In the Running

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Another star-turned-footnote from the electro-pop '80s, Hojo is back as a Hornsby-style piano man. The patina of synths is a nagging legacy of the past, but sterling work by the likes of David Lindley (on the lovely "Falling Away") and members of Little Feat .Jeff Bateman --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Mirrormask
Average customer rating:

Great movie, better soundtrack

great collection of unusual music

Supurb

Amazing!

excellent

Mirrormask
Iain Ballamy , Stuart Hall , Martin Sharp , Matthew Sharp , Burt Bacharach , Dave McKean , Martin France , John Parricelli , Neil Percy , Iain Bellamy , Ashley Slater , Arve Henriksen , Chris Batchelor , David Powell , Josefine Cronholm , and Neil Gaiman
Manufacturer: La-La Land Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mirrormask

MirrorMask: The Illustrated Film Script of the Motion Picture from the Jim Henson Company

The Alchemy of MirrorMask

Where's Neil When You Need Him?

Mr. Punch

ASIN: B0007RTARU
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Sock Puppets / Flyover
Circus Overture
Spanish Web
Gorillas!
Running For The Bus
Abandoned Hall
Leaving The City
Arresting Helena
The White Queen Sleeps / The White Palace
Rabbit Band
The Library
The Myth Of Creation
Fish Street
Looking Through The Window
Giants Orbiting
Outside Bagwell's
Mrs. Bagwell's Rhumba
Meeting The Sphinx
Monkeybirds
Dream Park / Meeting In A Dream
Conjuring A Dome
In The Dark Forest
Betrayed!
Close To You
A New Life
A Rather Tense Dinner Party
Butterfingers
Discoveries / Fight Or Flight? / Goodbye Evil Helena
My Waltz For Newk
If I Apologised

Customer Reviews:

Great movie, better soundtrack.......2007-05-19

I just recently saw this movie and the only thing I could think about afterwards was that I had to get this soundtrack. I'm not usually a big fan of movie soundtracks, but this cd is unlike any other out there, soundtrack or not. The use of strings and carnaval type instruments is completely unique and makes this a must by for any fan of music.

great collection of unusual music.......2007-05-07

Rented the movie on reccomendation from Netflix, it was pretty good. But the music was the star of the show. The soundtrack follows the course of the movie pretty closely, it's kind of like listening to the movie. Each track brings to mind a specific scene in the movie. One of the highlights is the ecclectic treatment of Burt Bacharach's "Close to You". Most will remember the super-sweet Carpenter's version, but this interpretation was the main reason I bought the music. Unusual augmented chord progressions and almost minimalist format (complete with the mechanical background sounds made by the female jack-in-the-box-like, life-sized, mostly metal toy dressers) make the tune as captivating as in the movie when they 'convert' the trapped Helena into the black princess. Great music to play while relaxing, too.

Supurb.......2007-03-08

This soundtrack is truly a delight to listen to. It ranges from quirky circus music to deep and melodic mysterious tunes. It is a great CD to relax to and to use as background music for most any relaxing time hanging out with friends.

Amazing!.......2007-02-24

This is a very good soundtrack to a very good movie. The music is amazingly composed and is nice to listen to.

excellent.......2007-01-17

This CD is excellent! All the music from the movie in its entirety, all the songs are complete songs, and the songs are all top notch compositions.

Average customer rating:

The penultimate collection ...
Muisic of the Spheres
The Ulllllltimate Sci-Fi Music Collection
SciFi Album gift
Away From to be a Collectible Peace

The Science Fiction Album
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Wars | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Star Trek | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Sci-Fi Channel - Sci-Fi's Greatest Hits, Vol. 1: Final Frontiers
Fantastic Journey
Sci-Fi Channel - Sci-Fi's Greatest Hits, Vol. 4: Defenders Of Justice
Sci-Fi Channel - Sci-Fi's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2: The Dark Side
The Fantasy Album

ASIN: B000066HE5
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Tracks:

2001: A Space Odyssey
Aliens
Sound Effect - The Nostromo
Alien
A.I.
Armageddon
Sound Effect - Apollo 13 Lift-off
Apollo 13
Back To The Future
Battle Beyond The Stars
Battlestar Galactica
The Black Hole
Contact
Capricorn One
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Dune

Tracks:

Galaxy Quest
Sound Effect - Dogfight in Space
Enemy Mine
Ghostbusters
Gremlins
Heavy Metal
Independence Day
E.T.
Judge Dredd
The Last Starfighter
Lifeforce
Sound Effect - Crash Landing
Lost In Space
Mars Attacks
The Matrix
Predator
The Right Stuff

Tracks:

Moonraker
Robocop
Silent Running
Sound Effect - Alien Organism
Species
Stargate
Starship Troopers
Starman
Star Trek - TV Theme
Star Trek: The Motion Picture End Title
Klingon Attack
Sound Effect - Warp Drive
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Generations
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Tracks:

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Sound Effect - Transporter Crew
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Main Theme
Star Trek First Contact
Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Sound Effect - Battle Stations
Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace - The Flag Parade
Anakin's Theme
The Adventures of Jar Jar
Duel of the Fates
The Time Machine
Things to Come
The Thing From Another World
War of the Worlds
When Worlds Collide
Total Recall
You Only Live Twice
Superman

Customer Reviews:

The penultimate collection ..........2006-12-07

Generally I agree with Strategos in his ecstatic Spotlight Review above. It is a joy to here some of the most memorable themes and cues from some of the most memorable science fiction and fantasy movies (re)recorded in great sound and in lavish (re)orchestrations, played by renowned classical orchestras, namely the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra, no less.

I have always had a weak spot for (good, or maybe even intelligent) science fiction/fantasy and film music, especially its way of evoking mystery, grandure and wide open spaces. Call it a weakness if you want. But it was maybe really kick started off, for as far as I can remember, with Star Trek. But especially Star Trek II, III and IV - essentially a trilogy - because of their very romantic but very warm, human core, set on the broadest canvasses of unlimited and mysterious outer space. But then there was the music for adding that essential extra dimension of emotion and atmosphere. I am happy that much of the music on this album is from the Star Trek series and films, often equaling or sometimes even outclassing the original recordings.

This kind of music (for the movies) should be seen as an art on its own rights with its own merits and qualities. As such, the musical sequences on these CD's are a beautifully played cross section of some of the most evoking orchestral music for science fiction/fantasy film ever created. And I very much like the nicely blended, wide and deep orchestral soundpicture with enough reverberation to evoke a sense of wide open spaces.
I am quite thrilled by tracks like the evocative music from Dune, truly transporting one to the vastly sands of Arrakis (the music is wonderful, but to my great regret I think the movie itself is a flawed masterpiece at best, alas.). And then there is the very different, goofy music for Ghostbusters (memories of childhood), the spoofy but electrifying music from Mars Attacks (lovingly parodist music, this, with not a little touch of irony) and the happily adventurous, forward driving Theme from Galaxy Quest ('Never give up, never surrender!'), now also used for the internet-based fan-series Star Trek: The Hidden Frontier. On the other side of the spectrum we have the atmospheric music for Enemy Mine (an underestimated 'little' movie), the Theme from The Right Stuff (actually science FACT, not fiction, this film, just like Apollo 13, of course), the eerily attractive music for Species, the original End Title for Alien (not used in the theatrical version of the movie, where it was replaced by music from howard Hanson's Second Symphony), the exquisitely exotic music for Stargate, the sweet and warmly sympathetic, beautifully re-orchestrated, theme for Starman, the title cue for Star Trek: TOS (much more melodiously played than the original! If only a series nowadays could continue to be as thought provoking and as original as Star Trek was during its launch, fourty years ago ...) and a truly overpowering End Titles Suite from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. I especially like the thrillingly grandiloquent rendition here of the music for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. And how nice it is to hear the (thematic) similarities between James Horner's music for The Wrath of Khan, his great break-through as a film music composer, and his (two years) earlier music for Battle Beyond the Stars (which did indeed help him earn the job for writing the music for Star Trek II) ...

But on the 'down side', if one is looking for - for example - the gorgeously expansively played End Titles from Cocoon, it is not included here: one has to acquire the album that 'kicked it all off', so to say, namely 'Space and Beyond', also on Silva Screen. I was very pleased also with the inclusion on that album of some of the music from the series Star Trek: The Next Generation, namely where one of the characters, Tasha Yar, in one of the episodes (Skin of Evil) is saying goodbye to her crewmmates: sweetly sentimental and simple music which I have always wanted to own on CD. I guess that a few cues from the other two sequals ('Alien Invasion: Space and Beyond II' and 'Space3: Beyond the Final Frontier') didn't make it onto this 4 CD collection-album as well, but I guess that it would be the 'better part of the bargain' to opt to buy this 'The Science Fiction Album' instead of buying all three albums separately. Well, of course it is for yourself to ultimately decide what you really want ;-)

If I were to nitpick (which is not easy with such a marvellous project as this one), then I would say that while all music is performed with magnificent grandure and with style, some of it is not performed as crisply and as technically 'on the spot' as some of the original recordings: ensemble is a little slack and the playing somewhat stilted sometimes, losing some of the edge and the originality of the writing. ET and Star Wars spring to mind, but then the soundtracks for Star Wars are traditionally recorded with the magnificent London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro John Williams himself, and these superior recordings (especially the ones for Episode I, II and III) can't really be bettered, IMHO. Likewise for the music from Star Trek: The Motion Picture, I believe that in the end one really has to resort to the ultimate reference, namely the original recording (which is true in many other instances of 'original recordings'), and then the 20th anniversay colector's edition of this soundtrack on Columbia/Legacy (truly unmissable, this veritable classic of sci-fi/film music soundtracks!).

But all in all this 4CD-collection amounts to probably being the penultimate high quality sci-fi music album collection (I certainly know of no other project that comes as close quality as well as quantity wise), with some of the most memorable musical moments from classic to modern sci-fi/fantasy film captured in lavish orchestrations.
Collection-wise: five *stars*. Playing: generally four *stars*, sometimes more. The recording quality: five *stars*. The music (qualified on its own merits as film music) and its (re)orchestrations: generally five *stars*. In the end this is all highly recommended, and certainly not to be missed by science fiction and fantasy film music fans. Klaatu barada nikto.

Muisic of the Spheres.......2006-11-06

You wonderful four disk collection of SF music. It startsa up the the grand master of SF music, 2001: A space Odyssey all the way to Superman. This is all American SF music and several themes I would have liked to have included are not there. All in all though, a collection you will enjoy.

The Ulllllltimate Sci-Fi Music Collection.......2005-10-23

If one person gives great gifts, it's the illustrious Codemaster Talon. I've received a fair number of gifts in my lifetime, but so far, my older sister's take the cake. Take this one for instance. I'm real big on orchestral music, to the point where I listen to them more than any other kind of music. I've got orchestral versions of video game themes, orchestral soundtracks to truck-loads of anime shows (Big O, Escaflowne, and Giant Robo are incredible), and could probably spend the rest of my life just trying to study the nuances of all the classical music I've got. Being such a huge fan of orchestral music, I also have come to believe that orchestra music produced for movies and television is the new classical music (or as someone once said, Mozart would be making music for movies if he were alive today). Being a huge sci-fi fan, that kind of music has always been particularly near and dear to my heart. But were I to buy each and every soundtrack for every sci-fi I liked it would cost quite a bundle, and would include a lot of sub-par music along with the grandiose and fantastic main and memorable themes. That's where this beauty comes in.

The moment I ripped off the shrink-wrap and popped it into my cd player was a moment of great trepidation. Believe me when I tell that I've seen my fair share of sub-par orchestral recording in my lifetime. Very often they are in those big super-packs of music, and suffer from poor direction, improper mastering, and sometime even pathetic orchestration (or worse yet have something sounding like a cheap synthesizer and a kazoo in place of a full orchestra). I needn't have worried though. This sucker is fantastic.

Many people who are not audiophiles will probably miss the point of this cd collection. It is not the original versions of the pieces. It is re-orchestrations, mostly by the phenomenal Prague Symphony Orchestra. Many of these themes didn't sound all that hot in there original versions because they were low budget films or were not recorded in high-fidelity. Here they are given the full treatment, mastered with the most loving care imaginable. Often the version found in these cds is SUPERIOR to the original.

Remember the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey? Of course you do. But how many times have you heard a cheap imitation of the original version from the movie, starting too low in volume and ending too high (and missing the essential pipe-organ that gives it that extra oomph)? Well, this first track in the entire collection is not only everything it should be instrumental and timing-wise, but it also has been oh-so-carefully adjusted during the mastering process so that at no time is the music either too low or too high in volume (surely a benchmark for every other recording ever to be made of the piece).

Or what about the theme from the (at-the-time) uber-creepy The Black Hole? The orchestration of this piece of music goes from tiumphant to terrifying and back again, with a splendor and cleanness that I CERTAINLY don't remember being in the original recording.

Then there's the new version of the theme from Independence Day, complete with a violin solo, a far more electrifying ending climax, and a chorus so thunderous that you feel like applauding at the end. Simply indescribable. Kind of like the MIND-BLOWING rendition of the theme from The Last Star Fighter. This has been one of my favorite themes for a long time now, but I've never heard it played like this. I think the original version of the theme is something like 1 minute long, but this new version doesn't just fade out (HAHAHAHA!!!!) THIS version is THREE minutes long, goes through the main theme THREE times, with the final strains being so triumphant and joyous I could not help but feel an electrifying charge the first dozen or so times (come to think of it, I still feel that way). This is superior to the original in EVERY way. AWESOME.

And let's not forget the incredible new rendition of Stargate with it's heavy use of clarinets (for Egyptian effect!) and a triumphant new ending (completely lacking the chanting from the original version. This version is so different that for the first minute it is very hard to tell that it is in fact Stargate. But then the main theme kicks in, and then you get this incredible flute solo for my favorite part of theme (the whole thing is played slower, but arguably more powerfully than the original). My goodness. At first I found the thing so different I didn't like it. But then I listened to it again. And again. And again.

I could go on and on, talking about the fantastic new rendition of Moon Raker, the ear-popping Battlestar Galactica, the classic Star Trek (First Contact has a minute or two of the theme from Star Trek:The Motion Picture before going into the main theme), or the sweet renditions of music from the Star Wars movies (or the music from E.T.).

I have to mention though that this collection was not picked based merely on what people want, or on what is popular. No, the people who made it obviously thought a GOOD music collection was better than a popular one. That's why you get a heartbreakingly beautiful theme from A.I. instead of the main theme. It's why you get music from movies that you probably never gave a second thought to the music (because the movie was lousy). It's why you get Armageddon, Judge Dredd, and Robocop (who would have guessed their music was so COOL when there was all that crazy action and bad-acting going on on-screen).

I said it before and I'll say it again. This cd-set was mastered with tender-loving-care, and it shows BIG-TIME. High-fidelity the likes of which I have not seen since the days when cds were brand-new in the world. Dolby Surround. Perfectly balanced. BEAUTIUFL orchestrations. About the only thing that makes me scratch my head is the weird sound-effect tracks (Oooookay.....). Other than that, it's PERFECT. Obviously they could not include every sci-fi theme ever (no one can), but this collection is REALLY GOOD. A lot of great themes that got away (forgotten gems :), new versions of old favorites, and under-appreciated classics aplenty, but ALWAYS the full and complete versions with nothing cut-out (the theme from Dune is quite extended).

If you love movie music (and sci-fi movie music in particular) you MUST buy this awesome collection). It is not the original recordings. Almost always the new ones are better (if they aren't better they're just equal). This is what you have been waiting for. I for one am going to be buying quite a few cds from this company in the future. Give your ears the treat they deserve. Buy it NOW.

SciFi Album gift.......2005-07-20

I bought the Science Fiction Album as a gift for my son who is twenty-one years old. He is a musician, and also a huge fan of many SciFi shows and movies. I thought this would be the perfect thing for him and I was right. He loves it!

Away From to be a Collectible Peace.......2004-12-16

If you like Sci-Fi movies and want a compilation of their important scores, this is the CD-set to buy. But let me warn you about that very few songs in the cds are from the original soundtracks. Most of them is re-recorded by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. But the sound quality of cds are very good, because they have HDCD and Dolby Surround labels. This set is away from to be a collectible peace, but it is a good general compilation of favorite Sci-Fi movie scores.

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone
Great Score, lousy show.
Kander and Ebb in a Major Key
Weak Plot ... Nice Score
WONDERFUL!

Steel Pier (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
Fred Ebb
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
The Happy Time (1968 Original Broadway Cast)
The Act (1977 Original Broadway Cast)
Flora The Red Menace: The Original Broadway Cast Recording (1965)
Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000003GAQ
Release Date: 1997-07-29

Tracks:

Overture - Orchestra
Prelude - Orchestra/Daniel McDonald
Willing To Ride - Karen Ziemba
Everybody Dance - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Ronn Carroll/Gregory Mitchell...
Second Chance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
A Powerful Thing - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Caroll
Dance With Me/The Last Girl - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Shag - Orchestra
Everybody's Girl - Debra Monk
Two Step - Orchestra
Wet - Karen Ziemba/Daniel McDonald
Harmonica Specialty - John C. Havens
Lovebird - Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Gregory Mitchell/Daniel McDonald/Ensemble
The Sprints - Gregory Harrison/Ronn Carroll/Daniel McDonald/Company
Entr'Acte - Orchestra
Leave The World Behind - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Ensemble
Somebody Older - Debra Monk/Jim Newman
Running In Place - Karen Ziemba
Two Little Words - Kristin Chenoweth/Gregory Harrison/Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/Adam Pelty/Company
First You Dream - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba
Steel Pier - Gregory Harrison/Mary Illes/Rosa Curry/Sarah Solie Shannon
Steel Pier (Reprise) - Karen Ziemba/Gregory Harrison/Company
Final Dance - Daniel McDonald/Karen Ziemba/John Kander

Customer Reviews:

Kander and Ebbs' Score Stands Alone.......2007-01-21

The biggest criticism of this Broadway musical was the book. It allegedly meandered, bored the audience and included unfocussed or unnecessary sequences such as the "dream sequence". Well, I never saw the show and can only evaluate this score on its own merits. Based on that alone, it's a complete winner. Memorable songs, great performances, and the score itself tell a clear story that might have been muddled by an overly fussy book (again, that's from heresay...I never saw the show, which flopped in its initial presentation -- unfortunately, because there is much to admire and enjoy in this typically complex Kander and Ebb score).

First of all, top-rate performances abound here. Karen Ziemba makes every one of her songs sail into the stratosphere. She is a true wonder and deserved her Tony nomination against incredible competition (Bebe Neuwirth got it for the much more popular "Chicago", but Ziemba's her equal). Debra Monk once again makes her mark as a Broadway character actress, although her song "Everybody's Girl" is easily the worst song in the show and certainly beneath Kander and Ebbs' standard, but she wins you over with her energetic and well-placed rendition. Daniel MacDonald does a suberb job as the ill-fated hero, exposing innocence and wry commentary in his very presence, but he is equalled by Gregory Harrison's slimy and ultimately ferocious performance as Mick, the emcee.

The score evokes the time (the 1930s) without relying on pastiche to put it over. Of note, Ziemba's intro, "Willing to Ride", the ensemble "Everybody Dance" (which gives Harrison his chance to shine), "Two Little Words" (which provides the auspicious debut of a most impressive Kristen Chenowith and augers the great things yet to come for her), the touching "First you Dream" and, finally, the both ferocious and mournful reprises of the title song display a powerful and underrated score that deserves reevaluation.

If the book got it wrong, the composers and actors got it quite right the first time. This Original Cast Recording will always be proof positive of that undeniable fact. Always "dream".

Great Score, lousy show........2006-07-22

I think it's one of Kander and Ebbs best, better than Chicago and close to Cabaret. Sadly, the book ruined the show, it bored people. Yet, listening to the ravishing music on the CD, it's hard to realize that it all didn't come together. Maybe someday, someone will revise the book and make it work. Till then, enjoy the CD, it's absolutly gorgeous, had great character numbers, spirited dance numbers and dazzling ballads. The performances are wonderful, with Gregory Harrison (who knew Trapper John could sing?) , Daniel MacDonald and Karen Ziemba shining through on every song. The opening and closing theme is haunting.

Kander and Ebb in a Major Key.......2006-02-09

I first heard excerpts from this on Accuradio.com, and thought it sounded great. It is. In the Kander and Ebb canon, Steel Pier may not rank with Chicago, but I enjoy listening to it as much as to Cabaret. It's sweeter and less dark than either of those, but set in the same period (1933) and just as evocative of that period.

First, the performances of the leads are excellent. Karen Ziemba is superb. Daniel McDonald has a wonderful light baritone, and who knew Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, M.D.) could sing, let alone sing well. Debra Monk performs an excellent comic turn. Kristen Chenoweth's Broadway debut number was corny as can be, but did show off her talent and range well.

The music is just wonderful. Willing to Ride is a spirited waltz. Everybody Dance is a near-perfect Charleston opener top the dance marathon that forms the backbone of the plot. Power is a Powerful Thing may be a little weak in the lyrics, but its set to a spirited and charming ragtime melody. Dance with Me and The Last Girl are sung in a medley format. This is almost a shame because both numbers are excellent in their own right. In fact, The Last Girl is as gorgeous a ballad as you can find anywhere.

Wet is a tinkling, sparkling number in which Ms. Ziemba charms, and Mr. McDonald has a teriffic counterpoint melody. Ms. Monk has a showstopper in Everybody's Girl and a torchy number with Somebody Older. The Shag is a dance piece that may be the best number of all. It seems to alternate between twenties hot jazz and the swing that was just starting to be heard around then. There's also a great bluesy harmonica specialty number, whose only flaw is that it's too short. All in all, the score is a gem, especially compared to most of what we've heard in the last twenty years or so.

This is one of those recordings that makes you wonder why the show was a flop. I went back and read the reviews. Basically they didn't like the plot and felt the production strained too hard to be likeable, but lacked energy at the same time. The show also suffered from comparison to the stunning revival of Chicago that opened in the same season. The critics even managed to be lukewarm on the score. The show closed shortly after being nominated for eleven Tony's and winning none - that was the year Titanic swept the boards. With all that, I'd still say the score is marvelous when heard on its own merits. And I'd go to see a revival if someone would do it. Buy it. I recommend it without reservation.

Weak Plot ... Nice Score.......2005-08-06

The overall plot for Kander & Ebb's 1997 "Steel Pier" is fairly weak, but the score is actually quite good and sung by a terrific cast (Karen Ziemba, Daniel McDonald, Debra Monk, Gregory Harrison, and Kristin Chenowith). Not in the same league as their brilliant "Chicago", "Cabaret" or "Kiss Of The Spider Woman", but a worthy effort with several nice tunes.

Best tracks:

Willing To Ride
Second Chance
Running In Place
First You Dream

Unfortunately, "Steel Pier" was overshadowed by that season's remarkable revival of "Chicago" and dreadful "Titanic". A fine addition, however, to a theatre-lover's collection!

WONDERFUL!.......2005-04-28

I love this album! I bought it a few weeks ago and from the moment I listened to "Two Little Words" I knew this was going to be one of my favorites! The music absolutely gorgeous! I reccomend it!

Average customer rating:

A real Classic from Level 42.
Must Have
one song
With a guitarist named Boon....
Crisp, clean, classy and typical Level 42

Running in the Family
Level 42
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

World Machine
Staring at the Sun
Guaranteed
Level 42/The Early Tapes
Level Best

ASIN: B000001FLW
Release Date: 1994-01-25

Tracks:

Lessons In Love
Children Say
Running In The Family
It's Over
To Be With You Again
Two Solitudes
Fashion Fever
The Sleepwalkers
Freedom Someday

Customer Reviews:

A real Classic from Level 42........2007-03-10

This was the first Level 42 product that I tested in the way back and found it to be their best. Recorded well and with little bit of a Jazz pop sound to it. Not your average style of music.

Must Have.......2006-09-30

This was Level 42's most commercialy successful album, and is certainly a "must have" album. The production quality is good and the songs are all well crafted for what they are, Level 42's second attempt to become more of a "pop" band without losing sight of their funk roots. If you are shopping around for a more funky Level 42 album I suggest "The Pursuit of Accidents" over "Running In the Family", however if you are simply nostalgic for their chart hits, then "In The Family" is for you.

It opens with the beautiful and funky "Lessons In Love", which as a single really drove sales of this album back in 1986. It's followed by the less popular single "Children Say" and then the moderately popular title track "Running in the Family". If there is a weak point on this album, it's the title track which has a potentially funky bassline but falls short by having slightly lumbering tempo. That being said, the album is one of those albums that should be listened to from start to finish. Although some of these reviews list "Fashion Fever" as a weak point, I think the song is amazing!

"Running in the Family" represents an interesting period in the band's history. It's the last album featuring the original lineup of Mark, Mike, and the Gould brothers Phil and Boon. Phil and Boon were central to Level 42's core, as Boon wrote most of the lyrics and Phil produced that crisp rythm backing that is essential to funk. It was Phil who founded the band to start with. Boon left during the Running in the Family tour due to medical problems and Phil left over a fundamental disagreement over the direction the band was taking, namely that of Pop over their true jazz/funk spirit. Phil has since come back..at least in a writing and studio capacity to play on 1994's "Forever Now". Boon has written lyrics for Mark King's solo effort "One Man" and has contributed to the newest "Retroglide" as well.

During the tail end of the Running In the Family promotion period, fans noticed only Mark and Mike appearing, as in the video for "Children Say". That being said, both Phil and Boon were fully onboard during the writing and production of "Running In the Family" and some say this album was their true swan song, despite good quality stuff from subsequent incarnations of Level 42. It was certainly their most successful period, and included a world tour of stadium venues.

one song.......2003-10-20

I bought this for one song--Sleepwalkers. I used to listen to this in college during the mid-eighties. Very cool tune that emphasizes the bands heavy use of bass.

With a guitarist named Boon...........2001-10-09

....how can one go wrong? The second mostly "pop" album by the British quartet is almost as good as their first (World Machine). The only down side (besides the wretched "Fashion Fever") is that lead man Mark King's heavy funky bass lines aren't as evident in most of the tracks. "Lessons in Love" is an exception, and elsewhere the melodic overtones of most of the other tracks make up for the lack of King. "Children Say," "Running in the Family," and "Two Solitudes" continue drummer/songwriter Philip Gould's tryst w/childhood glee, while "It's Over" is a wonderfully tender, even tearful, ballad.

Crisp, clean, classy and typical Level 42.......2000-09-14

4 milion unit sales later, Running in the Family was Level 42's most successful album. Spawning 5 hit singles, this recording was the last that featured all the original band members. Very fitting, that the last film clip they did for this album was titled, "It's Over." Running in the Family was the most refined, polished and commercial album that Level 42 had done up unitl that point in their history. Watch out for the groove lines of "Fashion Fever" and the very catchy "Freedom Someday." The latter Level 42 fan would probably rate this as their all time best. For mine, it's certainly up there.

Average customer rating:

This was heck a show, and the CD is as close as we can get to it!
Steel Shirley
a great recording from a great star
Shirley's Personality Shines
Remember you? As if we ever forgot!

Live at the Palace
Shirley Maclaine
Manufacturer: Drg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

Traditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Miss Bette Davis
Ethel Merman Disco Album
Liza with a "Z" - A Concert for Television (Collector's Edition)
Barbra Streisand - The Television Specials
Streisand: Live In Concert (2 CD's)

ASIN: B000063NDF
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Tracks:

If My Friends Could See Me Now
My Personal Property
Remember Me?
Big Spender
Irma La Douce
I'm a Person Too
The Gypsy in My Soul
It's Not Where You Start
Every Little Movement (Has a Meaning All Its Own)
The Donkey Serenade (Hustle)
She's a Star (La Chanteuse a Vingt Ans)
I'm a Brass Band
If My Friends Could See Me Now (finale)

Customer Reviews:

This was heck a show, and the CD is as close as we can get to it!.......2006-02-20

We went to Shirley M.'s live show about 20 years ago and tremendously enjoyed ourselves. Around then we purchased the disk that we played numerous times. With the change from longplay discs to CD's the disc ended up where they all do..in a box in the garage... Now the CD came out, I bought it and since played it 50 times...great show, great songs, great atmoshphere..

Steel Shirley.......2004-09-24

I encourage any fans of live performance artists and entertainers alike to add to this to your collection. Since seeing Shirley live these days is a rarity; this might be the closest we can get. Her stirring renditions of, "If My Friends Could See Me Now," & "She's a Star," get you going and you will be humming and singing them to yourself for a week! Shirley is an often forgotten "triple threat!" But she pulls out her triple threats and treats you to a unique trip into Shirley's world of song, dance, and acting. I also hope that DRG Records is able to put together a release of this show on DVD/VHS format or another of Shirley's live shows. I hope many people buy the live CD sending the message that Shirley is loved and that we want more! Shirley proves she is a seasoned pro and before she became a Steel Magnolia she proved her talent and grit on stage was solid as steel as well! Enjoy Shirley Maclaine Live At the Palace!

a great recording from a great star.......2003-02-08

This new reissue of Shirley MacLaine's album 'Live at the Palace' is a fantastic testimony to Ms MacLaine's musical talents (which aren't lauded nearly as much as her acting talents).

Ms MacLaine mounted her own solo show at the Palace Theatre in 1976, resulting in this live recording. She sings most of her numbers from the film version of SWEET CHARITY (in which she memorably starred) including "My Personal Property", "I'm a Brass Band" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now". She also sings the title song from IRMA LA DOUCE (although the film version is devoid of any musical moments), and delivers a reminisce of her favorite acting role - in 'Some Came Running' - before sliding into a rendition of "I'm a Person Too".

Ms MacLaine also talks about subbing for Carol Haney in the Broadway production of THE PAJAMA GAME, which catapulted her to stardom. It's obvious that dear Shirley is having a marvellous time here. I urge Broadway fans to snap this up; this is yet another lovely reissue from the good folks at DRG.

Shirley's Personality Shines.......2002-09-17

This album is a must for Shirley MacLaine fans! Her sparkling personality shines through each song she sings and each monologue she shares with the audience. One can only wish this dynamic performance was available on video.In my mind's eye I can almost see Shirley dancing as she performs at the Palace.

Remember you? As if we ever forgot!.......2002-05-22

The prejudice against Shirley MacLaine's performance in the 1969 film of "Sweet Charity" has always mystified me. Okay, so she wasn't Gwen Verdon - who was? She contributed, in a scene of almost unwatchable pain and desperation, one of the most shattering moments in post-war cinema. She was charming, sweetly funny, vulnerable and heart-breakingly hopeful. She sang with humor, gusto, and intense, if delicate, emotion. And she danced the hell out of those great, knock-knee'd Bob Fosse numbers. If her Charity isn't the finest performance in a movie musical since Judy Garland and James Mason slashed the heart in "A Star is Born," I don't know what is. All of what Shirley MacLaine can do best is in that movie, and in this great 1976 live recording. Parts of the extravaganza may feel a bit overdone, a touch self-conscious (if not downright self-congratulatory), and the often effective Cy Coleman arrangements may occasionally border on aggressive showbiz-iness. But Shirley MacLaine's electric gifts shine through. If she hasn't got you by the time she gets through her passionate, whirl-wind rendition of "She's a Star," you're probably beyond gettin'. So, now that Shirl is finally on CD ... Decca - where's that "Sweet Charity" soundtrack?

Average customer rating:

A Beautifully Written Piece of Art
Good, but not for the casual fan
Review from a classical musician
Doesn't do them justice.
Good, but not great

String Quartet Tribute to Muse

Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Knights of Cydonia
String Quartet Tribute to the Killers
Random 1-8
The String Quartet Tribute to My Chemical Romance
Black Holes & Revelations (Limited Edition CD+DVD)

ASIN: B00070Q89K
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

Stockholm Syndrome
Map Of Your Head
Time Is Running Out
Muscle Museum
In Your World
Showbiz
The Small Print
Sunburn'
New Born
Bliss
Sing For Absolution
Saving Grace

Product Description

1. Stockholm Syndrome
2. Map Of Your Head
3. Time Is Running Out
4. Muscle Museum
5. In Your World
6. Showbiz
7. The Small Print
8. Sunburn
9. New Born
10. Bliss
11. Sing For Absolution
12. Saving Grace (Original Composition)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

A Beautifully Written Piece of Art.......2007-06-29

Based on a purely classical mind set, this is one of the most beautiful string tribute albums there are. Granted, Muse fans who usually don't listen to string albums probably won't appreciate it, but for the classical lover, this is the tribute album to start with. The String Tribute to Muse is an absolute masterpiece amongst tributes.

Good, but not for the casual fan.......2007-05-19

I agree very much with Brian Allen; you should only spend the money on this one if you happen to be either a big fan or strings or a big fan of Muse, and I fall very much into the latter. As far as the songs themselves, some sound beautiful. "Bliss" nearly breaks your heart as an all-string tribute. But other songs are hard-core alternative rock, like "Stockholm Syndrome" so songs like that sound awkward at best. If you like a song by Muse here and there, only have one or two of their CDs, and think, "Oh, they're alright," don't bother purchasing it. However for big Muse fans, it's a nice treat.

Review from a classical musician.......2006-02-05

I play cello in a string quartet and am a huge Muse fan as well. As far as this compilation of, perhaps, some of Muse's greatest hits, a string quartet version just doesn't depict the kind of emotional response that I get from listening to the orignal trio. I listened to some of these tracks and thought I was listening to my buddies playing Muse songs by ear and just messing around. Save your money, or better yet, for the same price go out and treat yourself to the original albums that these songs derived from (Showbiz, Origin of Symmetry and Absolution)!

Doesn't do them justice........2006-02-04

Well, before I say anything about this tribute album, let me state clearly for the record that I am a HUGE Muse fan, and always will be. I'm also very fond of classical music, so I thought this album would be incredible. Unfortunately, that assumption was way off. To me, this was basically like a bunch of recordings of people humming Muse songs. The original tracks have so much power and emotion, but these versions seem cheap and empty. If they would have had a full orchistra it would have been awesome. The string quartet just doesn't cut it, at least not for me. Of course, this is all in my humble opinion.

Good, but not great.......2005-12-06

I'll do an actual review later, but here are some of my thoughts on this album, since only one other person rated it so far. The songs all sound great, but they hardly differ from the original versions, and none of them are really that much different. Most of them sound note for note the same, but just played on the strings. This is ok because Muse has a lot of classical influence in their songs, but I wish the makers would have put more effort into this. If you're a casual fan you can skip, but if you really like string tributes or Muse you should get it. Some better string tributes, which are less basic, are the ones for Nine Inch Nails, Coldplay, and A Perfect Circle.

Average customer rating:

A fine collection, well recorded, & a bargain, to boot!
Perfect and otherworldly

Vaughan Williams: Poisoned Kiss

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Rachmaninov: Complete Operas (Aleko, The Miserly Knight, Francesca di Rimini)
Sibelius: Complete String Quartets
Vaughan Williams: The Shepherds of the Delectable Mountains
Vaughan Williams: Complete Concertos
Vaughan Williams: Over hill, over dale

ASIN: B00000IYN1
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

Overture: The Poisoned Kiss
Two Hymn - Tune Preludes: Eventide
Two Hymn-Tune Preludes: Dominus Regeit me
The Running Set
Flos campi: I Lento (senza misura)
Flos campi: II Andante con moto
Flos campi: III Lento (senza misura) - Allegro moderato - Allargando
Flos campi: IV Moderato alla marcia
Flos campi: V Andante quasi lento
Flos campi: VI Moderato tranqillo
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 1: Prelude
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 1: Carol
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 1: Christmas Dance
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 2: Ballad
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 2: Moto perpetuo
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 3: Musette
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 3: Polka mncholique
Suite For Viola And Orchestra: Group 3: Galop
Sea Songs

Tracks:

Overture: The Wasps
The House Of Life: 1 Love-Sight
The House Of Life: 2 Silent Noon
The House Of Life: 3 Heart's Heaven
Six Studies In English Folksong: 1 Adagio
Six Studies In English Folksong: 2 Andante sostenuto
Six Studies In English Folksong: 3 Larghetto
Six Studies In English Folksong: 4 Lento
Six Studies In English Folksong: 5 Andante tranquillo
Six Studies In English Folksong: 6 Allegro vivace
Romance
Linden Lea
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Serenade To Music

Customer Reviews:

A fine collection, well recorded, & a bargain, to boot!.......2005-10-08

This collection of pieces is a real treat for RVW fans. The recordings of Flos campi (surely one of RVW's most unusual and mystical works, somehow managing to capture the elusive emotional/spiritual environment of the Song of Solomon) and the Suite for Viola and Orchestra (rarely recorded, but a delectable mixing of folk-song, Bach, Bartok-like passages, and rich, resonant melodies redolent of autumn) would be enough in themselves. Couple them with the Six Studies in English Folksong for clarinet & piano (a rare piece of Vaughn Williams chamber music) and the ravishing instrumental version of Serenade to Music, and you have a truly admirable set. This is an assemblage of a number of earlier recordings: in this case, I think, the cream has been skimmed and put into one convenient two-disc collection. The recorded sound is good throughout, and the notes well-written and interesting - an excellent Chandos release.

Perfect and otherworldly.......2003-10-06

I am a rock musician but I must say that there is little other music on this green earth that is as gorgeous as that of Vaughan Williams. Some folk and country airs can touch the melancholy that VW can, some of Bach's or Ravel's pieces maybe. But when I hear music like Flos Campi 2nd and 6th movements, or the beautiful short pieces that comprise Six Studies in English Folk Song ... well, they leave me breathless. Parts of Flos Campi sounds like VW has distilled all the tinsel and magic, childlike wonder and true peace of something as hard to define as Christmas and made it into music. Serenade to Music in it's pure orchestral form still remains a glorius composition, even without the vocalists. My, when it hits that early theme in the latter part with full force and orchestra ... And the lovely Linden Lea and that wonderful Suite ... Almost too much. I sometimes program this and some of his major works, such as Tallis, Dives and Lazarus and The Lark Ascending (when I have some time to spare!): it's a big 'wow' factor. VW's music is unashamedly beautiful, capturing the sweetest folk elements and conjuring up the spirit of the wildest and most remote parts of Britain (in my head at least). This music is something else and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Average customer rating:

Well-Conseived Follow-Up to "Man In The Mirror"

Running in Real Time
Passport
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Earthborn
Man in the Mirror
Iguacu
Sky Blue
Infinity Machine

ASIN: B00005A8FR
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

At Large
Auryn
Talisman
Help Me
Joy Riding
Slap Shot
Mr. Mystery
Running In Real Time

Album Description

Reissue and first U.S. release of the German jazz-fusion groups 1985 album. The Leader of Passport, Klaus Doldinger worked with Donald Byrd and Kenny Clarke early in his career. Standard jewel case. 2001 release.

Customer Reviews:

Well-Conseived Follow-Up to "Man In The Mirror".......2003-06-04

As indicated I purchased this and "Man In The Mirror" together,
having heard no other '80's-era Passport outside of the very
dissappointing and inconsistant "Blue Tatoo",but both blew me away!Much of this follows in "Mirror's" lead with a series of catchy electro funk/fusion pieces spiked with a dollop of electric rock guitar,many featuring the wonderfulvocals of Victoria Miles,who brings to mind Style Council singer DC Lee. Most impressive though is "Talisman",featuring Passport meastro Klaus Dolinger himself on bamboo flute along with Miles's sudtle chanting.Even the albums slowest cut "Auryn" is far too clever and ambitious to conjur up any Kenny G-ish nightmares.So a word to all Passport fans-don't let the late date put you off because
nothing here will dissappoint!

Average customer rating:

Best Of Lone Wolf and Cub

Manufacturer: La-La Land Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Shogun Assassin 2 - Lightning Swords of Death
Lone Wolf and Cub - Baby Cart in Peril
Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart at the River Styx

ASIN: B00027JYYY
Release Date: 2004-07-20

Tracks:

Main Title
The Vow
The Ball And The Dotanuki
The Suioryu Swordsmanship
The Bird And The Beast
Shiver: Itto Ogami The Assassin
Ending
The Wolf Crosses The Ocean
Bentenrai The Public Guard
The Ogamis And Sayaka Yagyu
Duel At The Dune
Prologue: Shining Waters
Daigoro At A Rainy Night
The Wolf Howls In The Wilds
Main Title
Besieging Army Of Ura Yagyu
Ending
Main Title
The Wolf's Cub
The Setting Sun
The Kuroda Menbo Army
The Running Wolf
Ending
Main Title
Ending Theme Song

Average customer rating:

E is incredible
"Levity" soundtrack is would be a fine addition to your "E" collection.
Though not perfect, still an excellent piece of work
Amazing
Brief songs, somber instrumentals, beautiful simplicity

Levity (Score)

Manufacturer: Pleximusic
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

I Am The Messiah
Broken Toy Shop
Eels with Strings - Live at Town Hall
With Strings: Live at Town Hall
Souljacker [Bonus Disc]

ASIN: B00008ZL8D
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

What I Remember Most
Skywriting
Running the Bath
Gravity
Haunted Piano #1
In Manual's Room
Taking a Bath in Rust
Flashback Blues
Post-Flashback Blues
Lonesome Subway
Haunted Organ #1
Sofia Writing in the Sky
To Adel Easley / Trouble in the Alley
Manual's Got a Train to Catch

Customer Reviews:

E is incredible.......2005-10-05

I can't believe how well put together this score is, as well as the two tracks that E sings in.
Track number 9 is great. Has a perfect somber, desolate feel to it. Contrasted with track 14 which is uplifting and hopeful. I love scores to soundtracks and this soundtrack is filled with incredible songs. Tracks 9 and 14 are some of the best I have ever heard.

"Levity" soundtrack is would be a fine addition to your "E" collection........2005-08-04

Very melodic and melancholy, Mark Everett ("E", "Eels") shapes up a wonderful soundscape to a fine little film. Playing the bulk of the instruments himself and singing on one track, "E" & "Eels" fans will find this soundtrack a nice addition to their collection. Softer in tone and sound than much of his work, the "Levity" soundtrack does possess some similarities to the "Eels" newest recording, but with almost no vocals the songs instead come to life through some fine subtle playing and direction from Mr. Everett. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone interested in any of "E"'s or the "Eels recordings and to anyone looking for something soothing and melodic to listen to on a warm summer day.

Though not perfect, still an excellent piece of work.......2004-02-06

Hiring a noted indie rock musician to do your soundtrack will gain you instant noteriety. No matter what one thinks of "About A Boy", Badly Drawn Boy's jaw-droppingly beautiful soundtrack was a highlight, and even better than the actual BDB album that followed. And who can't forget "Chelsea Walls"? So, hiring the enigmetic E to do a soundtrack seems like a good idea, right?

Correct. Don't get me wrong - there are a few downsides to the album, most notably the length (pay this much for under 35 minutes of music?) and only two Eels songs, but it really is worth it. "What I Remember Most" is a haunting opener, which faintly recalls Belle & Sebastian's work with Todd Solondoz's "Storytelling" soundtrack. The instrumentals are short, pretty, but establish the effective mood RIGHT AWAY, something not many other scores can do. The latter suites that close the album are undeniably moving.

The two Eels songs, both under 3 minutes, are worthwhile in themselves. While the acoustic "Skywriting" is extremely worthy, it's "Taking A Bath In Rust" that steals the show, with it's soft-loud scratchy-voicings and the lush & memorable string arrangement that follows. It's amazing it wasn't a single, because it easily could have charted.

Again, it isn't perfect. Some of the "themes" are recycled too oft, but again, it's a minor complaint to a great work. It's not the greatest soundtrack ever made, but it's a very worthy entry into that "indie-rock soundtrack" subgenre, and an enjoyable one at that.

Amazing.......2003-11-02

This soundtrack is amazing. The movie is amazing, the actors are amazing, and Mr. Everett is amazing. You are lost without seeing this movie... and once you see it, you know you'll be lost without the soundtrack.

Brief songs, somber instrumentals, beautiful simplicity.......2003-10-28

I'm a big fan of the Eels, especially their first works (Beautiful Freak, Electroshock Blues, and Daisies of the Galaxy). This score is an excellent compilation, much of which is based on the same few basic melodies. These deceptively simple patterns unfold into a beautiful variety of music. Check out my favorite track from the album "Haunted Piano #1" for a sample. "Running the Bath" is probably most representative of the overall tone and feel of the album. Levity's brevity (gwah hah hah!) is the only downside. All but 2 of the tracks fall into the one to two and a half minute mark, making some of them seem like samples instead of full tracks. Given the ambient nature of the pieces they really should go on longer. Definately go for it if you are a fan of the Eels or any other tingly, experi-pop-orchestrock. Keep in mind most of the album is instrumental, in case you need "singing or guitars" to enjoy music.

Music: