COLLECTIBLES

Review by Eric Galyon:

Rodrigo y Gabriela reach new heights with 11:11. 11:11 is comprised of 11 acoustic guitar tracks authored by Rodrigo y Gabriela. Inspired by their influences, ranging from rock greats such as Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd, jazz masters such as Al Di Meola, or classic Spanish and Mexican artists such as Paco De Lucia and Jorge Reyes, the album combines Rodrigo's frantic yet astoundingly precise picking with Gabriela's incredible ability to simultaneously perform both percussion and secondary rhythms.

The rich sounds they create seem impossible to generate from two acoustic guitars; without seeing the accompanying DVD it would be easy to assume they have a third and possibly fourth member assisting. The rock influenced tracks draw clear inspiration from their respective artists: Santana's ranging melodies, Hendrix' wah-wah and vibe effects, and ending with an eerie and beautiful Pink Floyd sound. Though I'm not familiar with the jazz, Spanish, Mexican and other influences, I'm confident Rod y Gab have likewise captured their sounds. Track 8, `Hora Zero', is the hidden gem as Rodrigo relentlessly picks multiple notes per second for 5 minutes straight, growing faster and more elaborate throughout the song leading to a chord duel with Gabriela. Great album through and through: 5 stars.

Review by leadensky:

I walked into a local CD store on Tuesday and as luck would have it, they were playing this CD. I'd never heard of Rodrigo y Gabriela, but the music was just incredibly compelling so I asked about it and wound up buying the CD. Haven't stopped playing it since. Went back and picked up their Live in Tokyo CD today and would have picked up their first CD, but they didn't have it. Hello, Amazon. It's not often you find something completely out of your normal musical range that just blows your socks off like this did. Incredibly talented artists.

Review by R. Tomany:

Its difficult to describe what Rodrigo y Gabriela can do with a pair of guitars, the best thing to do is to click on the crocodile's eye at http://www.rodgab.com to see for yourself.

Don't think that this is flowery, fluffy flamenco guitar music, its not. If you like rock, you'll love this. The opening two tracks ("Tamacun" and "Diablo Rojo") are the highlights in an album of standout tracks. Tremendous.

ray

Review by Eddie Lancekick:

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero put out a fabulous album here. In this listener's opinion, this is one of the better approaches at an instrumental album involving the acoustic guitar in some time. For no more money than this CD cost, you also get a great bonus DVD. The CD arrived on time and I am pleased with the product, but that in itself is an understatement.

The Tracks: RYG features nine tracks that all have a great diversity in them. Often times with acoustic instrumental releases, I feel I'm getting "more of the same" but on this album, the pair stretch beyond your average Flamenco or Classical approach and incorporate some soft, darker tones that give it a more "rock" feel. Throw in two dynamic covers of classic songs by Metallica and Led Zeppelin and you are on your way to enjoying some innovative and unique guitar.

"Tamacun" is simple in style and fast in its execution, as it is more of the Spanish guitar sound. The following track "Diablo Rojo" is similar and it is hear that we get the top-hand percussion that adds flavor to the mix. "Vikingman" has a great groove to it before diving into a more free flowing, elegant performance. It's one of those songs that for this listener, conjures up the dance and celebrative scenes from Mexico.

Tracks four through seven pull into a stretch on the album that definitely showed me that this duo is dusting off the simple and nostalgic tones of yesteryear and giving it a whole new flavor. "Satori" still sticks with a folk like atmosphere, but the way these two are able to place so many darker, haunting type sounds into the chorus while still weaving in and out with fast, intricate fretwork is superb. "Xtapa" comes in at track five and features Roby Lakatos, whose violin solo is a nice touch that still leaves the music fresh, but the amps and electronics still collecting dust in the background. About halfway through the song it leaves its Flamenco style groove and drops down into some deep, brooding tones. The ethereal decent doesn't last long before rising up again to finish out with the duo slowly bringing us back to the crisp, sharp chorus.

Track six: I've never been big on musician's doing "cover songs" and when you first see that Rodrigo and Gabriela tackle Led Zeppelin's epic and sometimes even overplayed "Stairway to Heaven", I had my doubts. Those doubts were quickly laid to rest as their approach to this song is not a note for note copy but more of their own stylish and imaginative version that really gives the old, dire track a fresh, new look.

Track seven: Metallica's instrumental "Orion" which was featured on their "Master of Puppets" album in 1986, is also covered here. The song has a driving, infectious solo that is perfect for RYG to cover. Later in the song, it breaks down into a deep, surreal melody. This masterful piece is one of the best covers I have ever heard.

Bonus DVD: I found this to be a nice addition with the overall package of the product, considering that you are not really paying much more to get the bonus DVD compared to just purchasing the regular studio album. The interviews are informative and the live performance alone makes it worth it. I enjoyed watching the way they use the guitar for percussive sounds as well. This isn't something I had heard or seen much before, but the tutorials part of the DVD that covers methods of fingerstyle as well as hand percussion to be very valuable. Even though I have played guitar for several years, I still learned new things from this tutorial. Nine tracks in all, the CD is a beautiful and sharp recording that never disappoints.

-Eddie Lancekick-

Review by Birdman:

I've played guitar, followed acoustic and electric guitar for years in classical, alternative, classic rock and folk genres. These two musicians are in a class of their own, and this recording is probably the best example of their capabilities.

Whether they perform their own work or full or partial covers, Rodrigo is a superb lead with a hit, fluid style I've not experienced since early Carlos Santana. Gabriella uses her guitar as a dual percussion instrument in which the strings release the downbeat and the musician's fingers on the surface of the instrument release every other facet of rhythm.

This is not ambient or mood music. It commands your attention, but once you do you will not be able to still your body -- so driving and rhythmic is their style.

Produced in Japan, this release includes a 27-minute DVD showcasing five of the duo's best pieces and it is mesmerizing to watch (in comparison to most accompanying DVDs out there).

These two are a real "find," and will appeal to anyone who loves acoustic Flamenco, Fado, contemporary Mexica music or anything in between. And if yu love the guitar, don't even bother to wait. This is a deal and a delight, ad also my choice for one of the best of 2008.

Review by Hans Gruber:

One would only be preaching to the choir to emphasize that Rod Y Gab are the most phenomenal thing to happen to the guitar in years. Live In Japan will only further solidify that reputation by dropping the jaws of both newcomers and familiar fans alike, despite the inclusion of no new material. While the duo's 2006 breakthrough album is played in it's entirety aside from the track PPA, fans need not worry about senselessly spending their money: many of the familiar crowd pleasers such as One and Juan Loco are treated with a sophisticated level of jazzy improvisation to warrant re-exploration by even the most die-hard of fans. And while fan favorites such as Tamacun and Diablo Rojo round out a crusher of an encore, attentive listeners will appreciate a finger-bending inclusion of Dave Brubeck's classic jazz tune Take 5 as well as FOC, both obscurities from R Y G's career prior to mainstream success.

Shred geeks can give up their Steve Vai and Yngwie Malsteem instructional videos here: this is all done with about half the fretboard, no distortion, no overdubs, and 0% cheesiness, and not since Paco De Lucia, John McLaughlin, and Al Di Miola tore up Friday Night In San Francisco has acoustic-classical-jazz-speed-metal been this exciting. Yes, that wall of sound is only two guitars, and only during select moments in musical history have so few been able to master this level of technique. May your appetites be wet until the next album.

Review by R. Tomany:

Its difficult to describe what Rodrigo y Gabriela can do with a pair of guitars, the best thing to do is to click on the crocodile's eye at http://www.rodgab.com to see for yourself.

Don't think that this is flowery, fluffy flamenco guitar music, its not. If you like rock, you'll love this. The opening two tracks ("Tamacun" and "Diablo Rojo") are the highlights in an album of standout tracks. Tremendous.

ray

Review by Eddie Lancekick:

Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero put out a fabulous album here. In this listener's opinion, this is one of the better approaches at an instrumental album involving the acoustic guitar in some time. For no more money than this CD cost, you also get a great bonus DVD. The CD arrived on time and I am pleased with the product, but that in itself is an understatement.

The Tracks: RYG features nine tracks that all have a great diversity in them. Often times with acoustic instrumental releases, I feel I'm getting "more of the same" but on this album, the pair stretch beyond your average Flamenco or Classical approach and incorporate some soft, darker tones that give it a more "rock" feel. Throw in two dynamic covers of classic songs by Metallica and Led Zeppelin and you are on your way to enjoying some innovative and unique guitar.

"Tamacun" is simple in style and fast in its execution, as it is more of the Spanish guitar sound. The following track "Diablo Rojo" is similar and it is hear that we get the top-hand percussion that adds flavor to the mix. "Vikingman" has a great groove to it before diving into a more free flowing, elegant performance. It's one of those songs that for this listener, conjures up the dance and celebrative scenes from Mexico.

Tracks four through seven pull into a stretch on the album that definitely showed me that this duo is dusting off the simple and nostalgic tones of yesteryear and giving it a whole new flavor. "Satori" still sticks with a folk like atmosphere, but the way these two are able to place so many darker, haunting type sounds into the chorus while still weaving in and out with fast, intricate fretwork is superb. "Xtapa" comes in at track five and features Roby Lakatos, whose violin solo is a nice touch that still leaves the music fresh, but the amps and electronics still collecting dust in the background. About halfway through the song it leaves its Flamenco style groove and drops down into some deep, brooding tones. The ethereal decent doesn't last long before rising up again to finish out with the duo slowly bringing us back to the crisp, sharp chorus.

Track six: I've never been big on musician's doing "cover songs" and when you first see that Rodrigo and Gabriela tackle Led Zeppelin's epic and sometimes even overplayed "Stairway to Heaven", I had my doubts. Those doubts were quickly laid to rest as their approach to this song is not a note for note copy but more of their own stylish and imaginative version that really gives the old, dire track a fresh, new look.

Track seven: Metallica's instrumental "Orion" which was featured on their "Master of Puppets" album in 1986, is also covered here. The song has a driving, infectious solo that is perfect for RYG to cover. Later in the song, it breaks down into a deep, surreal melody. This masterful piece is one of the best covers I have ever heard.

Bonus DVD: I found this to be a nice addition with the overall package of the product, considering that you are not really paying much more to get the bonus DVD compared to just purchasing the regular studio album. The interviews are informative and the live performance alone makes it worth it. I enjoyed watching the way they use the guitar for percussive sounds as well. This isn't something I had heard or seen much before, but the tutorials part of the DVD that covers methods of fingerstyle as well as hand percussion to be very valuable. Even though I have played guitar for several years, I still learned new things from this tutorial. Nine tracks in all, the CD is a beautiful and sharp recording that never disappoints.

-Eddie Lancekick-

Review by Mohd Jafar:

One of the most beloved Disney films, "The Little Mermaid" returns on dvd, fully restored and remastered in an all new 2 disc set this October! Rather than talking about the film (c'mon we all know what it is all about and most of are quite familiar with its charm and beauty! Though the first "The Little mermaid" dvd released years ago was just a barebone disc with non-anamorphic transfer, this one will have everything to fulfill every mermaid fan's desire!

Here's what to look forward to in this special 2 disc set:

Fully restored with an all-new Disney Home Theatre 5.1 mix.

Backstage Disney, including an all new commentary.

Treasures Untold: The Making of The Little Mermaid.

The Story Behind The Story.

Deleted Scenes, including Backstage With Sebastian, Sebastian Lost In The Castle, Advice From Sebastian and Fight With Ursula.

Music Video "Kiss The Girl"

Games and Activities inclue The Little Mermaid Under The Sea Adventure: The Virtual Ride, Behind The Ride That Almost Was With Disney Imagineers and DisneyPedia: Life Under The Sea....

....And much more!!

"The Little Mermaid" is surely one of the finest films Disney ever produced and this long awaited platinum edition of this classic would surely be a welcome addition in any dvd collector's shelf!

Review by :

Everyone knows by now that "The Little Mermaid" is the movie that returned the Disney company to its former glory, in all senses.
Upon its release in late 1989 (in most markets it was released in 1990), the movie was hailed by critics all over the world as the best Disney film in years (decades, that is) and one of the best films the company has ever produced. More importantly perhaps, the audience loved it. The movie went on to gross almost million domestically and 0 million worldwide. A huge phenomenon. The video release, which followed in May 1990, generated huge numbers in sales and sold over 23 million copies in the US as of 1998. And you mustn't forget the songs, which quickly became a driving force in the film's success. Alan Manken created an irresistible score for the movie, and together with lyricist Howard Ashman, composed some of the finest songs ever heard in a Disney film. They later took the Oscars for 'Best Song' (for "Under The Sea") and 'Best Score'. They also won in the exact same categories at the Golden Globe and the Grammy awards. The soundtrack eventually went triple platinum in the US.
The animation in the film, is, in one word, dazzling. The underwater scenes are impressive in particular. Bubbles, surface reflections and moving sea-creatures create an illusional undersea atmosphere to which the audience is easily drawn into.
To create all that, 80% of the animation process required special effects, and the effort shows."The Little Mermaid" is scheduled for an October 2005 release on DVD. In 2001, Disney launched a 'Platinum Edition' line which includes their 10 best-selling titles on video to go on DVD. Every one of these films, comes as a 2-disc set featuring 'making-of's and commentaries from the talents who worked on the movie. Needless to say it would also include a highly enhanced version of the film (and sometimes even newly added sequences, such as is the case with "Beauty and the Beast" & "The Lion King"). On the 1999 DVD release of "The Little Mermaid", Disney did only little in restoring the film's look; this time, there's much more to look forward to. Disney gives each one of the films a deluxe treatment, especially in the visual and sound departments.
'Til then, sit back and enjoy the film as it is: charming, innovative, and most of all - fun.

Review by Xeneri:

The Little Mermaid revisited more than 10 years later....Ariel has a daughter, Melody, who has no knowledge of her mom's mermaid ancestry. Melody yearns for the sea in the same way that her mom longed for land. This eventually leads to a new flip side version of the original "Little Mermaid" when Morgana (the just as evil but thinner sister of Ursula - both voiced by the deliciously whiskey voiced Pat Carroll) hatches a sheme to enchant Melody into a mermaid as revenge against Ariel....Surprisingly, this made for video sequel is not too bad. It helps that many pf the original actors came back to reprise their roles. A good sequel, especially for the younger set.

Review by J. M. Yarbrough:

Before I saw this movie, I knew it wasn't going to measure up to the original movie so I didn't have high expectations. This is probably why I ended up liking the movie to a certain degree instead of being completely disappointed.It's basically the same plot as the first movie - Ursula's sister wants to rule the sea and uses Melody's desire to become a mermaid to her advantage. While the movie is predictable, there were certain parts that gave me a warm glow. It was nice to see Ariel change from her proper-and-prim attire and return to the sea as a mermaid. There's a nice duet between Ariel and Melody about "sharing one moment" in time. It almost captures Ariel's original wistfulness and longing. Prince Eric, as usual, isn't capable of saving the day or even himself. Sebastin's schtick seems to be old to the point where his whining can be grating. However, on the plus side, there are two new song-and-dance characters which serve as a comic relief to detract from the predictable plot.I recommend renting this movie first before making a purchase. I got the DVD as a belated wedding present and I'm glad I have it, but I can't honestly say I'd have personally bought it myself - not without a huge markdown in the price. Keep in mind that while it's not the greatest movie ever, it's not exactly bottom-of-the-barrel either.

Review by Xeneri:

The Little Mermaid revisited more than 10 years later....Ariel has a daughter, Melody, who has no knowledge of her mom's mermaid ancestry. Melody yearns for the sea in the same way that her mom longed for land. This eventually leads to a new flip side version of the original "Little Mermaid" when Morgana (the just as evil but thinner sister of Ursula - both voiced by the deliciously whiskey voiced Pat Carroll) hatches a sheme to enchant Melody into a mermaid as revenge against Ariel....Surprisingly, this made for video sequel is not too bad. It helps that many pf the original actors came back to reprise their roles. A good sequel, especially for the younger set.

Review by J. M. Yarbrough:

Before I saw this movie, I knew it wasn't going to measure up to the original movie so I didn't have high expectations. This is probably why I ended up liking the movie to a certain degree instead of being completely disappointed.It's basically the same plot as the first movie - Ursula's sister wants to rule the sea and uses Melody's desire to become a mermaid to her advantage. While the movie is predictable, there were certain parts that gave me a warm glow. It was nice to see Ariel change from her proper-and-prim attire and return to the sea as a mermaid. There's a nice duet between Ariel and Melody about "sharing one moment" in time. It almost captures Ariel's original wistfulness and longing. Prince Eric, as usual, isn't capable of saving the day or even himself. Sebastin's schtick seems to be old to the point where his whining can be grating. However, on the plus side, there are two new song-and-dance characters which serve as a comic relief to detract from the predictable plot.I recommend renting this movie first before making a purchase. I got the DVD as a belated wedding present and I'm glad I have it, but I can't honestly say I'd have personally bought it myself - not without a huge markdown in the price. Keep in mind that while it's not the greatest movie ever, it's not exactly bottom-of-the-barrel either.

Review by Xeneri:

The Little Mermaid revisited more than 10 years later....Ariel has a daughter, Melody, who has no knowledge of her mom's mermaid ancestry. Melody yearns for the sea in the same way that her mom longed for land. This eventually leads to a new flip side version of the original "Little Mermaid" when Morgana (the just as evil but thinner sister of Ursula - both voiced by the deliciously whiskey voiced Pat Carroll) hatches a sheme to enchant Melody into a mermaid as revenge against Ariel....Surprisingly, this made for video sequel is not too bad. It helps that many pf the original actors came back to reprise their roles. A good sequel, especially for the younger set.

Review by J. M. Yarbrough:

Before I saw this movie, I knew it wasn't going to measure up to the original movie so I didn't have high expectations. This is probably why I ended up liking the movie to a certain degree instead of being completely disappointed.It's basically the same plot as the first movie - Ursula's sister wants to rule the sea and uses Melody's desire to become a mermaid to her advantage. While the movie is predictable, there were certain parts that gave me a warm glow. It was nice to see Ariel change from her proper-and-prim attire and return to the sea as a mermaid. There's a nice duet between Ariel and Melody about "sharing one moment" in time. It almost captures Ariel's original wistfulness and longing. Prince Eric, as usual, isn't capable of saving the day or even himself. Sebastin's schtick seems to be old to the point where his whining can be grating. However, on the plus side, there are two new song-and-dance characters which serve as a comic relief to detract from the predictable plot.I recommend renting this movie first before making a purchase. I got the DVD as a belated wedding present and I'm glad I have it, but I can't honestly say I'd have personally bought it myself - not without a huge markdown in the price. Keep in mind that while it's not the greatest movie ever, it's not exactly bottom-of-the-barrel either.