, building to the moment of truth.
Ultimately, the score is very quiet, as it frequently relies on a single instrument or voice for several beats, making for better relaxation music than the sound of a multi-million dollar thriller based on a bestseller that stirred controversy with the Catholic Church.
This doesn't mean the music is bad, it just doesn't rank with Zimmer masterpieces such as Gladiator and The Lion King, but it certainly had the potential considering the subject matter.
Zimmer, one of the best composers out there, has set the bar high for himself, and the Da Vinci Code score on its own doesn't stand out. ...

Rare? Huh?

Pros: It's Korn

Cons: Epic released it

This album shouldn't have been made. Not because of the music, but because it was put out by Korn's former label, Epic, obviously trying to get paid as Korn promotes 'See You on the Other Side.' This is a suit's album, plain and simple. As of the release date (May 9, 2006), Korn hasn't even mentioned it on their website!
On to the album itself... there is nothing rare here. It's basically their greatest hits - live. Many Korn fans might even have tracks that are on this album. The live version of Metallica's 'One' is here - the same 'hidden' track on 'Take a Look in the Mirror.'
However, that doesn't make it bad... It's fun to listen to, and it's always a bonus when you can hear the crowd singing along, especially the chorus. But still, this shouldn't have been made at all. Had Jonathan Davis been involved, I'm sure it would've been better. ...

For Younger Fans, Yeah! is Huh?

Pros: It's still Def Leppard

Cons: Flavor has worn out

There are two types of Def Leppard fans now - the ones who grew up listening to and enjoying the songs DL covers on Yeah!, and those who are hearing many of those songs for the first time now and wondering why it wasn't called Huh?

Several of these songs may have been the flavor of the moment back in the 70s (just as some consider Def Leppard the flavor of the moment in the mid-80s), but there's a reason many of them are no longer played today, even on the classic rock stations. The flavor has worn out. It's certainly fine that the older generation is now re-embracing these songs, but the glam rock of the 70's won't be finding a new generation of listeners anytime soon, even with Def Leppard bringing them back to the forefront with well-produced covers.

But it's Def Leppard - we've gotta buy the album regardless, and there are at least a couple of tracks worth listening a few more times than a couple. David Essex's Rock On is all right, and bonus points for Phil Collen singing Rod Stewart's Stay With Me (although it sounds like Joe Elliot). But younger fans won't be adding anything other than those two to their playlists. ...

Educated Zombie

Pros: more of the same Zombie

Cons: more of the same Zombie

Rob Zombie is comfortable and secure with himself. Even in the movies, after House of 1000 Corpses, he went at it again with The Devil's Rejects. And now we've got Educated Horses, not remarkably different from The Sinister Urge or Hellbilly Deluxe. It's just another dark - yet fun at the time - rock n' roll album Zombie Style. He sticks to musical and lyrical formulas, not switching up enough to alienate long-time fans, nor does the album sound exactly like the others. After all, on this one, he keeps mentioning Educated Horses on different songs. Not sure what that means, but it's fun to pick it out.
Zombie only puts albums out every five years or so, and though this album is fairly short, it has enough quality music to enjoy until his next project. ...

Greatest Hits That Don't Insult Kim

Pros: "When I'm Gone," "Lose Yourself," live "Stan"

Cons: The corny ones

This is ultimately a greatest hits album that doesn't contain songs that insult Eminem's ex-wife, Kim, who he recently reconsiled with. Therefore, many great songs are missing, like "Til I Collapse," which has lyrics about her being addicted to smack.

"My Name Is," "The Real Slim Shady," and "Just Lose it," all corny songs that helped him sell millions, are present here, and they don't age well. The references are old and not as funny as they may have been the first few times around.

Also present are "Lose Yourself" (argueably his best song ever), "Stan," "Mockingbird,"; and "Like Toy Soldiers." These are all great songs, and he even added the live version of "Stan" with Elton John at the Grammies. Great choice, especially since that wasn't on any other album.

Then there's the song "When I'm Gone," which is worth the price of the entire CD. Marshal Mathers confesses his fears about the relationship with his daughter, and hints that he may be done with music for a while. It's his version of Harry Chapin's "Cats in the Cradle" (not a remix, though, just to be clear). Anyone who doesn't like Eminem for the way he portrays himself might think differently after hearing this. It's not only a great song, but perhaps the hardest one he ever had to write, and it single-handedly saves this album. ...

Death to the Repeated Live Songs!

Pros: 8 New Live Songs

Cons: 8 Songs I've Heard Live Before

Every time Iron Maiden puts out a studio album, a live album is soon to follow. That isn't a bad thing in theory, but when they put out a double disc with the same songs as their previous live album, it's a waste. Who needs another live "Run to the Hills" or "Number of the Beast"? Fortunately, on "Death on the Road," they do six songs from "Dance of Death," and two older songs - "Can I Play With Madness" and "Lords of the Flies." If you have their other live albums, especially "Rock in Rio," those are the only songs you'll want from this.
Of course, like with any greatest hits album, the only people who get their money's worth are those who don't own their previous albums. But for the diehard fans, oh well... ...

"Head"less Korn Delivers

Pros: More of the same... only different

Cons: No rap collaboration!

After losing guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, Korn opted to release another album without using a replacement, and the results are hardly noticeable. Monky picks up the slack and it Korn delivers another 14 bare-knuckled, in-your-face tracks. While there aren't as many radio-friendly tunes on this album as in the past, fans will still enjoy Korn's unique sound that changes just enough on each album to remain fresh.
Korn released a limited edition of "See you on the Other Side" that contains five extra songs and a couple of videos.
"It's Me Again" and "Last Legal Drug" are two of the best songs on the entire album, yet several fans won't hear them if they don't buy the limited edition.
One thing missing from this album is the rap collaboration that Korn has done on several of their previous albums. However, a cover of Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" should be on the way. ...

Ten Thousand Fists, 14 Gems

Pros: The entire album

Cons: Too much barking

Disturbed delivers yet another hard-hitting hour-plus of metal on their third album, "Ten Thousand Fists," with sharp cutting-lyrics and chords that sound best at deafening decibels. While "Stricken" has already made its way to the airwaves, the title cut, "Just Stop" and "I'm Alive" are bound to follow. These are mostly radio-friendly tunes, people, though this is a band that seems like their music is only appreciated by brain-dead high schoolers.
The only awkward part is singer David Draiman's guttural throat-clearing bark that he used perfectly on 2000's "The Sickness." Here, it's used almost on every track, and needlessly on the cover of Genesis's "Land of Confusion." But that alone can't drag down this album too much, because Disturbed ultimately packs another 14 high-energy gems into another fantastic album. ...

Disappointing