Here's Where the Strings Come In

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In their two previous releases, Superchunk seemed to suffer from a lack of direction. Their newfound musical maturity had them abandoning the catchy anthems of their early records and smoothing out all their jagged edges and lovable imperfections. With Here's Where the Strings Come In, however, they've finally found a happy medium. This infectiously lively release has the punch of No Pocky for Kitty and the deeper lyrics and more complex musical arrangements of Foolish and On the Mouth. The band doesn't need to rely on the simplistic three-chord explosions that used to be its trademark; instead, it has focused its musical energy on creating mature, moody guitar pop that, while not lacking in passion, is expressive in a wider variety of ways. Guitarist/vocalist Mac McCaughan has written some fine songs on Here's Where the Strings Come In, and he convincingly delivers them in that perpetually adolescent wail that still cracks when strained. Though some of the tunes are serious and angst-ridden, rarely does the pace drag, and the midtempo monotony that plagued some previous albums is thankfully absent. Though it may not have the same pogo-inspiring energy of No Pocky, this Superchunk album is a nice compromise between their hyperpunk beginnings and their later, more introspective buzz pop groove. --Adem Tepedelen --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
  • Top Shelf
  • TERRIFIC CD'S
  • Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
  • Great Compilation!
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by BernsteinAll Works by Bernstein | Bernstein, Leonard | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by GershwinAll Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by PorterAll Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by WeillAll Works by Weill | Weill, Kurt | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by ManciniAll Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
EnglishEnglish | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GermanGerman | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Classical Instrumental MusicClassical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
MusicalsMusicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
  2. Broadway: The American Musical
  3. Broadway: The American Musical
  4. Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
  5. Somewhere over the Rainbow: The Golden Age of Hollywood Musicals

ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
  2. Swanee- Al Jolson
  3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
  4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
  5. My Man- Fanny Brice
  6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
  7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
  8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
  9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
  10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
  11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
  12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
  13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
  14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
  15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
  16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
  17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
  18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
  19. Summertime- Anne Brown
  20. September Song- Walter Huston
  21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
  22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
  23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
  24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
  25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

  1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
  2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
  3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
  4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
  5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
  6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
  7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
  8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
  9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
  10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
  11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
  12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
  13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
  14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
  15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
  16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
  17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
  18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
  19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
  20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
  21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
  22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

  1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
  2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
  3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
  4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
  5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
  6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
  7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
  8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
  9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
  10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
  11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
  12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
  13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
  14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
  15. People- Barbra Streisand
  16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
  17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
  18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
  19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
  20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
  21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

  1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
  2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
  3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
  4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
  5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
  6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
  7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
  8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
  9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
  10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
  11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
  12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
  13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
  14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
  15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
  16. Come Follow The Band
  17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
  18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
  19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

  1. Memory- Betty Buckley
  2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
  3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
  4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
  5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
  6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
  7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
  8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
  9. With One Look- Glenn Close
  10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
  11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
  12. Seasons Of Love-
  13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
  14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
  15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
  16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
  17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
  18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
  19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

5 out of 5 stars Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

5 out of 5 stars Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Trio SonatasTrio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    FluteFlute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    OboeOboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    RecorderRecorder | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ItalianItalian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    AnthemsAnthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    PassionsPassions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Blowout Box SetsBlowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    More Titles at Least 20% OffMore Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    Handel, George FridericHandel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
    Brilliant ClassicsBrilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Vivaldi: The Masterworks (Box Set)
    2. Haydn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
    3. Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
    4. Dvorák: The Masterworks [Box Set]
    5. Schubert: The Masterworks [Box Set]

    ASIN: B00062FLI8
    Release Date: 2004-11-30
    Here's Where The Strings Come In
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Beginning of the softening of their sound.
    • Return to Noise with clarity
    • An Aquired Taste, Worth Acquiring
    • As great as any indie rock album I've heard
    • i had a crush; nothing works out
    Here's Where The Strings Come In
    Superchunk
    Manufacturer: Merge Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
    Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Indie & Lo FiIndie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    American AlternativeAmerican Alternative | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. On the Mouth
    2. Icky Mettle
    3. Where You Been
    4. Bee Thousand
    5. Vee Vee

    ASIN: B0000019O2
    Release Date: 1995-09-19

    Tracks:

    1. Hyper Enough
    2. Silver Leaf And Snowy Tears
    3. Yeah, It's Beautiful Here Too
    4. Iron On
    5. Sunshine State
    6. Detroit Has A Skyline
    7. Eastern Terminal
    8. Animated Airplanes Over Germany
    9. Green Flowers, Blue Fish
    10. Here's Where The Strings Come In
    11. Certain Stars

    Amazon.com

    In their two previous releases, Superchunk seemed to suffer from a lack of direction. Their newfound musical maturity had them abandoning the catchy anthems of their early records and smoothing out all their jagged edges and lovable imperfections. With Here's Where the Strings Come In, however, they've finally found a happy medium. This infectiously lively release has the punch of No Pocky for Kitty and the deeper lyrics and more complex musical arrangements of Foolish and On the Mouth. The band doesn't need to rely on the simplistic three-chord explosions that used to be its trademark; instead, it has focused its musical energy on creating mature, moody guitar pop that, while not lacking in passion, is expressive in a wider variety of ways. Guitarist/vocalist Mac McCaughan has written some fine songs on Here's Where the Strings Come In, and he convincingly delivers them in that perpetually adolescent wail that still cracks when strained. Though some of the tunes are serious and angst-ridden, rarely does the pace drag, and the midtempo monotony that plagued some previous albums is thankfully absent. Though it may not have the same pogo-inspiring energy of No Pocky, this Superchunk album is a nice compromise between their hyperpunk beginnings and their later, more introspective buzz pop groove. --Adem Tepedelen

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars Beginning of the softening of their sound. .......2005-11-14

    This came out in 1995. Indoor living, from 1997 was their last of 5 great albums along with indicental music, foolish, no pocky for kitty and mouth to mouth. This is the beginning of the slide to a generally more gentle sound. They got declawed a bit. Worse, they didn't write any of the real together, soaring, 2 guitar power songs here that they did on those 5 albums. I'm glad I got virtually all their records. Who knows, in 10 years when I'm 61 maybe I'll be more into this and their other late 90's/2000's records, less fast, less powerful. Though, on listening to this, none of the songs hit that great musical groove that 5 to 11 of their songs do on those 5 great albums. Still, much better than a poke in the eye. chrisbct@hotmail.com

    4 out of 5 stars Return to Noise with clarity.......2003-03-29

    As soon as you put the needle on this one [or pushes play on the CD player] you're going to get greeted by a happy noisy record that occasionally slows down but doesn't really let up for about 45 minutes or so.

    First the 'Chunks discover Angus Young's secret to great guitar sound: loud and overdriving doesn't have to sound like a danged Metallica record. The sound of 'Chunk records continues getting clearer and one can hear the actual drums and bass notes [and backing vocals] as opposed the wall of sound [much as I love it] on the early records. This way when they want to hit you over the head, they kick in a louder fuzzy guitar like they do on "Silverleaf and Snowy Tears" or "Eastern Terminal."

    Second: Mac has come up with a another great batch of songs with a pile of hooks that would do any Cars record proud. And again, you can actaully sometimes make out what Mac is singing. Most of the time he's singing about a screwed up relationship [keeping in mind this was after he and bass player Laura Ballance fell out] but he's more sad than bitter.

    This record also contains the very pretty "Green Flowers, Blue Fish" and the greatest "yeah yeah" chorus this side of "She Loves You" on the driving "It's Beautiful Here, Too."

    Really it's hard to describe this record if you're not familliar with the touch points. It's not as hard as the Foo Fighters, but it has all the elements that make that "accessable power pop. [And Mac seems to mention airplanes a lot in his songs] If you're looking for a first Superchunk, this would be a good one. If you own earlier 'Chunk it's a good record to catch a band maturing.

    5 out of 5 stars An Aquired Taste, Worth Acquiring.......2000-10-07

    This is my favorite Superchunk album. I guess by definition they're grouped into the category of "punk", but that tag doesn't do them justice. They're songs are well crafted, and poetic. They also know how to flat out rock. If the chorus of "Greenflowers, Buefish" doesn't set your toes a tappin' then you better check yourself for a pulse. Beware, Mac McCaughan's voice is an aquired taste so if sometimes off key vocals bother you stay away. If not do yourself a favor and buy this album, then pick up "Foolish" next.

    5 out of 5 stars As great as any indie rock album I've heard.......2000-09-07

    This album completely floored me. I had already heard some of the band's other albums and liked them all very much (especially "Foolish") but this one is stunning. The sound is incredible and the performances are powerful and heartfelt. Mac's voice may not be the prettiest in rock but it drips with sincerity and intelligence. The songs here are certainly among the band's best, too. I defy anyone to hear a song like "Iron On" and not relate to it on an emotional level at the very least. A perfect blend of sadness, joy, and soul.

    5 out of 5 stars i had a crush; nothing works out.......2000-08-22

    the thrashy fast songs make you cry just as quickly as the slow ones that ache bad
    English Lute Songs
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • The Delights of the Countertenor
    • Treasures to be discovered
    • Mismatching.....
    English Lute Songs

    Manufacturer: Hyperion
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    DancesDances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by DowlandAll Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Purcell, HenryPurcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Character PiecesCharacter Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Incidental MusicIncidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    LuteLute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OdesOdes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00003ZAC9
    Release Date: 2000-01-11

    Amazon.com

    This disc of 30 English lute songs and solos by 10 composers features divine singing from countertenor Robin Blaze and exquisite lute playing from Elizabeth Kenny. The music covers the first century and a half of modern English history--from the artistic flowering, which followed political emancipation from Rome, to the Restoration of the monarchy after which the lute became obsolete (until its revival by bearded Romantics in the 20th century). Some of the tracks are a little labored. The opener, Robert Johnson's "Full Fathom Five" from Shakespeare's "The Tempest," almost grinds to a halt. "Where the Bee Sucks" from the same source is similarly leaden, and Purcell's lute solo on "Lilliburlero" expects no one to dance. On the other hand, the duo's measured approach perfectly suits Dowland's "Time Stands Still," and the same composer's most beautiful song, "In Darkness Let Me Dwell," features the singer's most expressive singing. Blaze's haunting tone is deathly cool. Besides those mentioned, the disc includes songs by Campion, Lawes, Danyel, Reggio, Banister, and Blow. Blaze lights up on Matthew Locke's air, "The Delights of the Bottle," which is the most eccentric track on the album. Of the six tracks by Henry Purcell, "'Tis Nature's Voice" is the most grippingly performed. Blaze moans so vividly that one almost does not know where to look. --Rick Jones

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars The Delights of the Countertenor.......2006-07-12

    Robin Blaze has a very sweet voice that is somewhat smaller than that of other notables in his field. It is exactly this type of voice that lends itself well to the genre of intimate music represented on this CD. There is nothing harsh or grating about Blaze's interpretations. On the whole this is a highly listenable and pleasant compilation of songs. I recommend this disc to anyone looking to expand, or start, their library of English song.

    5 out of 5 stars Treasures to be discovered.......2000-09-11

    As much as I love Robin Blaze, I was a little reluctant to buy this CD, thinking: yet another disc of lute songs? - I already have a dozen. But as soon as I saw the track listing, I had no further doubts. The selection is wonderful. By combining the well known songs such as Dowland's In Darkness Let Me Dwell with the rarely performed songs by Robert Jones, Matthew Locke and John Banister, this disc is sure to satisfy both the connoisseur and the novice. Most of the songs are short - with one short melody following another, 70 minutes seems to fly by in a blink of an eye. Blaze's singing is splendid. His voice, with that inimitable woodwind quality and sweetness, is so good that it would sound good even singing drones, but there is more to it than just the beauty of tone. Blaze shows himself capable of a remarkable range of expression: from flamboyant (e.g., The Delights of the Bottle), to dramatic (e.g., 'Tis Nature's Voice or Why so pale), to lyrical (e.g., In Darkness Let Me Dwell or Can Doleful Notes), to stately (Be Welcome Then, Great Sir). In this regard, the selection here is more balanced that the selection on Daniel Taylor's Tears of the Muse, and the variety works to Blaze's advantage because, comparing the melancholy pieces alone, Taylor comes out a winner (in my opinion, of course). The most magical piece on this disc is Henry Purcell's By Beauteous Softness. "Magical" is the word. There is something about Blaze's singing of Purcell that captures the very essence of Purcell's style. In fact, the best three minutes of countertenor singing I've ever heard in my life was Blaze singing Purcell's Crown the Altar (no, it's not included here - I wish). In sum, this disc is a treasure. -- gggimpy@yahoo.com

    3 out of 5 stars Mismatching............2000-09-07

    It is very important to balance between music and poet in English Lute Songs. And one more important thing is to make feelings based on language rather than based on music.

    Blaze and Kenny are try to make expression of feelings more plentiful and vivid recitation of poet. But they fail in this point. Relationship between vocal and performer because combination of poet and music are required vocal's expression and impromptu and momentary variation of rhythm and tempo.

    This performance don't have any technical problem externally. But, Blase and Kenny are making excessive expression of feeling and performers are going with rhythm and tempo but not following their expression of feeling.

    But several solo lute performances are very well i think. For example, Henry Purcell's "Sefauchi's Farewell" is played by lute. This is usually performed by harpsicord, but in this album, they are making good performance with lute.

    I would like to recommend Deller. Have you ever heard Dowland's "Happy" in "flow my tears" and Purcell's "touch" in "strike the viol"? He was excellent of many counterteners.

    Music:

    1. Huevos
    2. I Don't Want to Grow Up
    3. In the Running
    4. Incesticide
    5. It's...Madness Too
    6. Ixnay on the Hombre
    7. Ixnay on the Hombre
    8. Jane's Addiction [Live]
    9. Jane's Addiction [Live]
    10. Jar of Flies/Sap

    Music

    music

    Music

    The Best Little Secrets Are Kept [Clean]

    Unissued Live Recordings, Vol. 3

    The Comedians

    A Bouquet Of Country

    All to Beautiful [Import]

    Waves

    Wicked (Karaoke) [Cast Recording] [Karaoke] [Soundtrack]

    The Incomparable Callas (Favourite Arias)

    Wake Up the Moths [Import]

    The Light That Fills the World

    Very Best Of [Import]

    The Cool Sounds of Nate Najar

    Tercia de Bandas, Vol. 2

    Life

    Live from Las Vegas