Above

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley teams with Seattle pals Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) and Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees) in the tradition of other part-time grunge aggregations like Brad and Hater. These 10 numbers--mostly somber, acoustic-hued ballads like the single "River of Deceit"--are a therapeutic soul-cleansing for the troubled Staley. Core fans of any of the aforementioned bands will rank this with the solo work of Screaming Tree frontman Mark Lanegan (a guest vocalist here). --Jeff Bateman --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Average customer rating:

Doesn't get much better than this...

captures the heart of a movement

Studio album does not disappoint

The Album is AMAZING!!!

All of the Above is not above all the others

All of the Above
Hillsong United
Manufacturer: Integrity Media
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Live Recordings | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

United We Stand

Mighty to Save

Look To You

Holding Nothing Back

Hillsong Ultimate Worship

ASIN: B000P46Q04
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Tracks:

Point Of Difference
Break Free
Desperate People
Devotion
Draw Me Closer
Lead Me To The Cross
Found
Hosanna
For All Who Are To Come
Solution
My Future Decided
Never Let Me
You
Saviour King

Customer Reviews:

Doesn't get much better than this..........2007-07-19

Okay, I thought they couldn't top last years album, 'The Stand'....AMAZING. Then along comes this. Okay, took a little while to grow on me, but all I can say is listen to 'Devotion' WITH the lyrics....it WILL make you cry!

Brooke Fraser also did an amazing job yet again with 'Lead me to the Cross' and 'Hosanna' (latter is also on the new live Hillsong album 'Saviour King', also on THIS album).

I reckon Joel and the team will go a long way with this ongoing project- oh, and the DVD 'The I Heart Revolution' is inspiring- all the more so as I'm working in a poor area of rural China!

captures the heart of a movement.......2007-06-01

This is music that has challenged and inspired me lyrically. I'm feeling every song on this album, particularly the fresh sound of Found followed by Hosanna and Solution.

This album makes me want to go out and change the world. Small things with great love. Seeking to have the compassion of Christ. Allowing my heart to break over what breaks God's heart... to share the gospel with my life and my actions.. not just with what I say. To be the hands and feet of Christ in this world... to impact people in a positive way... and all glory going to God.

God is up to something in the lives of young people. He wants to use us in powerful ways... putting into action the revolutionary idea of TRULY loving Him... and loving people. This album has really crystallized a lot of what I've been reading and hearing lately (Irresistible Revolution, etc..)

It's definitely a slightly different flavor than their previous albums... but if you're into social justice and living a life of impact in Christ's name.... check out this album. It will inspire.

I'm a relatively new fan of Hillsong UNITED but they've really secured my support with this album. I'm enjoying pretty much every song here... and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store with "the I Heart Revolution"

These guys get a lot of slack because of their popularity. And also people want to hear their old albums repackaged it seems... but God is always fresh, and it seems to me that they're in tune with what God is doing in the hearts of young people. I will continue to pray that their passion will light many a fire around the world.

Peace, love and grace..

Studio album does not disappoint.......2007-05-25

Hillsong United is known for their powerful live worship albums. You feel as if you are worshipping and praising alongside United when you listen to their live albums from the past. So I wasn't sure that a studio album would have the same intense effect that their past albums have had ( United We Stand is the best in my opinion)....well let me say that this album does not disappoint. The more and more I listen to it, the more I absolutely love it!! Let's see, personal favorites are Lead Me To The Cross (beautiful ballad from Brooke Fraser), Found (like this version better than the Mighty To Save version), Solution (not only do you just crank it up and jam out to this song but I love these lyrics of "... Higher than all circumstance Your promise stands, Your love for all to see, higher than our protest lines and dollars signs Your love is all we need..only You can mend the broken heart and cause the blind to see, erase complete the sinner's past and set the captives free...only You can take the widow's cry and cause her heart to sing, be the father to the fatherless...." (( these particular lyrics really impacted me), Never Let Me Go (you feel God's love for you), You (simple but DEEP!!) and Saviour King (this will be a favorite in churchs all around the world...powerful and deep lyrics!).

I find myself going to bed with a song in my head and wake up humming one of the songs. They stay with me all day and help me to get through the day. I have read other reviews and comments and the ones that criticize should really try to have a more open mind. The message, love and desire is in this album just as much as the others in the past. I have always said before you criticize, try to educate yourself more on the albums and songs...if you want a deeper understanding on the songs, go to YouTube Hillsong United TV and check out all the blogs on the songs. Once you see it, you will have a better and deeper understanding of the songs and connect even more. I am so grateful that there are talented people who use their gifts that God has given them and use it to serve Him according to His purpose. Without powerful worship songs, I don't know how I would honestly make it through the daily struggles that I face. They honestly get me through and help me to connect to our Creator and find purpose, meaning and understanding.

Thank you so very much Hillsong United for continuing to create awesome praise and worship music that glorifies and exhalts our Creator and Saviour!!!

The Album is AMAZING!!!.......2007-05-25

I bought the import one straight from Hillsong Australia, but its the same cd. The tracks are amazing. Solution is the best praise song and Saviour King is one of the best worship songs that hillsong has ever done (ive heard their cds for 10 years). Point of Difference reminds me of The Time Has Come from the United We Stand cd but its different of course. Break Free is more punk, Desperate People is a good worship song, Lead Me to the Cross reminds me of the None But Jesus song a little bit. Found is the same song from Mighty to Save. My Future Decided is more of a youth punk song Never Let Me Go is a good worship song You is slower could be good for meditation Saviour King is amazing though - revolutionary powerful WOW!!!!!!!!!! I first thought of it like came to the rescue but its not - its completely new. If youre mixed about my review, buy it for Saviour King - its the new anthem Hillsong church is singing in Australia SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!!

All of the Above is not above all the others.......2007-05-24

Hillsong United has been providing relevant Christian music to youth for a few years now. All of the Above is a step backwards. While the songs display great musicianship, they are not as singable as past albums. Song lyrics has walked away what Christ has done for us (except for "Lead Me to the Cross" which has great words). If you'd like to listen to some good mainstream-sounding Christian music, check out this album. If you're looking for a worship album, look to past Hillsong United projects.

Average customer rating:

Great CD
Above & Beyond Is Amazing
Excellent Job
Worth twice the price for CD2 alone!!
WOW!!! Amazing album.

Anjunabeats, Vol. 5
Above & Beyond
Manufacturer: Ultra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

A State of Trance 2007
Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
Passport to the United States of America
A State of Mind
Anjunabeats Worldwide, Vol. 1

ASIN: B000PSJCL0
Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

Zeppelin - Michael Cassette
Battery Life - Chunk & Twist
Essense - Jaytech
Remember September - Boom Jink
Together - Joonas Hahmo
Needs To Feel - Super8 & Tab
Spacelift - Jaytech
My Name Is Jacques - Junk Science
Formalistick - Stephen J. Kroos
Buzz - Above & Beyond
Tomahawk - Oliver Smith
Amnesia - Nitrous Oxide
Good For Me - Above & Beyond

Tracks:

Shapes - Maor Levi
Megashira - Marc Marberg
One Night In Tokyo - Purple Mood
Razorfish - Above & Beyond
Make Me Believe - Daniel Kandi
Home - Above & Beyond
Nimbus - Oliver Smith
Oceanic - Above & Beyond
Worldwide - Mark Pledger vs. Super8 & Tab
Cold Front - Remo-con
Never Gone - Adam Nickey
One Wish - Evbointh
Suru - Super8 & Tab

Amazon.com

The boys at Anjunabeats--who in their collective DJ persona go by Above & Beyond--have probably done more than any other outfit to reinvigorate the genre of trance in the last five years. This is largely thanks to their mix compilations, which have featured talents like Gabriel & Dresden, Kyau & Albert, and Smith & Pledger. So it's a bit difficult to explain how these tastemakers could see fit to include a track peppered with a geek-speak warning that laptop overheating results in decreased battery life (Chunk & Twist's "Battery Life"). But such oddness is soon forgotten with the entrance of "Essence," a predictably excellent effort from Jaytech with plenty of swing. Disc 1 also features Joonas Hahmo's "Together," an effervescent fusion of house and trance elements that works like a charm. Disc 2 leaves the gate with Maor Levi's "Shapes"--whose splice-and-dice vocals nod to James Holden's seminal remix of "Nothing"--followed by Marc Marberg and Kyau & Albert's "Megashira," a must-spin track that is electro on the outside and trance on the inside (and features an absolutely stellar breakdown). Volume 5 is the most electro-influenced installment of Anjunabeats yet, but Above & Beyond are careful to use the harder-edged stuff as a springboard to give their trademark euphoric material even greater effect. --Brent Kallmer

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-07-24

Above & Beyond Is Amazing.......2007-07-24

Simply put these CD's are great. I haven't stopped listening to them since I got it.

Excellent Job.......2007-07-20

This is the first Anjunabeats album I have owned and within a few minutes of popping it in, I knew I had something special here. As far as trance goes, this album is everything you wanted to hear, perfect sounds and instrumentation. Just when things start cooling down a bit, they punch you square in the chest starting the next track. I saw Above and Beyond live at Electric Daisy Carnival 2007 and was able to glowstring through the entire set, eyes and mind wide open.

My only gripe is that it's two discs. I can't pick one.

Tracks worth mentioning? One Wish, Home, One Night In Tokyo, Needs To Feel, Formalistick... There are a lot of great tracks here. Have fun with this one!

Worth twice the price for CD2 alone!!.......2007-07-19

As is the case with many double CD sets, one CD eclipses the other. In this case CD2 was far superior to CD1. It's not that CD1 was bad, but CD2 was soooo good. Having said that, I did enjoy a few tracks on CD1; namely, "Together" (by Joonas Hahmo), "Tomahawk" (by Oliver Smith), "Amnesia" (by Nitrous Oxide), and the excellent closer "Good For Me" (by Above & Beyond).

CD2 is a classic! If you love melodic trance you will be treated to pure sonic bliss. There are absolutely no fillers here, though track 10 ("Cold Front" by Remo Con), a "techno progressive" number, was a bit jarring at first until the melody kicked in. I don't believe I would be guilty of hyperbole if I were to say that this is the best trance CD I've listened to in years (with the exception of my all-time favorite trance CD, CD2 of Thrillseekers' amazing 2 disc set "Nightmusic: Vol. 1." (If you love melodic and high energy trance, you simply must own that set...check out also the latest release by AVB, "A State of Trance 2007".)

The standouts include: "One night in Toyko" (by Purple Mood), "Make Me Believe" (by Daniel Kandi), "Home" (by Above & Beyond), "Oceanic" (by Above & Beyond), "Never Gone" (by Adam Nickey), "One Wish" (by Evbointh), and the stunning closer "Suru" (by Super8 & Tab). This is not to belittle the others, for they will prove to be ear candy for you as well. And I was impressed that Above & Beyond was able to take a rather old song ("Razorfish" by Tranquility Base) and give it new life in a refreshing remix.

There was only one drawback on the whole CD. When I heard the last note of "Suru" fading out, I was left longing for more. Oh well, thankfully one can always resort to the priceless Repeat button!!

WOW!!! Amazing album........2007-07-18

I recently bought some music to run to and this is one of my favorites. Keeps me moving and I love to hear it over and over again. Great work from Above & Beyond...you guys have me hooked.

Average customer rating:

fantastic
Soft
Best CD of 2006!!!!
HELP I CAN'T STOP PLAYING IT!!
One of the best cds I own

Tri-State
Above & Beyond
Manufacturer: Ultra Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Nightmusic, Vol. 1
State of Trance 2006
Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
DJ in the Mix 3
Ibiza '06

ASIN: B000ERU5EK
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

Tri-State
Stealing Time
World On Fire
Air For Life (with Andy Moor)
Cant Sleep
Hope
Liquid Love
In The Past
Alone Tonight
Good For Me
For All I Care
Indonesia
Home

Customer Reviews:

fantastic.......2007-06-29

Simply the best trance album of 2006. Listening to the whole album, one can enjoy a definitive experience of "future sound of trance" . Hard to pick a favorite, but one thing is for sure : "Air for Life" will be a true trance classic.

Soft .......2007-06-02

I have heard these guys play before live there are off the chain . It was a little to soft for me But ok . I think they put way to many vocal songs on the cd but over all they did a good job . It was ok but not the best cd over all put in 2006 far from it .

Best CD of 2006!!!!.......2007-05-21

Brand new, thanks! This is the best CD I bought in over a year. A totally cool, chill-out CD. My girlfriend loves it too.

Gracias amigo

HELP I CAN'T STOP PLAYING IT!!.......2007-03-12

Oh my god, this cd is simply awesome. It is relaxing and upbeat at the same time. I can play it in the car on my way to work when I'm stuck in traffic, or at home at night when I dim the lights, it fits both environments. My best songs are mostly the vocal ones.

Stealing Time- I can relate to the songs lyrics
Can't Sleep- Very etheral vocals, heavenly!
Hope, and Liquid Love- nice instrumentals, flows well with Can't sleep
Alone Tonight- clever lyrics in this song

Overall the album is great and is one of the most unique CD's in my collection.

One of the best cds I own.......2007-03-10

Excellent cd as others have noted.
Most of the tracks are great.

Standouts are: Air for Life, and: Can't Sleep. They are simply superb. Great music with variations of driving beats and soft interludes. Female vocals that are almost hypnotic.

Track: Good for me, is great as well. Soft, with great vocals.

Most of the other tracks are very good, but as noted by one of the other reviewers, I did not like voice of the male singer(s) on what otherwise would have been very good, if not great, songs.

Average customer rating:

RIP layne staley
Gooaasch
Good as hell, all the way through
Great experience
Layne's voice still echoes from Above

Above
Mad Season
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Temple of the Dog
Jar of Flies
Mother Love Bone
Sap
Facelift

ASIN: B000002B2T
Release Date: 1995-03-14

Tracks:

Wake Up
X-Ray Mind
River Of Deceit
I'm Above
Artificial Red
Lifeless Dead
I Don't Know Anything
Long Gone Day
November Hotel
All Alone

Amazon.com

Alice in Chains vocalist Layne Staley teams with Seattle pals Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) and Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees) in the tradition of other part-time grunge aggregations like Brad and Hater. These 10 numbers--mostly somber, acoustic-hued ballads like the single "River of Deceit"--are a therapeutic soul-cleansing for the troubled Staley. Core fans of any of the aforementioned bands will rank this with the solo work of Screaming Tree frontman Mark Lanegan (a guest vocalist here). --Jeff Bateman

Customer Reviews:

RIP layne staley.......2007-06-05

mad season was a side project of layne staley (former frontman for alice in chains) along with one of the guitar players from pearl jam and a no-name drummer. all of the songs are playable but only 1 or 2 really stand out with artificial red being my fav. i would recommend buying a used copy for a few bucks if you are a fan of AIC and are curious about this music. the cover art is really cool too.

Gooaasch.......2007-05-05

...honestly, this to date, it is in my top 10 albums of all time.

And, I like it all. Electronica, Jazz, Funk, Hard Rock, Trip-Hop, 50's 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and current, etc. Classics as well as new. This album makes you feel.

Sure, since it's release 10+ years ago, it has found itself not on my "go-to" list more than once. That's the nature of music though.

Yeah, Alice fans will dig, but it's bigger than that.

Where it hits hard...Staley. The man was obviously pained. That in turn produced a moving experience. Although he did the same with Alice, this seems more poignant.

"Wake Up" is THE most memorable cut. Starts out mellow, Layne crying out, a blues/rock riff, and leads to McCready getting off...just amazing.

The combo of musical influences is evident. Staley, McCready, Lanegan, et al just make beautiful, rocking music.

Not one song disappoints. From beginning to end it messages the soul. Whether a soothing effect or a punch in the the kidney...it's perfect.

Led Zeppilin III is in my top 5 of all time...and this rivals.

Good as hell, all the way through.......2007-04-04

This is a mellow, artsy kind of album, but man does it RULE. I love Layne's range. He does Facelift, Dirt, and the Self-Titled while releasing the acoustic CD's in between (SAP and Jar o' Flies). The guy was just a musical genius. This record show that. Having the super backing band also helped, with vocals from Screaming Tree's Mark Lanegan (THE single most UNDERRATED vocailist to ever emerge from Seattle) and Mike from Pearl Jam's excellent 70's style guitar is the icing on the cake. River of Deciet, Lifeless Dead, I don't know anything, and Im alone are my fav's. There isnt a bad track on this CD.

Great experience.......2007-03-22

My husband and I have both been looking for this CD for awhile- We found it cheaper on Amazon than the music store and we got it within 4-5 days. THANKS

Layne's voice still echoes from Above.......2007-03-12

This is the most beautifully artistic outpouring I've ever tried to soak in. The lead singer, Layne Staley(Alice in Chains), attempts to unburden his troubled soul with this emotional tour de force.
His voice on every track is completely mesmerizing. Many of the songs contain a small hint of anger that has been overwhelmed by an infinite sadness. The lyrics are so painfully searing, you get a real feel for the agony behind the words. This entire journey is a therapeutic attempt for Layne to overcome his inner demons.

I love every song on this album. The first track, Wake Up, is a soft, mellow song that really showcases his amazing voice. With the accompaniment of a very basic, throbbing bass guitar and some xylophones, Layne acknowledges his need to wake up from his nightmare.
On X-Ray Mind, Layne admits his need to step away from the grind of his regular life, and how he can tell some of his so called friends might not have his best interest in mind.
The third track, River of Deceit, is the only song that received any radio play. It's about anguish and about choices. Mike McCready (Pearl Jam) skillfully adds to Layne's undeniable energy with his acoustic guitar.
The fourth song is my favorite poem, titled I'm Above. It is the only song that doesn't have elements of personal suffering in it. It basically is stating what comes around, goes around. It demonstrates the power to take the higher ground.
Artificial Red is next, filled with abrasive guitars that control the pacing. Lyrically it seems to be about isolation and recovery. Kind of the entire theme of this album.
Lifeless Dead apparently torments over a lost love. Layne sings this song with a monotone voice, which signifies the drainage of emotion. The guitar riffs are simplistic in their execution plus rigid in their delivery.
Next, the song I Don't Know Anything builds up quickly and then evens out with it's repetitive chorus. The guitars really battle it out.
The final poem, Long Gone Day, is a heartfelt recollection of times gone by. There are sounds of desperation, mistakes, and regret.
Mike closes out this phenomenal collaboration with an awesome instrumental, November Hotel. He demonstrates his remarkable talent even more here at the end. This is followed by kind of an eerie, angelic goodbye.

Mad Season's lone output is one of my most treasured CD's. It's as good as Dirt(Alice in Chains) or Ten(Pearl Jam). That is some lofty praise. We can always still hear Layne's voice, and sometimes I can still feel his tears raining down from Above...

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, but not my first choice
THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever...
Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation
Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel
Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde
Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem]

ASIN: B0002XV31A
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
Overture
No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
No.4: If With All Your Hearts
No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
No.31: O Rest In The Lord
No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating:

No Fistful of Ennio
I would call some of these pieces "newage"...
Simply a 'Must Purchase' for those with a passing interest in Morricone's work
ENNIO MORRICONE - FILM MUSIC, VOL. 1
A collection of Morricone's most popular and entertaining

Ennio Morricone - Film Music, Vol.1

Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Film Music, Vol. 2
Very Best of Ennio Morricone
The Mission: Original Soundtrack From The Motion Picture
Ennio Morricone, Vol.3: Main Titles
Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone

ASIN: B00000DR51
Release Date: 1992-06-29

Tracks:

The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Maddalena: Come Maddalena
The Sicilian Clan: The Sicilian Clan
The Life And Times Of David Lloyd George (BBC TV): Chi Mai
Investigation Of A Citizen Above Suspicion: Investigation Of A Citizen Above Suspicion
Moscow Farewell: Moscow Farewell
Espion Leve Toi: Marcia In La
Lady Caliph: Lady Caliph
Battle Of Algiers: The Battle Of Algiers
The Infernal Trio: The Infernal Trio
La Banquiere: Dedicace
For Love One Can Die: For Love One Can Die
Sacco And Vanzetti: Sacco And Vanzetti
The Tragedy Of A Ridiculous Man: La Tragedia Di Un Uomo Ridicolo
Quartiere: Romanza Quartiere
Once Upon A Time In The West: Once Upon A Time In The West
The Mission: On Earth As It Is In Heaven (Remix)

Customer Reviews:

No Fistful of Ennio.......2007-01-31

Ennio Morricone wrote great soundtrack music, that's for certain. But no retrospective of his work is complete without the inclusion of more than one lone example from the three mid-60's "spaghetti westerns" he scored for Sergio Leone and Clint Eastwood. Anyone familiar with the UNITED ARTISTS label LPs of "Fistful Of Dollars," "For A Few Dollars More" and "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" might agree with this.

As for what's here-- most of ENNIO MORRICONE * FILM MUSIC Volume 1 is forgettable incidental stuff. Except for "The Battle Of Algiers (Theme)," the opening and closing tracks are the best. They bookend what turns out to be a disappointing collection, lacking in both liner notes and the brilliance Morricone demonstrated over a 30 year span.

I would call some of these pieces "newage"..........2006-08-02

Moscow Farewell is definitely my pick of the lot. Sacco And Vanzetti was a pleasant surprise once I listened to it a couple of times. It is lively and could be played on a wedding dance floor for the whole family. This is great album to listen to while in bed!

Simply a 'Must Purchase' for those with a passing interest in Morricone's work.......2005-09-13

Arguably one of the greatest (if not the greatest) Film composer of the 20th Century. Not only has he scored some of the most influential and instantly recognisable pieces of film music during his roughly 50 years of composing atmospheric film scores. Whether he's providing the spooky dramatics for a spaghetti Western" or constructing the ingenious use of classical arrangements of brooding cinematic pieces, he has (in most cases) consistently delivered contemporary music that has provided the atmospheric foil for the picture in question. And with a collection of musical influences that were as far ranging as: classical, jazz, pop, rock, electronic, avant-garde, and Italian music, he is able to deliver a variety of film scores that are as diverse as they are beautifully composed.

This compilation is collection of some of the seminal, gritty, theatrical, and dramatic film music, that would go on to define his career, via reflective orchestration and memorable motifs, ingenious use of diverse arrangements and instrumentation. There is a majority of his highlights on this disc, with the magnificently brooding "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" opening the disk. what follows is a truly sublime collection of music that is in parts truly beautiful and utterly atmospheric, so tracks such as "Once Upon A Time In The West", benefit from the haunting melodies and stirring volins, that are possibly more in tone with orchestrated music than contemporary music. Or the quiet piano introspection and melancholic arrangements that make up "Moscow Farewell", are simply deserving of being placed amongst the finest soundtrack compositions ever. "Dedicace", contains some of the most litting melodies in recent memory, impossibly sad and affecting, it is a haunting bittersweet composition that is both organic & reflective, over which the volins provide the musical backdrop. And that's without the mention of "For Love One Can Die", the autumnal orchestrated track, that pulls from Italian sweeping gangster original film scores, and makes a hushed and dissonant recording, that feels like a sublime throwback to the mafia-related shenanigans of 60's chicago via the use of restrained piano, that really is quite lovely and adds substantial weight to the composition.

If you are looking for a Ennio Morricone compilation....short of buying a boxset, you'd be hard pressed in beating this for value for money. It's a fantastic summary of his work and covers a fair amount of material. And is the perfect introduction to his work, (especially if you just want to buy one compilation of his work). This is highly recommended to fans both old and new, and is boosted by the compilers making a great job of the selection. So if you don't want to have to splash out on an expensive disk, to hear his influential work...this really is the first place you should start.

ENNIO MORRICONE - FILM MUSIC, VOL. 1 .......2005-08-16

HAVING HEARD EXERPTS OF THE MUSIC BEFORE, IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT I
WANTED.

A collection of Morricone's most popular and entertaining.......2005-07-31

Volume I of III, of this 'best of' Morricone trilogy, is the best of the three. This volume consists of music that can be listened to alone and socially, with some of the most catchy and minimalist rhythms you'll ever hear. You'll listen to this album and wonder what movie you've heard that song from before(Morricone's canon being primarily for film scores). If you're hear because you're trying to get the song from a movie, and you've never really heard of Morricone before, then you've luckily stumbled upon some of the best music I've ever heard. Or, if you're a Morricone fan and you'er looking for a good compilation, since Morricone has done too many film scores to even possibly own them all, then this is good to have. I wouldn't really reccommend Volume II and III unless you're looking or a very comprehensive collection of Morricone, since Volume I seems to me to carry his most absolute best. Definetely buy this album, it's very good.

Average customer rating:

Best Anjunabeats I Have Heard
Awesome
By far the best volume
Good, Deep, Melodic Trance
A Must Buy Trance Album!

Anjunabeats, Vol. 4
Above & Beyond
Manufacturer: Anjuna Beats
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000G03RS6
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Tracks:

Small Step On The Other Side (B.P.'s Volume Four Remix) - Basic Perspective
Come Play Perfect (Original Mix) - Boom Jinx
5 (Original Mix) - Super8 & P.O.S.
Aria Epica (Original Mix) - Signalrunners
Keep On (Komytea Remix) - Supermodels From Paris
Ultraviolet (Original Mix) - Mike Koglin Vs. Mark Pledger
Illumina (Original Mix) - Maor Levi
North Pole (Original Mix) - Nitrous Oxide
Amsterdam (Smith & Pledger Remix) - Luminary
Helsinki Scorchin' (Original Mix) - Super8 & DJ Tab
Can't Sleep (Maori Remix) - Above & Beyond
Get Off (Original Mix) - Super8
White (Original Mix) - Smith & Pledger
Breathe (Original Mix) - Daniel Kandi

Customer Reviews:

Best Anjunabeats I Have Heard.......2007-06-06

I got Vol 2 & 3 and I must say that this is the best one so far. It is utterly fantanstic. I got it because other people on Amazon recommended it and I got to admit, this is utterly the best Anjunabeats I have heard. Every track is good. It is not like Vol 2 where I was listening to Taurine, Kallocain, and Cre8 again and again without much regard for the rest of the album. Vol 4 is like one continuous good, wonderful, uplifting, beautiful, perfect piece of progressive trance. This is a true keeper. After 10 years, when I look back on the Summer of 2007, I know I will first remember this album, it is just that good.

I am ordering Anjunabeats, Vol 5 and the Worldwide Vol 1 immediately! Others are saying they are even better than Vol 4. If that is true, this is going to be the best Summer for Trance in a long time!!!!

Buy this! It is worth it! Just buy it already! I wake up at 4 am just to listen to this album 3 times before going to work! It is that good!!!!

Awesome.......2007-05-07

It may not have a lot of vocals to it, but the beats are fricken awesome. I especially love that song "North Pole" track 8; I only wish it was longer.

By far the best volume.......2007-04-02

This is by far the best volume of the Anjunabeats series. Not that the first three volumes are bad, on the contrary, they are great too. But Above & Beyond have definitely put together a great compilation here. Highly recommended!

Good, Deep, Melodic Trance.......2006-12-11

Above and Beyond is an unknown beauty in trance. The fusion of euphoric melody, deep bass lines, and playful beats sets this talented duo apart from most other trance DJ's. Ajunabeats Vol. 4 is a tremendous addition to an already fantastic volume of music promoted by Above and Beyond, and truly sets the standard for innovative trance.

The music develops energetically throughout the set, slowly mounting into a fascinating soundscape; one that is full of elation and wonder. From its beginning to end you get lost in a reminiscent daydream, wondering if the next track will be as beautiful as the last. I was never disappointed.

I highly recommend this album, along with Above and Beyond's other releases, to people who listen for the emotional beauty of music. There is musical genius hidden in every track; and for that simple reason alone, it is quite an album to own.

A Must Buy Trance Album!.......2006-12-06

By far the best of the Anjunabeats series. A&B bring a lot of great beats and energy to this album while keeping to their Trance roots. A great listen front to back for any Trance fan.

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn

Average customer rating:

An American Treasure
DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!
An American tragedy....
Gorgeous!
Defective disc.

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn
Frederica von Stade , Jerome Kern , Jerry Hadley , Bruce Hubbard , Teresa Stratas , David Garrison , Leslie Fyson , John McGlinn , and London Sinfonietta
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000002SJL
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Overture
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: Niggers all work on d Mississippi... (Stevedores, Gals, Queenie, Steve, Pete, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss, Beaux, Girls & Boys)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: 'Andy!!!...' (Parthy, Windy, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Here comes the Show Boat parade!...' (Boy, Girls, Boys, Andy, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Hey Julie...' (Pete, Julie, Steve, Parthy, Andy, Ellie)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'It's a man...' (Ellie, Ravenal, Vallon)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Where's the Mate for Me?: Who cares if my boat goes upstream... (Ravenal, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Make Believe: Only make believe I love you... (Ravenal, Magnolia, Vallon)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Ol' Man River: 'Oh, Joe!...' (Magnolia, Joe, Men)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Two - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man: 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Life on the Wicked Stage: Why do stage struck maidens clamor... (Ellie, Girls)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Till Good Luck Comes My Way: The man who ventures with chance... (Ravenal, Men)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': Mis'ry's comin' aroun'... (Queenie, Women, Joe Magnolia, Julie, Men, Solo Bass)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Take her up, Rubberface!...' (Andy, Julie, Steve, Magnolia, Parthy, Ellie, Windy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Hello, Windy...' (Vallon, Andy, Magnolia, Steve, Julie, Windy, Ellie, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'You needn't all look at us...' (Steve, Colored Chorus, Andy, Parthy, Magnolia, Ellie, Frank)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Looks like a swell...' (Andy, Parthy, Frank, Ravenal, Julie, Magnolia, Steve, Joe)

Tracks:

Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Would Like to Play a Lover's Part: Her face is fair to look upon... (Boys, Girls, Ellie, Frank)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Might Fall Back on You: Little girl, you are safe with me... (Frank, Ellie, Girls)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - Queenie's Ballyhoo: 'Is de theatre fillin' up, Cap'n Andy?...' (Queenie, Andy, Colored Chorus)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Six - Villain Dance
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Seven - You Are Love: 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia, Parthy)
Show Boat: Act One, Scene Eight - Finale Act One: Oh tell me, did you ever!... (Firls, Boys, Chorus, Andy, Women, Men, Negro Women, Magnolia, Parthy, Vallon, Pete)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - At the Fair: When we tell them about it all... (All, 1st Barker, Boys, Girls, Chorus, 2nd Barker, Men, 3rd Barker)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - Why Do I Love You?: I'm walking on the air, dear... (Magnolia, Ravenal, Chorus, Andy)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - In Dahomey: Dyunga doe!... (Dahomey Villagers, White Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Three - Convent Scene: Alma Redmptoris Mater... (Nuns, Mother Superior, Ravenal, Kim)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four: 'All right, Jake...' (Jim, Jake, Julie)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four - Bill: I used to dream... (Julie)
Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly... (Magnolia)
Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): 'Whaddaya say, boss?...' (Frank, Jim, Magnolia, Jake)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Trocadero Opening Chorus: Let's make the new year... (Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Apache Dance
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Goodbye, My Lady Love: So you're going away... (Frank, Ellie)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - After the Ball: 'Ladies and Gentlemen...' (Jim, Drunk, Andy, Magnolia, A Man, All)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Ol' Man River (Reprise): Ol' Man River... (Joe)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Hey, Feller!: When you yen for a gent... (Queenie, Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Eight - You Are Love (Reprise): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal)

Tracks:

Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine: Cottom Blossom (Reprise): Cotton Blossom... (Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: Now up in the northern land... (Kim, Chorus)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: 'Say, Cap'n Andy...' (Frank, Ellie, Andy)
Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - Finale Ultimo: 'Hello, Gay...' (Andy, Hope, Ravenal, Girl, Man, Magnolia, Old Lady, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - Pantry Scene (Act One, Scene Two; deleted - 1927): 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
Show Boat: Appendix - Waterfront Saloon Scene (Act One, Scene Three; deleted - 1927): 'Number four, black!...' (Voice (off), Ravenal, Loungers, Gambler)
Show Boat: Appendix - Yes, Ma'am (Act One, Scene Three; unused - 1927): Bet your hat... (Girls, Ellie)
Show Boat: Appendix - Kim's Imitations (Why Do I Love You?): (Act Two, Scene Nine; Ziegfeld Production - 1927): Why do I love you?... (Kim, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - Dance Away the Night (Act Two, Scene Nine; London - 1928): Music in the air... (Kim, Girls, Boys)
Show Boat: Appendix - A Pack of Cards (Act One, Scene Six?; unused - 1927): One night as I sat by my fireside so weary... (Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - The Creole Love Song (Act One, Scene Seven; unused - 1927): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - Out There in an Orchard (Act Two, Scene Four; unused - 1927): There was a sun sinking slowly in the west... (Julie)
Show Boat: Appendix - Gallivantin' Aroun' (Universal Film - 1936): Liza Matilda HIll... (Magnolia, Chorus)
Show Boat: Appendix - I Have the Room Above Her (Universal Film - 1936): 'Seems to me I've seen that stocking someplace...' (Ravenal, Magnolia)
Show Boat: Appendix - Ah Still Suits Me (Universal Film - 1936): 'Joe! Dere you go again!...' (Queenie, Joe)
Show Boat: Appendix - Nobody Else But Me (Act Two, Scene Nine; 1946 Revival): I was a shy, demure type... (Kim, Chorus)

Amazon.com

John McGlinn's sprawling, monumental three-CD set is about all the Show Boat any listener could ever ask for. In an obvious labor of love, McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including every song, the original orchestrations, and all underscored dialogue. The most significant restoration is the dark choral number "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'," as Show Boat's serious subject matter helped establish its place as the most important turning point in the history of American musical theater. McGlinn also adds an appendix that includes songs cut before opening night and every song subsequently written for the show's many productions, most notably the love duet "I Have the Room Above Her," written for the 1936 film. (The recording is also available in a one-disc reduction called the "Broadway Show Album.")

Rest assured this 221-minute blockbuster is not just dry scholarship; it's also terrific listening, with McGlinn conducting a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." Also included are exhaustive production notes, a history of the show, a detailed synopsis, and a libretto. John McGlinn's Show Boat is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An American Treasure.......2007-03-03

When PBS showed the 1989 Paper Mill Playhouse production of Showboat, my five year old daughter fell in love with musical theater. To this day we never miss a production of Showboat, West Side Story, Music Man, Oklahoma or the rest of the great American musicals. These 3 discs are the closest you can ever hear to the original in 1927 and the recordings are leaps and bounds above any movie version or revival cast. Listening to Bill or Make Believe you almost want to cry at what Kern and Hammerstein were able to create.

I defy anyone to come up with another Broadway production that has three songs in a row better than Make Believe, Ol' Man River and Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (West Side Story's Maria, America and Tonight are the best three in a row of a movie musical) and it's a shame that no movie version of Showboat can compare to this version. The first act is full of songs that are as good as any ever sung on a stage and I can't think of another production with a first act that compete against the big 3 plus Cotton Blossom, Where's The Mate For Me, Life On The Wicked Stage, Till Good Luck Comes My Way, Misry's Comin' Aroun', You are Love, Act One finale and Why Do I Love You?. You just don't want to have the music stop.

If you don't like opera you won't like this version. Sung the way Kern and Hammerstein wrote them, you can't help but feel the operatic nature of these songs. Tough noogies because Showboat is above all an opera disguised as a Broadway play and no sweetening should be allowed.

The four leads are all superb, Frederica von Stade as Nola especially. The booklet contains the complete libretto and allows a different way to appreciate the music.

If you buy just one version of Showboat you need this one. If you have other versions of Showboat you need this one. As a matter of fact, anyone with ears to hear needs this version. A true American treasure.

DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!.......2006-11-16

One of the great recordings of musical theatre ever. Although it's no longer available on EMI Angel, it was reissued in October, 2006, as an EMI Classic's "Great Recordings of the Century." It's been "Digitially Remastered at Abbey Road Studios from the Original Masters" and "noise-shaped via the Prism SNS system for optimum sound quality." If ART remastering does for this recording what it has done for other EMI Classics in my library, then it should sound superb. However, I understand the booklet is not as detailed as the one in the original 3-disc release.

Thank you, EMI.

I would hope other labels would follow suit and remaster and reissue other examples of classic American musical theater. It would be a pity if our children, grandchildren, and future generations were unable to savor "110 in the Shade" or "Little Mary Sunshine" or . . . . . . . . . (fill in the blanks.)

An American tragedy...........2006-02-06

This is the first of the great American musical plays, and probably remained unchallenged until the mid-1950s when West Side Story appeared. The term "musical comedy" does not apply. The few laugh lines are subsumed by the terrible sense of loss and disaster that work throughout the story. At its core is homelessness, the destruction wrought by racism, bad choices, human weakness, and reconciliation. The cast?--this was one of the few crossover recordings I've ever heard that actually worked. The trio of Jerry Hadley, Frederica von Stade, and Teresa Stratas is a marvel; Stratas in particular seems to have had a patented Dark Cloud that shadowed her. It's perfect for Julie Dozier Laverne. And the late Bruce Hubbard brings a magnificent dignity and voice to Joe--his singing of "Ol' Man River" amy not efface Paul Robeson, but can stand beside it.

Gorgeous!.......2005-08-26

Simply gorgeous! The most unforgetable music and the best voices! An album for all time!
M. J. Conrades

Defective disc........2005-08-15

I received this item on July 27, 2005. I played it on my portable CD player and found out that Disc 2 of the set was defective. It kept on skipping on my CD player. So, I returned it for a refund.

Average customer rating:

A dream
Perfection at its Best
Tranquil Beauty
Beautiful!
Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack

Hero
Tan Dun
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hero

ASIN: B0002S945W
Release Date: 2004-08-24

Tracks:

Hero: Overture
For the World - Theme Music
Warriors
Gone with Leaves
Longing
At Emperor's Palace
In the Chess Court
Love in Distance
Spirit Fight
Swift Sword
Farewell, Hero
Sorrow in Desert
Home
Above Water
Snow
Yearning for the Peace

Amazon.com

Tan Dun straddles the very different worlds of concert music and film scores, winning admirers in both. He's perhaps best known for his score to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which shares with Hero a visual poetry that transcends the sword-filled action film genre. In Crouching Tiger, Tan Dun's music was often striking. In Hero he often lapses into repetition and cliché, a failing compensated for by several appealing cues. The Overture, for example, begins with the mournful wail of ancient Chinese instruments set against pounding drums, a promising start that evokes ancient China and the struggles to come. There's a mournful soprano vocalise in "Gone With the Leaves," and the "Warriors" cue recalls Prokofiev's Alexander Nevsky. The plucking of the ancient Chinese lute in "In the Chess Court" evokes a timeless, peaceful mood, contrasting with the thrilling kodo drummers showcased in "Swift Sword." Itzhak Perlman gets cover billing for violin solos any competent studio fiddler could have handled. Tan Dun's admirers will want this, and audiophiles will love those kodo drummers. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A dream.......2007-05-29

A magistral execution... close your eyes and dream.... a perfumed atmosphere will pervade you

Perfection at its Best.......2007-01-05

I received the Hero CD in mint condition and in a timely fashion. There's a plethora of things one could complain about, and when something works how it should, sometimes it gets overlooked. Not this time! I would just like to commend Amazon.Com on a job well done...

Tranquil Beauty.......2006-08-08

After seeing Hero, one of the (many) things that stuck with me was the evocative soundtrack. It set a perfect backdrop to the artistry and beauty of the story.

After purchasing the soundtrack, I was reminded of many of the scenes I enjoy, especially the tracks for the fight in the chess house ("In the Chess Court"), and in the yellow wood ("Gone with Leaves"). "Longing" is one of the most hauntingly serene pieces of film music I have heard.

This is not, obviously, a CD to listen to while you do step aerobics.
The theme is repeated and varied often, evoking the way the film's story is repeated from different perspectives, but those with short attention spans may perceive it as merely repetitive.

Beyond its association with the film, this soundtrack is an incredibly calming work of art. To be enjoyed with a good cup of hot tea.
5 stars.

Beautiful!.......2006-03-19

Interesting way to present some Chinese history by convoluted storytelling. Jet Li provides a subtle, challenging performance. It's a visually stunning movie to look at, as well. In a way, it's a lot like some classic Westerns in that the gorgeously stark landscapes of China become just as much a "star" as the players.

One of the real draws is the music. Tan Dun's compositions are beautiful, sad and celebratory at the same time, and haunting. I think it was pure genius to pair his compositions with Perlman. I had to wait a few months for the DVD, but I went out and bought the music CD immediately after seeing this gem of a movie.

Tranquility, Serenity, Beauty, and Superb Asian Movie Soundtrack.......2006-02-25

When I want to reconnect with my inner self and take a "time out" from my rat race life, I play either this CD or the sound track from "The Last Samurai". The theme from this CD stays in your head all day. If you like soundtracks, asian style muusic, classical music, and beauty, this CD has it all. I sometimes end up watching the movie again later in the week. I collect movie soundtracks and this is in my top ten.

Average customer rating:

Another perfect record from Toadies, and their last.
great alt-Rock
Push the hand...of the critic
FABULOUS
Disappointing

Hell Below/Stars Above
Toadies
Manufacturer: Interscope Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005ABL2
Release Date: 2001-03-20

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Plane Crash
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Motivational
Heel
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Pressed Against The Sky
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Hell Below/Stars Above
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In the beginning--well, in the early '90s, anyway--there was grunge. The sound from Northwest bands like Mudhoney and Nirvana sliced razor-sharp punk into thick slabs of Black Sabbath-influenced metal to forever fray the mainstream public's image of straight-ahead rock & roll. As the '90s creeped on, rockers like Stone Temple Pilots and Bush were taking the fringes of the Seattle sound and smoothing them into modern radio rock. In 1994, the Texas band the Toadies stepped up to the post-grunge plate with the major-label release of Rubberneck. The album went platinum and the single "Possum Kingdom" hit the alternative and hard-rock radio circuit pretty hard. The critics scratched their heads, though, claiming the band was just a bland reworking of the classic Nirvana sound.

Seven years later, the band released their Rubberneck follow-up, Hell Below/Stars Above, and critics are still scratching their heads. The album offers highly charged, raw-throated vocals and a wall of aggressive rock built on solid bricks of distortion ("Sweetness," "Plane Crash," "Push the Hand," "Heel"), but it still lacks the intricacy and hooks of, say, a Foo Fighters album. Sure, there are some slower songs ("Pressed Against the Sky") that give front man Todd Lewis a break from the testosterone rants, but overall Hell Below feels like one long song of Warped Tour-era rock that too easily blends into itself. --Jennifer Maerz

Customer Reviews:

Another perfect record from Toadies, and their last........2007-05-31

This was their second full length and their last as a group. Just like "Rubberneck", this is one cd that does not get old. It just has a level of fun and song variety that keeps things fresh. There are some heavier songs that you can rock out to, and some mellow, sing-along stuff with awesome hooks that will stick in your head like peanut butter. As always, Todd Lewis' vocals are without equal. He has one of the best sets of rock pipes that I've ever heard. This would probably fall into the grunge, hard rock, alt. rock categories, but it really should appeal to anyone who is a fan of flat-out, fun rock music.

great alt-Rock.......2007-03-03

This is a great cd. great 90's sound. if you were into alt stuff like PJ, Soundgarden, AIC or the like, you will probably like this cd. While 'Rubberneck' was great, this CD isnt a bad follow up by any means. Tracks like "Plane Crash", "Hell Below...", "Little Sin" and "youll come down" are great Rocking songs. Then they have the slower paced tracks like ""What we have to Steal" and "jigsaw Girl" to balance out a really good CD that would (unfortunately) be their last.. Must have right along side of 'Rubberneck' if into that genre of music. a grunge era classic! 4.3..

Push the hand...of the critic.......2006-12-07

While not up to the caliber of Toadies' only other relase, Rubberneck, this is still a finely put together rock album. The drawback was that it took 7 years to release, cementing the band's demise from rock's (near) stardom.

While not as muscially and lyrically catchy (or as dark) as Rubberneck, Hell Below/Stars Above still manages to rock. It's just a little more disjointed. Push the Hand, Plane Crash and Heel are more "Rubberneck-ish", unlike the curiously sappy Dollskin, or the curiously inane Hell Below/Stars Above. Todd Lewis' voice is still the highlight of the album, just this time the lyrics behind his amazing rock voice are a little less powerful and a little more silly ("We know what we really want...we know what really want...). Even so, Toadies still managed to put out a rock album that defied the notion of what a rock album was. 1994's Rubberneck was unlike anything grunge could produce, and 2001's Hell Below was unlike anything that System of a Down (and the like) would produce. Both were a fine distraction from the other mediocre rock/metal the rock/metal world insisted on vomitting on us.

I question why this album took 7 years to release. I questioned it in 1996...and 97, 99, 2000...every year that passed by without a Toadies album. The buzz and hype around Toadies circa-1994, 1995 was huge. Tours with rock's biggest bands of the time, like White Zombie, should have solidified this band's place with the music elite. Instead, they sat on music for years and put out an album that while not mediocre comparative to other music of the time was mediocre to the freshman album this sophmore act released in 2001. Thus, I also question whether the critical acclaim (or lack thereof) of this album really caused the breakup of one of rock's finest diamond's in the rough.

Whatever the case, Hell Below was and is a nice distraction from the puke other bands have forced on people in the past 6 years. Not up to Rubberneck standards, but a fine album nevertheless.

FABULOUS.......2006-09-13

I bought this album the day it came out. I feel no need to discuss any specific aspects of this album. This is a Toadies album, and that fact speaks for itself. There are not enough stars to give this album.

Disappointing.......2006-08-10

I bought this CD because I love Rubberneck and because reviewers seemed to agree that this was album more of the same. I was disappointed, though, and would say that there are only 3 songs worth listening to on this album. The song writing seemed stale and lacked the creativity of Rubberneck. I listened to it and thought to myself - Well, I guess this is why the band the band broke up.

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