Pinkerton

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
A hit single can be a bit of a mixed blessing for new bands, especially if said song gets you firmly lumped into the "novelty band" category. Such was the case with Weezer, whose runaway hit "Buddy Holly" touched a global nerve upon its release, then got on everyone's nerves after months of radio saturation. However, it did ensure that they sold millions of copies of their self-titled debut. Which is why it's so strange that their second album, Pinkerton, was ignored. Perhaps the cold shoulder was due to the willfully noncommercial first single, "El Scorcho," which crashed and burned. Whatever the reason, Pinkerton soon disappeared, which is a shame because it's a great album. Whereas Weezer reveled in the band's geek-rock image, Pinkerton saw Rivers Cuomo maturing as a lyricist. From the opening, "Tired of Sex," which rants about the frustrating easiness of groupies, to the new wave pop of "Getchoo" to the epic genius of "The Good Life," there's much more diversity here than the Pixies-influenced bouncy grunge of their debut. With the closing solo, the acoustic lament "Butterfly," Cuomo demonstrates a pop mastery that promises great things from this reformed geek. --Robert Burrow --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Tired Of Sex
Getchoo
No Other One
Why Bother?
Across The Sea
The Good Life
El Scorcho
Pink Triangle
Falling For You
Butterfly

Amazon.com

A hit single can be a bit of a mixed blessing for new bands, especially if said song gets you firmly lumped into the "novelty band" category. Such was the case with Weezer, whose runaway hit "Buddy Holly" touched a global nerve upon its release, then got on everyone's nerves after months of radio saturation. However, it did ensure that they sold millions of copies of their self-titled debut. Which is why it's so strange that their second album, Pinkerton, was ignored. Perhaps the cold shoulder was due to the willfully noncommercial first single, "El Scorcho," which crashed and burned. Whatever the reason, Pinkerton soon disappeared, which is a shame because it's a great album. Whereas Weezer reveled in the band's geek-rock image, Pinkerton saw Rivers Cuomo maturing as a lyricist. From the opening, "Tired of Sex," which rants about the frustrating easiness of groupies, to the new wave pop of "Getchoo" to the epic genius of "The Good Life," there's much more diversity here than the Pixies-influenced bouncy grunge of their debut. With the closing solo, the acoustic lament "Butterfly," Cuomo demonstrates a pop mastery that promises great things from this reformed geek. --Robert Burrow

Customer Reviews:

Weezer's Best Album.......2007-07-15

Any true Weezer fan will tell you that Pinkerton, the band's second album is it's best. Considered a failure compared to other releases by the band, Pinkerton is the least accessible of their albums. What's more is the band isn't fond of playing these songs live anymore. So it's kind of a well known "hidden classic" among fans. All of the ten songs presented here are performed with much more emotion than any other of the band's albums. From top to bottom a sing-a-long masterpiece.

A guitar player's view.......2007-07-02

After listening to all Weezer albums except this one, and being slightly disappointed with Make Believe, I decided to go back and see what Pinkerton was all about.

People argue that Weezer is just power chords and that's it, but Rivers does so many amazing things with such a simple idea. Not many people could write these riffs, solos, and key changes all in a 3 minute song and make every single one sound different. This album has Weezer's best drumming, bass playing, lyrics, and guitar work (better solos in Maladroit maybe). Put on a pair of headphones and listen to the killer distortion and the awesome lead riffs that creep up in every song. Rivers put his heart on his sleeve for this album, but thanks to the critics and fans that abandoned him when this album was released, he probably never will again.

Not just Weezer's best, but one of my favorite albums ever.......2007-04-28

This is one of those albums that I can turn on and enjoy every track from top to bottom over and over and OVER again. 'Across the Sea' is one of my favorite songs by ANY group, and the hat trick of tracks 5-6-7 can hang with anything in my music collection. Like others have said, this album may not capture you the first time through, but give it a chance and it will grab hold of you and never let go.

For Pre-Green Album Weezer Fans........2007-04-16

Reading through these reviews, I get a sense that most of the low-star ratings for this album are coming from a Post-Green Album fan base. My personal order of buying Weezer albums was 1.) Blue Album 2.)Green Album and 3.)Pinkerton. Certainly both "color" albums provided a lot of Pop tunes that were widely accessible to listeners. On it's surface, Pinkerton doesn't quite provide the same ready-made Pop sensibilities as the other two albums. However, Pinkerton does have an unmatched depth and rawness that the other two lack. Admittedly, I had to work a little more to get into these songs, but when it hit, it hit hard and has stuck ever since. Without hesitation, I always say that this is my favorite Weezer album. If you decide to give this album a try do so with an open mind and the willingness to give it some time. The payoff is well worth it.

One of the greatest albums of all time.......2007-04-02

yes, it seriously is. There are so many people who say that this album is their worst and I just don't know where they put their ears. This is their best album.
You can hear how this album just influences everything that came after it. It's so passionately written and just so real and it almost gives you a completely reminiscent feeling...(well maybe for me because when i first heard this album I was younger)
but at any rate this album is in my top 10 best albums to listen to.

Average customer rating:

Puccini Withour Words
Wonderful! I don't care much for opera, but the music is great!
Enchanted by Puccini Without Words
Nice CD
Great arrangments and music!

Puccini Without Words

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002761
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
La Boheme: Act I: Che Gelida Manina
La Boheme: Act I: Si, Mi Chiamano Mimi
La Boheme: Act I: O Soave Fanciulla
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Madama Butterfly: Act I: Love Duet
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Un Bel Di Vedremo
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Humming Chorus
Madama Butterfly: Act II: Pinkerton's Farewell And Death Of Butterfly
TOSCA: Act I: Recondita Armonia
TOSCA: Act I: Love Duet
TOSCA: Act II: Vissi D'arte
TOSCA: Act III: E Lucevan Le Stelle

Customer Reviews:

Puccini Withour Words.......2007-07-11

This is one of my favorite CD's. Puccini wrote such beautiful music but it is often overshadowed by the diva or tenor who sing the aria. This is pure music and so enjoyable.

Wonderful! I don't care much for opera, but the music is great!.......2007-05-11

This is a fantastic album. I love classical music, but have never enjoyed opera. Some choir or chorus with classical is good, but the opera in general has never been entertaining for me. But the music is so good, so what to do?

Here you go. Get the music without the vocals.

Puccini's musical prowess was amazing. Madama Butterfuly is some of the most intricately composed classical I have ever heard. The vocals don't let you hear the true genius of the composition. La Boheme is equally enjoyable; delicately intertwined harmonies that relax and arrest you at the same time. Tosca is strong; again, truly enjoyable.

But, for me, the best piece on the album is the opener; "O Mio Babbino" from Gianni Schicchi. I must admit that I have never heard of this opera or this composition, but when I played this CD, this song came alive for me.

The entire album is mixed well, with very little background noise and very good sound editing. Considering the price, you really can't go wrong with this album.

A definite positive addition to my classical library.

Enchanted by Puccini Without Words .......2007-05-08

As a newcomer to opera, this disc of Puccini without words is an ideal introduction, to listen to as I paint. The music can go directly to my heart without worrying about words or voices to interrupt the creativity. Now I'm becoming interested in buying some Puccini with words and other operas as well. Now I'd like to hear an entire opera instead of exerpts.

Nice CD.......2007-01-08

Not what I expected but nice background music for a special occasion. If I had the choice again to buy it or now, I wouldn't have. Many other's out there with better selections.

Great arrangments and music!.......2006-12-23

It's a pleasure to listen to the music of the familiar arias. But what was shocking for me is to find out that "Bring Him Home" tune from Le Misserable is based on Madama Butterfly: Act II: Humming Chorus.
Wow, so it's not only A.L.Webber is using classical tunes for his musicals. Well, Puccini would be very proud to find out that these people made millions of $$$ with their help.

Average customer rating:

The sad 60's casualty - these are some fantastic songs ...

Flight Recorder
The Flying Machine , and Pinkerton's Assorted Colours
Manufacturer: Castle
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tomorrow Never Knows - The Pop Sike World of the Mirage: Singles & Lost Sessions

ASIN: B0000C83YY
Release Date: 2004-02-02

Tracks:

Mirror Mirror
She Don't Care
Don't Stop Loving Me Baby
Will Ya?
Magic Rocking Horse
It Ain't Right
Mum and Dad
On a Street Car
There's Nobody I'd Sooner Love
Duke's Jetty
Kentucky Woman
Behind the Mirror
Smile a Little Smile for Me
Maybe We've Been Loving Too Long
Send My Baby Home Again
Look at Me, Look at Me
Baby Make It Soon
There She Goes
Hanging on the Edge of Sadness
Flying Machine
Devil Has Possession of Your Mind
Hey Little Girl
Yes I Understand
Pages of Your Life

Tracks:

Smile a Little Smile for Me
My Baby's Coming Home
Thing Called Love
Marie Take a Chance
Waiting on the Shores of Nowhere
That Same Old Feeling
Broken-Hearted Me, Evil-Hearted You
Memories of Melinda
Mirror Mirror [Alternate Take]
Don't Stop Loving Me Baby [Alternate Take]
Magic Rocking Horse [Alternate Take]
Shine a Little Light on Me
St. Louis Child
Strawberry Fool
Angel (She Was Born Out of Love)
People Say
One Man Band
Lies in Your Eyes
Me Without You
Can't Break the Habit
Shadows on a Foggy Day
If You Were True
4 O'Clock in New York
Hard, Hard Year
Fools Rush In [Demo Version]
Flying Machine [Demo Version]

Album Description

2004 remastered compilation for the late 60s early 70s harmony pop act who changed their name from Pinkerton's 'Assorted' Colours to The Flying Machine. 50 tracks including their big hits, 'Mirror Mirror', 'Don't Stop Loving Me Baby' & 'Smile A Little Smile For Me', A & B sides, album tracks, & unissued sides. This material has been unavailable on CD for several years & some is previously unissued. Includes fold out sleeve with extensive liner notes & other memorabilia. Castle.

Album Details

This Double CD Compilation Includes Everything that the Band Recorded for Decca and Pye Between 1965 - 71.

Customer Reviews:

The sad 60's casualty - these are some fantastic songs ..........2004-02-13

In the 60's, the Beatles ruled everything. They made classics in popularity. The Velvet Underground went and made classics in obscurity. The Flying Machine made a classic that is simply forgotten.

That isn't to say the group would/could/should have changed the course of 60's music, but they were good at what they did. First of all, the same group had two incarnations: the first was Pinkerton's Assorted Colours, which scored a Top 10 hit with their first song, "Mirror Mirror" (written by founding group member Tony Newman). Sadly, the group never reclaimed any chart ground, and dwindeled in obscurity. The last song that was released as a single was a cover of Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman." Then, a flourishing new studio session endowed new confidence on the band and label Pye Records, so they got a new name and released "Smile A Little Smile For Me", about as much a Beatles-sound-alike song as ever was made, and it made it to #5 on the Billboard chart (rubbing up with two Beatles songs, the 5th Dimension, and Stevie Wonder). The group had little chart success after that, and eventually released their final single, "Yes I Understand" in 1971, disbanding shortly afterwards.

What's amazing about the 2-disc compilation is just HOW GOOD the music is. Some of the early Pinkerton's singles blend into anonymous psychadelic slush, but some of the songs, B-sides in particular, are quite good. Most notably include the catchy-as-hell "Duke's Jetty" and what may be a precursor to disco - "Behind the Mirror". Take the riff from "The Flying Machine", re-record it, and you have an instant Modern Rock radio hit! Lyrically, "Pages of Your Life" and "Hanging on the Edge of Sadness" are actually quite good.

The second disc, which includes all the tracks of the Machine's only album, Down to Earth, is astonishingly well produced and fresh sounding. Nearly every song is a highlight. Then, aside from the 3 demo versions of Pinkerton songs (which all are superior to the originals), the unreleased material is nothing but highlights, topping with a drum & guitar cover of "Fools Rush In", which is nothing short of incredible.

It's sad that a group like this is now relegated to "60's Gold" compilations, because they could have been the top of their game. While you may recognize one (or maybe two) songs overall, this is still an excellent compilation if not just to show off to friends but also to enjoy - 60's classics that you've never heard before.

End of an Era
Average customer rating:

Best Boston Punk Band Ever

The Pinkerton Thugs

Not only Boston, but the World's finest.

fun punk

End of an Era
The Pinkerton Thugs
Manufacturer: Go Kart
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000K08J
Release Date: 2000-05-02

Tracks:

Times
Factory Life
Never Say Die
Youth
Another Story
I Remember
Where the Money Goes
No Heroes, No Justice
Brighter Day
Together
Don't Tread on Me
Never Again
End of an Era

Customer Reviews:

Best Boston Punk Band Ever.......2006-08-30

The P Thugs had an all-star lineup on this album and it showed. I think the addition of Bill Brown was an awesome move. This release is very different from The Pain And... These songs are less street punk and more of a mixture of rock (even a little rockabilly) and punk. These songs also have a much more uplifting feel than the album before it which has a more dreary feel to it. It's really a shame that these guys didn't stay around for longer but Paul, Micah and Bill are all frontlining their own projects now which is no surprise. They're all really talented and I wish them the best. Recommended for anyone that likes anything related to punk.

The Pinkerton Thugs.......2006-02-12

This album is a decent attempt at Oi! flavored street punk with heavy traditional rock 'n roll influences as well (and maybe even a little AC/DC!). The biggest downfall to the album, in my opinion, are the overtly communist/socialist/leftist lyrics. However, these can be easily overlooked, as they are smartly written. Overall, a good solid album.

Not only Boston, but the World's finest........2002-02-16

The Trouble, the Pinkerton Thugs, the Ducky Boys, the Unseen, and of course the Dropkick Murphys are the best bands to come out of Boston in the '90s. Forever their music will live with the souls who have heard and lived by it. The Pinkerton Thug's CD, "End of an Era's" lyics are a sad reminder of how the Boston scene has dwindled with the break up of three of these bands, the closing of the Rat, etc., but is routed in some of the greatest sounds that have ever come to my ears. By both of the P-Thug's CDs along with all of the rest of the great Boston bands mentioned. One's life is not complete with out listening to all of them.

fun punk.......2001-10-29

end of an era is full of catchy punk rock songs. not too hardcore, but not too poppy. it's not the kind of music that's going to become all mainstream and end up on mtv or anything. listening to this album always puts me in a good mood... i first heard the pinkerton thugs on "go-kart vs. the corporate giant #2", and then borrowed the cd from my friend. i'd say it's worth buying, especially if you like "out come the wolves" by rancid. (although this cd's not as good.)
ps. the song "no heroes, no justice" is always stuck in my head, it's one of my favorite songs on the album.

Average customer rating:

This makes you love tenors!

Mad about Tenors

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GKX
Release Date: 1993-08-10

Tracks:

TOSCA: E lucevan le stelle
The Elixir Of Love: Quanto e bella
Madama Butterfly: Pinkerton's Entrance
Turandot: Nessun dorma
The Elixir Of Love: Una furtiva lagrima
Carmen: Flower Song
Aida: Celeste aida
La Traviata: De' miei bollenti spiriti
Requiem Mass: Ingemisco
TOSCA: Recondita armonia
La Boheme: Che gelida manina
La forza del destino: Oh, tu che in seno
The Tales Of Hoffmann: The Legend Of Kleinzach
Eugen Onegin: Lenski's aria
West Side Story: Maria
Cavalleria Rusticana: O Lola
Lucia di Lammermoor: Fra poco a me ricovero
Cavalleria Rusticana: Viva il vino
Il Trovatore: Ah! si, ben mio
Il Trovatore: Di quella pira

Customer Reviews:

This makes you love tenors!.......2000-01-16

I always enjoy this CD every time I drag it off my rack and stick it in the CD player. It contains some of the best tenor aria's ever written, and is an extreme joy to listen too. It has made me love opera. I almost cry during some of the tracks, they are so beautiful. I have never seen a opera compilation that is as good as this.

Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy: My Favorite Puccini

Average customer rating:

Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy: My Favorite Puccini

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004251
Release Date: 1994-08-23

Tracks:

Turandot: Nessun Dorma!
The Girl Of The Golden West: Ch'ella mi creda libero
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
La rondine: Sogno di Doretta
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
TOSCA: Recondita Armonia
TOSCA: Vissi D'arte
TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
Madame Butterfly: Flower Duet
Madame Butterfly: Pinkerton's Farewell
Suor Angelica: Senza, Mamma, O Bimbo, Tu Sei Morto
Manon Lescaut: In Quelle Trine Morbide
Manon Lescaut: Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata!
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
Turandot: In Questa Reggia

Madame Butterfly / Huang, Troxel, Cowan, Liang; Concon (1995) [Highlights]

Average customer rating:

5 stars for Ying Huang!
A Must buy and hear!!

Madame Butterfly / Huang, Troxel, Cowan, Liang; Concon (1995) [Highlights]
Giacomo Puccini , James Conlon , Ying Huang , Richard Troxel , Richard Cowan , Orchestre de Paris , Ning Liang , Constance Hauman , and Choeurs de Radio France
Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029N6
Release Date: 1996-04-23

Tracks:

Madame Butterfly: Dovunque Al Mondo
Madame Butterfly: Bimba, Bimba, Non Piangere
Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
Madame Butterfly: Ora A Nol
Madame Butterfly: Coro A Bocca Chiusa
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Madame Butterfly: Io So Che Alle Sue Pene
Madame Butterfly: E Sia! A Lui Devo Obbedir!

Customer Reviews:

5 stars for Ying Huang!.......2000-09-07

I bought this album simply for Ying Huang. And I was not disappointed. It's such a pleasure to listen to her voice: a purity of tone, a slight whisper sometimes at the start of a phrase, another something that I can't describe that happens when a long phrase is ending - a new tone, one so beautiful it can only be heard for perhaps 8 seconds in 75 minutes of album.

Ying Huang's voice is incredibly mature - not in an academic or learned sense, but innately so, as though this maturity had been with her all throughout her life. She knows exactly what she's doing, but knows intuitively.

It seems a love of singing has combined with some genetic gifts, creating a singer so wonderful that sometimes I doubt whether we are actually allowed to hear her. But we can, in this and several other albums. If I had millions of dollars I would produce a Ying Huang album every 6 months. My conscience now asks if this is true - shouldn't I give it to those in need? "Perhaps", I answer, "But the world will truly be better off with more of Ying Huang". She is a missionary for the soul whose message is beautiful as well as believable.

My only worry was that there was not enough Ying Huang on the album. The other singers and musicians are great. Only, I don't really know this. Compared with Ying Huang everybody else is reduced 10 fold. You only want to hear her, and when another part is sung you exclaim "No, what? why is that man shouting?!!". There is a nice duet somewhere in there though.

I suppose the best way to sum this all up is with a quote from one fine reviewer (who is a lot more economical than I) It's a good album "especially for the Ying Huang..."

A Must buy and hear!!.......1999-06-18

Best of all Madame Butterfly I've ever heard!! Especially for the Ying Huang....