Volunteer

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Original songs from one of the founding fathers of grunge, Chris Newman. BAND_MEMBERS: Chris Newman - vocals and instruments Lance Paden - drums

Tracks:

Call of the Mockingbird
Trail of Tears
Fanfare for the Volunteer

Amazon.com

Mark O'Connor is the heir to a long line of composer-performers who wrote music for themselves to play. Like his predecessors, O'Connor writes to his strengths, which include a lovely, expressive tone, a natural, easy way with the instrument, and an innate feeling for the style. The three works on this record were initially conceived as the movements of a concerto, and though they became independent pieces, they're connected by thematic and melodic elements. In style and atmosphere, they take their inspiration from the folk music, as well as the landscape and history, of America.

"Call of the Mockingbird" is a study in the evocation of nature and its sounds. The solo violin joins woodwinds, horns, and string pizzicato in conjuring the voices of birds, and there is an improvised, unaccompanied cadenza toward the end. The music breathes a simple, peaceful serenity. "Trail of Tears" commemorates the tragic dispossession of the Cherokee Indians; melancholy, a bit dissonant, the music has the heavy tread of a forced march and builds up to a powerful climax. In "Fanfare for a Volunteer," the death march becomes a clarion call for freedom, with drums, trumpets, and other brass; the solo fiddle bursts into a string of tunes and dances, and joins the drums in another improvised cadenza. After a quiet interlude, the piece ends with more martial fifes and drums. Throughout, perhaps the most unusual aspect of the music is the combination of folk-style fiddling with the highly sophisticated, masterful scoring for a large symphony orchestra; indeed, O'Connor's avowed purpose is to showcase the orchestral sections as much as the soloist. His playing is superb, disciplined as well as free, and the orchestra supports him splendidly. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Truly a gem in modern composition and performance.......2007-02-16

I bought this CD because I've thoroughly enjoyed O'Connor's "Fiddle Concerto" for years. With this purchase, I was hoping for something similar, and upon listening, it has far exceeded my expectations. This is now one of my favorite CDs. It is full of life and joy, and I like it more every time I listen to it. It is so rare these days to find high-quality modern orchestral compositions, especially ones that speak to the soul (as this one does).
In the CD notes, O'Connor mentions that he wrote this as a follow-up to the Fiddle Concerto. "Three Pieces" really functions as a complete work with three movements. The first and third tracks are faster, and the middle track is slow and lyrical. The fanfare at the beginning of the third track is a nice touch, and is very Copland-esque (thinking of "Fanfare for the Common Man").
Kudos to Mark!!

Mark O'Connor--the new Aaron Copland.......2004-05-05

Mark O'Connor will become known as the Aaron Copland of his time. What a wonderful group of pieces. Also impressive is "The American Seasons" by O'Connor.

New Classic that defies this century's unpleasant influences.......2001-09-23

I have to admit i came upon this CD because of my penchant for Maestro Mercurio's talents, and not through any familiarity with O'Connor's performances or compositions.
After reading that these three pieces were joined, then separated I wondered how that would be reflected in the works.
Well, they are related, for sure, but not an ounce of unwelcome repetition between the pieces is to be found. Only a lovely continuity of themes and a consistent level of what can only be described as genuine faith, by all involved, in what is being shared.
I almost felt as if the works were being written and performed by O'Connor on the spot, with the orchestra being an extension of the fiddler, himself. This speaks to the talents of O'Connor, but also for Mercurio, who always brings his all to a performance. It is symbiotic.
I read in some other reviews that O'Connor is reflective of other composers of this century. All i can say about that is for the most part, I do not like most contemporary compositions of a classical nature. There is usually a rhythm to them that i find disenchanting, and it almost deterred me from purchasing this piece. But alas, this CD is a thing beauty from the beginning to the end. Laurie in Alaska

Music for the heart and soul.......2000-09-04

Mark O'Connor with his understanding and love of the violin and his love of life has captured the essence of the heart breaking beauty of the Tennessee hills. His music soars and swoops and dips weaving a magical life of its own. If you enjoy the passion of Hillary Hahn wait until you begin to listen to Mark's story because that is what this piece is. It is the story of the Cherokees and their heart-rending loss of their land. It is the story of the seasons with their beauty and their harshness. This CD will be one you will play over and over and over, never tiring and each time finding something new that will for just a short space in time, take your breath away.

Fanfare for Mark O'Connor.......2000-05-29

In Texas, we would say, "Now that boy can fiddle!" Yup, he surely can, but boy, can he compose, too.

This CD is called three pieces for violin and orchestra, but I think of it as one large symphonic work. It's a tribute to the violin and fiddle players out there, as well as a tribute to Americans. From "Shenandoah" to the spirit of Aaron Copland, these pieces reach into the heart of what makes an American.

Tracks:

Any Other Name - Nikolaj Bloch
Vision - Richard Souther
Song Of Tears - London Philharmonic Orchestra
Largo - Reginald Kilbey And His Strings
Hedwig's Theme - Nic Raine
Sheep May Safely Graze - Sir Neville Marriner
II. Adagio Un Poco Mosso - Philharmonia Orchestra
Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco
Eddie - Michael Nyman
Espiritu - Thomas Otten
Cinema Paradiso Love Theme - Ennio Morricone & His Orchestra
Pavane - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Pie Jesu - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Goldberg Variations - Maria Tipo
Agnus Dei - David Hill
II. Adagio Sostenuto - Dame Moura Lympany
Canzonetta Sull'Aria - Gianna Rolandi

Tracks:

Time To Say Goodbye - Orchestra
Aquarium - Katia & Marielle Labeque
Barcarolle (Les Contes D'Hoffman) - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Jean De Florette Theme - Toots Thielemans
La Valse D'Amelie - Yann Tiersen
Love In Slow Motion - The Planets
Heart Of The Volunteer - David Temple
II. Adagio - Ton Koopman
Nimrod ('Enigma' Variations) - London Symphony Orchestra
Going Home (Largo) - Izzy
Sarabande - Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields
Facades - John Harle
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Teleplene And Rubber Band - Simon Jeffes
Agnus Dei - National Youth Choir Of Great Britain
II. Romance - Garrick Ohlsson
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
II: Andantino - James Galway
Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - Cecile Ousset
An Ending - Brian Eno

Album Details

Instrumental Chill Out of the Classical Variety, Not of the Dancefloor. Chill Baby!

Customer Reviews:

Great Classical Spectrum .......2005-03-21

These cd's are a great set of varied classical music. Pavane is my favorite. Additionally, Classical Chillout 2 offers theme music from Harry Potter and it is very well done.

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

Average customer rating:

These are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks
An outstanding compilation
The really good ones are missing.
"many were winners by the Academy for best scores"

The Longest Day: The Ultimate World War Movie Theme Collection

Manufacturer: Silva America
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

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Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Battle of Britain
The Longest Day: Music From The Classic War Films (Soundtrack Anthology)
The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection
Patton (1970 Film): Also Featuring Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970 Film) (1997 Studio Recording)
The Battle of the Bulge: The Original Score by Benjamin Frankel

ASIN: B00020R02O
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Tracks:

The Longest Day
Attack On The Iron Coast
Band Of Brothers-Prelude
Band Of Brothers-Theme
Battle Of Britain
The Battle Of The Bulge
The Blue Max
Das Boot
The Bridge At Remagen
The Bridge On The River Kwai
A Bridge Too Far
The Caine Mutiny
The Captive Heart
Casablanca

Tracks:

Coastal Command
The Cruel Sea
The Dambusters
The Diary Of Anne Frank
The Eagle Has Landed
Empire Of The Sun
The English Patient
Fear And Desire
Force Ten From Navarone
Gallipoli
The Great Escape
The Guns Of Navarone

Tracks:

Hanover Street
The Hindenburg
In Harm's Way
Is Paris Burning?
King Rat
Lawrence Of Arabia
Lifeboat
Macarthur / Patton
Malta G.C.
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence
Midway
The Mountain Road
1941

Tracks:

The Naked And The Dead
The Night Of The Generals
Paradise Road
Paths Of Glory
Pearl Harbor
Saving Private Ryan
Schindler'S List
Sergeant York
The Sharkfighters
Sink The Bismarck!
633 Squadron
Where Eagles Dare
The World At War
The Longest Day

Customer Reviews:

These are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks.......2007-01-21

I was disappointed that these are not the same arrangements as the original movie soundtracks. For example, in Colonel Bogey, the countermarch from the movie soundtrack is not included in the arrangement on this CD. Don't get me wrong, the songs are good, but I would have preferred the same arrangements as the original movies.

An outstanding compilation.......2006-08-25

This compilation is superb and a real must-buy. From Band of Brothers to A Bridge Too Far: every war movie theme is represented here. An all time classic.

The really good ones are missing........2005-07-18

While this compilation has some masterpieces such as the theme from The Great Escape and Is Paris Burning, it's missing some of the finest tracts ever written. Where is the theme from Victory and Ernest Gold's stirring epic from Cross of Iron? The closing theme from Inchon was also a feast for the ears, but it's not here. It was written by Jerry Goldsmith, one of the foremost soundtrack composers of our time. Instead we're subjected to the likes of Hanover Street and The English Patient. I'll admit Inchon and Victory weren't Academy Award winning movies, but their soundtracks were second to none. As John Stossel would say," Give me a break"!!!

"many were winners by the Academy for best scores".......2004-05-26

Silva America presents the essential in film music during the period of World Wars ~ "Longest Day:Ultimate World War Movie Theme", featuring some long forgotten cues, 53 to be exact that sent chills and thrills into the pulses of world events ~ selections from a limited collectors edition that would make any "film-score-buff" green with envy.

Released to commemorate the sixth Anniversary of D-Day, never has there ever been such a tribute compilation package from any other label and Silva comes to the forefront ~ featuring The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra (Paul Bateman, Nic Raine Tony Bremner and Carl Davis as conductors), The Philharmonia (Kenneth Alwyn, Jerry Goldsmith, Mario Klemens and Paul Bateman as conductors) and also the world renown Crouch End Festival Chorus (David Temple as choir master) ~ what a gathering of talented musicians and singers fill this collection supreme.

The lineup of composers is a Who's Who in the world of film music ~ John Addison, Tomaso Albinoni, Kenneth J. Alford, Paul Anka, John Barry, Arnold Bax, Elmer Bernstein, Eric Coates, Carl Davis, Klaus Doldinger, Antonin Dvorak, Benjamin Frankel, Gerald Fried, Hugo Friedhofer, Jerry Goldsmith, Ron Goodwin, Bernard Herrmann, Maurice Jarre, Michael Kamen, Jerome Moross, Alfred Newman, Clifton Parker, Alan Rawsthorne, Ryvichi Sakamoto, Lalo Schifrin, Gerard Schurmann, David Shire, Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Williams, Gabriel Yared and Hans Zimmer ~ set the stage for compositional human drama while exploring the deepest troves of musical emotion ~ one masterpiece after another, each cue manages to display both a convincing authenticity of the times and places ~ experience every tracks passion and skill for striking the exotic orchestral colors, explosive power and spectacular works of full large scale orchestral arrangements previal at every turn.

We are grateful to James Fitzpatrick (producer), Reybnold da Silva (executive producer), Rick Clark (associate producer/album sequence), Marion Garden (associate producer) and the whole gang at Silva America who have resurrected many of the soundtracks for the "film-score-buffs" in all of us.

Tracks:

American Salute - Morton Gould
Amazing Grace - Frank Ticheli
Carnival Of Venice - Herbert L. Clarke
Vars On 'America' - Charles Ives
Fantaisie Original - Ermano Picchi
Ser From 'The Student Prince' - Sigmund Romberg
Ste Of Old American Dances: Cake Walk - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Schottische - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Western One-Step - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Wallflower Waltz - Robert Russell Bennett
Ste Of Old American Dances: Rag - Robert Russell Bennett
Scherzo - Edwin Franko Goldman
Napoli Vars - Herman Bellstedt
'Yankee Doodle' Fantasy Humoresque - David Wallis Teeves
The Volunteer - Walter Togers
March Of The Majorettes - Frank Simon

Album Description

British Euphonium virtuoso Brian Bowman joins Corporon and the CWS in over a century's worth of showpieces dating from 1878 to 1994.

Customer Reviews:

Correction to Editor.......2003-10-23

Brian Bowman is not British, he's an American. He was principal Euphonium with the U.S. Navy Band for several years before being selected for the combined Armed Forces Bicentennial Band which toured the world during 1976. After that tour, he joined the U.S. Air Force Band.

College Music Education Student.......1999-11-26

I love this CD and would recomend it to anyone even half way interested in band music or Baritone solos. My school recently had the honor of Brain Bowman as a soloist with our bands. He's amazing to watch in person.

It was great.......1999-06-20

I liked the Suite of old American Dances on this CD the best. I guess that is b/c I played in High School. the CD is great.

The Irish Volunteer: Songs Of The Irish Union Soldier 1861-1865

Average customer rating:

"There's many an Irish girl sad tonight"
"Erin's Harp and the Starry Flag"
GREATEST CIVIL WAR CD!
Bravo!
Great, great album.

The Irish Volunteer: Songs Of The Irish Union Soldier 1861-1865
David Kincaid
Manufacturer: Rykodisc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Irish Folk | Traditional British & Celtic Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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HARD ROAD: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
SOUTHERN SOLDIER: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
IN HIGH COTTON: Favorite Camp Songs of the Civil War
The Civil War Collection
Songs of the Civil War

ASIN: B000005Z5R
Release Date: 1998-02-24

Tracks:

The Irish Volunteer
Boys That Wore The Green
Opinions Of Paddy Magee
The Boys Of The Irish Brigade
Paddy's Lamentation
The Irish Volunteer (No.2)
My Father's Gun
Meagher Is Leading The Irish Brigade
Free And Green
The Harp Of Old Erin & Banner Of Star
The List Of Generals
Pat Murphy Of Meagher's Brigade

Amazon.com

This is an unusual endeavor. Kincaid has collected lyrics written by or about Irish soldiers in the Union army of the American Civil War, and either recreated the music from notes or written new music in the tradition of the times. The words of the songs express love lost and missed, pride in the military prowess of the Irish soldiers, and the despair of war. Kincaid has made a simple musical accompaniment for these songs, using familiar Irish instruments such as uilleann pipes (Irish bagpipes), bodhran (Irish goatskin drum), mandolin, and whistle. He sets the songs to ballads and jigs--some traditional, others original tunes that hint at tradition, but all timely and appropriate for the lyrics. He also pens one original tune of his own about a fictional Irish American captain who dies in battle--stirring, but not as direct as the old songs. This is an ambitious project, well-conceived and capable of making a lesser-known part of American history more immediate. --Louis Gibson

Customer Reviews:

"There's many an Irish girl sad tonight".......2006-05-07

Anyone who knows anything about the American Civil War (War between the States if you prefer) surely has heard about the Irish Brigade. As the CD insert notes, they were in all the major eastern battles and due to their bravery suffered a total of 4000 casualties during the war. By finding actual lyrics the Irish soldiers sang and determining the tunes they probably used, Kincaid has built a bridge 140 years long between us and them. I never believed in ghosts but this CD modified that belief. There ARE Civil War ghosts and they speak to us with haunting beauty through David Kincaid.

"Erin's Harp and the Starry Flag".......2005-04-13

Those who have studied the American Civil War or Irish American history know the tremendous contribution that the Irish made to that unfortunate conflict. Waves of immigrants where coming to America's shores from Ireland every day, and many of these were recruited to fight for the Union directly off of the ships. They often fought in units composed entirely of their country men, like the 37th New York "Irish Rifles", the "Irish 9th" Massachusetts, the 69th Pennsylvania, or General Meagher's famous "Irish Brigade, made up of the 63rd, 69th, and 88th New York Volunteers.
These men had their own music; propaganda recruitment songs, songs linking the Union cause with their own fight for liberty back home in Erin, and songs warning others to avoid coming and joining in a vicious fight that was not their own. Most of these songs disappeared after the war, never entering into America's folk music tradition as other Civil War songs did. But David Kincaid searched through old collections in museums and libraries, and rediscovered many of these rousing songs of the Irish Civil War soldiers. He then combined the lyrics he found with traditional Irish tunes (all but one of the songs he discovered lacked musical notation), and here performs them with rousing traditional Irish instrumentation. The result is a stunning success.
This is great Irish music, performed authentically with pipes, whistle, bodhran, fiddle, and mandolin. There are lilting, catchy songs like `The Opinions of Paddy Magee', `The List of Generals', and the title track `The Irish Volunteer'. Then there are more somber and mournful ones, such as `Paddy's Lamentation', `Pat Murphy of Meagher's Brigade', and `Free and Green' (the only new song, written for this project). All the elements that make for great Irish music are here.
As Civil War music, this CD is invaluable. Almost all the songs included on `The Irish Volunteer' are authentic Civil War songs that had disappeared from the historical record and are revived here. Not only do they brilliantly illustrate a particular aspect of Civil War history, but they are fine, rousing songs in their own right. No collection of Civil War music should be without it.
I have had this CD for years, and it has never fallen out of my regular playing rotation. If you have any interest in Irish music or the American Civil War, `The Irish Volunteer' is a "can't miss" purchase.

Theo Logos

GREATEST CIVIL WAR CD!.......2004-03-20

This CD arrived today. Being a huge Civil War buff, and a big fan of the "Irish Brigade" and Irish music in general, I was psyched to get this CD, though I wasn't quite sure what it was going to be like. I popped it into the CD player, and it is even better than anything I could have imagined! It isn't your typical Civil War CD by any means: dealing with this obscure material, focused on the Irish Union soldiers, you're not going to find the Civil War's "greatest hits" like "Battle Cry of Freedom", or "Dixie". But you will find the best Civil War CD out there! The authentic sound, and the great vocals of Kincaid evoke such emotion and life into the music.....I don't know if I've ever felt that with a more traditional Civil War compilation. I read an earlier review saying that this album is "addictive".....I wasn't sure how it could be until I realized that I've been listening to it for about 6 hours straight!

Bravo!.......2004-03-05

This is the grandest CD I have bought in a long time. In our time of internal strife in america, remembering the past changes your perspective. This CD does that. Mr. Kincaid has brought the best together on one cd for all of us.

Great, great album........2003-01-15

His selection of songs was excellent, and his treatment of the material even better. An album you will listen to again and again. Do yourself a favor, buy it!

Average customer rating:

A great collection

Pure Cinema Classics

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | International | Styles | Music

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Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Simply the Best Movie Themes
The Space Between Us
Love Actually

ASIN: B000091AIR
Release Date: 2005-01-31

Tracks:

American Beauty: Any Other Name - Nikolaj Bloch
Barry Lyndon: Sarabande - Academy Of St Martin In The Fields
The Shawshank Redemption: The Marriage Of Figaro - Canzonetta Sull'aria - Bernard Haitink
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone: Hedwig's Theme - Nic Raine
William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet - City Of Prague Philharmonic
The Mission: Gabriel's Oboe - Ennio Morricone And His Orchestra
Breakfast At Tiffany's: Moon River - Nic Raine
The Piano: The Heart Asks Pleasure First/The Promise - Michael Nyman
Dances With Wolves: John Dunbar Theme - Nic Raine
Jean De Florette: Jean De Florette Theme - Orchestre De Paris
Ocean's Eleven: Clair De Lune - Dame Moura Lympany
The Godfather: The Godfather Waltz - Nic Raine
Pearl Harbor: Heart Of The Volunteer - Nic Raine
Face/Off: 'Raindrop' Prelude No.15 In D Flat - Dmitri Alexeev
A Room With A View: O Mio Babbino Caro - Philharmonia Orchestra
You Only Live Twice: Main Theme - Nic Raine
The English Patient: As Far As Florence Rupert Bear - Kenneth Alwyn
Raging Bull: Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo - Paul Bateman
Traffic: An Ending (Ascent) - Brian Eno
2001 - A Space Odyssy: The Blue Danube - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

The Deer Hunter: Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco
Titanic: My Heart Will Go On - Orchestra
Amelie: La Valse D'Amelie - Yann Tiersen
Midnight Cowboy: Main Theme - Nic Raine
Gladiator: Gladiator Suite - Nic Raine
The Lord Of The Rings - The Fellowship Of The Ring: The Fellowship - Nic Raine
Chocolat: Gnossienne No.1 - Anne Queffelec
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence: Main Theme - Mark Ayers
Ghost: Unchained Melody - Nic Raine
Cinema Paradiso Love Theme - Ennio Morricone & His Orchestra
Le Reine Margot: Lullaby - Nic Raine
Elizabeth: Nimrod ('Enigma' Variations) - London Symphony Orchestra
Hannibal: Goldberg Variations - Aria - Maria Tipo
Edward Scissorhands: Main Title/Ice Dance - Paul Bateman
Diva: Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Philharmonia Orchestra
Billy Elliott: Swan Lake, Act II, No.10 Scene - Andre Previn
The Man Who Wasn't There: 'Pathetique' Sonata - II. Adagio Cantabile - Walter Gieseking
The Big Blue: Overture - Eric Serra Gilbert Dal'Anese
The Killing Fields: Etude - Mike Oldfield

Customer Reviews:

A great collection.......2004-02-28

This is a really fabulous collections of songs. There is a great balance of old and new. This isn't a collection from one single genre and the diversity keeps the mix interesting. It's great to hear songs that wouldn't normally be noticed while a movie is playing and it's also great to hear those easily recognizable tunes from popular movies.

Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly Good!
one of a kind
Electric newspaper boy!!
Too Good
He is a Pop Zeus

Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department
Robert Pollard With Doug Gillard
Manufacturer: Recordhead Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Indie & Lo Fi | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Not in My Airforce
Fast Japanese Spin Cycle
Kid Marine
Propeller
Selective Service

ASIN: B000035X7C
Release Date: 1999-12-14

Tracks:

Frequent Weaver Who Burns
Soul Train College Policeman
Pop Zeus
Slick as Snails
Do Something Real
Port Authority
Soft Smoke
Same Things
And I Don't (So Now I Do)
Tight Globes
I Get Rid of You
Life Is Beautiful
Messiahs
Larger Massachusetts
And My Unit Moves

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly Good!.......2006-11-23

WOW! I can't believe how good this record is! Recorded between Guided By Voices two worst albums, ("Do The Collapse" and "Isolation Drills") "Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department" is a shocking near-masterpiece. Why this album wasn't released as a Guided By Voices record is baffling, most of the songs on this record tower above anything on "Do The Collapse" and some of them even rival the best songs from GBV's 90's matador records.

The syrupy synthesizers and multitracked guitars featured on "Do The Collapse" are thankfully absent here. The production on this record most reminds me of the highest fidelity moments of "Propller". In other words, it has a "classic" GBV sound and style.

While the sound of the record is great, it is of course the songs that make it shine. "Pop Zeus" "And I Don't (So Now I Do)", and "Tight Globes" are as good as anything GBV has ever done, and stand head and shoulders above the best of Pollards material outside this album (with the exception of the wonderful "Subspace Biographies"). The rest of the record is also great. Opener "Frequent Weaver Who Burns" shows Pollard returning to his nonsensical, endlessly optmistic vocal stylings that are largely missing from "Do The Collapse" and "Isolation Drills". "Larger Massachussetts" is one of Pollard's best slow songs, and "Slick As Snails" with it's terrific guitar solo rocks harder than any GBV song since "Mute Superstar".

Yes there are a couple throwaways, "Soft Smoke" and "Messiahs" are typical Pollard duds, but on the whole "Speak Kindly of Your Volunteer Fire Department" is as good or better than any record Pollard has released that isn't named "Alien Lanes", "Bee Thousand" or "Under The Bushes, Under The Stars".

one of a kind.......2006-07-22

there will never be a record like this again. every song is great. the production is simple and relaxed. doug's musicianship is utilized here better than on anything he's ever been on (with the possible exception of do the collapse, on which he dominates.) pop zeus. that was my ex-wife's favorite pollard song. god, i miss her. there will never be a record like this again.

Electric newspaper boy!!.......2005-08-26

"Speak Kindly" may not quite rival the very best GBV albums, but it certainly stands alongside "Not in My Airforce" and "Choreographed Man of War" as the cream of Robert Pollard's solo work. Lots of great songs and very little filler here. Doug Gillard's outstanding work on all instruments proves what an asset he is as a sideman for Pollard. Highly recommended. Soul train college policeman!

Too Good.......2004-11-08

I truly am sick of hearing of "indie purists" whining. I dig all phases of GBV but you know what? I would rather this (if forced) than anything in Guided By Voices vast catalog.
The guitar solo in Slick as Snails--where the hell did that come from? "Life Is Beautiful" is something else... I saw them live the night before this album came out--Bee Thousand? Pah. This album is beyond belief. Gillard (Death of Samantha, Cobra Verde, solo) recorded the basic tracks and Pollard laid some vocals from what I understand. The result? One of the best albums ever made. It is that inspired, that good. Move over, Whos Next, Pet Sounds, Loveless, Nevermind, Daydream Nation....If you are even reading this please do yourself a favor. I have a life to live too besides posting crap on Amazon--I just want to tell you that this album just needs to be heard. No hype, not opinion, just fact.

He is a Pop Zeus.......2004-05-20

This album still gets high rotation in my cd player. Doug Gillard shines on all instruments and Bob Pollard's lyrics excel without question. This is my favorite non-GBV Bob solo project. So many of these songs have been featured by GBV live they're all old hat to GBV fans by now:

Frequent Weaver Who Burns- Steals the descending riff from "Gold Heart Mtn. Top Queen Directory" to new effect. Great playing by Doug Gillard on all instruments here. Check out his drums on the fade out! ****

Soul Train College Policeman- Always a live favorite! ****

"Pop Zeus" rocks like vintage Mag Earwig material. What the hell does "Electric Newspaper Boy" mean? And how does he make it sound as rocking as anything the Who did? *****

Slick as Snails- This mid-tempo anthem seems to fit the mold for a lot of the Isolation Drills material. My favorite line: "The imprint where you sat, dig the ripples caused by that, I can ride them out." This is some of the finest solo guitar work Gillard has ever done. Gives me chills and a smile every time. *****

Port Authority- An introspective piece with liquid keyboards and a feel that might be borrowed from Bob's love of early Genesis? Good song nonetheless. ****

Soft Smoke/Same Things- Nice short pieces. ***

And I Don't (So Now I Do)- Great piece of pop that probably would have been a 30 second song in the days before Do the Collapse and Ric Ocasek. ****

Tight Globes- Lyrics obscurely tell a tale of a young blonde woman cutting off Bob on the Freeway. Rocks like a classic Who song. A song that gets a shot in the arm live. *****

I Get Rid of You- Dark and mysterious. *** (Can you tell I like the "up" material better?)

Life is Beautiful- I love how this one sounds like they're playing guitar in a small room. Bob touts the wonders of living and it ends with some nice atmospheric baubles and backing vocals. *****

Messiahs- A rocker in 5/4 reminiscent of Camper Van Beethoven with those space cowboy guitars.***