Ambient V.1: Music for Airports [Import]

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Japan exclusive reissue of 1978 album packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. EMI. 2004.

Tracks:

Libera nos. I & II (John Sheppard)
Salva nos, Domine (plainchant)
Christe, qui lux es et dies (William Byrd)
In pace in idipsum (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas (Thomas Tallis)
Jesu, salvator saeculi, verbum (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas I (John Sheppard)
In manus tuas II (John Sheppard)
Miserere mihi, Domine (plainchant)
Miserere nostri, Domine (Thomas Tallis0
Misere mihi, Domine (William Byrd)
In pace in idipsum (Thomas Tallis)
Christe, qui lux es et dies (Robert White)
Veni, Domine (plainchant)
Nunc dimittis Gradulia I (William Byrd)
Te lucis ante terminum festal (Thomas Tallis)
Gaude, virgo mater Christi (Hugh Aston)

From the label:

On its spectacular debut recording, the exciting young British vocal group stile antico presents a program of English Renaissance music associated with the office of Compline, the service that ends the monastic liturgical day. A who's-who of 16th-century British composers--including Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, and John Sheppard--is represented here by hymns, antiphons, responsories, motets, and psalms: the occasion not only for music of intimacy, elegance, and reflection, but for flights of breathtaking canonic and contrapuntal invention and harmonic daring.

Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, fast gaining recognition as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. In 2005 the group won the inaugural Audience Prize at the Early Music Network International Young Artists' Competition, drawing critical praise for its `wonderfully vivid singing' and `perfectly focused and ideally balanced voices.' Since this success, Stile Antico has appeared throughout the UK, including at the City of London, Lake District Summer Music and Beverley and East Riding Festivals; engagements for 2007 include the York Early Music Festival. The group has also collaborated with Sting on tour in his project Songs from the Labyrinth, performing lute songs by John Dowland.

Working without a conductor, the members of Stile Antico rehearse and perform as chamber musicians, each contributing artistically to the musical result. Their repertoire ranges from the glorious legacy of the English Tudor composers to the works of the Flemish and Spanish schools and the music of the early Baroque. They are passionate about the need to communicate with their audiences, combining thoughtful programming with direct, expressive performances. They are also committed to developing their educational work, for which they have received generous funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Customer Reviews:

So very beautiful!.......2007-07-11

I'm not a student of fine music and had no idea what a "compline" was but I bought this CD after hearing a review on NPR.
I can't tell you how much I love this!
It is pure and moving; I can turn off my thinking and let my mind soak in the beauty.
I regret that it is such a high-class work, as I fear that many will miss it, expecting it to be over their heads. I hope that more of my fellow low-brows will somehow stumble upon it and have a chance to experience these most-excellent moments.

Gorgeous.......2007-03-05

The English Tudor choral composers such as Byrd and Tallis composed some glorious music. Sit and listen in a darkened room and you will be transported back to another time and place. Wonderfully atmospheric and moving. The masters of this repertoire are Peter Phillips's Tallis Scholars, but this CD makes me think that they have some serious competition.

Great Premiere from Stile Antico!.......2007-02-27

I got an e-mail from amazon recently to the effect of, "We've noticed that you've rated so-and-so, so we thought you'd be interested in the new release Music for Compline." I usually ignore such e-mails, but I thought I'd check it out. I was intrigued by the audio samples and so downloaded the album on iTunes.

I don't know how a group of young upstarts from Britain without a conductor were able to produce such a sound, but they did. "Music for Compline" focuses on music from composers in England during the transition from Catholicism to Protestantism- Byrd, Sheppard, Tallis, etc.- and as the title implies, it's music that would have been used during a compline service at the time. Compline, for those of you not familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, is the last prayer service in the liturgical day. As such, the music is serene, contemplative, and prayerful.

The way Stile Antico has gelled as a group is amazing, especially considering they have no conductor. (Although they surely have at least a de-facto rehearsal leader) Their sound is clear and beautiful, and they display exquisite musicianship without being overly technical or icy. They are able to share their fresh (though informed) perspectives on early music with each other to create an organic sound, so not having a conductor actually turns out to be an asset for these young musicians.

Fans of the Tallis Scholars will love this CD. Arguably, Stile Antico is better than the Tallis Scholars in some ways. To elaborate, the Tallis Scholars, as good as they are, can come across as technical and icy, whereas Stile Antico never does, at least not to my ears. On the contrary, they have a warm, authentic sound. Not that I have anything against the Tallis Scholars.

In conclusion, for everyone who loves sacred choral music, or beautiful music in general, "Music for Compline" is a must-have. The musical serenity will be a refuge from stress, and will uplift your spirits.

Music for Compline.......2007-02-05

One is somewhat spoilt for choice these days when it comes to recordings of specialist 'early music' vocal ensembles. In Britain alone, 'brand' names such as 'The Sixteen' and 'The Tallis Scholars', however different their respective approach, have become equally synonymous with excellence in ensemble, intonation, balance and blend. On this basis alone, one might be forgiven for mistaking this CD for another release from one of these fine, long-established choirs. However, this debut recording from 'Stile Antico' has something rather distinctive and individual to offer the listener. Working as a vocal consort without conductor, these are performances born out of an internal commitment and universal understanding within the group, together with an obvious love for this repertoire which they perform so admirably. It is deeply refreshing, in a professional environment where 'time is money', to hear an ensemble who have so noticeably spent a great deal of time 'living' with the music, no doubt both as individuals and collectively as a group. This crucial element of music-making, so often over-looked, is perhaps above all what makes this recording stand out. In fairness, the result is not necessarily superior to that of a conducted ensemble, where a different style of direction in the performances can be attained. But whatever one's preferences - 'Stile Antico' have certainly achieved a winning combination - communicative performances which are simultaneously meditative and emotionally uplifting.

Impeccable ensemble is evident throughout the disc, and this is especially impressive when accomplished within various well-judged slow tempi. Highlights in this regard include a wonderfully ethereal and sonorous performance of Tallis' rarely heard seven-part 'Miserere nostri', and Sheppard's intoxicating 'Libera nos I & II' whose marvellous longing dissonances are given just the right amount of time to register. Byrd's 'Miserere mihi' also receives a fine performance, and the same composer's exquisite homophonic setting of 'Christe lux es et dies' serves to demonstrate these singers' aptitude for naturally shaped phrasing and beautifully paced cadences.

The programming is cohesive throughout, combining familiar, celebrated settings with some rare gems, notably Hugh Aston's giant antiphon 'Gaude, virgo mater Christi', of which this is the first recording made available on CD.

Congratulations are also due to Harmonia Mundi for their superb recording quality, which captures splendidly not only the clarity of the voices, but also the magnificent acoustics of All Hallow's, Gospel Oak. Beautiful packaging together with intelligent, informative programme notes completes this excellent debut release.

Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (Jack Johnson)

Average customer rating:

Great!!!
I love this CD
Curious George CD
Great kid music
Feel good music

Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George (Jack Johnson)
Jack Johnson
Manufacturer: Umvd Labels
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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In Between Dreams
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On And On
Continuum

ASIN: B000CR7RDE
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Tracks:

Upside Down
Broken
People Watching
Wrong Turn
Talk Of The Town
Jungle Gym
We're Going To Be Friends
The Sharing Song
The 3 R's
Lullaby
With My Own Two Hands
Questions
Supposed To Be

Amazon.com

Admit it: If you had to pick an artist to give voice to the wackadoo thinkings of a monkey beloved by most of the American populace over age 3, you could do a lot worse than Jack Johnson. Black Eyed Peas? Too hyper. Death Cab for Cutie? Too ironic. They Might Be Giants? Too eggheaded. Johnson, though the object of much rightful jealousy--here, after all, is a guy who only stumbled into music and vaulted himself up the charts after a successful career as a pro surfer--turns out to have the goods to do H.A. Rey, Curious George's creator, proud. Fans familiar with Johnson's earlier discs will recognize a certain laconic sprawl and easy fascination in his songs that suits the theme of perpetual puzzlement perfectly (here, let's not forget, is a guy who racked up fans with songs called "Bubble Toes" and "Banana Pancakes"). That the music takes a childish turn barely registers--songs like opener "Upside Down" are classic Johnson, all wonderment and groove, and the collaborations with friends Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa warm up, wink, and scamper off before packing on the weight of excess meaning. "We're Going to Be Friends," track seven, seals the deal--when you can make the White Stripes sound compatible with the Man with the Yellow Hat, you know you've got a multi-generational winner. --Tammy La Gorce

Description

Faced with the task of giving a voice to a central character that does not speak, Universal Pictures turned to Jack Johnson to craft songs that could provide a voice for Curious George. As a new father, it gave him the opportunity to make an album for both parents and children. Presented with early animations and the story line, Jack crafted new songs that capture the emotions of Curious George as he leaves the jungle to follow the Man with the Yellow Hat. He also turned to friends Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa to contribute songs that might bridge the gap between parent and child. Joined on the record by his band (Adam Topol, Merlo Podlewski, and Zack Gill), Jack duets with three of the other songwriters (Ben Harper, G. Love, and Matt Costa), and does a cover of the White Stripes' "We're Going to Be Friends." Parents who watched Schoolhouse Rock on Saturday mornings when they were children will recognize Jack's take on the classic "Three Is a Magic Number," reinterpreted with the 3 R's as a call to protect the environment and Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Sing-a-Longs and Lullabies feels like so much more than your standard soundtrack due to its unified creative vision. While the songs have a universal appeal, their themes speak to a child's experience (or in this case, a curious monkey's experience) of the world.

More from Jack Johnson

In Between Dreams

On and On

Brushfire Fairytales

Sprout the soundtrack

Jack Johnson--A Weekend At The Greek & Live In Japan on DVD

The September Sessions on DVD

Customer Reviews:

Great!!!.......2007-07-18

If you like Jack Johnson, you will probably like this CD. I loved the movie Curious George also. The music is very relaxing and enjoyable. It is also a CD that's appropriate for all ages, given the obvious themes. The music is nice to listen to without thinking about the movie-its good in its own right.

I love this CD.......2007-07-13

I love this CD! The songs are soothing and kid-friendly yet I enjoy them too. We bought it because it was "Curious George" (and my son is obsessed) but I am so glad that we did. Well worth the price! It's a very mellow, feel-good, happy, easy-on-the-ears, calming CD.

Curious George CD.......2007-06-09

CD arrived in good shape but it is not at all what I thought it would be. This is not a sing-along CD. It seems to be misrepresenting itself with such a title. Not impressed or satisfied with this CD. It was reviewed to be something different. It's simply music by Jack Johnson which tends to be very slow.

Great kid music.......2007-06-01

My daughter loves this soundtrack and sings along. Very kid friendly and teaches kids how to protect the environment. Jack Johnson is wonderful.

Feel good music.......2007-05-27

After seeing Curious George and then watching the music video in the Special Features, we had to get this soundtrack. My children will often go to sleep to it and then I turn it on softly when it is time to wake up. My children love learning the lyrics and singing along.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Soul
Happy listening
fantastic voice
CLOSER-JOSH GROBIN
HOT! HOT! HOT!

Closer
Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Josh Groban
Awake
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Josh Groban Live at The Greek (CD/DVD)

ASIN: B0000CFW87
Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

Oceano
My Confession
Il Postino (Mi Mancherai)
Si Volvieras a Mi
When You Say You Love Me
Per Te
All Improvviso Amore
Broken Vow
Caruso
Remember When It Rained
Hymne a l'Amour
You Raise Me Up
Never Let Go

Amazon.com

Thanks to a fortuitous intersection of talent and fate, 22-year-old Josh Groban hasn't finished his senior year in performing arts school but has already released his sophomore effort on a major major label. Fans of the young vocal phenom's debut will find much to enthrall them here, even if it nudges the singer closer to the center of producer/mentor David Foster's MOR pop sensibilities. Eschewing much of its predecessor's more overt classic-lite pretensions and pop-rock covers for a slate of dramatic, Eurocentric ballads that serve as a showcase for the singer's inviting baritone, Groban shrewdly positions himself as the American alternative to the Bocelli-Watson crossover axis. "Caruso" may find the singer falling short of its operatic inspiration, but "Oceano" and "My Confession" quickly showcase his true dramatic range (which seems to all but yearn for a bona fide Broadway musical challenge), while a vocal take of Bacalov's graceful "Il Postino" theme uses classical virtuoso Joshua Bell's violin flourishes to good effect. To his credit, Groban displays some promising efforts at songwriting collaboration on the bittersweet "Per Te" and "Remember When It Rains," while the ambient/ethnic soundscape of Deep Forest's "Never Let Go" offers a teasing alternative to the record's otherwise melodramatic production formula. Groban has found commercial triumph via Foster's mentoring, but there remains a nagging sense here that he hasn't truly pushed himself as an artist--yet. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Soul.......2007-07-13

Josh Groban is such a wonderful and soothing artist. If you are in need of meditative 'deliciousness' buy this album!

Happy listening.......2007-06-27

A wonderful music CD with one of the best voices in the world today.The bonus "you raise me up"makes it a must have CD.

fantastic voice.......2007-06-01

Wow. What a voice. This is a great cd. I would definitely buy it again.

CLOSER-JOSH GROBIN.......2007-05-14

THIS YOUNG MAN HAS A VOICE EQUAL TO ANDREA BOCELLI AND IS A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR YOUNG SINGERS TODAY.

HOT! HOT! HOT!.......2007-05-10

THIS CD IS FANTASTIC. THE VOCALS ARE SO STRONG IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT THEY ARE IN ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH, AND ITALIAN. THE PASSION COMES THRU LOUD AND CLEAR. I CAN'T BELIEVE I WAITED SO LONG TO GET THIS. IT'S PLAYED NEARLY EVERY DAY. EVEN MY 4 AND 7 Y/O SING TO IT.

Average customer rating:

Lame
Sounds like a cheap plastic toy
would make you sleepy..
Kid's Music
Not soothing

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Manufacturer: Buena Vista
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box
Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies

ASIN: B0001IXTU4
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e
Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena
Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement
Spring Song
Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147
Canon
The Moldau
Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune
Sonata No.14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op.27
Symphony No.9, New World
Fur Elise, WoO 59
The Four Seasons, Winter, RV267, 2nd Movement
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D, Air, BWV 1068
Sonata No.8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op.13
Kinderscene, Op.15
Waltz No.15, Lullaby

Product Description

The Lullaby Classics A Concert for Little Ears music CD is a 17-track, 35-minute concert featuring a collection of soothing classical melodies perfect to calm little ones as they wind down for nap time, bedtime or a bit of quiet time. Each piece, re-orchestrated for little ears by the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra, was specially selected to lull babies into sweet, blissful dreams. Lullaby Classics opens with ?Ç£Twinkle, Twinkle?Ç¥ variations by Mozart and includes calming and delightful melodies from composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Dvorak and Debussy. It ends with Brahms' ?Ç£Lullaby?Ç¥ tucking baby in for a cozy, restful sleep.Musical Selections:1. Variations (Twinkle, Twinkle), K265/300e, Mozart2. Minuet In G From Anna Magdalena, Bach3. Piano Sonata In C, K 545, 2nd Movement, Mozart4. Spring Song, Mendelssohn5. Piano Sonata In D, K 576, 3rd Movement, Mozart6. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring, BWV 147, Bach7. Canon, Pachelbel8. The Moldau, Smetana9. Preludes Book II, Clair De Lune, Debussy10. Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight), 2nd Movement, Op. 27, Beethoven11. Symphony No. 9, New World , Dvorak12. Fur Elise, WoO 59, Beethoven13. The Four Seasons, Winter, RV297, 2nd Movement, Vivaldi14. Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D, Air, BWV 1068, Bach15. Sonata No. 8 (Pathetique), 2nd Movement, Op. 13, Beethoven16. Kinderscene Op.15, Schumann17. Waltz No 15, Lullaby, Brahms Age: birth +Awards:* Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award (2005)* National Parenting Center Seal of Approval (2004)* National Parenting Publications Awards (2004)

Customer Reviews:

Lame.......2007-07-22

I was really disappointed in this CD. I was expecting a toned-down version of real classical music, but it sounds really fake and tinkley and weird. Not soothing at all.

Sounds like a cheap plastic toy.......2007-06-20

I have these DVD's and I can tell you that they will not be a huge part of my baby's development. I received them as a gift from someone that thinks that all you need to do is plunk your child in front of a TV all day without giving the baby any attention. You can see why these DVD's are popular at Day Care Centers or what I like to call, "Concentration camps for baby's with lazy parents", because they know that they can sit their kid/baby in front of the TV and let them turn into a thoughtless zombie while they listen to Baby Einstein totally ruin classics by Bach and DeBussy by playing the music with very cheap midi keyboards. I can get better quality music by whistling Dixie with a mouth-full of saltine crackers.

Also, it has been proven that classical music has nothing to do with the cognitive development of young people. Now, teach them how to play piano or violin and you have yourself an actual YOUNG EINSTEIN, but listening to this kind of music does nothing for the development of the brain. It is just for lazy parents that can't sit down with their kids and play with them or read them a book.

would make you sleepy.........2007-06-15

its a good product with very fine music and my toddler realizes that it is sleep time, if I play it. he goes to bed and sleeps after a couple songs. I have trouble in some songs are some months.. dont know why.

Kid's Music.......2007-06-08

I bought this CD for my grandniece, but after listening to it, I determined that no one would ever play this for her except me. I would have kept it for myself but I have the grown-up versions of each of the classical masterpieces on this CD. So, I ended up returning it for a full refund. If you want your kids to be exposed to classicl music, it's a great buy. But if you don't think they will get to listen to it, don't waste your time.

Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics

Not soothing.......2007-06-07

These synthesizer versions of classical songs get really old, really fast. Worse yet, the songs are sometimes not soothing at all, especially the very first song. The song seems to get particularly loud and uptempo, which is precisely what you don't expect in a lullaby. Please listen to the sample of the first song at least before you buy.

Average customer rating:

This is a great and I mean great folk-rock CD!
THIS DUDE IS GREAT!!!!
Like Most people
This is John Mayer at his very best....
Mayer A MAY-J-ER Talent!!!

Room for Squares
John Mayer
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005OAIE
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Tracks:

No Such Thing
Why Georgia
My Stupid Mouth
Your Body Is A Wonderland
Neon
City Love Mayer
83
3x5
Love Song For No One
Back To You
Great Indoors
Not Myself
Unknown
St. Patrick's Day

Amazon.com

Singer-songwriter John Mayer fills his debut, Room for Squares, with pep talks to and advertisements for himself. Even when questioning his young life, Mayer's doubts come off glib; not one second of "Why Georgia" convinces that "the stirring in my soul" keeps the artiste awake at night. Between his Dave Matthews-wannabe vocals and the accomplished but bland lite rock of his band, he could be just as easily offering tunes for hire to a coming-of-age network series as making a stand for himself and his worldview. The premise of "City Love"--that Mayer couldn't find his way around Manhattan until finding a girlfriend to root him to the place--is nice but not edifying. "My Stupid Mouth" is similarly fuzzy; letting us in on just what he said to alienate a dinner partner would've gone a long way toward fleshing out the song's pat self-deprecation. Ultimately, Mayer comes off less like a commiserating friend than a blabbermouth who's forever forgetting there's someone else in the room. And instead of whining about a discarded lunch box ("83"), dude, learn to brown-bag it the way the rest of us did. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

This is a great and I mean great folk-rock CD!.......2007-07-24

John Mayer never really ceases to amaze me but there is something about this album that speaks to me. Maybe it's because it's really relate-able.

My Georgia, Neon, Your Body Is A Wonderland, St. Patrick's Day and City Love are all great songs but John really shines when he tells a story in 83 and 3x5. And No Such Thing is still one of my all-time favorite John Mayer songs. It's one of his few upbeat numbers.

I don't rate a 5 to many products here, but this one deserves it. It was really good when I first heard it ever, then I played it after some time and didn't like it as much. But then I bought it again (don't know what happened to the original) and fell in love with it all over again.

Highly recommended.

THIS DUDE IS GREAT!!!!.......2007-06-18

I love his song "No Such Thing" because its upbeat and keeps your head bobbing. This guy makes me want to scream on top of my lungs!!!!

Like Most people.......2007-05-30

Like most people I saw the No Such thing on MTV years ago and went out and bought the album. Mayer was cute, and had a great voice, and he looked like any regular kid you went to highschool with. I discovered body is wonderland before it became and single and was obsessed with the beautiful song. Still am....all these years later. But, what I did not expect what a musically different, acoustic, and bluesy sound paired with ultra-deep and insightful lyrics. The CD is a journey of highs and lows leading you from one experience to the next of musical gems. I am in love with the mellow and deep tracks late in the album 3x5, back to you, not myself, and the great indoors. There is not a song on this CD that isn't great. That's why when you go to Mayer concerts his fans no the words to songs that weren't singles. His radio singles are often great, but don't quite show the musical versatility his albums dive into. Most labels just want to sell records so they pick the most mainstream stuff. He's got much more where those came from. His albums are great!

This is John Mayer at his very best...........2007-05-20

Although, I have been critical of John Mayer in the past, if you have an opportunity to hear this CD, you'll know why I say this is the most redeeming set of songs he has to offer. From the, makes you wanna sing, Georgia Why, to the soulful, Back To You, this is John Mayer, when he's not banging out guitar licks, a more mellow John Mayer. To give you an idea how well I like this CD...I purchased it retail, I play it on my CD player in my car, it's on my MP3 player and it's on my computer at work and at home. I can listen to it any time of the day. And I do.

Mayer A MAY-J-ER Talent!!!.......2007-03-24

The song "Your Body Is A Wonderland" is what got me into Mayer's music. After that, I needed to hear more of his work. I listened to "Room for Squares" and I got hooked. I love every song on this CD. He has amazing song writing ability. The way he can write about his experiences and put it into his music which relate to a lot of people. I love seeing him on his concert DVD "Any Given Thursday". Seeing the way he can relate to the audience with his humor and his amazing performances of every song. The way he plays his guitar(s) is amazing. He has a touch of Jimi Hendrix in him. I also love his voice. He's got really smooth vocal ability and he's very original. I also love his other CDs "Heavier Things" and "Continuum". He has a great body of work which suprises me that not more people know about him. If Mayer was an artist before the 90's he would be as well known as Elvis Presley or the Beatles. I guess it's really difficult for an artist now to be as big as the legends of the past because of the vast information super highway. But this guy really is a great performer, as good as they come and he's got real soul and I love his blues/rock style. I'm a big fan and will be for many years to come.

Average customer rating:

Some fantastic singles
I'll follow You into the Dark!
Hoping to pull this up to 4.5 stars...
IT'S ALL GOOD
Pleasantly Surprised!

Plans
Death Cab for Cutie
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000AADYRQ
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

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Summer Skin
Different Names for the Same Thing
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Your Heart Is an Empty Room
Someday You Will Be Loved
Crooked Teeth
What Sarah Said
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Stable Song

Amazon.com

When an indie-rock band as intimately and fiercely loved as Death Cab for Cutie makes the inevitable major-label jump, it often telegraphs a painful death. Witness Husker Du, the Replacements, Nirvana--hell, even R.E.M. After a successful four-album run on tiny Seattle imprint Barsuk, however, Death Cab for Cutie just might buck the trend on its Atlantic premiere. Yes, you can grumble about the production (a little too slick), the proportion of ballads (a little too many) and the overall feeling of restraint (a little too much), but ultimately the album delivers everything the group does best in emotional, experimental songs such as "What Sarah Said" and "I Will Follow You into the Dark," which both blend stark lyrical details with acoustic guitars and soft-focus electronics. In "Soul Meets Body," meanwhile, songwriter Ben Gibbard has come up with the kind of blissful, beatific pop song that's capable of disarming even the harshest skeptic. "A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere," he sings. --Aidin Vaziri

Catching up with Death Cab for Cutie

Something About Airplanes

We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes

Forbidden Love [EP]

The Photo Album

You Can Play These Songs with Chords

Transatlanticism

Customer Reviews:

Some fantastic singles.......2007-06-27

This is the only Death Cab album I like, but it's an amazing one. If you're new to the band, start here!

I'll follow You into the Dark!.......2007-05-16

My wife and I heard the tract "I'll Follow You Into the Dark" on Jay Leno and since August is our 44th Anniversary we thought it would be the perfect song to play at the renewing of our vows. Suprisingly the entire CD was as awesome as the one song we had heard and we've enjoyed every one on it. It's a little different than what we've always listened to, things like Steppenwolf and Led Zepplin, but we've become fans of "Death Cab For Cutie!"

Hoping to pull this up to 4.5 stars..........2007-04-11

I would actually give Plans 4.5 stars, but I am rating it a 5 to help pull the overall rating to a 4.5.

This was my introduction to Death Cab For Cutie by a friend. She made me listen to "Soul Meets Body", and I was in love with that song. I purchased the album, and to my surprise, there were a few tracks I liked more than "Soul Meets Body". There are a couple of tracks that don't work well ("Brothers on a Hotel Bed", for instance), but when it does work well, it's a mellow and beautiful listen.

Standout tracks: "Marching Bands of Manhattan", "I Will Follow You Into the Dark", "Crooked Teeth", "Soul Meets Body", "Summer Skin", "Your Heart is an Empty Room".

IT'S ALL GOOD.......2007-03-23

I bought this CD after hearing "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" and "Crooked Teeth." The whole CD is quite good, and some of it is relaxing, too. We actually listened to it during dinner. It was good straight through. Haven't heard much of "Death Cab For Cutie" other than this CD, but would definitely check them out more now!

Pleasantly Surprised!.......2007-03-11

Somewhere I heard their track "Follow me into the dark" and the accoustic guitar caught my attention. I don't listen to the radio that much since I don't have a long commute - kitchen to office type thing. The other day I heard it again and this time I caught the name of the album - I'm notorious for not knowing the names of bands and this one zipped by me too. I know what I like and I know good music when I hear it. Frequently when I've bought a CD for one track I'm disappointed by the tone or quality of the rest ... but, not in this case. They have the quality of many of the bands from the 60s, but they are original and thoughtful in their writing. This record is relatively mellow, but it has as pleasant energy about it. Similar to another review here on Amazon, I'm interested in looking into their previous work and will look for new releases from them. If someones doesn't talk them out of their own style and will let them alone to continue to develop it, they'll be around for a long time I'm quite certain.

Average customer rating:

Bias I Confess
An Italianized Englishman...
Romancing the listeners
Amazing!!!
Andrea in the 90's

Romanza
Andrea Bocelli
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Andrea Bocelli - Amore
Sogno
Andrea
Cieli di Toscana
Time to Say Goodbye

ASIN: B0000041OG
Release Date: 1997-09-23

Tracks:

Con Te Partiro
Vivere
Per Amore
Il Mare Calmo Della Sera
Caruso
Macchine Da Guerra
Le Tue Parole
Vivo Per Lei
Romanza
La Luna Che Non C'e
Rapsodia
Voglio Restare Cosi
E Chiove
Miserere-Live
Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) - A Tribute To Henri Maske

Amazon.com essential recording

From his childhood on the family farm in rural Tuscany to the worldwide stage, Andrea Bocelli has achieved phenomenal success. His singing is only partially the point, and his fame owes much more to the aura of romance and the romantic archetype that's attached to him. Romanza is by far Bocelli's largest success, winning adoration thanks to the swooning vocals and the easy, sometimes lush, always pop-safe instrumental textures and melodies. As far as his opera chops go, Bocelli has won the approval of Pavarotti but likely will not wow enthusiasts. The upside is that Bocelli will likely grow the opera pie, convincing labels to take on more operatic projects. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Bias I Confess.......2007-07-06

I confess to loving Italian music and opera in addition to Rock & Roll, Country and music in general.

This music is good when you want to relax or have a lady over 40 you want to entertain.

An Italianized Englishman..........2007-06-01

Is the Devil incarnate." (Inglese italianato e un diavolo incarnate) Or so I've heard. I suppose the author (I read it in a copy of Machiavelli's The Prince) could be forgiven for not having heard Don Bocelli and Donna Brightman sing "Con Te Partiro" - can we now say Inglese italianata e un angelo incarnate?

The rest of the album is a collection of ballads, most of which suffer from weak or clashing instrumentals. An exception is "Macchine Da Guerra" which has a pleasant and comparatively strong piano accompaniment.

I'd like to thank Kenny McCormick of South Park, CO for turning me on to Don Bocelli.

Romancing the listeners.......2007-05-30

What a voice, it soars with the arias and bops with the more contemporary. Especially love the song about Caruso. Andrea is un cantante bello, un uomo bello! Turn this one up with the top down and let it sing you home.

Amazing!!!.......2007-05-18

I bought this cd again after losing my original copy that I bought the year it was released. Out of all my Bocelli cds this is my favorite. It has a good mix of classic opera with popera and really shows his abilities. I have used this cd to turn people on to opera and popera, and the results have been incredible! Once you hear him, you cannot deny his talent and passion. Simply AMAZING!!!

Andrea in the 90's.......2007-04-20

Andrea is incredible.His romantic poetry with music is unparalleled.The only downside to this album is the inescapable 90's feel.If you don't mind it,then buy this album.If you do,then buy 'Time To Say Goodbye'off iTunes and get Sogno,Andrea,or Cieli di Toscana.

Average customer rating:

Fun. Some songs great. Some not.
Awesome songs for kids!
Nice change from Wiggles
eh
Great for parents and kids!

For The Kids
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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For the Kids Too!
Mary Had a Little Amp
No!
Jazz for Kids: Sing, Clap, Wiggle and Shake
Not for Kids Only

ASIN: B00006L7QX
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Mahna Mahna- Cake
La La La La Lemon - Barenaked Ladies
The Rainbow Connection - Sarah McLachlan
I've Got To Be Clean - Guster
Wonderwheel - Dan Zanes
Have a Little Fun - Glen Phillips
The Hoppity Song - Five For Fighting
My Flying Saucer - Billy Bragg & Wilco
It's All Right To Cry - Darius Rucker
Sing - Ivy
Bright Eyes - Remy Zero
Willie The King - Dan Wilson
Snow Day - Bleu
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" - Chantal/Raine Maida
Good Night Children Everywhere - Sixpence None The Richer
Bend Down The Branches - Tom Waits

Amazon.com

An all-star cast has joined forces to produce a wonderful CD and, if that weren't exciting enough, a portion of the proceeds will help restore music education in the U.S. public school system through the VHI Save the Music Foundation. Clever new renditions of familiar Muppets and Sesame Street tunes abound, but Semisonic's Dan Wilson, ex-Del Fuego artist Dan Zanes, Toad the Wet Sprocket's Glen Phillips, and Bleu wrote songs for this album, and Tom Waits's lullaby "Bend Down the Branches," originally recorded for a short film, makes its debut on this CD. No offense, Kermit, but the frog's 1979-vintage "The Rainbow Connection" never sounded so sultry as Sarah McLachlan's version here. Another favorite is "The Hoppity Song," a rock & roll ode to Five for Fighting frontman John Ondrasik's son Johnny. Make no mistake--this isn't one of those CDs that is more for adults than kids--songs about hygiene, the alphabet, and crying ("It's All Right to Cry" originally from Marlo Thomas's Free to Be You and Me) are truly "for the kids." That said, adults will enjoy hearing their favorite artists switch gears in this gentle (mostly, not Bleu's energetic "Snow Day!"), upbeat compilation, which combines just the right blend of familiar sing-along songs and exciting new material. The booklet doubles as a foldout coloring book, with illustrations for each song. A fun and noble effort for a fun and noble cause. --Karin Snelson

Customer Reviews:

Fun. Some songs great. Some not........2007-06-27

You know how U2 and Jack Johnson make CD's you can listen to straight through? Well, this is not a stright through album. It has some great songs, and some that I skip. My children love the La La La La Lemon song.

Awesome songs for kids!.......2007-06-10

We have this CD in the car and "rock" to it when we go places. Our son loves the music and claps and "sings" along with it the whole time.
There is also a few "quieter" songs for babies that like to sleep in the car.
We really like it and I am contemplating getting the other "for the kids" CD's.

A great buy!

Nice change from Wiggles.......2007-05-29

Parents who like the artists on For the Kids will enjoy listening; it provides something that grown-ups can sing along to without that silly feeling when other drivers catch you singing the standard kids' fare.

However, my 2-year old is not totally sold on it. She doesn't dislike it, but she doesn't seem to get into it the way she does other popular children's music. It seems to me like this CD is mostly 'for the parents' until kids are a bit older and can appreciate bands that parents think are cool.

eh.......2007-05-10

It's pretty boring.... really. It's not that it's so bad, but we just didn't find it very interesting and it doesn't keep my son's attention (or mine). I would highly recommend They Might be Giants.

Great for parents and kids!.......2007-04-18

I bought this CD actually before I became a father because of Cake's Mahna Mahna and Sarah McLachlan's Rainbow Connection. Yes, you don't have to have kids to enjoy this CD.

Today as a parent, I really enjoy listening to this CD. The whole song features songs that are just plain fun, catchy, and entertaining. I never listened to The Hoppity Song before, but now I find myself singing "hop hop hippity hop" sometimes.

Average customer rating:

Rich, Passionate, and Fun
Terrific, joyful and uplifting
Unique
Great music!
Not copy protected any more!

Speak for Yourself
Imogen Heap
Manufacturer: RCA Victor
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Details
I Megaphone
Goodnight and Go
Love in the Time of Science
Let It Die

ASIN: B000B7BZM4
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

Headlock
Goodnight and Go
Have You Got It In You?
Loose Ends
Hide and Seek
Clear The Area
Daylight Robbery
The Walk
Just For Now
I Am In Love With You
Closing In
The Moment I Said It

Amazon.com

If the voice sounds familiar, that may be because a couple of tracks have been featured on The O.C., while Frou Frou's "Let Go" appeared in Garden State. (Frou Frou is a collaboration between Heap and producer Guy Sigsworth.) Her sophomore release, after a UK-only debut, is a fine showcase for the singer/songwriter's swooping vocals. Her style, which incorporates layers of multi-tracking, lies somewhere between Sinead O'Connor's banshee howl and Jem's more delicate musings. There's more of a groove to her ouvre, however. At times, she almost sounds like Norway's Annie--by way of Kate Bush. The overall effect is plush and luxurious, if occasionally generic (a more stripped-down approach would really allow that instrument to shine). The one song that doesn't quite fit the electro-pop pattern is the vocoder-saturated "Hide and Seek," in which Heap enters Laurie Anderson territory (specifically 1982's "O Superman"). It's a risk that pays off, although its placement midway through the recording threatens to throw the balance off. (It would have made more sense at the end.) Aside from writing and singing, the multi-talented musician also recorded and produced Speak for Yourself. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Rich, Passionate, and Fun.......2007-07-09

After listening to "Frou Frou's" "Details" (produced by Guy Sigsworth), I was interested in hearing more Imogen Heap. So I bought "Speak for Yourself" and I loved it. It continues to inspire whenever I listen:

...marvelously expressive and sensual audio experience painted largely with two pallettes of nearly infinite range - electronic instrumentation, and Imogen's incredible voice.

Let me try to describe that voice:

-Her inhales and exhales are an important part of the performance and adds to the sensuality.
-Wonderful layering of harmonic and accent tracks.
-The rhythms are perfectly timed.
-Passionate, erotic, angelic.

And the lyrics are worthy of the sounds.

I always wonder about the people behind the music, including the impact of the producer. Listening to "Speak" (produced by Imogen) seemed to imply that Guy Sigsworth's contribution to "Details" may not have been as sig-nificant (I love puns), or perhaps it was very sig-nificant, and what she learned from him she incorporated into "Speak."

However, I have also since listened to Imogen's "I Megaphone," which is entirely more free spirited and undisciplined, and I did not enjoy it as much. This gave me the impression that Guy Sigsworth's contribution to "Details" and perhaps by inspiration, to "Speak," might have been much bigger than I imagined. Who knows.

I do know this - Imogen Heap is a huge talent, worthy of your time and money, regardless of the production style she's using to express herself.

Terrific, joyful and uplifting.......2007-07-01

I had not heard of this young talent until a friend of mine sent me a You Tube link to a live performance of one her songs. I went to the link and heard her do "Just for now" before a live audience (there are several; the one I heard was "live at Studio 11 103.1FM" . I am a trained musician with a fine ear for what I consider to be greatness. Within 30 seconds of this tune I was simply lifted up into some higher vibration within my self and I just was overwhelmed with tingles of joy. It is rare that I come across someone who makes such effective and deliberate use of her God given gifts. It is such with Imogen Heap. After a tough childhood, she emerged herself in musical education with a special emphasis on technology. This is a young lady with a gift both vocal and on several levels of music. I have yet to pay much attention to her lyrics but I will eventually sit down and get my reading glasses on to see what she has to say. It's that voice and what she knows what to do with it that just grabbed me. Listening to "just for now" even as I write this reminds me of the joyous sounds of African singers such as Miriam Makemba and others. I am reminded of the spontaneous and effusive solo piano work of Keith Jarrett.

Heap is a talent to be reckoned with and I can only expect more wonderful sounds to come. The album I am reviewing here is full of delights on almost every single track. I have listened to it at least 4 times now and it continues to grow in my estimation with each play. What a tremendous joy it is to listen to so much light and harmony. Richly rewarding.

Unique.......2007-06-27

I found Imogean Heap to be wildy unique in contrast to the bland music generated on our radios each day.

Great music!.......2007-06-27

This CD is truly remarkable! Imogen Heap may perhaps be one of the most creative and experimental newer mainstreamish artists out there! Her pieces are unique and each song keeps the listener captivated and listening. My personal favorite on the CD is Hide and Seek, which is a nonmetric piece with a lot of flow and musicality. Her lyrics are slightly melancholy and nostalgic and her voice is truly unique in the sense that I have heard no one like her yet. She seems to sing from her soul and holds herself as some sort of enigma. I really loved this album because it is so different from anything I've heard which makes it satisfying as well. It will really diversify your CD collection. However, if you are a very traditionalist type of music appreciator, I wouldn't necessarily recommend her. She pushes the musical envelope and dares the listener to step out of their comfort zone. She is trying something new and unconventional and I believe she is succeeding at it. For those of you willing to experiment with new artists or looking for a breath of fresh air, here it is. I highly recommend the purchase of this album.

Not copy protected any more!.......2007-06-24

My CD received is absolutely not copy protected. I believe Sony has made a change with regards to this.

Great CD, one of the best I've ever bought.Imogen Heap is very talented.

Average customer rating:

Sweet
superb
Oh my Gosh, Josh!
a true star
Floodgates of the Heart

Josh Groban
Josh Groban
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Closer
Awake
Josh Groban in Concert (with Bonus DVD)
Il Divo
Andrea Bocelli - Amore

ASIN: B00005RGNI
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Alla Luce Dal Sole
Gira Con Me
You're Still You
Cinema Paradiso (Se)
To Where You Are
Alejate
Canto Alla Vita - featuring The Corrs
Let Me Fall
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Un Amore Per Sempre
Home To Stay
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring (w/Lili Haydn)
The Prayer - featuring Charlotte Church

Amazon.com

There are worse things in life than making your acting debut on the much ballyhooed season finale of Ally McBeal, though teen operatic baritone Josh Groban doesn't seem destined to encounter them anytime soon. As the awkward high school student-client who asks the typically romance-jinxed Ally to his senior prom, Groban performed this debut album's "You're Still You" (adapted from film-composing legend Ennio Morricone's Academy Award-nominated score for Malèna, with lyrics by Linda Thompson) as a heart-tugging, literal showstopper. The young phenom was just 17 when veteran producer-writer David Foster tapped him to fill in for Andrea Bocelli at rehearsals for the 1999 Grammys, where Groban found himself suddenly dueting with Celine Dion.

Indeed, such were his fortunes that the young Foster protégé was forced to drop out of Carnegie Mellon when professional commitments--including this record--interfered. And if this collection tends to hew sometimes uncomfortably close to Foster's own MOR sonic instincts, the material offers enough challenges to display Groban's talent and the potential of his warm, mature voice: a lyrical take on another Morricone classic, "Cinema Paradiso"; melancholy readings of Don McLean's "Starry, Starry Night" and Albert Hammond's "Alejate"; masterfully dramatic takes of the Neapolitan "Alla Luca Del Sole" and "Canto Alla Vita," the latter featuring the Corrs. Many of Groban's performances here, including a neo prog-rock-opera take on Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (with Lili Haydn), seem both bigger and bolder than their precious musical frameworks, a telling hint that Grand Opera can't be far from his grasp. As said earlier, there are worse things in life. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Sweet.......2007-07-13

Josh Groban and Charolette Church! Yum. This is a very good album and a must buy!

superb.......2007-07-05

What a voice, what an artist, what a man.
Underestimated in Europe. His concert on 21 May 2007 in Amsterdam was superb!

Oh my Gosh, Josh!.......2007-07-03

I love Josh Groban's music! It is romantic, mellow and beautiful :)
This CD has two songs on it that are very unusual. I believe both are from Cirque de Soleil, and draw you into the music--warning-- While driving, do not close your eyes!

a true star.......2007-06-24

First saw and heard Josh on the Tv and was blown away by his talent! it was about a year later that I found out who he was and bought the first album and can honestly say that I have never tired of his work. Every song is magical and he is truely wonderful. Have since purchased all his work and have also had the priviledge of seeing him live in concert in Glasgow/Scotland and was amazed. such a talented young man with a truely magical voice

Floodgates of the Heart.......2007-06-05

This CD played almost constantly in my wife's car for several years. Josh Groban's voice is so gentle and can go from gentleness to anthematic, almost operatic, textures. He sings in Italian effortlessly. The orchestration on "Cinema Paradiso" is enthralling with its emotional reach, powerful even with lyrics beyond my understanding. "To Where You Are" is one of the most gorgeous songs. Knowing how it moved my wife in the years before breast cancer proved stronger than her body, it touches me now, "Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, if only for awhile to know you're there; a breath a ways to where you are." The song opens the floodgates of my heart. The Corrs were on Groban's 143 label when this release came out in 2001 and join him on the upbeat "Canto Alla Vita." Groban makes an interesting selection with Don McLean's "Vincent," polishing the melody to a fine sheen in ways that surpassed the original. Listening to Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" is like being in a sonic cathedral with Groban's voice matching the grandeur of the music. With Charlotte Church on "The Prayer," Groban concludes the set with the Carole Bayer Sager/David Foster composition that makes one contemplate the eternal, "Lead us to a place, find us with your grace, give us faith so we'll be safe." Groban's first CD enhances with repeated listening by virtue of the depth of musicianship and performance. I listen to it now hearing the music that moved the one I love to tears. It does the same for me. I hope it touches you too. Bravo!

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