Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Welsh wizardry, 03 Oct 2007
The quality of the accompanyments and the production quality are outstanding. This is undoubtedly the best Welsh Male Voice choir recording in my collection.


Powerful Voices That Can Only Be WELSH, 21 Jan 2004
A very fine compilation of Choral music sung by some of the finest choirs in all of the world. If you appreciate Welsh Choirs at their very best then this album is very definatley for you. Enjoy Dioch l'r lor sung by the Pontarddulais Male voice or Hen wlad fy nhadau by the Morriston Orpheus Choir a very moving rendition. The Treorchy Male choir are not left out their version of Sospan Fach is beautiful.

Moving!, 17 Jul 2001
This was one of the first welsh choir cd`s to litterally move me to tears. The power and strength in the voices of the singers is overwhelming and conjures up a high level of emmotion. Anyone familiar with the voices of the dragon will enjoy.

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Welsh wizardry, 03 Oct 2007
The quality of the accompanyments and the production quality are outstanding. This is undoubtedly the best Welsh Male Voice choir recording in my collection.


Powerful Voices That Can Only Be WELSH, 21 Jan 2004
A very fine compilation of Choral music sung by some of the finest choirs in all of the world. If you appreciate Welsh Choirs at their very best then this album is very definatley for you. Enjoy Dioch l'r lor sung by the Pontarddulais Male voice or Hen wlad fy nhadau by the Morriston Orpheus Choir a very moving rendition. The Treorchy Male choir are not left out their version of Sospan Fach is beautiful.

Moving!, 17 Jul 2001
This was one of the first welsh choir cd`s to litterally move me to tears. The power and strength in the voices of the singers is overwhelming and conjures up a high level of emmotion. Anyone familiar with the voices of the dragon will enjoy.

A review isnt needed for this, its truly AMAZING! , 03 Jul 2008
seen them loads of times and the album is everything and more than what i expected!

enjoy

Good Band Gone Rad!, 15 Jun 2008
Well Kids In Glass Houses have definately caused a stir in the scene for 2 years now and ever since they have plagued us with the most addictive and boisterous pop songs written in a while! Their EP release 'E-pocalypse' got the attention they deserved and now they're back! With even more addictively catchy songs to blast out of your stereo! The whole album is very cheery and is one which puts a smile on your face from the moment you press play =]

The opener 'Fisticuffs' is a bold start to the album, the drums are upbeat and hit harder than ever and the guitar riff is catchy as hell......already from the opener your beginning to see what KIGH have to offer! 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' are familliar from their EP release and still don't loose their edge and will rope you in some more with their upbeat melodies and their monstrous choruses. They follow the same mantra for tracks like 'Good Boys Gone Rad' with the band chanting 'Its easy play D-E-A-D' like cheerleaders and 'Girls' which offers running bass lines and a bouncy uplifting guitar riff with uptempo vocals.

However, this in my opinion, is one of the main problems of this album, the overall sound is 'safe' even though the record itself shows they have potential as a band, the music at times can sound very similar and contrited. Also 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' also known as 'Me Me Me' making the cut for this album seems like Roadrunner are cashing in on KIGH previous efforts which is a shame really because it doesnt provide anything new for the fans to listen to, however this doesn't detract from the fact that this is a great record.

I mean feel good hits of summer on this album are probably from 'Saturday', 'Lovely Bones' and 'Dance All Night' and are probably the best tracks on the entire album for a simple reason. They are fantastically written pop songs and are the most infectious and feel good songs they have to offer which is what these bright-eyed welsh pop-rockers aim to do! Finally, the closer 'Church Tongue' is probably one my favourites on the album because of the brilliant lyrics, the addictively catchy tune and whats a closer without some 'Na Na Na Na's' to send you on your way!

Not a bad release if I say so myself, but its sure to be one of the most feel good summer anthems this year! And if you get the chance see these guys live! They're amazing! =D

Top Tracks: 'Dance All Night', 'Church Tongue', 'Lovely Bones'

Brilliant British Debut, 30 May 2008
I have been a fan of this band for over 2 years and have been waiting for this album for what seems like forever. And it definetely was worth the wait. It is an amazingly accomplished offering from these young welsh men. In their own words, it's a bit poppy and it's a bit rocky. It's also the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Welsh wizardry, 03 Oct 2007
The quality of the accompanyments and the production quality are outstanding. This is undoubtedly the best Welsh Male Voice choir recording in my collection.


Powerful Voices That Can Only Be WELSH, 21 Jan 2004
A very fine compilation of Choral music sung by some of the finest choirs in all of the world. If you appreciate Welsh Choirs at their very best then this album is very definatley for you. Enjoy Dioch l'r lor sung by the Pontarddulais Male voice or Hen wlad fy nhadau by the Morriston Orpheus Choir a very moving rendition. The Treorchy Male choir are not left out their version of Sospan Fach is beautiful.

Moving!, 17 Jul 2001
This was one of the first welsh choir cd`s to litterally move me to tears. The power and strength in the voices of the singers is overwhelming and conjures up a high level of emmotion. Anyone familiar with the voices of the dragon will enjoy.

A review isnt needed for this, its truly AMAZING! , 03 Jul 2008
seen them loads of times and the album is everything and more than what i expected!

enjoy

Good Band Gone Rad!, 15 Jun 2008
Well Kids In Glass Houses have definately caused a stir in the scene for 2 years now and ever since they have plagued us with the most addictive and boisterous pop songs written in a while! Their EP release 'E-pocalypse' got the attention they deserved and now they're back! With even more addictively catchy songs to blast out of your stereo! The whole album is very cheery and is one which puts a smile on your face from the moment you press play =]

The opener 'Fisticuffs' is a bold start to the album, the drums are upbeat and hit harder than ever and the guitar riff is catchy as hell......already from the opener your beginning to see what KIGH have to offer! 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' are familliar from their EP release and still don't loose their edge and will rope you in some more with their upbeat melodies and their monstrous choruses. They follow the same mantra for tracks like 'Good Boys Gone Rad' with the band chanting 'Its easy play D-E-A-D' like cheerleaders and 'Girls' which offers running bass lines and a bouncy uplifting guitar riff with uptempo vocals.

However, this in my opinion, is one of the main problems of this album, the overall sound is 'safe' even though the record itself shows they have potential as a band, the music at times can sound very similar and contrited. Also 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' also known as 'Me Me Me' making the cut for this album seems like Roadrunner are cashing in on KIGH previous efforts which is a shame really because it doesnt provide anything new for the fans to listen to, however this doesn't detract from the fact that this is a great record.

I mean feel good hits of summer on this album are probably from 'Saturday', 'Lovely Bones' and 'Dance All Night' and are probably the best tracks on the entire album for a simple reason. They are fantastically written pop songs and are the most infectious and feel good songs they have to offer which is what these bright-eyed welsh pop-rockers aim to do! Finally, the closer 'Church Tongue' is probably one my favourites on the album because of the brilliant lyrics, the addictively catchy tune and whats a closer without some 'Na Na Na Na's' to send you on your way!

Not a bad release if I say so myself, but its sure to be one of the most feel good summer anthems this year! And if you get the chance see these guys live! They're amazing! =D

Top Tracks: 'Dance All Night', 'Church Tongue', 'Lovely Bones'

Brilliant British Debut, 30 May 2008
I have been a fan of this band for over 2 years and have been waiting for this album for what seems like forever. And it definetely was worth the wait. It is an amazingly accomplished offering from these young welsh men. In their own words, it's a bit poppy and it's a bit rocky. It's also the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A Fine Collection Of Bonnie's Music!, 19 May 2008
This CD is a good introduction to anyone who is looking for an overview of the music of Bonnie Tyler. "The Best" focuses mainly of her CBS recordings in the mid 80s when she had huge hits with "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", "Holding Out For A Hero", "Faster Than The Speed Of Night" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". Here you will also find choice album tracks, a hit duet with Shaken Stevens and four of her early hits, "Lost In France", "More Than A Lover", "It's A Heartache" and "Married Men".
If you like good rock music sung by a powerful female artist or a diehard Bonnie fan or simply as casual admirer, this CD is well worthing having even though there a better compilations out there such as "Total Eclipse -The Anthology".

Big Rock Sound, 27 Jul 2007
Bonnie Tyler had hits with Lost In France and It's A Heartache before she teamed up with Jim Steinman and created the album Faster Than The Speed Of Night which was a sort of female version of Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell. The album was a megahit on both sides of the Atlantic and gave her top 5 hits in the form of Total Eclipse Of The Heart and the title track.

Her husky voice is backed by powerful rock instrumentation, rolling, pounding drums, shimmering keyboards and blistering guitar riffs. This comprehensive Best Of collection includes her other great hit Holding Out For A Hero plus a stunning version of Have You Ever Seen The Rain and a duet with Shakin' Stevens.

The tracks from Faster Than The Speed Of Night are exuberant and theatrical, but her sensitive side is also displayed here on songs like the aforementioned Lost In France. If you love the hook-filled big rock sound of artists like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Meat Loaf, Ellen Foley, Tina Turner or Jim Steinman, you'll love this album.


All the obvious tracks, 24 Feb 2005
This compilation focuses on Bonnie's eighties music recorded for CBS, but her four UK hits for RCA (Lost in France, More than a love, It's a heartache, Married men) are also included under license. So this collection contains all of Bonnie's UK hits, plus a selection of her other tracks from the eighties.

Apart from the RCA hits already mentioned (two of which made the UK top ten), Bonnie's other UK hits to be found here are Total eclipse of the heart (a number one hit), A rocking good way (a top five hit duet with Shaking Stevens), Holding out for a hero (a number two hit) and three minor hits, these being Have you ever seen the rain (a cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic), Faster than the speed of night and Loving you is a dirty job.

Also here is Bonnie's original recording of The best. Generally known as Simply the best, it completely missed the charts, but Tina Turner covered the song a year later and had a major international hit with it. Another song that you may be familiar with is To love somebody. Originally written and recorded by the Bee Gees, the song has been a hit for several different singers around the world. Nina Simone (in 1969) and Jimmy Somerville (in 1990) both took it into the UK top ten.

There are many Bonnie Tyler compilations to choose from. I wouldn't describe this as the strongest but it contains all the essential tracks that most people expect and it is reasonably priced.

Bonnie Tyler, The Best, 01 Sep 2004
If you like rock music, pop music or country music this is the album for you! It has it all! Bonnie Tyler may of only had a few hits, Total eclipse of the heart, Its a Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero but this album Is amazing, Im going to run through the track listing and give the song my comment:

1. Total eclipse of the heart. Greatest song shes ever done, very emotional and very powerful! A great Power ballad

2. Faster than the speed of night. Fast and rocky! very good and fun!

3. Have you ever seen the rain. A Great cover makes it into an arena Rock anthem!

4. If you were a woman (and I was a man). Great pop song! Very good chours to sing along to!

5. Here she comes. A good song not one of her best but a good pop song!

6. Loving you's a dirty job but someone's got to do it. Amazing! Great deut! Very emotional and powerful!

7. Getting so excited. I have to be honest i dont like this one its quite boring!

8. Save up all your tears. Not bad, chers cover version was better!

9. Best. Again not bad, but Tina Turners cover version was better!

10. Holding out for a hero. Great song! Its pop, Dance and a bit of rock chucked in to!

11. Married men. This is one of her country songs i dont like it!

12. Rockin' good way (to mess around and fall in love). Her worst song. Its camp and just bad!

13. More than a lover. Another country one, this song grows on you over time! its very good

14. Don't turn around. A good song! One of her rock ones. I do like this!

15. Lovers again. Very good a really sad and romantic love song!

16.Lost in France. A great pop song! it gets stuck in your head and its a good tune!

17. It's a heartache. Another country one! its here best and very catchy!

18. To love somebody. A good cover song! Very catchy!

Overall 4 stars. The bad points are:
Total eclipse of the heart is made shorter!
Its missing very good songs : Tears, Take Me Back, Straight From the heart, Ravising and Rebel without a clue!

So 4 stars and a great buy!

Excellent album!, 05 Aug 2000
There's not much I can say except that I enjoyed almost every one of the songs on this album and that it's definitely worth buying if you don't have anything by Bonnie Tyler.The only thing I was disappointed about was that it did not have "Take Me Back".

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Welsh wizardry, 03 Oct 2007
The quality of the accompanyments and the production quality are outstanding. This is undoubtedly the best Welsh Male Voice choir recording in my collection.


Powerful Voices That Can Only Be WELSH, 21 Jan 2004
A very fine compilation of Choral music sung by some of the finest choirs in all of the world. If you appreciate Welsh Choirs at their very best then this album is very definatley for you. Enjoy Dioch l'r lor sung by the Pontarddulais Male voice or Hen wlad fy nhadau by the Morriston Orpheus Choir a very moving rendition. The Treorchy Male choir are not left out their version of Sospan Fach is beautiful.

Moving!, 17 Jul 2001
This was one of the first welsh choir cd`s to litterally move me to tears. The power and strength in the voices of the singers is overwhelming and conjures up a high level of emmotion. Anyone familiar with the voices of the dragon will enjoy.

A review isnt needed for this, its truly AMAZING! , 03 Jul 2008
seen them loads of times and the album is everything and more than what i expected!

enjoy

Good Band Gone Rad!, 15 Jun 2008
Well Kids In Glass Houses have definately caused a stir in the scene for 2 years now and ever since they have plagued us with the most addictive and boisterous pop songs written in a while! Their EP release 'E-pocalypse' got the attention they deserved and now they're back! With even more addictively catchy songs to blast out of your stereo! The whole album is very cheery and is one which puts a smile on your face from the moment you press play =]

The opener 'Fisticuffs' is a bold start to the album, the drums are upbeat and hit harder than ever and the guitar riff is catchy as hell......already from the opener your beginning to see what KIGH have to offer! 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' are familliar from their EP release and still don't loose their edge and will rope you in some more with their upbeat melodies and their monstrous choruses. They follow the same mantra for tracks like 'Good Boys Gone Rad' with the band chanting 'Its easy play D-E-A-D' like cheerleaders and 'Girls' which offers running bass lines and a bouncy uplifting guitar riff with uptempo vocals.

However, this in my opinion, is one of the main problems of this album, the overall sound is 'safe' even though the record itself shows they have potential as a band, the music at times can sound very similar and contrited. Also 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' also known as 'Me Me Me' making the cut for this album seems like Roadrunner are cashing in on KIGH previous efforts which is a shame really because it doesnt provide anything new for the fans to listen to, however this doesn't detract from the fact that this is a great record.

I mean feel good hits of summer on this album are probably from 'Saturday', 'Lovely Bones' and 'Dance All Night' and are probably the best tracks on the entire album for a simple reason. They are fantastically written pop songs and are the most infectious and feel good songs they have to offer which is what these bright-eyed welsh pop-rockers aim to do! Finally, the closer 'Church Tongue' is probably one my favourites on the album because of the brilliant lyrics, the addictively catchy tune and whats a closer without some 'Na Na Na Na's' to send you on your way!

Not a bad release if I say so myself, but its sure to be one of the most feel good summer anthems this year! And if you get the chance see these guys live! They're amazing! =D

Top Tracks: 'Dance All Night', 'Church Tongue', 'Lovely Bones'

Brilliant British Debut, 30 May 2008
I have been a fan of this band for over 2 years and have been waiting for this album for what seems like forever. And it definetely was worth the wait. It is an amazingly accomplished offering from these young welsh men. In their own words, it's a bit poppy and it's a bit rocky. It's also the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A Fine Collection Of Bonnie's Music!, 19 May 2008
This CD is a good introduction to anyone who is looking for an overview of the music of Bonnie Tyler. "The Best" focuses mainly of her CBS recordings in the mid 80s when she had huge hits with "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", "Holding Out For A Hero", "Faster Than The Speed Of Night" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". Here you will also find choice album tracks, a hit duet with Shaken Stevens and four of her early hits, "Lost In France", "More Than A Lover", "It's A Heartache" and "Married Men".
If you like good rock music sung by a powerful female artist or a diehard Bonnie fan or simply as casual admirer, this CD is well worthing having even though there a better compilations out there such as "Total Eclipse -The Anthology".

Big Rock Sound, 27 Jul 2007
Bonnie Tyler had hits with Lost In France and It's A Heartache before she teamed up with Jim Steinman and created the album Faster Than The Speed Of Night which was a sort of female version of Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell. The album was a megahit on both sides of the Atlantic and gave her top 5 hits in the form of Total Eclipse Of The Heart and the title track.

Her husky voice is backed by powerful rock instrumentation, rolling, pounding drums, shimmering keyboards and blistering guitar riffs. This comprehensive Best Of collection includes her other great hit Holding Out For A Hero plus a stunning version of Have You Ever Seen The Rain and a duet with Shakin' Stevens.

The tracks from Faster Than The Speed Of Night are exuberant and theatrical, but her sensitive side is also displayed here on songs like the aforementioned Lost In France. If you love the hook-filled big rock sound of artists like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Meat Loaf, Ellen Foley, Tina Turner or Jim Steinman, you'll love this album.


All the obvious tracks, 24 Feb 2005
This compilation focuses on Bonnie's eighties music recorded for CBS, but her four UK hits for RCA (Lost in France, More than a love, It's a heartache, Married men) are also included under license. So this collection contains all of Bonnie's UK hits, plus a selection of her other tracks from the eighties.

Apart from the RCA hits already mentioned (two of which made the UK top ten), Bonnie's other UK hits to be found here are Total eclipse of the heart (a number one hit), A rocking good way (a top five hit duet with Shaking Stevens), Holding out for a hero (a number two hit) and three minor hits, these being Have you ever seen the rain (a cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic), Faster than the speed of night and Loving you is a dirty job.

Also here is Bonnie's original recording of The best. Generally known as Simply the best, it completely missed the charts, but Tina Turner covered the song a year later and had a major international hit with it. Another song that you may be familiar with is To love somebody. Originally written and recorded by the Bee Gees, the song has been a hit for several different singers around the world. Nina Simone (in 1969) and Jimmy Somerville (in 1990) both took it into the UK top ten.

There are many Bonnie Tyler compilations to choose from. I wouldn't describe this as the strongest but it contains all the essential tracks that most people expect and it is reasonably priced.

Bonnie Tyler, The Best, 01 Sep 2004
If you like rock music, pop music or country music this is the album for you! It has it all! Bonnie Tyler may of only had a few hits, Total eclipse of the heart, Its a Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero but this album Is amazing, Im going to run through the track listing and give the song my comment:

1. Total eclipse of the heart. Greatest song shes ever done, very emotional and very powerful! A great Power ballad

2. Faster than the speed of night. Fast and rocky! very good and fun!

3. Have you ever seen the rain. A Great cover makes it into an arena Rock anthem!

4. If you were a woman (and I was a man). Great pop song! Very good chours to sing along to!

5. Here she comes. A good song not one of her best but a good pop song!

6. Loving you's a dirty job but someone's got to do it. Amazing! Great deut! Very emotional and powerful!

7. Getting so excited. I have to be honest i dont like this one its quite boring!

8. Save up all your tears. Not bad, chers cover version was better!

9. Best. Again not bad, but Tina Turners cover version was better!

10. Holding out for a hero. Great song! Its pop, Dance and a bit of rock chucked in to!

11. Married men. This is one of her country songs i dont like it!

12. Rockin' good way (to mess around and fall in love). Her worst song. Its camp and just bad!

13. More than a lover. Another country one, this song grows on you over time! its very good

14. Don't turn around. A good song! One of her rock ones. I do like this!

15. Lovers again. Very good a really sad and romantic love song!

16.Lost in France. A great pop song! it gets stuck in your head and its a good tune!

17. It's a heartache. Another country one! its here best and very catchy!

18. To love somebody. A good cover song! Very catchy!

Overall 4 stars. The bad points are:
Total eclipse of the heart is made shorter!
Its missing very good songs : Tears, Take Me Back, Straight From the heart, Ravising and Rebel without a clue!

So 4 stars and a great buy!

Excellent album!, 05 Aug 2000
There's not much I can say except that I enjoyed almost every one of the songs on this album and that it's definitely worth buying if you don't have anything by Bonnie Tyler.The only thing I was disappointed about was that it did not have "Take Me Back".

Excellent, 06 Jan 2002
This compilation offers a excellent combination of hymns and welsh folk songs, with brilliant quality sound. Unlike some other Welsh Male voice CD's the singing is not drowned out by an organ or have an underemphasis on one of the parts. Easily the best Welsh male voice I've bought and it has become a much appreciated present to many relatives.

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Welsh wizardry, 03 Oct 2007
The quality of the accompanyments and the production quality are outstanding. This is undoubtedly the best Welsh Male Voice choir recording in my collection.


Powerful Voices That Can Only Be WELSH, 21 Jan 2004
A very fine compilation of Choral music sung by some of the finest choirs in all of the world. If you appreciate Welsh Choirs at their very best then this album is very definatley for you. Enjoy Dioch l'r lor sung by the Pontarddulais Male voice or Hen wlad fy nhadau by the Morriston Orpheus Choir a very moving rendition. The Treorchy Male choir are not left out their version of Sospan Fach is beautiful.

Moving!, 17 Jul 2001
This was one of the first welsh choir cd`s to litterally move me to tears. The power and strength in the voices of the singers is overwhelming and conjures up a high level of emmotion. Anyone familiar with the voices of the dragon will enjoy.

A review isnt needed for this, its truly AMAZING! , 03 Jul 2008
seen them loads of times and the album is everything and more than what i expected!

enjoy

Good Band Gone Rad!, 15 Jun 2008
Well Kids In Glass Houses have definately caused a stir in the scene for 2 years now and ever since they have plagued us with the most addictive and boisterous pop songs written in a while! Their EP release 'E-pocalypse' got the attention they deserved and now they're back! With even more addictively catchy songs to blast out of your stereo! The whole album is very cheery and is one which puts a smile on your face from the moment you press play =]

The opener 'Fisticuffs' is a bold start to the album, the drums are upbeat and hit harder than ever and the guitar riff is catchy as hell......already from the opener your beginning to see what KIGH have to offer! 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' are familliar from their EP release and still don't loose their edge and will rope you in some more with their upbeat melodies and their monstrous choruses. They follow the same mantra for tracks like 'Good Boys Gone Rad' with the band chanting 'Its easy play D-E-A-D' like cheerleaders and 'Girls' which offers running bass lines and a bouncy uplifting guitar riff with uptempo vocals.

However, this in my opinion, is one of the main problems of this album, the overall sound is 'safe' even though the record itself shows they have potential as a band, the music at times can sound very similar and contrited. Also 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' also known as 'Me Me Me' making the cut for this album seems like Roadrunner are cashing in on KIGH previous efforts which is a shame really because it doesnt provide anything new for the fans to listen to, however this doesn't detract from the fact that this is a great record.

I mean feel good hits of summer on this album are probably from 'Saturday', 'Lovely Bones' and 'Dance All Night' and are probably the best tracks on the entire album for a simple reason. They are fantastically written pop songs and are the most infectious and feel good songs they have to offer which is what these bright-eyed welsh pop-rockers aim to do! Finally, the closer 'Church Tongue' is probably one my favourites on the album because of the brilliant lyrics, the addictively catchy tune and whats a closer without some 'Na Na Na Na's' to send you on your way!

Not a bad release if I say so myself, but its sure to be one of the most feel good summer anthems this year! And if you get the chance see these guys live! They're amazing! =D

Top Tracks: 'Dance All Night', 'Church Tongue', 'Lovely Bones'

Brilliant British Debut, 30 May 2008
I have been a fan of this band for over 2 years and have been waiting for this album for what seems like forever. And it definetely was worth the wait. It is an amazingly accomplished offering from these young welsh men. In their own words, it's a bit poppy and it's a bit rocky. It's also the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A Fine Collection Of Bonnie's Music!, 19 May 2008
This CD is a good introduction to anyone who is looking for an overview of the music of Bonnie Tyler. "The Best" focuses mainly of her CBS recordings in the mid 80s when she had huge hits with "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", "Holding Out For A Hero", "Faster Than The Speed Of Night" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". Here you will also find choice album tracks, a hit duet with Shaken Stevens and four of her early hits, "Lost In France", "More Than A Lover", "It's A Heartache" and "Married Men".
If you like good rock music sung by a powerful female artist or a diehard Bonnie fan or simply as casual admirer, this CD is well worthing having even though there a better compilations out there such as "Total Eclipse -The Anthology".

Big Rock Sound, 27 Jul 2007
Bonnie Tyler had hits with Lost In France and It's A Heartache before she teamed up with Jim Steinman and created the album Faster Than The Speed Of Night which was a sort of female version of Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell. The album was a megahit on both sides of the Atlantic and gave her top 5 hits in the form of Total Eclipse Of The Heart and the title track.

Her husky voice is backed by powerful rock instrumentation, rolling, pounding drums, shimmering keyboards and blistering guitar riffs. This comprehensive Best Of collection includes her other great hit Holding Out For A Hero plus a stunning version of Have You Ever Seen The Rain and a duet with Shakin' Stevens.

The tracks from Faster Than The Speed Of Night are exuberant and theatrical, but her sensitive side is also displayed here on songs like the aforementioned Lost In France. If you love the hook-filled big rock sound of artists like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Meat Loaf, Ellen Foley, Tina Turner or Jim Steinman, you'll love this album.


All the obvious tracks, 24 Feb 2005
This compilation focuses on Bonnie's eighties music recorded for CBS, but her four UK hits for RCA (Lost in France, More than a love, It's a heartache, Married men) are also included under license. So this collection contains all of Bonnie's UK hits, plus a selection of her other tracks from the eighties.

Apart from the RCA hits already mentioned (two of which made the UK top ten), Bonnie's other UK hits to be found here are Total eclipse of the heart (a number one hit), A rocking good way (a top five hit duet with Shaking Stevens), Holding out for a hero (a number two hit) and three minor hits, these being Have you ever seen the rain (a cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic), Faster than the speed of night and Loving you is a dirty job.

Also here is Bonnie's original recording of The best. Generally known as Simply the best, it completely missed the charts, but Tina Turner covered the song a year later and had a major international hit with it. Another song that you may be familiar with is To love somebody. Originally written and recorded by the Bee Gees, the song has been a hit for several different singers around the world. Nina Simone (in 1969) and Jimmy Somerville (in 1990) both took it into the UK top ten.

There are many Bonnie Tyler compilations to choose from. I wouldn't describe this as the strongest but it contains all the essential tracks that most people expect and it is reasonably priced.

Bonnie Tyler, The Best, 01 Sep 2004
If you like rock music, pop music or country music this is the album for you! It has it all! Bonnie Tyler may of only had a few hits, Total eclipse of the heart, Its a Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero but this album Is amazing, Im going to run through the track listing and give the song my comment:

1. Total eclipse of the heart. Greatest song shes ever done, very emotional and very powerful! A great Power ballad

2. Faster than the speed of night. Fast and rocky! very good and fun!

3. Have you ever seen the rain. A Great cover makes it into an arena Rock anthem!

4. If you were a woman (and I was a man). Great pop song! Very good chours to sing along to!

5. Here she comes. A good song not one of her best but a good pop song!

6. Loving you's a dirty job but someone's got to do it. Amazing! Great deut! Very emotional and powerful!

7. Getting so excited. I have to be honest i dont like this one its quite boring!

8. Save up all your tears. Not bad, chers cover version was better!

9. Best. Again not bad, but Tina Turners cover version was better!

10. Holding out for a hero. Great song! Its pop, Dance and a bit of rock chucked in to!

11. Married men. This is one of her country songs i dont like it!

12. Rockin' good way (to mess around and fall in love). Her worst song. Its camp and just bad!

13. More than a lover. Another country one, this song grows on you over time! its very good

14. Don't turn around. A good song! One of her rock ones. I do like this!

15. Lovers again. Very good a really sad and romantic love song!

16.Lost in France. A great pop song! it gets stuck in your head and its a good tune!

17. It's a heartache. Another country one! its here best and very catchy!

18. To love somebody. A good cover song! Very catchy!

Overall 4 stars. The bad points are:
Total eclipse of the heart is made shorter!
Its missing very good songs : Tears, Take Me Back, Straight From the heart, Ravising and Rebel without a clue!

So 4 stars and a great buy!

Excellent album!, 05 Aug 2000
There's not much I can say except that I enjoyed almost every one of the songs on this album and that it's definitely worth buying if you don't have anything by Bonnie Tyler.The only thing I was disappointed about was that it did not have "Take Me Back".

Excellent, 06 Jan 2002
This compilation offers a excellent combination of hymns and welsh folk songs, with brilliant quality sound. Unlike some other Welsh Male voice CD's the singing is not drowned out by an organ or have an underemphasis on one of the parts. Easily the best Welsh male voice I've bought and it has become a much appreciated present to many relatives.

This is Hiraeth, 10 Sep 2006
This CD made for spectacular listening, i was in Treorchy on the night this was recorded and listening to it again all these years later bought back some memories. This is welsh humour at it's best and would probably be lost on anyone else, but for the pure parody of the songs it's really worth a listen.

A real sence of nationality, 24 Nov 2000
This album really sums up the Welsh personality and gives a sence of belonging to the listner. It is a mixture of rugby based humour and heart stirring welsh songs with a traditional emphasis projected. It is a cracking album and is a reflection of a friendly, welcoming rugby mad nation that love their music and a humerous craic. A very valued neccesity for any true Welsh rugby fan. Dai Iaun

Laugh with the gentle humour and cry with the poignant songs, 09 Apr 2000
Another of Max Boyce's irreverent albums. Contains his gentle Welsh rugby humour, observations on life in Wales, some funny and some touching,and also reminders of the hard life of the miners and how the industry has left such a deep impression on the Welsh.

One of the best album's by this Great Welsh Ambassodor, 10 Nov 1999
You heared him in the world cup,

hear the original "hymns and arias"

and my personal the "ballad of morgan the moon"

An excelent piece of Welsh Culture, u know u want to buy it, chwarae teg. Keep up the good work MAX!!!

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and it's a great song. 'Charlie don't surf' is the second ballad of the album and has a nice drive to it.
'Ghosts' and 'Constant Resurrections' both bring the album to a downbeat finish, Ghosts is a little more frenetic but Constant is an album ender with a piano and guitar breaking way for a band that plays to silence.

FFAF confessed that this album was more of a return to the themes of Casually but the sound had moved on. And it's true, it's progressed and you can still tell it's the same band making the music it's just their ability to write really tight songs has increased ten fold.
To be honest I've been dying to hear this album and it didn't disappoint me in any way at all. It rocks.

Not quite as anthemic as "Tales"..., 14 Oct 2008
This is FFAFs fourth album, and is very much a continuation of the style of "Tales Don't Tell Themselves". Fans of the band's earlier work are going to be as disappointed with this as they were with "Tales" - the screamed vocals from the first two albums are again conspicuous by their absence, in favour of a more mainstream rock sound. That said, taken in isolation, this is another cracking album. It's perhaps a bit of a step back from the stadium anthems of "Tales", and is a bit less immediately catchy as a result, but the songs are strong and FFAF's ear for a good melody hasn't deserted them.

When I heard "Tales" for the first time, I immediately declared it the best album of 2007 - I'm not quite as positive about this one, but I'd be surprised if it doesn't make my top 5 for 2008.

Welsh wizardry, 03 Oct 2007
The quality of the accompanyments and the production quality are outstanding. This is undoubtedly the best Welsh Male Voice choir recording in my collection.


Powerful Voices That Can Only Be WELSH, 21 Jan 2004
A very fine compilation of Choral music sung by some of the finest choirs in all of the world. If you appreciate Welsh Choirs at their very best then this album is very definatley for you. Enjoy Dioch l'r lor sung by the Pontarddulais Male voice or Hen wlad fy nhadau by the Morriston Orpheus Choir a very moving rendition. The Treorchy Male choir are not left out their version of Sospan Fach is beautiful.

Moving!, 17 Jul 2001
This was one of the first welsh choir cd`s to litterally move me to tears. The power and strength in the voices of the singers is overwhelming and conjures up a high level of emmotion. Anyone familiar with the voices of the dragon will enjoy.

A review isnt needed for this, its truly AMAZING! , 03 Jul 2008
seen them loads of times and the album is everything and more than what i expected!

enjoy

Good Band Gone Rad!, 15 Jun 2008
Well Kids In Glass Houses have definately caused a stir in the scene for 2 years now and ever since they have plagued us with the most addictive and boisterous pop songs written in a while! Their EP release 'E-pocalypse' got the attention they deserved and now they're back! With even more addictively catchy songs to blast out of your stereo! The whole album is very cheery and is one which puts a smile on your face from the moment you press play =]

The opener 'Fisticuffs' is a bold start to the album, the drums are upbeat and hit harder than ever and the guitar riff is catchy as hell......already from the opener your beginning to see what KIGH have to offer! 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' are familliar from their EP release and still don't loose their edge and will rope you in some more with their upbeat melodies and their monstrous choruses. They follow the same mantra for tracks like 'Good Boys Gone Rad' with the band chanting 'Its easy play D-E-A-D' like cheerleaders and 'Girls' which offers running bass lines and a bouncy uplifting guitar riff with uptempo vocals.

However, this in my opinion, is one of the main problems of this album, the overall sound is 'safe' even though the record itself shows they have potential as a band, the music at times can sound very similar and contrited. Also 'Easy Tiger', 'Raise Hell' and 'Give Me What I Want' also known as 'Me Me Me' making the cut for this album seems like Roadrunner are cashing in on KIGH previous efforts which is a shame really because it doesnt provide anything new for the fans to listen to, however this doesn't detract from the fact that this is a great record.

I mean feel good hits of summer on this album are probably from 'Saturday', 'Lovely Bones' and 'Dance All Night' and are probably the best tracks on the entire album for a simple reason. They are fantastically written pop songs and are the most infectious and feel good songs they have to offer which is what these bright-eyed welsh pop-rockers aim to do! Finally, the closer 'Church Tongue' is probably one my favourites on the album because of the brilliant lyrics, the addictively catchy tune and whats a closer without some 'Na Na Na Na's' to send you on your way!

Not a bad release if I say so myself, but its sure to be one of the most feel good summer anthems this year! And if you get the chance see these guys live! They're amazing! =D

Top Tracks: 'Dance All Night', 'Church Tongue', 'Lovely Bones'

Brilliant British Debut, 30 May 2008
I have been a fan of this band for over 2 years and have been waiting for this album for what seems like forever. And it definetely was worth the wait. It is an amazingly accomplished offering from these young welsh men. In their own words, it's a bit poppy and it's a bit rocky. It's also the perfect soundtrack to the summer.

A Fine Collection Of Bonnie's Music!, 19 May 2008
This CD is a good introduction to anyone who is looking for an overview of the music of Bonnie Tyler. "The Best" focuses mainly of her CBS recordings in the mid 80s when she had huge hits with "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", "Holding Out For A Hero", "Faster Than The Speed Of Night" and "Have You Ever Seen The Rain". Here you will also find choice album tracks, a hit duet with Shaken Stevens and four of her early hits, "Lost In France", "More Than A Lover", "It's A Heartache" and "Married Men".
If you like good rock music sung by a powerful female artist or a diehard Bonnie fan or simply as casual admirer, this CD is well worthing having even though there a better compilations out there such as "Total Eclipse -The Anthology".

Big Rock Sound, 27 Jul 2007
Bonnie Tyler had hits with Lost In France and It's A Heartache before she teamed up with Jim Steinman and created the album Faster Than The Speed Of Night which was a sort of female version of Meat Loaf's Bat Out Of Hell. The album was a megahit on both sides of the Atlantic and gave her top 5 hits in the form of Total Eclipse Of The Heart and the title track.

Her husky voice is backed by powerful rock instrumentation, rolling, pounding drums, shimmering keyboards and blistering guitar riffs. This comprehensive Best Of collection includes her other great hit Holding Out For A Hero plus a stunning version of Have You Ever Seen The Rain and a duet with Shakin' Stevens.

The tracks from Faster Than The Speed Of Night are exuberant and theatrical, but her sensitive side is also displayed here on songs like the aforementioned Lost In France. If you love the hook-filled big rock sound of artists like Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Meat Loaf, Ellen Foley, Tina Turner or Jim Steinman, you'll love this album.


All the obvious tracks, 24 Feb 2005
This compilation focuses on Bonnie's eighties music recorded for CBS, but her four UK hits for RCA (Lost in France, More than a love, It's a heartache, Married men) are also included under license. So this collection contains all of Bonnie's UK hits, plus a selection of her other tracks from the eighties.

Apart from the RCA hits already mentioned (two of which made the UK top ten), Bonnie's other UK hits to be found here are Total eclipse of the heart (a number one hit), A rocking good way (a top five hit duet with Shaking Stevens), Holding out for a hero (a number two hit) and three minor hits, these being Have you ever seen the rain (a cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival classic), Faster than the speed of night and Loving you is a dirty job.

Also here is Bonnie's original recording of The best. Generally known as Simply the best, it completely missed the charts, but Tina Turner covered the song a year later and had a major international hit with it. Another song that you may be familiar with is To love somebody. Originally written and recorded by the Bee Gees, the song has been a hit for several different singers around the world. Nina Simone (in 1969) and Jimmy Somerville (in 1990) both took it into the UK top ten.

There are many Bonnie Tyler compilations to choose from. I wouldn't describe this as the strongest but it contains all the essential tracks that most people expect and it is reasonably priced.

Bonnie Tyler, The Best, 01 Sep 2004
If you like rock music, pop music or country music this is the album for you! It has it all! Bonnie Tyler may of only had a few hits, Total eclipse of the heart, Its a Heartache and Holding Out For A Hero but this album Is amazing, Im going to run through the track listing and give the song my comment:

1. Total eclipse of the heart. Greatest song shes ever done, very emotional and very powerful! A great Power ballad

2. Faster than the speed of night. Fast and rocky! very good and fun!

3. Have you ever seen the rain. A Great cover makes it into an arena Rock anthem!

4. If you were a woman (and I was a man). Great pop song! Very good chours to sing along to!

5. Here she comes. A good song not one of her best but a good pop song!

6. Loving you's a dirty job but someone's got to do it. Amazing! Great deut! Very emotional and powerful!

7. Getting so excited. I have to be honest i dont like this one its quite boring!

8. Save up all your tears. Not bad, chers cover version was better!

9. Best. Again not bad, but Tina Turners cover version was better!

10. Holding out for a hero. Great song! Its pop, Dance and a bit of rock chucked in to!

11. Married men. This is one of her country songs i dont like it!

12. Rockin' good way (to mess around and fall in love). Her worst song. Its camp and just bad!

13. More than a lover. Another country one, this song grows on you over time! its very good

14. Don't turn around. A good song! One of her rock ones. I do like this!

15. Lovers again. Very good a really sad and romantic love song!

16.Lost in France. A great pop song! it gets stuck in your head and its a good tune!

17. It's a heartache. Another country one! its here best and very catchy!

18. To love somebody. A good cover song! Very catchy!

Overall 4 stars. The bad points are:
Total eclipse of the heart is made shorter!
Its missing very good songs : Tears, Take Me Back, Straight From the heart, Ravising and Rebel without a clue!

So 4 stars and a great buy!

Excellent album!, 05 Aug 2000
There's not much I can say except that I enjoyed almost every one of the songs on this album and that it's definitely worth buying if you don't have anything by Bonnie Tyler.The only thing I was disappointed about was that it did not have "Take Me Back".

Excellent, 06 Jan 2002
This compilation offers a excellent combination of hymns and welsh folk songs, with brilliant quality sound. Unlike some other Welsh Male voice CD's the singing is not drowned out by an organ or have an underemphasis on one of the parts. Easily the best Welsh male voice I've bought and it has become a much appreciated present to many relatives.

This is Hiraeth, 10 Sep 2006
This CD made for spectacular listening, i was in Treorchy on the night this was recorded and listening to it again all these years later bought back some memories. This is welsh humour at it's best and would probably be lost on anyone else, but for the pure parody of the songs it's really worth a listen.

A real sence of nationality, 24 Nov 2000
This album really sums up the Welsh personality and gives a sence of belonging to the listner. It is a mixture of rugby based humour and heart stirring welsh songs with a traditional emphasis projected. It is a cracking album and is a reflection of a friendly, welcoming rugby mad nation that love their music and a humerous craic. A very valued neccesity for any true Welsh rugby fan. Dai Iaun

Laugh with the gentle humour and cry with the poignant songs, 09 Apr 2000
Another of Max Boyce's irreverent albums. Contains his gentle Welsh rugby humour, observations on life in Wales, some funny and some touching,and also reminders of the hard life of the miners and how the industry has left such a deep impression on the Welsh.

One of the best album's by this Great Welsh Ambassodor, 10 Nov 1999
You heared him in the world cup,

hear the original "hymns and arias"

and my personal the "ballad of morgan the moon"

An excelent piece of Welsh Culture, u know u want to buy it, chwarae teg. Keep up the good work MAX!!!

Under Blue Skies , 07 Feb 2008
Charlie just gets better & better, this is one is just brilliant with all new songs on, and a bonus disk into the bargain, just fantastic dont have any doubts about buying Charlie's CD's everyone is great, and great for car journey's they are very relaxing and good sing along.

Helena. York

Solid 4th Album, 01 Nov 2008
I've followed FFAF since I picked up Casually Dressed in my local music shop several years ago having never heard any of their material before. I wasn't disappointed. Like the other reviewer I have always felt their strength has been in crafting big strong melodic rock songs peppered with some excellent 'metal' musicianship. Memory and Humanity doesn't deviate from this foundation and provides another quality, highly listenable album.

The absence of the screamed vocals, (being only present on a few tracks) will probaby deter the Casually Dressed fundamentalists, but to be honest I prefer the more natural vocals it works better with the style of music. Screaming is all well and good in the context of angry political rantings and hardcore death metal, but for me it sounds a bit 'forced' and out of context here.

I was not even aware of this album until i went to their excellent live show. The new material sounded just as good as anything else they played and like many of the crowd I was surprised when they pointed out that they had just released a new album, under their own record label, (hence the lack of expensive marketing). I've listened to the album several times now and there are some excellent tracks encorporating all the classic elements of their sound. It's not a huge departure from Hours, Tales or CD for that matter (bar the sreams), if anything it blends elements of all 3 previous offerings. The result being a good solid 4th album that shouldn't disappoint existing fans and also provide a good starting point for newcomers.

Back to the Wales, 14 Oct 2008
Just to clarify I think FFAF are one of the most talented Metal bands around. I chipped in with my two cents on 'Tales' and I thought that album was a stunning concept album, full of huge riffs and a tightly driven storyline (similair to Mastodon's Leviathon album about Moby Dick).
This is more of a return to Causally Dressed and Hours territory but only with a bit of screaming I'm afraid. So if that's all your here for then I'm afraid you're out of luck. I hear the new Bring Me The Horizon album has lots of screaming in so go buy that.

If you liked the FFAF sound anyway (with or without screaming) then this album should be an essential buy!
'Rules and Games' kicks the album off in style (I love that riff and drum beat) when I first got the album I kept sliding this song back to the start as I couldn't stop listening to it, it slides nicely in to 'Mouchette' which is a bit smoother and more of a downbeat track with a gravel riff.
'Kicking and Screaming' is as they describe a pop-rock song turned to eleven (and is one of my favourite tracks off the album). 'Constant Illuminations' is one of the hard songs on the album and the closest to Casually as you can get. 'Maybe I am' is similair to 'Mouchette' in terms of its downbeat feel and is a nice song. For some reason it reminds of Jimmyeatworld.
'Wolves' has an amazing driving guitar and is a stand out song. That guitar noise is awesome! And the climax of the song is outstanding.
'Building' is a nice ballad, and FFAF seem to always do them really well so this is no exception.'Burning Tree' is one of the other of my favourites from the album and I love how the riff moves the song in to a fantastic chorus and finale. Genius.
'Someday the fire...' is another great rock song all the way to eleven. A more sedate beat but a fantastically produced rock song with a tubthumping chorus.
'Waterfront' is almost a kick back to Seven Ways with its intro but the latter half is more Hours, and