While it can't quite match the aching emotional ride that Tori gave us in "Little Earthquakes", her increased technical skill and willingness to write rather quirky songs ("Icicle"'s subtly explicit lyrics definitely comes to mind), make her sophomore effort a great album from a true artist.

While her other albums may be more technically skilled, nowhere else does she sing her heart out as on this recording. Virtually every song is hauntingly lovely, with intelligent lyrics that delve into subjects rarely explored in the popular music world. "China", "Crucify", "Silent All These Years"... the list goes on and on. The raw emotions she displays are, at times, heartbreaking.

It's probably my favorite album of all time, and utterly deserving of that title.

While there are a few great songs on this one (Hey, Jupiter, Caught a Lite Sneeze, Mr. Zebra), it pales in comparison to her stronger efforts such as "Little Earthquakes" and "To Venus and Back". For someone who's already a fan of Tori's this is a must-buy, but there are better introductions to her lovely blend of a beautiful voice and exquisite melodies.

Another one of those situations where they have a great franchise (Aliens), which great people working on it (Ryder, Weaver, Jeunet, et al), but still manage to come up with a bad, bad movie. Aliens3 might not have been great, but it at least had some interesting visual style going for it. This... does not. The nonsensical plot, poor costume/design choices, and silly ending ensure that this one is fit only for watching some neat FX and a few fun scenes.

Like many, if not most, of the people who bought this CD, I was hoping for something like her absolutely brilliant first album. It was disappointing to find that she'd hit the usual musician's sophmore slump, producting an album that contains none of the bluesy, hard-edged beauty of her previous effort. I've already given the CD away, as I had no desire to hear it again.

She does have an awesome track on the 'Plesantville' sound track, though!

While they couldn't quite match the social consciousness of their musical contemporaries, the great harmonic vocals of Peter, Paul and Mary make this a must-have disc for those who appreciate the folksier side of rock.

you've heard the best stuff on it. Not bad, but not great, either.

Download "Lazy Eye" and see if you can resist buying this album. Although that's the best song, there are a couple of others that are almost as good ("Stupid Mouth Shut", "Halfacre") and the rest aren't bad at all.

"Rabbit Songs" is not quite like anything I've ever heard before, and I can't wait to hear more from Hem.

but there's just no beauty in the words or melodies on this CD. It's the first CD I've picked up by Ani, and, I'm disappointed to say, the last.