REVIEW: R.E.M.-PART LIES, PART HEART, PART TRUTH, PART GARBAGE 1982-2011

5/5

R.I.P.R.E.M.

Fans of one of the last, great, decade spanning rock and roll bands can't believe it, or at least refuse to (I know I do). R.E.M. are really going to sleep with the rapid eye movements and calling it quits. Rolling Stone called them 'the best band in the world'. These nice guys certainly and genuinely where and now they finally finish last, shaking hands and outlasting all their peers over the years. Now another 'Greatest Hits' package is expected, but this is the mother of them. 'Part Lies, Part Heart, Part Truth, Part Garbage 1982–2011' shows the bans humility, honesty, humour and most importantly heart-filled hits. Just under 30 years of classics are brought together for 40 tracks over two tremendous discs, essential for die-hard, to new born fans.

From the independent 'I.R.S. Years' to the latest and last tracks from the band, the new and old are brought together seamlessly on an epic but cohesive set. This coda to their career is as classic as their tremendous tenure. This Warner Bros. music release is such a soundtrack to many generations it's cinematic. This band need a film like Pearl Jam. They defined the expansion, growth and now the nostalgic love of the nighties. Step forward Spielberg. From the bands first 'Gardening at Night' outing off the 'Chronic Town' E.P., to the last devotion of 'Oh My Heart' off this years formidable and final album 'Collapse Into Now' it's all here, loud and clear.

'Everybody Hurts', 'Man On The Moon', 'What's the Frequency, Kenneth?', 'The One I Love', 'It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)', 'The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite', 'Shiny Happy People', 'Losing My Religion', 'Nightswimming', 'Electrolite' and 'Orange Crush' can all be heard too from a band that have too many classics of not just theirs, but modern music itself to remember all in one go. This is where this definitive guide comes into play. Merging classic albums of the early days (like 'Fables of the Reconstruction' and 'Life's Rich Pageant' (which was honoured with it's own 25th Anniversary special this year) to the peak time of 'Out of Time' and 'Automatic For The People' and beyond to the later greats of 'Up' and 'Reveal' to make a catalogue collection that makes this collective stand out, showing as a band they really had something more than the rest.

'So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry)', '(Don't Go Back To) Rockville', 'Fall On Me' and truly the 'Finest Worksong' help show new fans just how defining R.E.M. Where in their early years. While the likes of 'Bad Day' (although originally recorded for 'Pageant' we learnt this year), 'At My Most Beautiful', 'The Great Beyond', 'Imitation of Life', 'Leaving New York' and the wild energy of 'Living Well Is the Best Revenge' show the old heads that Stipe, Buck and Mill still had it. If that isn't enough than there is always the serious and significant new single 'We All Go Back to Where We Belong', the most-high 'Hallelujah' and the strong-end of 'A Month of Saturdays' to finish this compilation and the bands collection.

This really is a definitive package of one of the worlds most defining bands but to get to know one of the greatest bands better you really have to go beyond the hits. The depth and dignity of a trio that embodies these qualities to the letters of the words of their songs are really found in the individual albums. This is no sales pitch, this really is how it is for a band that has a classic for an album. You can't quantify decades of definition into a double disc (besides it's criminal that more tracks from the incredible 'Up' aren't in pride of place here, I mean 'Daysleeper' was a huge hit regardless). It will come to die-hard fans creating their own compilations, mixtapes and playlists, but still this stunning set will more than do. What won't is what we'll do now the last disc of the band that saved rock and roll music is pressed and released. Now that's a cut. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: IDLE WARSHIP-HABITS OF THE HEART

4/5

Time to worship these idols.

You have to love a super-group that works and comes true. Legendary Brooklyn M.C. and rappers rapper Talib Kweli formed a group with Philadelphia neo-soul singer Res in 2008. They called this group Idle Warship and with former member (Toronto rapper Graph Nobel) they released a darling of a debut mixtape for free ('Party Robot') featuring some stunning singles ('Screamin'', 'Black Snake Moan', 'Steady' and 'Fall Back'). Now three years after their inception the duo who have collaborated on many classic Kweli songs before since his 2000 debut ('Too Late', 'Where Do We Go', 'We Got The Beat', 'Soul Music', 'Everything Man' and most recently 'Back Again') finally release their long-awaited and anticipated debut album 'Habits Of The Heart'.

You have to love 'Habits'. Experimental hip-hop soul that haters will hate and lovers will...well you get it. This is Lucy Pearl with balls and rhymes. The die-hards are going to go nuts. It's not hard to tell that these two top stars are on the top of their respective games. They're last two independent albums (Kwe's 'Gutter Rainbows' and Res' 'Black.Girls.Rock') furthered the two individual talents, showing just how much they stand alone and stand out. Now together they reach all new heights. From the Latin loving 'Enemy' opener to the classy, crazy closer 'Driving Me Insane' or the up-top, hot 'Burning Desire' for those itunes aficionado's.

The lead single 'Laser Beams' furthers the lightening strike of this energetic, Electronic dance, electrohop duo. For 40 relentless, rap and R&B revolutionary minutes the pair get stuck into the 'Habits Of The Heart' with a knife and fork like the woman on the albums artwork. Covering all genre bending, envelope pushing bases the pair hit-hard on the decks of clubs with 'The Floor'. From the praised 'God Bless My Soul' to the fast-paced, city slicking 'Rat Race' and the gorgeously good 'Beautifully Bad', the pair rock over guitars, soul and funk.

When this collaborative effort features more guest spots this album comes together all the more completely. Kay Cola rocks like Incubus on 'Are You In', while Jay Knocka goes hard on 'System Addict', but once again it's Kweli's rhyming partner Jean Grae that steals the show, showing she really is a super-talent to marvel at. Frequent collaborators Chester French and John Forte make record assisting dreams come true on 'Covered in Fantasy'. 'Katya' is another shining, creative gem featuring Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child. All throughout this album it's clear this rapper and singer were meant to be together. From Talib Kweli's intelligent, complex, classic, put together lyrics to Res charismatic, classy and sultry singing after all these years lying idle on record company shelving this Warship is finally ready to set sail...and what a maiden voyage. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

REVIEW: WALE-AMBITION

3/5

From 'Ambition' to achievement.

D.C. rapper Wale hasn't been in the public eye for long, but the Washington rapper is looking to get presidential with his ambitious sophomore release. Besides this is a hip-hop star who's released two mixtapes with themes from hit, classic comedy show 'Seinfeld' ('The Mixtape About Nothing' and 'More About Nothing') and managed to get Lady Gaga on one of his records when other top rappers couldn't. Now with more 'Ambition' comes Wale's latest.

From the albums latest self- titled single (featuring Meek Mill to Maybach Music label leader and Wale signer Rick Ross) to the former 'Focused' release featuring the growing talent of Kid Cudi this really is a determined effort for greatness and it all buzzes and blooms like the lead single 'Lotus Flower Bomb'. More explosive heat can be heard from South Beach on the club-ready 'Miami Nights' which is ready to really get the party going. The albums intro 'Don't Hold Your Applause' really demands an ovation from this 'Double M Genius' who's showing flashes of brilliance and 'Legendary' qualities.

Wale stands proud and firm footed with some worthy credits next to his A-list guest starring on this album. He holds Atlanta singer Lloyd on hook hostage with his velvet smooth verses on 'Sabotage', while his 'so sick' rhymes keep the cool feel on 'White Linen (Coolin')' with R&B leading man Ne-Yo. More ambitious effort is seen and heard on 'Slight Work' with raps latest and greatest newcomer; the Kanye West certified Big Sean. Rick Ross features again with Jeremih on 'That Way' but Wale still leads. He also doe his city proud on 'D.C. Or Nothing' as Sam Dew also shows he's something too.

With fresh kinetic beats and an energetic, passionate flow Wale shows more fulfilled promise going from raw talent to a bonafide star in 16 bars. Unlocking his potential Wale treads the fine-line between underground and mainstream styles without falling off the tightrope. From his hard working 'No Days Off' Twitter hash-tag campaign to the actual song itself to the rattling hit sound of 'Chain Music' Wale laces the hip-hop genre with more tight rhymes. Looks like he'll be tied down in the studio for even more in-demand music in the future. Ambition fulfilled. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TGT (Tank, Ginuwine & Tyrese)-'THE GIANT THREE'

In 2011 R&B is about to get real grown.

By Tim David Harvey

Rhythm and blues music is all about heart, devotion and soul. It's all about 'Sex, Love & Pain', 'The Life' and powerful music like '2000 Watts'. It isn't about, auto-tunes, disrespecting women or basic things like clubbing and drinking. It's about the finer things in life. It's about those intimate moments with that special person. It's all about love. It's about partnership.

With the group TGT, you have the perfect partnership. R&B's big three like the Miami Heat in basketball. Instead of LeBron James, Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh however we have Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank, three grown men, moving units and females hearts. Three of the realest singer/songwriters and even producers of their generation. Sure label pains have made the birth of this supergroups debut more than overdue, but that hasn't stopped these hard workers grind. From Slim Thug features to remixes and unreleased gems these solo acts have kept it moving and as for their own projects, it only gets better.

Tank dropped his latest, greatest, 'Now Or Never' just this last fall. While 'Elgin' came out around Valentines. In-between films, Tyrese isn't being left out either as his 'Open Invitation' has made it an open season for classic R&B this year on the historic 11/01/11. 2011 is about to button up, shape up and look real grown. So if your sick of all this watered down, throwaway pop, R&B that dominates the charts, take three of these and call the request line in the morning.

T is for Tank. Once underrated, now celebrated like his big collabo with Drake. From penning and producing hits from everyone from Marques Houston to Jamie Foxx, it was about time that this unselfish talent was given the Hollywood treatment. He really is a problem...in a good way. When 'Sex, Love & Pain' was released the industry was blessed with an R&B album that covered every aspect from 'I Love You' to 'I Hate You'. Tank really brought a battalion of hits. He should have got the Grammy. He heated up with 'Coldest' and married himself to pushing the concept envelope with his incredible 'Wedding Song'. If R&B was missing a true voice, dun, dun, dah, it arrived. The man with the superman physique, became an R&B hero to marvel at.

Tank followed his classic with another great album to close out last year. 'Now or Never' is still heating up the R&B and mainstream charts like it's single 'Emergency'. Once again Durrell Babbs resuscitated R&B from it's state of alert with an album to save those late night playlists. Now the acclaim comes as Tank and R&B are far away from situation critical. Writing, singing and producing, Tank is involved in the whole process of his work. Now with that degree of study to music, how could you deny and not dedicate your time to this guy? Now the songs keep coming and Tank's phone keeps ringing. He went for his with a 'Now & Never' outlook and this is his moment. Don't forget it.

G is for Ginuwine. The genuine article when it comes to R&B singers. He's a legend. He brought the dancing before Ne-Yo, before Chris Brown, before even Usher. FACT! A superfriend years before LeBron took his talents to South Beach. With his family of Missy Elliott, Timbaland, the legendary Static Major (R.I.P.) and Aaliyah (Rest in peace and happy birthday baby girl), G made some of urban music's most classic and timeless records. Music hasn't been the same since. Sorry Nelly Furtado but 'Pony' is Timbo's most original, freshest song, still to this day and it's all G. Sorry Justin but nothing sounds as good as 'Tha Bachelor'. Even after G has given '100%' and so many classic L.P's, as 'The Senior' in the game he still remains one of the most underrated talents in music.

One thing that is certain, is that he is one of the best. Sure the Timbaland collaborations may be getting as slimmer as the producer himself these days (but who knows what will come over the next few 'Thursdays') but Elgin Lumpkin's style and substance have evolved and matured even more over his career. Just check out the tracks 'Love You More' or 'I'm Still In Love' to see his devotion. Ever since 'The Senior', Ginuwine has gone 'Back To The Basics' and showed every true, real aspect of 'A Man's Thoughts' with countless quality numbers over the last decade. G has continued his run of hits and rich, deep album tracks, getting real personal on Valentines Day with 'Elgin'. Elgin Baylor went all classic like his Los Angeles Laker namesake with the perfect soundtrack for the most devoted holiday of the year, provide a disc full of 21 and older, love songs like the 'Heaven' sent first single or the coldest cut 'Frozen' and the single 'Break' which brought the whole album together. 'Elgin' is another classic in the G man's catalogue.

T is for Tyrese. Ever since the kid with the big smile and an even bigger voice stepped on the bus and sang about a soft drink the hard work and thirst for success hasn't stopped. From his self-titled debut to his big hit movie with Snoop Dogg, this 'Baby Boy' has really grown. He's a bonafide actor and singer whether with his 'Four Brothers' or the other two letters that make his music group. Ty really advanced far with 'I Wanna Go There', and the smash hits, 'How You Gonna Act Like That' and 'You Don't Give A Damn About Me' that opened the album. Still it was the double disc, rap and R&B set 'Alter Ego' which really displayed this mans multiple talents. With his rap personality Black-Ty, Tyrese moulded himself into a legit rapper and confirmed himself as a real triple threat. As for the R&B, Black-Ty still got down, making some of his best music with 'Come Back To Me Shawty', 'Gotta Get You' and the standout single, 'One'.

Even Lady Gaga and Beyonce can't stop this man. Pick up the telephone and go tell somebody about this guys inspirational characters on Twitter and his great book, 'How To Get Out Of Your Own Way'. Tyrese is crafting himself another career as an incredible motivational speaker. Still he hasn't forgot about music, even in-between his further, great support of the awesome 'Fast & Furious' and 'Transformer' franchises. Between chrome and robotics you've see Mr. Gibson line the silver screen this Summer but a new albums here too this fall. Thanks to his fans tweets we've received an 'Open Invitation' to what Ty's got in store from the studio. From the hot club record 'Too Easy' (with fellow 'Fast', petrol-head Ludacris) to the sublime 'Stay', 'I'm Home' and 'I Miss That Girl' this album is fast, furious and set to transform the game.

It's no coincidence that these three men joined forces a couple years back. Thanks to their versatile and focused talents they are on a real hot streak in their own respective works. As if their careers weren't great enough already, coming off their greatest albums the big three are about to add more perfect projects to the resume. All that's left now is for their record companies to get it together and release this group out of music, politics purgatory, because with the legend Ginuwine, Hollywood's Tyrese and music's master Tank, TGT have every ingredient of real R&B. Now isn't that a recipe for success? Time to say bye, bye to fast food R&B and rewind and take it back to some classic talent. Get your tape decks ready and let 'em play.

REVIEW: JOE-THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE SEXY

3.5/5

Another signature Joe joint.

This R&B superstar is not your average Joe. Despite being an itunes and Amazon search nightmare Joe Thomas has sold millions of albums. From the classic 'And Then...' and sort of self-titled 'My Name Is Joe' to the regular release latest ('Aint Nothin' Like Me', 'Joe Thomas, New Man' and 'Signature'). From stuttering to collaborating with everyone from N*Sync ('I Believe In You') and Mariah Carey ('Thank God I Found You' featuring Nas), to covering Marvin Gaye ('Come Get To This') Joe has always known how to make hit records. Treading the fine line between a Usher and a Carl Thomas, Joe Thomas has career carved a niche for himself. That's why he's back like he never left with his ninth album; 'The Good, The Bad, The Sexy'.

This 'G.B.S' piece starts all cinematic with the storytelling 'Losing' which really is worth a listen as it's a winner of a track. Then Joe has a Swayze on the upbeat 'Time of Your Life' as he gives us his platinum and gold sound. 'Almost There' and 'Circles' keep this signature sound of the solo singer going before things get real nasty on 'Pull My Hair'. As 'Dear Joe' and 'Slow Kisses' come into play things get even more personal as this album goes from 'the good' to 'the sexy'.

Then it goes to the club with the night-spot certified, out-there 'Lose Control' and the tailor-made 'Tonight', before Joe suits up smart for the 'Impossible'. This album is full of cuts that bleed quality and control, you could pop this album into your car stereo, CD changer, or play it at a party or with the one you love all night long. Still, as last orders are called on this L.P. 'Drink Up' is the perfect toast to another classy, cohesive collection from modern souls smoothest. With another good album for the grown and sexy this is anything but bad or the ugly. It's all looking good and regular for Joe. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

CD CHANGER ALBUM SELECT OF THE WEEK: BRANDON FLOWERS-FLAMINGO

5/5

A 'Killer' debut from a singer in full bloom.

'The Killers' front man Brandon Flowers uses his hometown of Las Vegas as the perfect backdrop and metaphorical inspiration for his debut solo set. Now although solo albums from lead singers of bands often times seems unnecessary, (especially as the singers will need a backing band anyway) with a personality and a name like Brandon Flowers it was only a matter of time before this front man bloomed into a star on his own. Now after four brilliant albums with his band, Mr. Flowers time to grow is now and his devlopment leads off with the incredibly catchy, first single 'Crossfire'. An undeniable song that hits everything in it's path like the incredible Charlize Theron in the songs video.

The album is 'Killer' both in it's sound and in it's quality. There may be other elements of classic rock thrown in and inspirations from other artists taken but above all this is Brandon Flowers' album. The LP starts with the atmospheric cut 'Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas' which is Springsteen-esque in it's all or nothing spirit that is mixed into a cautionary cocktail that goes down smoothly. Flowers on the chorus tells it like it is, "Give us your dreamers, your harlots and your sin, Las Vegas, Didn't nobody tell you the house will always win?" It's a perfect 'welcoming' to the album and a sign of things to come on a disc that highlights the love but also the loneliness of a city that makes or breaks.

The album feels as vintage and as stylish as it's cover which feature Flowers in an old-deco hotel room overlooking the neon lights of Nevada's most famous town. There's something about these neon lights that are both welcoming and isolating, a subtle sign that even entertainers get lonely. It all seems to stand up just the way Flowers does in deserted solitude on the cover of his first album where he goes it alone. The feeling of introspection in this 'Cold Desert' is as crisp and haunting as the Kings of Leon song of the same name. Take a look at the way Flowers is sat on the cover for the deluxe version of 'Flamingo' (Which features standout tracks like 'Jacksonville' and 'I Came Here To Get Over You') to see this form of expression reflected further.

One of the best atmospheric and introspective tracks on the album is the gem 'Playing With Fire' which may just be a classic for Flowers' discography. The six minute number features evocative lyrics over haunting guitars including lines that stay with you like 'Those charcoal veins that hold this chosen land together/May twist & turn but somewhere deep there is a heart' and 'Ten thousand/Demons hammer down with every footstep/Ten thousand Angels rush the wind against my back/The church of mine may not be recognised by steeple/That doesn't mean that I will walk without a God.'

The album is named 'Flamingo' after a road in Vegas, which laid venue to Flowers first job (at a golf course), a casino that inspired the name of 'The Killers' second album ('Sam's Town') and a clothing store where Brandon met his wife. Again just like Bruce Springsteen Flowers uses his inspirations from the area around him to tell us everything about his experiences,which thus make the perfect songs. Songs like next single 'Only The Young' the introspective number 'Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts' and the epic sounding 'On The Floor' , complete with it's sequel for those deluxe listeners. Brandon's narrative brings the songs a detailed background and content while his abilities to write and craft the perfect pop chorus bring the songs to life. Which. in turn will enable them to breathe in the charts while still holding significant enough depth.

Of course while 'The Killers' are on 'hiatus' this album serves as a decent filler but alas there is nothing like an album with his fellow band mates. On his own on this one Flowers had described the recording process as being 'lonely' and although it'll be a welcome reunion when the band rejoin him in their studio, this lonesome feeling has resulted in some of Brandon Flowers most honest work to date. Brandon may have taken a gamble on this one, but without a full deck he still plays his cards right. TIM DAVID HARVEY

TAPE DECK SHUFFLE-The Top 10 Workout Songs For November

By Chris Lawhorn

This month's top 10 list has a little of what you'd expect—and a little you might not.Flo Rida, who's no stranger to this list, shows up in two tracks this month. Enrique Iglesias continues his transition from balladeer to club rocker.And Kelly Clarkson, after faltering with the first single off her new album, bounced back ferociously with the second.

As for surprises, they're mostly entries from folks relatively new on the dance scene. Highlights include songs from Tim Berg (who remixed his own track under his Avicii moniker), Skrillex (whose collaboration with Kaskade is the first dubstep track ever the make the Top 10), and Wolfgang Gartner (who's made the chart with a little help from Will.I.Am).

Here's the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred--the web's most popular blog for workout songs.

Tim Berg - Seek Bromance (Avicii Vocal Edit) - 127 BPM

Alex Gaudino & Kelly Rowland - What A Feeling (Hardwell Remix) - 130 BPM

Wolfgang Gartner & Will.I.Am - Forever - 128 BPM

Hot Chelle Rae - Tonight Tonight (Goldstein Remix) - 118 BPM

Taio Cruz & Flo Rida - Hangover - 129 BPM

Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull & The WAV.s - I Like How It Feels - 129 BPM

Kaskade & Skrillex - Lick It - 128 BPM

Adrian Lux - Teenage Crime (Axwell & Henrik B Remode) - 128 BPM

Flo Rida - Good Feeling - 129 BPM

Kelly Clarkson - What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) - 117 BPM

To find more workout songs--and hear next month's contenders--folks can check out Run Hundred's free database of music for working out.Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

Contact:
Chris Lawhorn
Run Hundred
http://www.RunHundred.com