BEST OF SUEDE 2 DISC EXTRAGALACTIC STRENGTH FOR ALL YOU BOPPERS OUT THERE

 If anything would convince you how sadly underrated this band was in the U.S. it's this collection. Suede wasn't just a 90s "Britpop" band, even if they unintentionally heralded the coinage of the term. 


They were - and are - exciting, loud, shocking, suggestive - and beautiful. This collection includes singles on the first disc and other tracks and B-sides on the second. All tracks were remastered and some of the early songs - So Young, Pantomime Horse - really shine, especially on a quality sound system. 

It's also a collection carefully compiled by the band itself (and particularly Brett Anderson, the singer) over several months, and the order of the tracklisting shows this; it's perfect and should be listened to _at least once_ in the order here. 

One detraction: Stay Together is the edited version (missing one chorus and the ending with the "rap"). But given the amount of space this is understandable. 

Suede is a band much compared to the Smiths and to early Bowie, and in some sense they are similar - lyrical depth, unique guitar sound and that certain charisma associated with Morrissey and Bowie - but they stand apart as their own sound entirely and should not be missed by any music fan. W.irving

MANU CHAO......PROXIMA...ESTACION................................................

 I'm a huge fan of Mano Negra and Manu Chao and it's been interesting to see how the sound has evolved over the years. "Clandestino" is an immense solo album, and "Proxima Estacion:Esperanza", while lacking some of the spiritual depth of the first effort, is still a great album exploring different themes. The whole CD sounds like a journey, and is a great CD to add to your road trip collection. Manu definitely takes a lighter approach mood-wise with this album compared to "Clandestino", which is refreshing - otherwise we'd have "Clandestino II". Still, the tracks are standouts in their own Manu way. "Denia" isn't full of Middle Eastern instruments, yet with the minimal vocals, Arabic calling, smooth guitar and steam whistles somehow I feel like I'm on a train in Morrocco anyway. "Papito" is nothing but silliness, and there's nothing wrong with that. Not every song has to be talking about the plight of the world for him to prove he's "matured" as an artist. He does take the musical background of "Bongo Bong" and instill it in a number of tracks here ("Mr.Bobby" & "Homens"), and the music starting with "La Primavera" (a track that I prefer over the hit "Me Gustas Tu") continues throughout the CD as well. There could have been a bit more originality there, but needless to say, there's some great laughs, some high energy, and some mellow moments, which makes this definitely one of the CDs that travels with me whenever I go anywhere. I wish I knew all 5 languages (Spanish, French, Portuguese, Arabic, English) that appeared on this album (I only know 3), but that doesn't take away from enjoying Manu at his zany best. Hope another one comes soon...Pma

Merry Xmas etc etc etc

 Hi every body!!!!!!!!
I hope you are all well and looking forward to Xmas? I know I am, its the one time of year I can buy loads of cds without my wife getting on my case, bless her. I've been really busy for the last few months, how time flies. Anyway back to more important matters ie  the Xmas cd bonanza. I've got some great bargains over at Amazon  I always buy the second hand cds most are as good as brand new and it saves on the postage. But you need to hurry if you want them delivered before Xmas
ps check out the blog its linked to Amazon. I know times are tough out there= equals bargains
If I DONT POST AGAIN BEFORE XMAS HAVE A GREAT TIME
Dave