The Argument

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The Argument is a bracing reminder of Fugazi's confidence and passion, reflecting the experimental impulses of their previous two albums while further refining their songs and arrangements. It's certainly their most expansive album to date, with a supporting cast that includes Bridget Cross (Unrest, Air Miami), Kathi Wilcox (Bikini Kill), Amy Domingues (Ida), and roadie-soundman Jerry Busher. There's a pronounced pop element at work this time: the title track and "Life and Limb" are Fugazi's most subtle tracks yet, their taut guitar and whispery vocals creating a quiet tension. Even a song like "Full Disclosure," which begins with Guy Piciotto's feral howling, ends with lithe harmonies. Meanwhile, tunes like "Ex-Spectator" and "Epic Problem" expand their core attack without sacrificing an iota of its explosiveness. Brendan Canty's sinuous, rock-solid drumming is key in this regard, providing monster hooks even before the guitars come in. --Mike Appelstein --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Chess
Average customer rating:

This should never have worked at all

A GREAT AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED MUSICAL FROM THE 80-IS

Chess

One of my favorites!

Concepts get better with practice

Chess
Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Chess (1988 Original Broadway Cast)

Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)

Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)

A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast)

Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B000002GLR
Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

Merano - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Murray Head
The Russian And Molokov/ Where I Want To Be - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Tommy Korberg/Denis Quilley
Opening Ceremony - The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas/Bjorn Skifs
Quartet (A Model Of Decorum And Tranquility) - Elaine Paige/Tommy Korberg/Denis Quilley/Bjorn Skifs
The American And Florence/Nobody's Side - Elaine Paige/Murray Head
Chess - LSO/Anders Eljas
Mountian Duet - Elaine Paige/Tommy Korberg
Florence Quits - Elaine Paige/Murray Head
Embassy Lament - Tommy Korberg/The Ambrosia Singers/Anders Eljas
Anthem - Tommy Korberg

Tracks:

Bangkok
One Night In Bangkok
Heaven Help My Heart
Argument
I Know Him So Well
The Deal (No Deal)
Pity The Child
Endgame
Epilogue: You And I / The Story Of Chess

Amazon.com

Chess is a musical that sounds like it shouldn't work but instead succeeds surprisingly well. This is the original concept album that was recorded before the musical was staged in London. Chess is the story of a love triangle told against the backdrop of an international chess tournament during the height of the cold war. The composers are Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (the Bs in ABBA) and the lyrics are by Tim Rice, who supplied the words for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, as well as Disney's Aladdin (with Howard Ashman), The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast. The six-member cast does a beautiful job with the songs, which are a combination of ballads, rock, and operatic choruses. Murray Head's version of "One Night in Bangkok" became a surprise hit in the mid-'80s and it still turns up on the turntables in dance clubs around the world. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

This should never have worked at all.......2007-06-18

And on that basis alone, you've got to cut it some slack. Fortunately, not all that much slack turns out to be necessary.

While "Chess" may be a document of an era that no longer exists, there's a lot more going on than the surface metaphor. It holds up very well indeed. When it aims for humor, it generally succeeds, and likewise when it aims to devastate. What more can you ask for?

A GREAT AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED MUSICAL FROM THE 80-IS.......2007-03-04

`Chess' is a musical that should be counted among the best of what the 1980-is had produced: side by side with `Cats', `The Phantom of the Opera', `Les Miserables' or `Miss Saigon'. The score as heard on this concept album, written by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (formerly of ABBA) and with the exceptional lyrics written by Tim Rice, stand proof to this. And yet, due to various reasons, like the changing of the director half way through London staging; a heavy rewrite for Broadway and a pan review from Frank Ritch (a.k.a. `The Butcher of Broadway'), `Chess' seems to be unjustly neglected.

This concept album is the main reason why the show has so many ardent fans until this day. Tim Rice wanted to write the show with the main plot revolving around chess for years and after his long time partner Andrew Lloyd Webber remained uninterested, he found the new collaborators in Ulvaeus and Andersson. The subject matter follows two international chess players in a championship, a Russian (Tommy Körberg) and an American (Murray Head) and a woman called Florence (Elaine Paige) who is a manager to the American but falls in love with the Russian. The story also draws a parallel between the game of chess and the cold war/real life situations.

This concept album was recorded in 1984, two years before the original London production took place. As the authors noted in the accompanying booklet, it was a work in progress and thusly the story is not quite readable here from the musical numbers alone. Despite that fact (which is amended by the synopsis included in the booklet), this album remains a winner. The score (played here by the London Symphonic Orchestra) itself makes an intriguing bland of the famous ABBA sound, the classical; the rock and the pop enhanced by the orchestral solo passages and the strong choral parts. The lush orchestrations add an epic touch to it and on the whole it is melodic and hummable, packed with great tunes. Some of the songs achieved huge success outside the musical: `I know him so well', a duet between Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson, held the number one spot on the UK singles charts for 4 weeks in February 1985 and won Ivor Novello Award as the Best Selling Single; Murray Head's `One night in Bangkok' became one of the biggest dance hits of its time, often heard today. Some other notable tunes include `The Anthem' (Russian's deliberation on his homeland); the soaring rock songs `Where I want to be' and `Pity the child' (in the former, the Russian reflects upon his life under the spotlight; in the latter, the American ponders about his own unhappy childhood) or the gentle `Heaven help my heart' (in which Florence weighs up her relationship with the Russian).

A special reference must be made to Tim Rice's excellent lyrics. With `Chess' he managed to keep up to the high standards he set himself in `Jesus Christ Superstar' and Evita'. Again in this case he shows he is a lyrical wizard, with his familiar cynical touch. `The story of chess', in which he gives a history of the game in a couple of crafty verses, is a pure masterpiece. The same can be said of the song `I know him so well', where the two women reexamine their relationship with the same man. As a whole, `Chess' owes a lot of its appeal to Tim Rice's written word.

The cast on this album ranks the high standard of the material. The principal parts (sung by Elaine Paige, Tommy Körberg and Murray Head) are delivered in a strong and impeccable fashion.

This 2-disc edition comes with a booklet containing a note from the authors, a text about chess, a full synopsis and a libretto, together with the photos of the principal singers.

Anyone interested in the modern musical theatre should find `Chess' to be a great score with great lyrics, which should be enough to satisfy any aficionado.

Chess.......2007-01-15

A magnificent musical, i have enjoyed the music since i first heard it and read the storyline. Had been unable to find it in our local music stores.Very pleased to find it on your site.

One of my favorites!.......2007-01-12

I love "Chess"! I still remember the first time I heard the single "One Night in Bangkok" on my car radio. I thought it was so unusual and so very cool, so I tracked down the album and bought it. Then I taped it onto a cassette, which is what I've been listening to for years, so I finally broke down and got it on CD. Of course, it's on my iPod now. I've seen the musical, and I loved that, too.

Concepts get better with practice.......2006-11-27

I love this show! That said, I do not care for this version of it. The inclusion of the word "concept" in the title means it is just that. This was, thankfully, not the final version of the show that would later spawn the hit song, "One Night In Bangkok".

With most Broadway musicals, the musical numbers tell the basic story of the show. If you listen to the recordings of Phantom, Mama Mia, Beauty and the Beast, you can discern the basic storyline of the show. Listening to this particular recording of Chess, though, will leave you wondering "What was that?" The Broadway arrival of Chess saw a much needed reworking of the storyline and arrangement of the musical numbers. This recording seems too much like a mish-mash of songs that don't really relate to each other.

For musical fanatics (like myself), I say "yes, you should have this recording in your collection", if only to understand how much work went into the show before it opened on Broadway.

If you are only buying the album because of "One Night In Bangkok", purchase the Broadway recording instead; you'll be much happier with the performance by Phillip Casnoff rather than Murray Head.

Average customer rating:

Much respect
Moving, brillaint, beautiful, complex record
Inventive, genre-defying, purely brilliant.
Fugazi sound like a f**ked up Offspring
Fascinating

The Argument
Fugazi
Manufacturer: Dischord
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Get Evens
The First Four Years
Goo
Bad Brains
Green Mind

ASIN: B00005QHZK
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Untitled
Cashout
Full Disclosure
Epic Problem
Life And Limb
The Kill
Strangelight
Oh
Ex-Spectator
Nightshop
Argument

Amazon.com

The Argument is a bracing reminder of Fugazi's confidence and passion, reflecting the experimental impulses of their previous two albums while further refining their songs and arrangements. It's certainly their most expansive album to date, with a supporting cast that includes Bridget Cross (Unrest, Air Miami), Kathi Wilcox (Bikini Kill), Amy Domingues (Ida), and roadie-soundman Jerry Busher. There's a pronounced pop element at work this time: the title track and "Life and Limb" are Fugazi's most subtle tracks yet, their taut guitar and whispery vocals creating a quiet tension. Even a song like "Full Disclosure," which begins with Guy Piciotto's feral howling, ends with lithe harmonies. Meanwhile, tunes like "Ex-Spectator" and "Epic Problem" expand their core attack without sacrificing an iota of its explosiveness. Brendan Canty's sinuous, rock-solid drumming is key in this regard, providing monster hooks even before the guitars come in. --Mike Appelstein

Customer Reviews:

Much respect.......2007-04-30

I fully respect Fugazi for moving forward musically, but this one was not my cup of tea. I liked all of Red Medicine, about then about half of End Hits.

Repeater was always my favorite.

Moving, brillaint, beautiful, complex record.......2007-01-10

I give "The Argument" four stars because there is always room to grow, even though Fugazi expands their pallete with each recording. Never have they made the same record twice. It is perhaps the Fugazi swan song, and I think that it is a pretty sure (and sad) bet at this point that the band has called it quits, though nothing is official.
To put matters simply, they seem to take elements of each record that they have produced before "The Argument" and the result is a rich, textured, abraisive, melodic, and moving document. Raw and well-recorded, Don did another fantastic job at Inner Ear.
Some complain of the abraisive quality in Fugazi's music. I believe that this is part of their beauty---their ability to constantly take risks with their fearless musical visions. It is always funny when people tell me this and they enjoy the music of Sonic Youth, Glen Branca, Deerhoof, etc. While I am into all of these artists, there is something so unsettling about Fugazi. Their records are like the musical equivalents of cinema verite documentaries. They are not out to prove anything cosmic, just to expose what they are feeling at that particular moment in their lives.
I have nothing more to say that has not already been said. If it is indeed the end of the road for Fugazi, arguably one of the greatest punk (and rock) bands of all time, then they ended on a note so high that it is still being grappled with by music-lovers.
Side note: go see the members perform in their new groups. I have yet to see Joe Lally's solo project, but I was fortunate enough to the The Evens in a capacity 50 venue in Columbus. Ian was one of the most down-to-earth people that I have met. I am dying to see Brendan drum in the live incarnation of Bob Mould's new band as well because A. I worship Bob Mould and everything that he has done for this world musically and B. It is Brendan Canty! Incredible talent.

"It's time to harvest the crust from your eyes." Thank you gentlemen. Your music will continue to inspire me for the rest of my days.

Inventive, genre-defying, purely brilliant........2006-08-09

Fugazi is one of my favorite types of bands, that being one who spits in the face of such tawdry things as "labels", or "genres". These guys take the rawness of punk and indie rock, and the complexity of jazz and prog, and strike a seemingly impossible balance between the two. This album is a wild roller coaster of layered complex rhythms, jarring time changes, loud, crashing walls of noise, and plaintive, tranquil melodies.

Nowhere is this diversity more evident than on "Nightshop" and "Ex-Spectator", both full of wild, unpredictable dynamics, all brought together seamlessly. Elsewhere, the band is ever dynamic, from loud punk anthems ("Full Disclosure", "Epic Problem"), to softer, ambient ballads ("Strangelight", "The Kill"). "Cashout" and "Life and Limb" are equally bizarre and catchy, with singable melodies superimposing odd, offbeat rhythms, once again showcasing this band's tremendous songwriting talent. Anybody can do all of these things, but to bring them together as they do is truly special.

Most bands that fall into the punk or indie genres are not well-known for their technical prowess, but Fugazi are undoubtedly an exception. The drumming is dizzyingly dynamic, going from wild and erratic to subtle and subdued, sounding completely natural either way. The guitar and bass are both raw and stylish (and "Ex-Spectator" even features some cool finger-tapping from both), and frontman Guy Piccioto is the perfect vocalist to match it all, going from hair-raising howls to Beatle-like choruses.

Simply put, Fugazi is one of the best rock bands there is, and a must for any music-lover. And better yet, the band works to keep the prices of their CD's low, so you have no excuse. Buy all their stuff.

Fugazi sound like a f**ked up Offspring.......2006-08-04

Fugazi is so bad it hurts, I've never liked them because they can't sing and their music is just plain boring. These guys are so old its funny, whoever takes this band seriously is an idiot.

Fascinating.......2006-03-27

This is musically excellent and absorbing in content, ranging from raw to dreamlike. I love this album and just regret never having had the opportunity to see this group live.

Average customer rating:

Solid
WOW!
'Bout Time!
Damn good find!

An Argument Between the Brain and Feet
Hot IQs
Manufacturer: Morning After
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank
Sam's Town

ASIN: B00049QJ1G
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

Firecracker
Getting Old
Buyer's Remorse Code
The New One
Hot IQs
Fusion & Yeah
7s
Wendy
Have Nots Have Knots
The Mascot Is Winning

Customer Reviews:

Solid.......2006-04-19

Since all of the other reviews are kinda pointless. It is true that they sound like interpol and kaiser chiefs, but that is not why i Like the HOT IQs. They have a mellow sound filled with witty lyrics that will have you singing. I gave only 4 stars because the CD is pretty short and a little repetative, but a great buy none-the-less. And a good live show

WOW!.......2005-09-07

these are really catchy songs. i mean, catchy like the plague.

great lyrics too! and the drummer, she is FIIIIIIIIIINE.

RIYL: Interpol (but happier), Pavement, Talking Heads...etc

-PC

'Bout Time!.......2005-08-31

Thank God this band exists! What a great album! Damn fine to shake the money maker to. Catchy indie-rock at its finest. I'm proud to say they're from Denver. Anyone who likes Interpol, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, etc...will dig the Hot IQ's.

Damn good find!.......2004-12-27

Hot IQs are a great indie rock band out of Denver, CO. What a find this album is!! If you like XTC, Interpol, etc you'll love this. Melodic, catchy as hell (in a good way), great lyrics. One of my favorites this year.

-Sage

Average customer rating:

Good musicianship, highly derivative
No Room for Imitations
Mr. Roney goes "Out there"!
Great CD!
"spiritual high - pure talent"

No Room for Argument
Wallace Roney
Manufacturer: Stretch Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mystikal
Prototype
The Standard Bearer
Misterios
Seth Air

ASIN: B00004XN00
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

No Room For Argument
Homage & Acknowledgement (Love Supreme/Filles De Kilimanjaro)
Straight No Nothing
Metropolis
Christina
NeuBeings
Cygroove
He Who Knows
Virtual Chocolate Cherry
Midnight Blue

Amazon.com

Because the brilliant trumpeter Wallace Roney emerged on the jazz scene at the same time as Wynton Marsalis, it took a little while for his star to shine (and not be in Marsalis's shadow). Roney recorded for Muse and Warner Bros., and with No Room for Argument, he's found a new home on Chick Corea's Stretch label. He's backed by a first-rate ensemble that includes his wife, keyboardist Geri Allen, his brother Antoine on saxophones and bass clarinet, and several Miles Davis alumni: bassist Buster Williams, drummer Lenny White, and synthesizer wizard Adam Holzman. With his piercing Milesian Harmon mute and full-bodied open horn at the helm, Roney delivers 10 tracks that blend 1970s-style fusion with cutting-edge technology and good old-fashioned bebop licks, with samples of speeches by Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Malcolm X sprinkled on most of the tracks. From the martial title cut and Prince riffs to the brilliant blending of John Coltrane and Miles on "Homage & Acknowledgement (Love Supreme/Filles De Kilimanjaro)," Wallace Roney sets his sights high and ascends. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Good musicianship, highly derivative.......2005-07-13

I agree with the previous review. Roney tries just too hard to sound like Miles, though I don't know about him sitting in his room with Miles posters etc. etc. I noticed the same problem with Cindy Blackman, her albums sound just too much at times like Miles' mid-60's quintet. Actually a lot of musicians copy it; Wynton copied it too, when he was starting out, oddly enough trashing Miles in the press all the time. That was before he started playing Dixieland.

Anyway, this is a pretty good album, but I've heard many of these musicians on other albums and know they're capable of more when pushed to really produce. Here, they have a mission to sound like Miles' groups, and they do a good job of it, but I don't think it's worth a purchase unless you're a diehard Roney fan and want to hear him in this context.

No Room for Imitations.......2002-12-10

This CD asks the musical question, "What's the difference between homage and ripoff"? If you're Wallace Roney, the answer is--not much. This disc would more appropriately have been entitled, "I wish I were Miles Davis". I can just picture a young Roney practicing his horn surrounded by Miles posters and paraphenalia perfecting his imitative technique.There's nothing on this disc that you can't find, done much better, by Miles in any of his electric sessions. Granted, I don't write jazz reviews for the New York Times, but I am a serious collector and listener of jazz music and to my ear, there is nothing new here. I defy the average jazz fan to find a unique voice here.The technique is excellent to be sure, and the imitation is spot on, but if you want Champaign, why drink sparkling cider? Spend your CD dollar wisely, go to the Miles Davis section, and avoid [poor] imitations.

Mr. Roney goes "Out there"!.......2001-08-13

With this release, Wallace seperates himself further from his contemporary trumpeters. "No Room for Argument" is an excellent, multi-faceted, gem. The added layers of sound and voice float in and out of the slightly subdued (except track 9), instrumental virtuosity. It all blends into a very modern sound. As a Trumpeter/leader/composer, Mr. Roney is definitely headed "Out there"! Long live the Committee.

Great CD!.......2000-12-21

This is the best CD I purchased this year! He is taking a strecth using the electrical stuff... but I actually like it! I would recommend this to anyone seeking to hear new jazz music (not repackaged CD of stuff you already have in your collection)and good acid jazz/alternative music as well. This is good stuff.

"spiritual high - pure talent".......2000-11-03

Stretch Records presents a cast of modern jazz stalwarts - Steven Hall (tenor & soprano sax & bass clarinet), Antoine Roney (tenor & soprano sax & bass clarinet), Geri Allen (piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano. synthesizer), Adam Holzman (Wurlitzer electric piano, organ, mini-moog, synthesizers), Buster Williams (bass), Lenny White (drums), Val "Gelder" Jeanty (samples & electronica) - join Wallace Roney in a recording that leaves "No Room For Argument". It's simply one of his most creative and mesmerizing outings to date.

Wallace Roney merges modern, creative jazz improvisation with infectious, relentless grooves, peppered with almost subliminal yet highly-charged samples and electronica...always on the cutting edge.

Herbie Hancock once said - "I think music is supposed to make you high, give you an experience so that you can transport yourself from wherever you are, more conscious of you inner consciousness"...and Satchmo was quoted - "I'm not doing anything, it doesn't need an explanation. I'm reacting to what's been done and what's supposed to be happening today, everything you've ever heard, all that is condensed, we play body "Body and Soul" in two bars, I wanted to play songs that have a definite beginning and an ending".

Well, this CD is that, and then some...might not be your cup of tea, but try some...you may just like it!

Tracks:

The Elixir Of Love: Nemorino's Romanza - 'I Saw The Tear...' (Una furtiva lagrima)
The King Of Y's: Mylio's Aubade - 'Since Your Unbending Guardians...' (It Is Vain My Fairest Angel)
The Fair Maid Of Perth: Henry Smith's Serenade - 'The Sounds Of Distant Laughter...' (A la voix d'un amant fidele)
Martha: Lionel's Aria - 'None So Rare, None So Fair...'(M'appari)
Lakme: Lakme's And Geralds Duet - Love Lay Asleep In Your Heart
Falstaff: Act III Second Part, Fenton - 'From These True lovers Lips
The Abduction From The Sersglio Belmont's Aria: Belmont's Aria - Costanza, Costanza, To See You Once More!
Armida: Ubaldo's and Carlo's Duet-Murmuring Breezes Cool The Air
Semele: Jupiter - 'Where'er You Walk...'
Sadko: Song Of The Hindu Merchant - 'From Crystal Waters And From Misty Mountains...'
The Barber Of Seville: The Count's Aria - 'Finish This Futile Argument'

Chess In Concert (1994 Swedish Concert Cast)

Average customer rating:

Not great
Mate in Sweden!
Not that good
An ok album.
If you like "Chess: the Musical", you need this CD

Chess In Concert (1994 Swedish Concert Cast)
Bjorn Ulvaeus , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Import [Generic]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chess
Kristina Fran Duvemala (1996 Swedish Cast)
Chess (1988 Original Broadway Cast)
Evita (2006 London Cast)
A Little Night Music

ASIN: B000006XK8
Release Date: 1996-07-15

Tracks:

Merano - Anders Glenmark,
Russian and Molokov/Where I Want to Be - Tommy Korberg,
Opening Ceremony - Chorus
Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility) - Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg, ,
American and Florence/Nobody's Side - Anders Glenmark, Karin Glenmark, Chorus
Chess - Chess
Mountain Duet - Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg
Florence Quits - Anders Glenmark, Karin Glenmark
Someone Else's Story - Karin Glenmark
Embassy Lament - Tommy Korberg
Bangkok/One Night in Bangkok - Anders Glenmark, Chorus

Tracks:

Anthem - Tommy Korberg
Soviet Machine
Heaven Help My Heart - Lena Ericsson
Argument - Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg
I Know Him So Well - Lena Ericsson, Karin Glenmark
Deal (No Deal) - Anders Glenmark, Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg,
Pity the Child - Anders Glenmark
Endgame - Lena Ericsson, Anders Glenmark, Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg, , Chorus
Epilogue: You and I/The Story of Chess - Benny Andersson, Tim Rice,

Album Details

The Musical by Benny and Bjorn (Abba) in Collaboration with Tim Rice was Performed by the Gothenburg Orchestra and Chorus Conducted by Anders Eljas plus Principals Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg, Anders Glemark, Lena Ericsson and Johan Schinker and Recorded Live at Eriksberghallen in Gothenburg, Sweden in August 1994.

Customer Reviews:

Not great.......2007-03-29

I can't give it less than 3 stars because I love the musical. However, this recording is less than spectacular. It sounds like it was recorded by some guy in the audience with a mono tape recorder. I was disappointed in the leads, also. They're trying to hard to sound like rock stars, which makes them sound rather cheesy. There are good moments, but if you're new to "Chess," go with the original concept album. You can't beat Elaine Paige and Murray Head.

Mate in Sweden!.......2007-02-07

Cold War Chess Championships came and went with the demise of the Soviet Union, as did the staging of Chess The Musical. This is to be regretted since musically and lyrically it is by far the best work from Abba duo Andersson and Ulvaeus, aided amply by Tim Rice. Oddly relatively unknown in Scandinavian, this concert performance, now well over ten years old, helped bridge the gap. It also managed to bring to the attention of producers that concert productions of this piece are perhaps the best way of bringing Chess to life in the post Cold War climate of the twenty-first century, and in particular relegating the old East West rivalry to the wings while focusing on the relationships-especially that of Florence and the Russian. Indeed they get all the best songs with the climatic finale You and I (reprise) making the hairs stand on the back of ones neck. The performance throughout are accomplished and enthusiastic, and the live performance and crowd responses add to the drama unfolding 'on stage'. One can only hope that Chess will remain in the consciousness of audiences and actors, producers and directors, as this CD is a perfect advertisement for a night of Chess at the theatre or concert hall

Not that good.......2006-04-05

Contains the extra songs not found in the "studio release" (with Ms. Paige etc.). However, the quality is poor and even the artists are no match to the ones in the studio recording. However, a must for Chess-aficionados.

An ok album........2003-07-02

I now own all the five major (legal) recordings of Chess; Original Concept, Broadway Cast, In Concert, "Danish" Complete Cast and Swedish cast.

All of these have their strenght and weaknesses, but as for completeness, one have to go for the Swedish or Danish recordings. As it is, I dislike the Swedish one, and the Danish is hard to get. That makes this Concert Recording the most complete of the remaining Chesses, but not necessarily the best sung.

I would not have bought this if it was not because I found it in a second hand cd store at a very low price. If you have the Danish album, you don't need it.

If you are a Chess virgin and cannot find the Danish album, chose this for near completeness or the Original Concept Album for best cast.

Avoid the Broadway Cast (extremely incomplete, though well sung) and the Swedish Cast (kind of complete, but otherwise weird and lacking the Chess spirit) if you don't happen to be a total Chess nut.

If you like "Chess: the Musical", you need this CD.......2002-06-28

I have owned, and have been a huge fan of, the original London cast recording of Chess since 1985. I love the mix of classical and rock stylings, and I'm also a major fan of practically anything that Benny and Bjorn turn out. However, I approached this album with some reservations. I know the original album of Chess backwards and forwards, so I was a little skeptical as to how a "live" version would compare to the studio version. I needn't have worried. For the most part, this is an absolutely incredible concert, with only one or two weak spots. It boasts an excellent cast, and a wonderful choir and orchestra. Of the main characters, there is only one returning member from the London concept album; Tommy Korberg reprises his role as the Russian, but my gosh........what a difference a decade makes! He was excellent the first time around, but now, Tommy injects his performance with so much fire, it will make your hair stand on end. The showstopping duet with Svetlana (Lena Ericsson)on "Endgame" is worth the price, alone.......just breathtaking. Not everything works equally as well, but as I said above, there are more "hits" than "misses". Having been a fan of the duo, "Gemini", (Anders and Karin Glenmark), I was thrilled to see them step into the spotlight again, this time as the American and Florence, respectively. I was, however, a little disappointed to discover that Anders' performance is not quite up there with Murray Head's in the original. Anders has the better voice, no doubt, but the conviction is just not the same; Murray was more convincing in the role, and I agree with another reviewer who said they didn't like Anders' histrionics. It's a bit "over the top" at times. As for Karin, she is a fabulous singer, (as is her brother.....don't get me wrong on that point....). My only problem with her is her pronunciation on a few words, but seeing how this CD was recorded in Sweden, released on a Swedish label, and probably really isn't intended for an American market, it's kind of understandable too. A couple of good things to point out in general; this CD finally adds two songs that were missing from the original recording; the gorgeous "Someone Else's Story", (beautifully performed by Karin Glenmark), and "The Soviet Machine", (part of which appears in the track "Opening Ceremony"). The reprise of "Merano" is a great addition at the end of the concert, with an ecstatic audience clapping along and cheering at it's conclusion. All in all, this is a great addition to your collection, even if you have the first recording. With variations in tempos, different interpretations of pieces, and two bonus songs, it's the same musical, and yet, not quite the same.

The Music of Elliott Carter, Vol. 1: Vocal Works (1975-1981)

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One of the most important collections of modern vocal music.

The Music of Elliott Carter, Vol. 1: Vocal Works (1975-1981)

Manufacturer: Bridge
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000003GI9
Release Date: 1993-02-19

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