Storytelling [Import] [Limited Edition] [Soundtrack]

From the first, "Happytown" will hook you in and get your feet tapping and your head bobbing and, before you know it, you'll find your mouth trying to sing along to the deceptively simple melody but you'll find that you're having a hard time keeping up with the exquisitely complex lyrics--one of Dave Carter's most masterful songwriting traits. The guy sure fit a lot of multi-syllabic words into his songs and yet, they're so right, so absolutely right, it's almost otherworldly how he artfully transformed language into sheer, unveiled, spiritual expression. Yet it takes a few listens to really hear the words, because the melodies will distract you--in a very good way.

The title cut, "Tanglewood Tree" is one of my favorite songs ever written. This was a prime demonstration of Dave and Tracy's creative ambition--weaving together lyrics, overlapping melodies and layering really fine instrumentals to produce a song that fits so perfectly in every way you will think you already know the song the first time you hear it. And yet, it's nothing like anything you've hear before; there's nothing predictable about it, but it rings true and feels familiar nonetheless.

Joan Baez now performs "The Mountain" at her concerts and does a fine job, but I haven't heard anything that matches the sheer beauty of the original, sung by Tracy (it's the first time we hear Tracy sing lead--she sung only backup on their first album, "When I Go") and featuring a delicate, yet deeply colored instrumental arrangement. Every time I hear the song, I think of the rings which roll over water. "The Mountain" is about searching for meaning, for truth in spirituality. You may find that it lingers, floating along the air long after the song is over.

The rare thing about Tanglewood Tree is that there are simply no bad songs on it. You can listen to the entire album and, although there are some standout beauties, the music just flows easily from one track to the next. This cd has never been out of heavy rotation in my musical repertoire since I bought it in 2000. I'm pretty darn sure you'll find it hard to put away, too.

THE BEST IN ITS CLASS.......2003-12-08

DAVE AND TRACY ARE JUST SIMPLY FLAWLESS IN THIS RELEASE. SADLY, WITH DAVE'S PASSING, WE WILL NOT HEAR MORE OF WHAT WAS TO COME. TRACY, HOWEVER; WILL CONTINUE THEIR LEGACY. THIS ALBUM ALLOWS FOR ANYONE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR TASTE IN MUSIC; TO BECOME ENGULFED IN BEAUTIFUL AND CATCHY MELODIES. MY KIDS HAVE BEEN SINGING THEIR SONGS SINCE THEY WERE 3. THIS ALBUM, IN ITS ENTIRETY, IS A GEM. IN COMPARISON TO SOME OF THE MUSIC RELEASED NOWADAYS, TANGLEWOOD TREE WILL REMAIN A CLASSIC. AND THIS COMES FROM A DEVOUT DEPECHE MODE FAN. SO, BUY THIS ALBUM; IT WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU.

solid, solid songwriting.......2003-08-28

back in 2001 i went to the colorado folks fest to see gillian welch, and dave & tracy were playing when i walked in. i'd never heard them or heard of them at the time; they were in the middle of 'when i go' and the line 'and i will crumble down uncountable in showers of crimson rubies' immediately caught my ear. over the next few songs i knew i was going to buy all of their albums immediately. this isn't music that took awhile to 'get used to' either. i liked almost every song as soon as i heard it. i still get chills listening to '41 thunderer'. dave died while i was overseas and i'll always regret not going to see them again before i left.

i've listened to all 3 of their albums extensively, and while my absolute favorite songs of theirs are on the other albums, i think 'tanglewood' is their most consistent effort taken as a whole. it would be my recommendation for someone who's looking for the best representative sample of their capabilities. i can't say enough good things about this duo. what a tragedy that they're no longer together.

The Art of Storytelling
Average customer rating:

1 of

Said and done!

Slick Rick brings that loving feeling back to Rap

THE WORST SLICK RICK ALBUM

The Best Writer in the Game

The Art of Storytelling
Slick Rick
Manufacturer: Def Jam
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Old School | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music
Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Great Adventures of Slick Rick

The Ruler's Back

Behind Bars

The World's Greatest Entertainer

Life After Death

ASIN: B00000IFT2
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

Jail Skit
Kill Niggaz
Street Talkin'
Me & Nas Bring It to Your Hardest
I Own America Part I
Bugsy Radio Skit
Who Rotten 'Em
2 Way Street
King Piece In The Chess Game
Trapped By Me
Impress The Kid
Q-Tip & Peter Gunz Skit
I Run This
Frozen
Why, Why, Why
Adults Only
Memories
Unify
Bugsy Radio Skit
I Own America Part 2
CEO Outro
We Turn It On
La Di Da Di Live
The Show Live

Amazon.com

Slick Rick boasts that he makes hip-hop that creates memories, and it's an apt description for an album that nostalgically recalls a different age of hip-hop. Unfortunately, the blast back to the past is mostly the result of an album that just sounds old--as if it's been collecting dust in Def Jam's attic for a while, what with Clark Kent's bare-bones production that pushes a boring formula of simplicity to tears. While some songs ("Sparkle," "Memories," and "Kill Niggaz" among them) have a spark of life, it's really up to Slick Rick to hold up the album's monstrous 23 tracks. His storytelling skills are all intact, whether on the X-rated tip ("Adults Only"), moralizing about infidelity ("Two Way Street"), or kickin' the playalistic game with Outkast ("Street Talk"). Overall, it's a likable album, but it suffers from obese length and bland production that only makes the experience seem longer. --Oliver Wang

Customer Reviews:

1 of.......2005-11-28

the greatest come backs of the year I like about every song on this one it had gotten a whole lot of replay from me hot music!!!!

Said and done!.......2005-02-14

At first I was skeptical to buy it without hearing it first, but it came to be one of my favoriate albums. The downfall of this album is too many skits that does not move the cd along smoothly. The first song or track #2 "Kill Niggaz," Rick starts the cd off strong with the line, "Hoes ass kiss, 'cause I'm like Jason vision / releasing me a basket case from prison..." He adds color to all the tracks with his "singing" and descriptive vision of his lyrics. Just listen to "Adults Only," track #16. He puts a lot of rappers/emcees in check with "Impress the Kid," by saying "...girl catch this fever / and I don't need anyone else to rap with either / if this is based on skill / kill / anybody..." Slick Rick reigns as the Ruler. The most slept on and underated emcee/albums ever!

Slick Rick brings that loving feeling back to Rap.......2005-01-27

In 1999, Rick made a big return to the game with this effort, his first since being released from jail. I haven't heard "The Ruler's Back" or "Behind Bars," but this could legitimately be considered the follow-up to his historic debut "The Art Of Storytelling." The title of this is a little misleading, since Rick only tells a handful of his world-renown tales on this album. The rest of the album contains braggadocio, battle rhymes, and such. That sounds disappointing, but Rick wears the hat convincingly.
As much as I want to dislike Slick Rick the ruler, because of his arrogant attitude and his lack of respect towards women, I just can't hate him as I listen to his music. The man's just such a gifted MC, and he's been in the game since the mid-80's. He does curse more than ever on this album, and uses the p-word and similar words frequently, but his superior skill and assured cadence manifest throughout. He does drop a touch of wisdom every here and there, and even praises the Creator at some points. He's not one-dimensional. Rick leaves out talk about silly crap like cars, jewelry, drugs, gang activities, etc., but does include talk of two of his favorite pastimes: women and sex.
The first song, "Kill Ni***z," has him fantasizing about releasing all his pent-up rage right after being released from prison. Kinda interesting as he steps out of character. The next is "Street Talkin'"(w/ Big Boi) and it's about helping the kids grow to men. I like the chorus and the laid-back feel of this one. If you listen closely, "Who Rotten 'Em" is the best example of Rick's storytelling skills, and sits proudly next to his most famous tales. I think you already know what "Adults Only" is about, one of the most explicit and graphic songs EVER. But it's Rick, was anyone that suprised by it? It's definitely a forgettable one, as is the preceding "Why, Why, Why," which is done in the same(but not so graphic) spirit. "Unity"(w/ Snoop Dogg & Kid Capri) is a decent song about bringing both coasts together, and Snoop actually says something about Farrakhan and the Holy Koran(stick to your league Snoop, don't even try to step foot in ours!), and should technically be the last track. However, then you have a skit, then a second version of "I Own America"(with a better beat), another skit, a bonus song w/ Doug E. Fresh, then two live recordings with classic Rick and Doug E. Fresh joints, ending at 24 tracks.
The standouts are subjective to taste, but my favorites were definitely "2 Way Street," "Impress The Kid," the old-school throwback "I Run This," as well as the reminiscing "Memories" and "Street Talkin'." Other decent tracks include "Me and Nas Bring It To Your Hardest,"(w/ Nas) "Who Rotten 'Em," "King Piece In This Chess Game,"(w/ Canibus on the hook) and possibly "I Own America Part II." The production keeps it flowing throughout, some great points, but overall is simply decent. "2 Way Street" and "Memories" possess great beats that I can think of off the top of my head. Overall, this album is constantly laid-back and soothing. "The Art of Storytelling" falls a little short of classic, but was a strong and worthwhile return for Rick back to this thing we call Hiphop. Ricky D's mark will forever be left in the game.

THE WORST SLICK RICK ALBUM.......2004-05-22

Rick at his worst is still a 4star album..He's the best rapper ever by far..Its not even close..It's not hard to spit hardcore raps..anyone can do that..All those hardcore artists arent creative enough to do anything else..Rick is a Real Artist..These other bums just spit garbage compared to Rick..
The Art of Storytelling is Rick's worst album by far..buy the other 3 if oyur a true head...In 1988 I heard Slick Rick and haven't stopped listening to rap since..He has too many guest appearnaces and skits on this one..When I buy a Rick record i only want to hear Rick..I could care less about everyone else unless its a classic duet..Skits are just obnoxious..Everyone else just rhymes words and says nothing..listen to Rick if you wanna know how real rap should sound..There must be over 500 rap "acts" that are absolutely garbage..Its nice to know that Rick is still around..Also this album was recorded up state NY in the country which I believe Rick regrets. Ive read statements from him saying how he wants to remain in the Bronx cuz he feel syou lose some creative edge when you leave the environment that inpired you...BUY THE FIRST 3..FORGET THIS ONE

The Best Writer in the Game.......2003-10-13

Ok now this is definately my all time favourite rap/hip-hop cd, and I've got about 300. No questions asked. If I'm looking for something to listen to I might put on some Biggie or maybe a little Pharaohe Monch or perhaps a bit of Wu in its many shades, but if these aren't making my head bob, I take them out and put in the most reliable cd I have, Slick Rick's "The Art of Storytelling." Every single time I listen to it I'm drawn in, I just have to listen to the whole thing in its entirety and still I marvel at Ricky D's immaculate talent. I should point out that I'm only 22 and Rick is one of the older cats in the rap biz. But does that matter, well yes if you're looking for something a little different, a bit old school, even incredibly talented. I especially love "Who rotten em'" (plait swings or have you forgotten him biggest big shot since King Tut and em') I mean how many songs are there that talk about pharoahs and lions and a young slaves chance at a better life? None, the way Slick does it. And of course THE most graphic song of all time has to be "Adults Only" such a brilliant mix of filthy lyrics and appropriately filthy sound smaples.
Personally as Rick says, I don't think he needs anyone else to rap with either although being a big Snoop fan the collabo with him and Kid Capri is beautifully woven together.
This is one of the only cds that I have bought that I wasn't even concerned about who was making what beat, everything fits perfectly, even the two mixes of "I own America" stand alone and don't bore you when you hear one right after the other.
Ultimately my all time favourite cd and I'm a legend so if you want to be as good as me get this album nephew.

Company of Strangers - Brown Bag Edition

Average customer rating:

Colin Hay is awesome!
Colin Hay at Largo In Los Angeles
As Always, Good Stuff
Colin Hay is Amazing!
colin is brilliant

Company of Strangers - Brown Bag Edition

Manufacturer: Lazy Eye America, Inc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Going Somewhere
Topanga
Man at Work
Are You Looking At Me?
Peaks & Valleys

ASIN: B00006LACJ
Release Date: 2002-09-09

Tracks:

I Got Woken Up
Small Town Big Hell
Lucky Bastard
Company Of Strangers
No Win Situation
Dear J
Small Price To Be Free
How Long Will It Last
Lifeline
Don't Wait Up
Beautiful World
And If You Only Knew

Album Description

The 7th solo album from singer/songwriter Colin Hay (from Men at Work). This album shows Colin Hay at the top of his game. It is a most compelling work from a brilliant songwriter. The album has a full electric sound with lush string and horn arrangements. Undoubtedly his best album to date.

Customer Reviews:

Colin Hay is awesome!.......2006-05-11

My husband turned me on to Colin Hay as he and his best friend from high school were big "Men at Work" fans and subsequently followed his solo career. "Company of Strangers and "How Long Will It Last?" are beautiful, beautiful songs. I love the strings in "Company of Strangers"; it's a mesmerizing song. Of course, the lyrics on this CD are fantastic, as always, especially in "How Long Will It Last?"

This is my favorite CD right now. Buy it. You will NOT be disappointed. All of the songs are good. (The only one I skip is "Lucky Bastard" because I listen to the CD in the van with my 6-year-old and 4-year-old sons. They love Colin Hay and know the lyrics!

Incidentally, my husband and I were fortunate to have seen Colin Hay in concert at a club in Denver this past year. Colin is an OUTSTANDING performer -- funny, too! I can't wait to see him again!

Colin Hay at Largo In Los Angeles.......2006-04-09

Just saw Colin tonight in the tiny club Largo on Fairfax in Los Angeles where he is a egular since he lives here - He began the set acoustic and then brought on four others, including his wife. The set lasted about 2 hours and was filled with Colin's humor and an absolutely amazing array of his solo work and some MAW singles as well. I hadn't purchased any of his solo work, but after tonight, they are all part of my collection - "Company" being the favorite since he played many of the songs found here -

As Always, Good Stuff.......2005-12-30

You may find this one a bit sleepy at first, but stick with it. It's more mid- and slow-tempo than previous Hay albums like "Looking For Jack," "Wayfaring Sons," and "Topanga." On the first pass, only "Small Town Big Hell," "No Win Situation," "Don't Wait Up," and the haunting title track really jumped out at me. However, if you give it a few tries, songs like "I Got Woken Up," "Dear J," "How Long Will it Last" and the closer really start to grow on you. I started out mildly disappointed and ended up thinking it's among the best work he's ever done. It also features the third recording thus far of "Beautiful World," this one virtually indistinguishable from the version on "Man @ Work." It's a gorgeous song, though, so fine by me. All in all, a very worthy buy for fans of this underrated artist.

I provide the following as a checklist for Colin Completists who are stymied and frustrated by the lack of availability of his solo albums. If you wanna have it all, this is what you gotta get (wherever you can get it):
- LOOKING FOR JACK [1986, not commercially available]
- WAYFARING SONS [1990, not commercially available]
- PEAKS & VALLEYS [1992, available on import]
- TOPANGA [1994, available but expensive]
- TRANSCENDENTAL HIGHWAY [1998, available]
- GOING SOMEWHERE [2000, available]
- COMPANY OF STRANGERS [2002, available]
- MAN @ WORK [2003, available]

Good luck!

Colin Hay is Amazing!.......2005-08-19

There is so much to say about this extremely talented artist, but the other reviews have done such a fine job in doing so. Along with Jeff Lynne (of ELO), Colin Hay is one of the most talented, yet under-appreciated musicians of our time. And, this album is truly one of his finest compilations. Colin is one of the few artists that can bring me to tears with the beauty of his music (in a weak moment). :) Order this CD while you can and try to see Colin in concert. You'll see exactly what I mean.

colin is brilliant.......2004-04-03

well I have seen him twice in Australia in the last 4 years and he is not to be missed.The last time was in Melbourne I flew from Perth Western Australia to see him. I love all of his album but my favs are peaks and valleys , T>Highway and Going somewhere.
There are two sites that fans can visit my page at http//www.downundercom.tripod.com which has photos reviews , articles and mosaiscs on colin hay and men at work and also another site called http//www.menatwork.br.com

Average customer rating:

Great for kids of all ages
Third in an impressive series of audio CDs

Big Kid
Sara Hickman
Manufacturer: Sleeveless
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Singer Songwriters | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Toddler
Newborn
MOTHERLODE
Faithful Heart
This Christmas Wish

ASIN: B0001FFJP0
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

Iolana
Cantaloupe
Ooh La La
Middle of a Little Country Road
Eat My Breakfast
Look At Me
Louise
Pledge
Little Seed
Radiation Man
Pink on the Inside
Here It Comes
My Sista, My Friend
Nanatime!
Little Yella Dog
Belinsky
I Wish I Were a Princess
It's Fall
Space Poetry!
Pillowman!
Red Wagon
Rainstick (W/ Ray Benson)
I Wish You Well
Prayer For Peace

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids of all ages.......2006-06-29

I have seen Sara perform twice now--the last time with her older daughter along with her. She is great with kids and her songs are catchy, easily learned and have wonderful messages in them. Look at me....a song that all parents should listen to and every kid should learn to sing. This album includes all of her older kid material..it will have you singing, clapping and wanting more. The final song on the album is beautiful and bittersweet and makes for a great lullaby. It's a wonderful collection. If you have the chance to see her perform...it's well worth the effort.

Third in an impressive series of audio CDs.......2004-03-10

Big Kid is third in an impressive series of audio CDs designed to inspire quality parent-child time through music and poetry. Award-winning singer and songwriter Sara Hickman reaches out with enthusiastic and movement-oriented songs to spark activity, confidence, and imagination in developing young minds. The individual tracks include Iolana, Cantaloupe!, Ooh La La, Middle Of A Little Country Road, Eat My Breakfast, Look At Me, Louise, Pledge, Little Seed, Radiation Man, Pink On The Inside, Here It Comes, My Sista My Friend, Nanatime!, Little Yella Dog, Belinsky, I Wish I Were A Princess, It's Fall, Space Poetry!, Pillowman!, Red Wagon, Rainstick, I Wish You Well, and Pray For Peace. Also very highly recommended are the two earlier CDs from Sarah Hickman: Newborn (featuring both traditional and original songs for newborns and their parents) and Toddler (a collection of songs, stories, and poetry that teaches counting, colors, animals, sounds, and geography suitable for preschoolers).

Average customer rating:

FULL of ENERGY!.
My Favorite Ponty
Ces't Magnifique!
Undeniable
Amazing

Storytelling
Jean-Luc Ponty
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Gift of Time
Mystical Adventures
Tchokola
No Absolute Time
Enigmatic Ocean

ASIN: B0000026U8
Release Date: 1989-07-26

Tracks:

In The Fast Lane
Tender Memories
Spring Episode
Pastoral Harmony
The Story Teller
The Amazon Forest
After The Storm
A Journey's End
Chopin Prelude No.20 (With Violin Improvisation)

Customer Reviews:

FULL of ENERGY!........2006-10-17

I have all Jean-Luc Ponty albums inlcuding the 4 official live concerts. All are masterpieces indid. This one, "Storytelling" is the perfect JLP resume.

Every time I listen to this "Storytelling" album I visualize JLP in my mind walking and smiling while he plays his violin. He makes his violin sings like when a kid plays with his toy. Like if he were saying "Playing a violin is kids stuff". I mean, JLP really really enjoys playing his violin and makes me feel it.

No matter what, every time I listen to "After the Storm" track I transfer myself to the perfect mood. Full of energy!, and very positive.

Yes, go and get this "Storytelling" masterpiece album. It will help you write out your own memories.

Eduardo Nava, Mexico City.

My Favorite Ponty .......2006-10-06

I was at my college radion station when I heard "In The Fast Lane" bumping over the speakers. I asked the DJ for the song and artist - that was 1989 and I've been hooked on Ponty ever since. I love to put this on when I'm on a long road trip. There is not a bad song on this CD, just pure excellence from start to finish.

Ces't Magnifique!.......2004-02-29

I am a long time Ponty fan, having seen him play live with both the Mahavishnu Orchestra (awesome, to say the least) and his own band - that is, one of the early bands he led post-Mahavishnu (he always plays with a lot of different musicians - not a set group).

I have all of Jean-Luc's albums, and this one is my favorite because it is so upbeat and the playing is incredibly tight. These guys ROCK! There's nothing like opening up the sunroof and cruisin' down the highway of life with this CD kickin' you in the pants! The recording is a bit too compressed, however, so you must be extra generous in dialing up the bass response if you really want to blow your trunk lid open (ha!).

Enjoy!

Undeniable.......2000-12-01

BRAVO! This release definitely deserves a special place in ones music collection.Jean-Luc at his best.I have "Storytelling" on cassette as well as disc.It is filled with lots of energy and pleasure.

Amazing.......2000-08-03

This album is one of the best of Ponty. This musician's work is really spectacular, especially "Chopin Prelude Number 20" which is really impressive.

Average customer rating:

great cd
One of the best finds out there
intro to her great music

Alive and Well
Doria Roberts
Manufacturer: Doria Robert
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

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

Woman Dangerous

ASIN: B00006AO0V
Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

"Kodak Moments"
Restoration
Black Pearl
Supposed Soul Saver
Wondering
"Camping in Trenton, NJ?"
Slow Burn
Dying Man's Wish
Kinda Like
"The Rehearsal"
Exodus
"Last Song. HMMM..."/Perfect

Tracks:

Hold on Me
"Take Off Your Shirt"
Grass Is Green
"Everybody Already Knows..."
Different Kind of Self Love
Waitress' Lament
Caught in the Rain
Lillian
"I'm Bitter and Jealous"
Growing Pains
Coming Rain
Moment of Silence w/Iguana
What's the Matter [Post 9/11 Lyrics]
S.O.S. [Studio Track]

Customer Reviews:

great cd.......2006-05-07

this is another great album from doria roberts. she is a very talented artist...after all...she did write one of the best lesbian love songs ever..."perfect" buy this album if youre a lesbian or a fan of doria roberts...you wont regret it.

One of the best finds out there.......2003-06-11

I just saw Doria in concert in D.C. this weekend ( June 15th). She sang three of the songs off this live cd. I immediately went down to her booth and bought her cd without listening to anything else. Just for the one song "perfect" was worth the money....however, I was not disappointed with the rest of the album. She has one of the freshest, and charming styles of singing and playing guitar that I've heard in quite awhile. There was not one track on the entire 2 cd set that I didn't like. A kind of 90's folk/rock Armatrading/Chapman mix only better.....all original work....from the heart...love songs,social statements, fun songs...all very melodic...great lyrics! Try it...I guarantee you'll love it. As an aside, she was also quite charming and friendly in person..one more reason to support such a wonderful artist.

intro to her great music.......2003-01-11

a great live CD, with mistakes, audience participation and a wonderful, gifted performer!!
recommend to anyone who likes to listen to good music over and over and get something new from the songs each time...

Average customer rating:

I LOVE B&S, But...
Only one good song here
Good on it's own
beautiful orchestrations, witty lyrics
Well, it's better than the movie anyway...

Storytelling
Belle & Sebastian
Manufacturer: Matador Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Folk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Books
I'm a Cuckoo
White Collar Boy
The Blues Are Still Blue

ASIN: B00005OM56
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Tracks:

Fiction
Freak
Dialogue: Conan, Early Letterman
Fuck This Shit
Night Walk
Dialogue: Jersey's Where It's At
Black And White Unite
Consuelo
Dialogue: Toby
Storytelling
Dialogue: Class Rank
I Don't Want To Play Football
Consuelo Leaving
Wandering Alone
Dialogue: Mandingo Cliche
Scooby Driver
Fiction Reprise
Big John Shaft

Amazon.com

Given Belle & Sebastian's eccentric way of doing things, it's hardly surprising that their soundtrack to the Todd Solondz movie Storytelling did not work out quite as planned. Plenty of bands have written scores to imaginary movies. Belle & Sebastian, however, have composed an imaginary soundtrack to an existing movie; only six minutes of this music was actually used in the film, and much of it was completed after the film was released. The weird thing is, it all fits together rather nicely. Storytelling is a more consistent beast than the last couple of B&S albums; the discipline of writing (vaguely) to order seems to have made the band perversely less uptight. Stevie Jackson's ambling harmonica piece, "F*** This S***," is a close cousin to his beautiful work with the Bill Wells Trio--and also, explicitly, Dylan's soundtrack to Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. Amidst the lilting instrumentals and snatches of dialogue from Solondz's fine movie is a clutch of quietly impressive songs. "Black and White Unite" continues Stuart Murdoch's artful reorganization of the legacies of Love and Simon & Garfunkel, while on "I Don't Want to Play Football" he chooses to stereotype himself further as the sickly child always picked last at games. Best of all, there's "Storytelling" itself, in which Sarah Martin pursues the issues of authorial responsibility tackled by Solondz in the movie. "In directions, actions, and words, cause and effect, you need consistency," she politely chastises, targeting Solondz as much as his characters. --John Mulvey

Album Description

Special Low List Price: 34 minutes of new music from Belle and Sebastian, comprised of both instrumental film score and six new vocal tracks. The soundtrack to Todd Solondz's "Storytelling", starring Selma Blair, John Goodman and Paul Giamatti.

Album Description

Clocking in a at 34 minutes, this specially low price soundtrack album contains 8 instrumental tracks, 5 snippets of spicy dialogue from the movie, and 6 vocal tracks written for the movie. A treat for fans of the band or the director, Todd Solondz.

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE B&S, But..........2006-04-29

Listen, I've bought everything they ever made, I've been to at least one show a year since I started listening to them, I know the words to pretty much all their songs, but... but... but...

This record was a disaster.

Everything associated with this project - the movie, the music - is just plain bad. Ok, ok, there's one good song here, "Black and White Unite" ... ummm... actually, it's just only an okay song, and that's mainly because the rest of the material is so very weak. Honestly, when this came out I thought "Well, that does it for our brave Scottish laddies (erm, and girls or whatever)," but thank god they've managed to do lots of good stuff since.

I can't recommend it. At all. And I REALLY LIKE them.

Only one good song here.......2006-03-22

And that would be the title track, which is very catchy and one of their best songs. It plays during the end credits; as for the rest of the album it mostly filler and hardly deserving to be called Belle & Sebastian. I hate that the opening credit music isn't included on this cd. They also should have had the exchange between Vi and Mr. Scott on here (yeah, you know which one I'm talking about...)

Good on it's own.......2004-05-27

It is clear to me that some other reviewers have neglected to see the movie and thus nullify their own opinions. Enough said on that.
I felt that this was a very solid CD from start to finish. All of the songs flowed one to the other and made sense.--Especially if you saw the film (though I didn't particularly like it). B&S are apt to tell stories as it is--listen to any song and you'll understand what I mean. I must say that I have a great fondness for B&S and may be inclined to like this a tad more; however, after DCW I can see that my loyalty is not blind. This really is a good album.
Some may feel that it drug along or that it was boring, et cetera. I thought it was beautiful, and I'm sure I'm not alone. The instrumental F*ck this Sh*t was one of my favorites--and I loved Sarah's Storytelling.--By the way, Sarah is no faux Isobel as some have said. Sarah is Sarah and she's in the band and Isobel is out.
I would not buy this album if you are not patient. I would not buy it if you thought Boy With The Arab Strap was the end all. I would not buy it as a first glimpse of B&S. I do recommend buying it if you love B&S--or can appreciate beauty.

beautiful orchestrations, witty lyrics.......2003-05-21

both a great (and massively under-rated) film and a near perfect (and overlooked) b&s record. the record really shows off b&s's abilities at creating beautiful pop orchestral compositions, and the lyrical talents shine at their peak right here (especially with the self-reflective, shall i say brechtian, "storytelling" and "big john shaft"). the album's one downfall is that it parasitically exists with the film, and may not be nearly as enjoyable without knowing the "story" which is to be told.

Well, it's better than the movie anyway..........2003-04-05

This is one of those discs that sounds better if you don't expect a lot from it. It is just soundtrack music, after all, which explains why so much of it is instrumental. (And why nobody has the right to complain about the small number of proper songs.) Surprisingly, the instrumental tracks, especially "Freak," "Fiction," and the obscenely titled Track 4, are quite good, while the songs are hit-and-miss.

I've seen the movie, by the way, and I hated it. The first part is apparently supposed to be a "confrontational" look at racism, but mostly it's just embarrassing. Do not rent this movie for a mixed-race group. The second part is one of those fake documentary movie-within-a-movie things which has been done hundreds of times before, and only occasionally to good effect. This is not one of those occasions.

Only a few tiny snippets of B+S music are in the film until the closing credits, when the song "Storytelling" is played. I can see why Todd Stolonz did not use much of this music. Though the band made their best attempt to sound American, they don't sound American enough for this film. At least the title of Track 4 was explained, however: The high school kid in the second part of the movie was forced to take the SAT test against his wishes, so in rebellion he spelled out the obscene phrase in large capital letters by filling in the appropriate dots on the test form. Clever.

If you're a big B+S fan, this disc should be worth your while. I think it is an improvement over the disappointing "Fold Your Hands Child..." and shows a willingness by the band to try something new. Maybe they needed to do something like this to get back on track.

Jaliyaa Storytelling: Stories & Music of West Africa
Average customer rating:

One of the Best Storytelling CD's you can buy.

This Is a Teacher's Pick

Jaliyaa Storytelling: Stories & Music of West Africa
Storyteller Asha's Baba
Manufacturer: WovenWeb Productions
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Folk | Styles | Music
Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00005NHU1
Release Date: 2001-06-25