Clouds

Amazon.com
Joni Mitchell's second album contains the first manifestations of her artistic brilliance. Where her debut, Song to a Seagull, has hints of greatness, Clouds displays the real thing. With her newfound control on melody and lyrical economy, she delivers songs that are readily accessible, instantly hummable, and virtually timeless. Her hippie excesses are still in view ("Songs to Aging Children Come" is untamed), but, for the most part, she has found her voice. "Both Sides Now" has become a lite-FM staple (thanks to Judy Collins's cover). While songs such as the incredibly idyllic "Tin Angel" (nicely covered by Tom Rush on his classic Circle Game), "Chelsea Morning," and "I Don't Know Where I Stand" have become modern folk standards. --Rob O'Connor

Clouds,Joni Mitchell,Reprise / Wea,Folk-Rock,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

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Clouds

Average customer rating: Great overlooked album A Pivotal Album For Pink Floyd pleasant soundtrack music from pink floyd. Overrated album The best Pink Floyd that no-one will hear. Wots, uh the deal?

Obscured By Clouds Pink Floyd Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Supergroups | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Atom Heart Mother Meddle A Saucerful of Secrets More The Piper at the Gates of Dawn ASIN: B000002UA2 Release Date: 1996-09-03

Tracks:

1. Obscured By Clouds
2. When You're In
3. Burning Bridges
4. The Gold It's In The...
5. Wots...Uh The Deal
6. Mudmen
7. Childhood's End
8. Free Four
9. Stay
10. Absolutely Curtains

Amazon.com

Commissioned as the soundtrack for Barbet Schroeder's 1972 film The Valley, Obscured By Clouds actually holds up rather well on its own terms. The title track is a trippy, cinematic instrumental that features some searing guitar work from David Gilmour, but full-fledged songs like "Free Four" (which sounds like a morbid inversion of Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky"), and the folksy "Wot's...Uh the Deal" are the real highlights of the set. Essentially a transitional work, Obscured By Clouds has long been dwarfed by Dark Side of the Moon, the album which came immediately after it. In fact, the funky "Childhood's End" and the ethereal "Burning Bridges" could well be dry runs for the Dark Side tracks "Time" and "Breathe," respectively. In all, it's a priceless snapshot of a band on the verge of immortality. --Dan Epstein

Customer Reviews:

Great overlooked album.......2007-07-24

This is really a great Floyd album. I wish I did not take so long to get it. You most likely will not hear these songs on the radio, but this is a good collection. I like all the other classic Floyd music, but it's been soooooo played to death over the years, so hearing this is like a breath of fresh musical air. Some of the soft moments on this CD are really nice, such as "Mudmen" and "Stay". You rarely see this in record store bins, but if you like Pink Floyd as a fan or casual listener, this is a good addition.

A Pivotal Album For Pink Floyd.......2007-06-28

I chose to review Obscured By Clouds since a plethora of reviewers chose to review the more popular albums like Meddle, Dark Side Of The Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. thus ignoring this album.

It is a fact that soundtrack albums by pop artists aren't usually of the high caliber as their regular, studio album counterparts. This album is no exception. This album isn't as individualistic as other Pink Floyd albums. However, i still rate this album with 4 stars because it is a pivotal, musical and lyrical nexus between the spacey, haunting Meddle and the more urgent, contemporary electronic Dark Side Of The Moon. Obscure By Clouds definitely paved the way, musically and lyrically, for things to come!

Obscured By Clouds was actually the soundtrack to the film, La Vallee, by Barbet Schroeder. This was the second film by Schroeder to incorporate Pink Floyd's music (the first being the soundtrack to More). The film takes place in the primitive (but many times beautiful) regions of New Guinea. Pink Floyd's music lends itself well to this film.

Musically, the album starts out with the title track. It is an instrumental which incorporates many of the synthesizers and electronics as their next album, Dark Side Of The Moon. In fact, this instrumental could have easily fit, stylewise, on the Dark Side album. Some of the other important tracks are as follows: Burning Bridges- a slow, bluesy ballad with the trademark "bending of the notes" by David Gilmour on his guitar. There is also a beautiful interplay between Gilmour's and Wright's vocals, similar to Time from Dark Side... and Echoes from Meddle. Especially nice is the harmonization between the two of them. The Gold It's In The... is a power rocker sung by Gilmour. Wots... Uh The Deal is a beautiful, introspective ballad incorporating descending chord progressions. It is my favorite track from the album. Childhood"s End is still another rocker sung by Gilmour. This particular track is somwhat reminiscent of Money from Dark Side.... Free Four is Roger Water's only lead vocal contribution to this album. This song contains lyrical references to dying. Finally, Stay is a seductive, slow ballad sung by Rick Wright (with a nice wah-wah pedal guitar by Gilmour.

The most crucial aspects of this album are the lyrics provided by Roger Waters (with the exception of Childhood's End). This is the first time where where cynicism plays prominently into the lyrical content of a Pink Floyd album. This cynical trend was to increase on each successive album from here on out.

Even though this album isn't quite as innovative or progressive as other Pink Floyd albums, I would still recommend it, "Cos there's a chill wind blowing in my soul and I think I'm growing old."

pleasant soundtrack music from pink floyd........2007-04-11

let's get right to it: the title track kicks things off, music rumbles up from out of the ether, spacey guitar licks join in, nice little instrumental. music with a bit of tension. track 2 is not as good, a pretty forgettable instrumental. luckily it's short, you'll most likely live through it and discover the better stuff that lays beyond. track 3 is the first vocal on the album, a soft gentle breezy piece. not bad at all. track 4 finds the gang getting into a hard rock groove. nice guitar solo. fine enough. track 5 nice vocal, beautiful acoustic guitar melody. mid-tempo, full of lazy grace. very good. track 6 is the best instrumental on the album. starts in a dreamy haze, breaks into some fine guitar work, then synthesizers and the guitar swirl around together a bit until more guitar soloing closes things out. excellent. track 7 is a fine song that sounds more like the pink floyd known to the general public. a gilmour vocal and a great gilmour guitar solo. this would sound right at home on later, more famous pink floyd albums. it really would. track 8 is the best song to be found here, an extremely catchy little ditty about aging and death and that sort of thing. very hummable. fun despite the subject matter. rocks hard at the end with some searing guitar licks. track 9 is a fine mid-tempo number, sweet and sentimental. no complaints. and finally, track 10 is an instrumental with a vague melody. spacey keyboards and synthesizer stuff. the album ends with what sounds like children and old people chanting not all that pleasantly in some language i never bothered to learn. so that's it. that's "obscured by clouds" by the great pink floyd. if you are only going to own one or two of their albums i would say don't bother with this. they have better work out there. however, if you already have their classics and want to add on to your collection, this is a good album. i'm not sorry i got the thing. not a bit.

Overrated album.......2007-02-28

If the name Pink Floyd wasn't on this cd, who would really rate it higher that one or two stars ? I am a Pink Floyd fan, but I have to say that I don't like any of their early works. To me, the band begins to make great stuff with "Meddle" and their first cd were boring, even with the Pink Floyd name on it. The only good track is "Childhood's end", the other tracks are poor.

The best Pink Floyd that no-one will hear. Wots, uh the deal?.......2007-01-31

The best Pink Floyd may be this pre-Dark Side soundtrack from 1972. Childhoods End, Freefour, Wots, uh the deal? may be the 3 best PF songs ever and not many people except the fans have ever heard them.

Average customer rating: Cloudy Reflective and underrated The Real Voice of an Angel Unexpected! Second Foray

Clouds Joni Mitchell Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ladies of the Canyon Song To A Seagull Blue For the Roses Court and Spark ASIN: B000002KOJ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Tin Angel
2. Chelsea Morning
3. I Don't Know Where I Stand
4. That Song About The Midway
5. Roses Blue
6. The Gallery
7. I Think I Understand
8. Songs To Aging Children Come
9. The Fiddle And The Drum
10. Both Sides, Now

Amazon.com

Joni Mitchell's second album contains the first manifestations of her artistic brilliance. Where her debut, Song to a Seagull, has hints of greatness, Clouds displays the real thing. With her newfound control on melody and lyrical economy, she delivers songs that are readily accessible, instantly hummable, and virtually timeless. Her hippie excesses are still in view ("Songs to Aging Children Come" is untamed), but, for the most part, she has found her voice. "Both Sides Now" has become a lite-FM staple (thanks to Judy Collins's cover). While songs such as the incredibly idyllic "Tin Angel" (nicely covered by Tom Rush on his classic Circle Game), "Chelsea Morning," and "I Don't Know Where I Stand" have become modern folk standards. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Cloudy.......2007-05-15

This record is a little samey, even for Joni, although most of the songs are just beautiful. My favorite Joni song, "Both Sides, Now", is included on this album, and it alone is worth the purchase price. But this is one of those peculiar products of its time, that seemed normal at the time and now seems windy, self-indulgent, and slightly ridiculous. Still and all, Joni has quite a lot of talent and it's in full flower here.

Reflective and underrated.......2007-04-21

Often and unfairly written off, this is Mitchell's most sombre set. "Chelsea Morning" is a joy to hear, displaying Joni's rhythmic capabilities; resembling what would be "Big Yellow Taxi" and her guitar has a nice texture throughout the album. "Roses Blue" evokes a haunting folk tale, and "The Gallery" is equally offbeat sounding, telling the story of a womanizing artist. Mostly the album hovers in ultra reflective mood, none more so than on her own version of her widely covered song "Both Sides Now." She soars with "That Song About The Midway" and there is a lot of conviction in those lines. From the moody opener "Tin Angel" she displays more power in her voice, even if many of the songs are less compelling than on her debut Song To A Seagull (1968). "The Fiddle And The Drum" is an antiwar Aceppella and mixes with the flow, though some might not like it's starkness. Her guitar playing is faultless, and though Clouds may not be ambitious as works to come, it is a well recorded sidestep.

The Real Voice of an Angel.......2007-04-18

They say the young Charlotte Church has the "voice of an angel" - well, by that yardstick, Joni must be queen of the angels. Her singing is effortless, flowing like cream and coating the poignancy of her words. What a treasure the woman is!

Unexpected!.......2007-04-16

For anyone looking at buying this, it isn't advertised correctly, which is a good thing. I got a remasterd HDCD version. The sound is awesome, and yes, it does play on a regular CD player. I don't have an HDCD capable player, so I cannot comment on that part of it.

Second Foray .......2007-03-11

Joni Mitchell came strumming back in 1969 with the sophomore smash "Clouds". " Clouds" won a grammy, gained Mitchell a broader audience. It even included the personal version of the mega hit " Both Sides Now".

All of these obvious features are not what makes " Clouds" special. The sincerity of the lyrics, along with the inspired mood pieces, is what lends this recording a cozy, warm feeling. Pensive brooding? Listen to "Tin Angel" or " Songs to Aging Children Come". Feeling light and breezy? " Chelsea Morning" or " I Think I Understand" are playful (former) and optimistic (latter). " That Song About the Midway" is truly a painterly song; the listener can see the sideshow and the slowing of the wheels, literally and metaphorically. " The Fiddle and the Drum" has a new resonance today. It didn't end with Vietnam.

No Joni fan should be without this, but the uninitiated should enjoy it as well. Relevant material for modern times wrapped in warm melodies.

Average customer rating: A Legendary Singer. Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!! Glorious singing to treasure for decades Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian The Stellar Hunt Lieberson

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson: Handel Arias Manufacturer: Avie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Bach: Cantatas BWV 82 and 199 Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs Music of Peter Lieberson: Rilke Songs, The Six Realms, Horn Concerto Lorraine Hunt - Handel Arias Bach - Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook (highlights) / Hunt-Liberson, McGegan ASIN: B00022LZW8 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Ah! Whither Should We Fly...
2. ...As With Rosy Steps The Morn
3. O Bright Example Of All Goodness!...
4. ...Bane Of Virtue, Nurse Of Passions
5. The Clouds Begin To Veil The Hemisphere...
6. ...Defend Her Heav'n!
7. Lord, To Thee Each Night And Day
8. She's Gone, Disdaining Liberty And Life...
9. ...New Scenes Of Joy
10. Cantata
11. Cantata
12. Cantata
13. Cantata
14. Cantata
15. Cantata
16. Cantata
17. Cantata
18. Se Bramate D'amar, Chi Vi Sdegna
19. Frondi Tenere E Belle...
20. ...Ombra Mai Fu

Amazon.com

If you think you've heard Handel's "Ombra mai fu" (known as his "Largo") so often, and in so many different arrangements, and sung by so many different voices, that you can no longer be moved or surprised by it, think again. This CD of Handel arias, mostly from his Theodora or the cantata La Lucrezia, ends with "Ombra mai fu," and as sung by Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, it is so tender, so beautiful, so impeccably shaded, that you'll think you're hearing it for the first time. But that's only four of this disc's 67 minutes---a follow-up to Hunt Lieberson's extraordinarily successful CD of Bach cantatas. There's not a dull or disinterested moment to be heard anywhere. As the violated Lucrezia, Hunt Lieberson alternately rages against the man who raped her and turns her grief inward; the former is terrifying in its intensity, the latter makes us almost feel as if we're eavesdropping. The five arias for Irene, Theodora's friend, confidante, and the upholder of Christian beliefs are all magical prayers or statements of faith, and from Hunt Lieberson, they become real, with each word honestly conveyed and colored. The voice itself is unfailingly beautiful---warm, lush, never forced, agile when necessary---and her breath control is stunning. She is backed ideally by Harry Bicket and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and the string soloists in the ensemble---the viola da gamba player, lutenist, etc.---are as gifted as she is. If you want proof that Handel was a great dramatist with a special gift for communicating emotion, all while listening to sublime sounds, this CD is a must. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

A Legendary Singer........2007-03-07

I simply don't have the heart to review Mrs. Lieberson's works.
If we call Ms. Bartoli a 'great' singer, then the description of 'legendary' more aptly depicts Mrs. Lieberson.
If ever a truly good artist lived, Mrs. Lieberson is one such.
The only singer that could be recalled singing in such style is Teresa Berganza; but still, they are different.
This is one of my favourite interpretators of Haendel. Having been 'treated' by those coloraturas of arias of Haendel's period by Ms. Bartoli and others, I find the singing of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson a great relief - at last, this is what Haendel would want it to be. And I equally enjoy the singing of soprano arias by Mrs. Lieberson - the timbre is warmer, but still with all the shimmer - so different from the dark mushy tones of other celebrated 'lyrical soprano' around.
Don't want to say more. Mrs. Lieberson's leaving last year is too heavy a news for me.

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's Bach: The mind of God revealed!!.......2007-01-06

These deeply felt performances of two of Bach's most moving cantatas show this transcendent singer's combination of emotional honesty and profound musicality, all combined to reveal the very mind of God through divine redemption from suffering. The disc is to be treasured even more in light of the Ms. Lieberson's recent untimely death from cancer. I'm an agnostic, but this music makes me envious of those who can believe. Roy in Pope Valley, California

Glorious singing to treasure for decades.......2006-07-11

By any measure, America's Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is at least the equal of Italy's premier diva, mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, although she does not have the same superstar status. It is difficult to recall past mezzos with clearer enunciation of English text, (as favoured in nine excerpts from Theodora), the richness of voice, displayed in full-throated fortissimo and sharply contrasted pianissimo of utmost delicacy, evokes fondest memories of the tragically doomed Kathleen Ferrier. Masterfully chosen to display every facet of Hunt Lieberson's consumate command of Handel's dauntingly difficult music, the disc's repertoire - recitatives and linkig arias from the operas Theodora and Serse, and the cantana La Lucrezia - is stunning. An unsung mezzo who makes the senses tingle!

Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson (1954-2006), supreme Handelian.......2006-07-06

I have never heard a voice purer of tone, more flexible in phrasing, and so gorgeously produced in a homogeneous column of sound such as this artist in Handel's repertoire. It is very tastefully sung (unlike a certain person whose name begins with R and ends with enaaay Fleming) and so dramatically touching that one could not help but feel that this repertoire finally has found its instrument. And how sad it is to know that this instrument has passed away two days ago. Lorraine Hunt-Lieberson died two days ago in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico of breast cancer. It is such a huge loss to the opera world, as she is an artist who is still experiencing the prime of her career. The voice is just so beautiful, the tone so pure, that I lament that we can no longer hear any great roles from this artist. She will be missed.

The Stellar Hunt Lieberson.......2006-03-19

Simply put, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is one of the very best classical singers alive. She combines vocal elegance and purity with an emotional delivery that raises her above the crowd of technically proficient singers who just don't possess her depth of musical understanding or emotional commitment. Hunt Lieberson is a true artist who resists easy classfication except to say she is perfect in what she does.

Average customer rating: Bell & Gershwin Enchanting Joshua Bell's playing is exquisite S'Wonderful My Starter Bell CD

Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy Joshua Bell , George Gershwin , and John [composer] Williams Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Romance of the Violin Voice of the Violin Joshua Bell ~ Bernstein - West Side Story Suite The Essential Joshua Bell Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B000009OP5 Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

1. Fantasy For Violin And Orchestra On Porgy And Bess
2. Three Preludes: I. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
3. Three Preludes: II. Andante
4. Three Preludes: III. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso
5. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: I Got Rhythm
6. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Embraceable You
7. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Nice Work If You Can Get It
8. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Liza
9. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: But Not For Me
10. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Sweet And Low-Down
11. Songs For Violin And Orchestra: Love Is Here To Stay

Amazon.com essential recording

On Gershwin Fantasy, Joshua Bell's Stradivari embraces the lyrical spirit of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess with more success than most vocalists. Accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, Bell's violin literally sings through "It Ain't Necessarily So," "Summertime," "I Got Rhythm," and "Love Is Here to Stay," while John Williams (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's List) serves double duty as conductor and pianist on several tracks. Three Preludes employs the violin and piano transcription by Jascha Heifetz, a longtime Gershwin friend, and features Bell at his jazziest. Even Gershwin himself--well, the recording of a 1926 piano roll of the composer--joins the virtuoso on the swinging "Sweet and Low-Down." --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Bell & Gershwin.......2007-05-20

Two of my faves, George Gershwin and Joshual Bell -

Can't beat that!

Also, "Porgy" is a fave opera... so three out of three isn't bad!

Enchanting.......2007-03-24

A very talented (to say the least) young musician playing the beautiful music of a very talented composer. I listen over and over again and especially like his rendition of "Embraceable You" and "But Not For Me" . . I'm a romantic!

Joshua Bell's playing is exquisite.......2005-07-08

Joshua Bell's exquisite playing turns these arrangements into Gold. In the hands of Perlman or Shaham these arrangements would be pure shmaltz, but Bell's playing is of the highest caliber.

S'Wonderful.......2004-10-20

Love it! I had heard of Josh Bell but never had purchased any of his music. I am a full fan now. This cd is wonderful. I am a Gershwin fan and have been for years. Bell breathes new life into the old classics and the result is breathtaking. His touch with the violin is beyound discription. He even plays with George in one cut, Sweet and Low Down. That alone is worth the price of the cd. Buy this cd and expect to be enchanted. It has been in my changer for weeks now, I can't get enough.

My Starter Bell CD.......2003-11-05

This CD was my introduction to Joshua Bell after hearing a track on our local Washington, DC, classical radio station. It was hard not to be struck not only by the warmth of Mr. Bell's playing but also by his phrasing. He is almost never flashy, but his nuances made me find new musical possibilities which I hope -- but somehow doubt -- Gershwin intended. This is Gershwin as you have never heard him before, and it desires a place in anyone's classical or jazz collection.

Average customer rating: Wonderfully American A Gersh-winner Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter Gershwin's playing overated The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!

Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Tin Pan Alley | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Traditional | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls, Vol. 2 Essential George Gershwin Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue - Piano Concerto in F - An American in Paris Levant Plays Gershwin George Gershwin: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000005J1I Release Date: 1993-11-09

Tracks:

1. Sweet And Lowdown
2. Novelette In Fourths
3. That Certain Feeling
4. So Am I
5. Rhapsody In Blue
6. Swanee
7. When You Want 'Em, You Can't Get 'Em...
8. Kickin' The Clouds Away
9. Idol Dreams
10. On My Mind The Whole Night Long
11. Scandal Walk
12. An American In Paris

Customer Reviews:

Wonderfully American.......2007-05-14

I've had a copy of this CD for years and love it. The power and optimism of the music is really quite remarkable... regardless of who or what is actually playing here. The arrangement of Swanee is light but rich with major chord trains like you just want to go marching around the room. And American In Paris leads you on a swaying, dischordy journey the deeper you go, as the narrative begins to trade delicacy for passion. (and I love renditions where you can hear the MUSIC and the instruments don't get in the way, like four-voice midi versions of Bach which reveal the eloquence).

When I listen to this CD now, and which is most surpring to me, I hear a profound pride in America - back "before." I play it when I have people over and we put burgers on the grill. This CD is the song of sitting in my back yard with the clouds blowing by and for the moment things feel OK.

"Before" - OK, there is no old perfect Amercia; but I'm thinking of the time before we learned to distill petroleum into toxic pollution, before pride meant vanity and thuggery, before hate-filled invective became public amusement, and before presidents went to war because it was good for business.

A Gersh-winner.......2007-01-07

George Gershwin had a long association with the mechanical device known as the player piano. At the age of ten, Gershwin used a neighbor's pianola to teach himself how to play, by very slowly pumping the foot pedal that advanced the hole-punched rolls, and placing his fingers on the depressed keys. His parents were so impressed by his abilities they enrolled the boy in formal piano studies when he turned 13. Thus, an American genius was born.

The existing films of Gershwin (who died of a brain tumor at age 38 in 1937) show him to be a virtuoso at his instrument. His 1924 acoustic recording of Rhapsody In Blue (with the Paul Whiteman orchestra) is further evidence of this. But no film or recording has what is contained within the album GERSHWIN PLAYS GERSHWIN: THE PIANO ROLLS, and that is-- full fidelity range.

The CD comes in a standard jewel case packaged in a heavy paper slipcover. Biographical liner notes are included along with details on the rolls. The earliest performance in this set is from 1916, made when Gershwin was an 18-year-old song plugger. My favorites here are "Swanee," from 1920, and "An American In Paris," from 1933, which is undoubtedly one of the last significant piano rolls ever made.

Gershwin's dynamic performances are not in the least obscured by the few extra notes added to the piano rolls (such practice was standard in those days). Listening to these recordings is like sitting next to this brilliant man, observing his fingers fly over the keys as he plays some of his best work.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 60:36

Interesting... but I think I'd prefer a good Gershwin interpreter.......2006-05-14

Composers are not necessarily the best performers of their own work. A songwriter's songwriter like Jules Shear or Jimmy Webb comes to mind -- surely the best representations of their songs are on other artist's albums.

This album is charming in its own way -- a taste of the music and performance style of a bygone era. Someone complained that these rolls were edited. So what? I'm going to review the final product, now how it was made. Do you eat sausage? Ask not what's in it!

I like to listen to this CD in short bits -- a few songs at a time. For some reason I find it to be fatiguing if I listen for more than 20 minutes or so. I'm not absolutely sure why this is so. Possibly the meter is just a little too metronomic on many of the songs. This lends a "mechanical" quality to the performances.

Additionally, I felt that the dynamic range was restricted. The music does get louder and softer, because of the piano rolls themselves and because of the computer programming used to read the piano rolls -- the dynamics were deliberately adjusted by the record producers in some spots, if I read the liner notes correctly. And yet. And yet. Still these songs do not dynamically "breathe" fully in and out the way they ought to. I find this disappointing, but I think it has something to do with inherent limitations in piano roll recording technique. I'm guessing.

Taken for what it is, it is an interesting concept, and the sound quality is very pleasant. The performances are very good for piano rolls, but fall short of what a good interpreter could do. Take, for example, the Rhapsody in Blue from Woody Allen's Manhattan soundtrack. Listen specifically to the piano part -- the dynamics and variations in rhythm. This is not by any means the best performance of Rhapsody, but it is better than the Gershwin rolls.

Gershwin's playing overated.......2006-04-09

After I heard this cd I bought Gershwin plays Gershwin on the naxos label which arn't piano rolls. Any pianist can tell that many of these rolls are heavily edited and can't be played by a pianists with two hands. On the naxos album that has some of these same songs Gershwin's actual playing doesn't sound very good. Many of Gershwins contempories such as James P. Johnson, Eubie Blake, Luckey Roberts and even Zez Confrey were much better pianists than he was, however they didn't have his melodic gifts as a composer. I would recommend Artis Whodhouse's
transcriptions of Jelly Roll Morton's piano rolls (on the same label) instead because most of those are exactly how he played them and in my opinion Morton was a better musician in every way than Gershwin.

The jazzy Gershwin. What a CD!!!!!!!.......2006-02-23

I got this CD as a gift. I am all for the austrogerman post- romantic music and as imagined Gershwin is not my favourite composer. I know him from his best known works such as the 'Rhapsody", the 'American' and his great songs. This CD is a treasure as mentioned from other reviewers of this site. Gershwin full of passion, his music being jazzy to the very end and that great feeling you get after a great live performance is present all over the length of this 'treasure'. No question about the presence of the music. Not to be missed

Average customer rating: Still my favorite Lips album The Lips At The Peak Of Their Psychedelic Power Brilliant, unique, puzzling, etc. Definitly Try other Lips cd's Great Album

Clouds Taste Metallic The Flaming Lips Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Dream Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Noise | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Neo-Psychedelia | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Eccentrics | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Transmissions from the Satellite Heart The Soft Bulletin Hit to Death in the Future Head At War with the Mystics Zaireeka ASIN: B000002MYC Release Date: 1995-09-19

Tracks:

1. The Abandoned Hospital Ship
2. Psychiatric Explorations Of The Fetus With Needle
3. Placebo Headwound
4. This Here Giraffe
5. Brainville
6. Guy Who Got A Headache and Accidentally...
7. When You Smile
8. Kim's Watermelon Gun
9. They Punctured My Yolk
10. Lightning Strikes The Postman
11. Christmas At The Zoo
12. Evil Will Prevail
13. Bad Days

Amazon.com essential recording

The great thing about Flaming Lips records is that each new one renders all its predecessors obsolete. Clouds Taste Metallic continues the fine Lips tradition of quantum improvement. It's an elaborately orchestrated masterwork of crashing cymbals, chiming bells, tinkling pianos, buzzing guitars, chirping birds, humming projectors, exploding cities, cheering crowds, and vocals stacked to the stratosphere. Each song goes gleefully over the top, but every ridiculous element somehow seems just right. While the carnival atmosphere and silly song titles distract you from band leader Wayne Coyne's serious ambition, the album's power bubbles up from hidden depths and eventually overwhelms you. The smoldering packages in "Lightning Strikes the Postman" and the sleeping millions dreaming about killing the boss in "Bad Days" are funny, but they're also unnerving, and the band builds a whole song out of the sad truth that "Evil Will Prevail." The sense that this isn't all just fun and games makes happier moments such as the cosmic orgasm of "When You Smile" sound like something much more than a hippie's wet dream. This album isn't music to take drugs to; it's the drug itself. --Tim Quirk

Customer Reviews:

Still my favorite Lips album.......2007-07-24

And it will be yours too. Steve's drum sounds on this album are just inredible. Crystal clear ringing cymbals and snappy snares. First spins sound like they made such huge leaps forward by the time Bulletin and Yoshimi came out, but closer inspection reveals that the Lips were in that whole strata way back then, too. Check out the back-to-back They Punctured My Yolk and Lightning Strikes the Postman for proof. Brainville & Kim's Watermelon Gun are other fun favorites...

The Lips At The Peak Of Their Psychedelic Power.......2007-06-08

Clouds Taste Metallic is the last record by the guitar driven version of the Flaming Lips. The reason for this is that Clouds is the last Lips album to be recorded with Ronald Jones (guitar) as a member of the band. Jones' ability to manipulate brilliant layers of feedback that somehow retain melodic texture is the perfect compliment to the psychedelic vision of Wayne Coyne. Add to this the blossoming musical genius of Steven Drozd and you come away with a psychedelic rock masterpiece of epic proportions. This is the Flaming Lips at their most mighty. You need to own this record.

Brilliant, unique, puzzling, etc. .......2007-02-13

This album certainly took me a long time to get into. I think it is easily the Flaming Lips' best work, with the Soft Bulletin coming in second place. I can hear something new literally every time I listen to it. The key here is the arranging done by the Lips. Take abrasive guitars, whiny vocals, and heavy-handed drumming, and somehow put it together to get a brilliant, beautiful, and completely unique sound. It seems like Beach Boys meets Brian Eno meets The Ramones. I don't know how to describe it. Like I said, it's completely unique. It's the Flaming Lips, and it's amazing. One of my all time top ten.

Definitly Try other Lips cd's.......2006-08-31

Don't let this review get you down on the band. There is surely some good music here. But only on the opening of this CD. After that, its downhill. Nothing Horrible. Just not mentionable.
Buy Yoshime if you want a Great CD. The newer Mystics is good, Soft B. should be a pickup (not the first one).
Simple. Buy Yoshime. Its there best effort hands down. The others will follow. This one will not be played, unless you burn and take the first track off it.

Great Album.......2006-07-11

It's really pretty basic. If you like the Flamming Lips you should own this album. If you are figuring out whether you like them I would probably get "Transmissions from a Satelite Heart." But this one is also another I'd recommend. In my mind, it's much better then their newest alubm

Average customer rating: Fall out boy Pleasantly Surprised Go out and get FUCT Relation to other comments Another band that sounds the same as all the others (sucks)

From Under the Cork Tree [Limited "Black Clouds and Underdogs" Edition] Fall Out Boy Manufacturer: Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Emo | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk-Pop | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Fall Out Boy's Evening Out with Your Girl Infinity on High - Deluxe Limited Edition Infinity on High Move Along The Black Parade ASIN: B000EJ9VA2 Release Date: 2006-03-14

Tracks:

1. Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get ...
2. Of All the Gin Joints in All the World
3. Dance, Dance
4. Sugar, We're Goin Down
5. Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner
6. I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut ...
7. 7 Minutes in Heaven (Atavan Halen)
8. Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year
9. Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends
10. I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid ...
11. Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"
12. Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying (Do Your Part to Save the Scene ...)
13. Xo
14. Snitches and Talkers Get Stitches and Walkers
15. Music or the Misery
16. My Heart Is the Worst Kind of Weapon [Demo Version]
17. Sugar, We're Goin Down [Patrick Stump Remix]
18. Dance, Dance [Lindbergh Palace Remix]

Amazon.com

The cleverness of Fall Out Boy's lyrical content is immediately evident by looking at the song titles on their sophomore disc, From Under the Cork Tree. "A Little Less 'Sixteen Candles,' a Little More 'Touch Me,'" "I Slept with Someone in Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was This Stupid Song Written About Me" and "Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year" are but a small taste of the group's acerbic attitude. After FOB's indie debut hit the underground charts, the group's sudden indie-style success made for a fast growth spurt. Their appeal is obvious, from frontman Patrick Stump's Killer-esque pipes (especially evidenced in the disc-closing "XO") to their very melodic teen-angst anthems. While much of the disc operates at usual punk-pop speed, the highlight comes from a slower, emotion-laden cut called "I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth." This song of living in the public while working through private pain is a beautiful, multilayered number that stays with you long after the album is over. --Denise Sheppard

From Under the Cork Tree: Limited Black Clouds and Underdogs Tour Edition recaps all 13 songs from the original album plus five additional tracks, starting with three B-sides, "Snitches and Talkers Gets Stitches and Walkers," "The Music or the Misery," and "My Heart Is the Worst Kind of Weapon." There are also two exclusive remixes, "Sugar, We're Goin' Down (Patrick Stump Remix)" and "Dance, Dance (Lindbergh Palace Remix)."

Customer Reviews:

Fall out boy.......2006-10-26

I was skeptical about buying after hearing "Sugar, We're Going Down" but after hearing "A Little Less Sixteen Candles" I knew I'd like it. It's a very witty cd full different types of songs. Definately not one of those cds where all the songs sound the same. It's one of the few cds I can put in and listen to for long drives and never want to change.

A definate must have.

Pleasantly Surprised.......2006-08-16

As someone who is more into R and B and Latin, when my friend bought me this CD i thought it was a joke. I already knew the first single and loved it, but this was overboard. Well I was mistaken-- this CD, it's titles and it's music, is the best CD I've heard in a LONG TIME...

Go out and get FUCT.......2006-08-13

(From Under the Cork Tree) get it? ignore everyone who complains about fall out boy being a punk posuer. fall out boy isnt punk and isnt trying to be. If you dont like snitches and talkers get stitches and walkers (and come on, think about the title for a minuite and then realize how funny it is....) you need to re-listen to the song. It's a good, darker version of fall out boy. realize that pete wentz used to be a hardcore raver with blonde dreadlocks, and used to be in a hardcore metal band called 'Arma Angelus' look it up in itunes and you'll realize why pete does the screaming. Also, can i point out that The Sex Pistols were the orignal people to 'sell out'? They were basically created to be walking adverstisments for a store called 'SEX' They were a legend but were never the 'true punks' they WERE BILLBOARDS. it pisses me off when people compare other bands to the sex pistols like that. The sex pistols were sell-outs from the begining. i think they made quite a bit of money to support their drug habits too.

the point is, BUY THE CD. Snitches and talkers is more rock/hardcore The music or the misery surprised me by being very pop, My heart is the worst weapon is slower but unlike the version on my heart is the b-side to my tongue, has drums bass etc. The sugar remix sound like windchimes, and the Dance Dance remix is very techno and makes me want to do the robot. :-)

Desi -14-

Relation to other comments.......2006-07-31

A few points about the bad reviews sitting in here...

Master Shake shurrup you should be slapped about the room!!!

Mathew Braxmeier --- Generic Emo??? I bet you have never listened to Emo in your life man... Clueless Whiner!!! And as for a title lenght... What would you preffer? Something short n catchy for you like 'Wannabe' By the Spicegirls??? Did you buy the album or just search for sum bands you probably knew you wouldnt like so that u could moan about em???

And as for Jane Doe --- HHHMMMM there is the 'old favourite' Nirvana... WOW that would be amazing for sumbody to not like Nirvana thesedays... Granted they did write a few good songs... Heck even spawned Foo Fighters after the death but jesus samuel christ!!! Ive yet to meet sumbody thats not in love with them...

And before you sit there and say... Aw i bet he hasnt heard anything other than smells like teen spirit and come as you are... Wrong! I have every album... I just choose not to listen to them to fall under the typical Category of Anotherone who goes with the crowd...

As for Black Flag, Sex Pistols and The misfits... Wow a little bit of taste from someone who has yet to have a little bit of variation in her taste!!! Move with the times Jane... All great bands in their time just as Fall Out is a brilliant band of this time!!!

Every song just as catchy as the next with this album... Yet to hear how they can sound the same as AFI, Greenday or Panic!

Anyone who wants to whine send them my way... Im sure Jane will i noticed the only 2 reviews were complete and utter moans...

Buy this album... It is sheer genius!!!

At the same time check out these bands guys...

- Hoobastank (New album out)
- Jimmy Eat World
- Stiff Little Fingers (Amazing Punk band from late 70's still going at the moment and touring soon)
- Flogging Molly (Irish Punk)
- Three Days Grace
- American Hi-Fi (New Album)
- Yellowcard (Amazin Band)
- Papa Roach (Still Going Strong)
- Panic! At The Disco
- 3 Doors Down

Another band that sounds the same as all the others (sucks).......2006-07-24

well the band sounds like a yellow card,simple plan,panic at the disco,all american rejects etc. ALL of the bands have the same sound and music that a person from 10-17 would buy. And you proboly saw the video before hearing the song on the radio. If your older 18 and up. you need to get in to some GOOD music. Try the ramones, the offspring, sex pistols or even green day.

Average customer rating: Robert Harrison shines Album of 2007 a cracker! Robert Harrison Could Sing The Phonebook Cotton Mather Orchestrated And It Works!

Future Clouds & Radar Future Clouds & Radar Manufacturer: Star Apple Kingdom ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Traffic and Weather Ruby Suns Dynamico Time on Earth Easy Tiger ASIN: B000NQR7U2 Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. Birds Of Prey
2. Let Me Get Your Coat
3. Hurricane Judy
4. Drugstore Bust
5. This Is Really A Book
6. You Will Be Loved
7. Quicksilver
8. Where'S My Drink / Holy Janet Comes On Waves
9. Wake Up And Live
10. Our Time
11. Green Mountain Clover
12. Devil No More

Tracks:

1. Quicksilver 2
2. Get Your Boots On
3. Build Havana
4. Dr. No
5. Back Seat Silver Jet Sighter
6. Malice
7. The Great Escape
8. Letters To Juniors
9. Altitude
10. Cowboy Weather
11. Armistage Shanks
12. Christmas Day 1923
13. Wake
14. Safety Zone

Amazon.com

Robert Harrison, the creative force behind Future Clouds & Radar, set an ambitious goal for himself and his musical cohorts: to create a double album that sustained itself in every regard from beginning to end. Having suffered a serious spinal injury five years ago, he was confined to his bed for a couple of years as he slowly recovered. The 27 songs he brought to his band are not so much a portrait of a man on the mend as a look at the emotional and creative forces that whirl through an active mind in a still body. While the utter sprawl of pop smarts, riveting hooks, mesmerizing arrangements, and alluring lyrics bring forth comparisons to Robert Pollard, there's greater sonic variety (including judiciously deployed horns at crucial junctures) and painstakingly finessed production decisions. The songs call out for attention on first play; subsequent listens yield a world of subtle nuances and surprises. Harrison met his goal: file this next to the White Album. --David Greenberger

Album Description

Heavily influenced by cameras, the asterisk, loss of any kind, and Bill Monroe's falsetto, Future Clouds And Radar is the latest creation of Robert Harrison, best known as the leader of Austin cult-reggae-heroes Cotton Mather; hailed by NME as "the most exciting new guitar pop band since Supergrass", handpicked by Oasis to join them on tour, and most recently, featured on Little Steven Van Zandt's "Coolest Songs In The World Vol. 1". Paste Magazine hails this record as a "magnificent double-disc collection of Flaming Lips/13th Floor Elevators/ELO-inspired psychedelic pop gems. Move over, Robert Pollard."

Customer Reviews:

Robert Harrison shines.......2007-05-28

This is basically a Robert Harrison solo album. Robert was the genius behind the highly underrated band Cotton Mather. The sound is looser & more alternative leaning than Cotton, but Robert covers just about every genre of music here & he does it all beautifully. Easily one of the best releases of the year!

Album of 2007.......2007-05-21

Hands down, as other previous reviewers have stated, this is without doubt some of the most inventive pop writing anyone will encounter this year. Not being familiar with Robert Harrison's previous work with Cotton Mather I decided to listen to what buzz I had been reading surrounding this piece of work. Harrison has simply absorbed and assimilated Beatlesque melodies as well as a plateau of 70's pop greats and reinvented those influences, coming up with an album that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as any masterpiece of the past.
An amazing work that beacons you back time and time again!

a cracker!.......2007-05-18

NPR's introduction to a recent in-studio performance from FC&R's Robert Harrison questioned whether this "double-disc debut is pure genius with blind ambition, or the product of an excess of ideas." It's a reasonable question for someone who has listened to the record 10 times or so. Any fewer rotations and the listener will firmly be in the excess of ideas camp. Any more, and they're probably leaning in the genius direction.

On the surface, FC & R is a very different vehicle to Harrison's former band Cotton Mather. Certainly, no one will tag this album as Revolver-era Beatles. Lovers of Cotton Mather's masterpiece Kontiki will sigh at that claim, but should not despair. The album contains a bunch of quality, jangling rockers: Let Me Get Your Coat, Hurricane Judy, Drugstore Bust, Holy Janet Comes on Waves (complete with a hook from Cotton Mather's Payday), Our Time, Dr No, & Great Escape to name just some, and only one song sounds anything like ELO! (ref: Amazon product description).

There is also a bunch of mid-tempo numbers, as radio friendly as any of Harrison's tunes since Cotton is King (Back Seat Silver Jet Fighter, You will be Loved, and the best one, Build Havana).

One of the more challenging aspects of the record for the listener, certainly for a longtime Cotton Mather fan, is the frequent use of horns. While a successful and almost track-defining addition to the first cut, Birds of Prey, elsewhere they are intrusive and their use clumsy and distracting (Hurricane Judy, Back Seat Silver Jet Fighter). And then there is the general `tween song weirdness that peppers the disc - sound bites, aborted tunes and feedback. Most of this actually adds to the texture of the record, but at times is a failure (Quicksilver 2, which is a reprise of an earlier track and opens disc 2, is pointless and features amateurish fade-in and fade-out). But the positives really massively outweigh these minor qualms.

FC & R is a big recording with many styles. At times it is adventurous and challenging. Cotton Mather it is not, but I no longer care. It is the best record I have heard in at least a year. Imagine the hoo-ha if Wilco had made this!

Robert Harrison Could Sing The Phonebook.......2007-05-17

It's so nice to hear this guy again, and he is still as quirky as he was with Cotton Mather.

Cotton Mather Orchestrated And It Works!.......2007-05-08

Other reviewers have mentioned the prior pop music contributions of Robert Harrison, leader of this group. At the helm of the Beatles-inspired pop rock group, Cotton Mather, he was responsible for two of the greatest releases of the '90s, namely "Kontiki" and "The Big Picture". For those not familiar with the vocal qualities of Robert Harrison, his sound is reminiscent of John Lennon which, of course, reinforces the Beatles connection.. Therefore, it is impressive how fresh sounding and non-derivative is the music that Robert Harrison produces.

Coming some six years since Cotton Mather's last effort, this release shows unmistakable links to the past in that Harrison "still has it" in terms of his ability to write great pop songs. That is really where he excels relative to some of the influences mentioned as contributing to this group's sound. Yes, there is a probable Flaming Lips' touch in the orchestral elements and psychedelic flourishes ala that group as well as 13th Floor Elevators. However, the songs here are, for the most part, outstanding, much better than those of the "influences".

Over the span of two CDs, there are only a few cuts that I would classify as filler. The highlights: "Let Me Get Your Coat", "Drugstore Bust", "You Will Be Loved", "Quicksilver", "Holy Janet Comes On Waves", "Our Time", "Build Havana", "Back Seat Silver Jet Sighter", "Malice Of Stars", "The Great Escape", "Altitude", "Armitage Shanks", "Safety Zone". I agree with another reviewer that this is the best popular music release thus far in 2007.

Average customer rating: you cant beat an Ira lyric. A Wonderful CD Quiet and elegant Disappointed they can't take that album away from me

Pure Gershwin Michael Feinstein Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Cabaret | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Isn't It Romantic Nice Work If You Can Get It: Songs by the Gershwins Remember: Michael Feinstein Sings Irving Berlin Michael & George (Feinstein Sings Gershwin) Romance on Film/Romance on Broadway ASIN: B000002H4W Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. S' Wonderful
2. Our Love Is Here To Stay
3. Liza
4. The World Is Mine
5. They Can't Take That Away From Me
6. Isn't It A Pity?
7. Let's Call The Whole Thing Off
8. Embraceable You
9. What Causes That?
10. He Loves And She Loves/How Long Has This Been Going On
11. They All Laughed
12. The Girl I Love
13. Someone To Watch Over Me

Amazon.com

Pure Gershwin was Michael Feinstein's first album, and it remains one of his best. It may not have the production values of his later Gershwin tributes, Nice Work if You Can Get It (1996) and Michael & George (1998), but it simply and directly presents Feinstein in his piano-bar days, singing to his own tasteful accompaniments with occasional contributions from bass and drums and a second piano. Establishing the patterns for his later albums, he sings unjustly neglected verses to familiar songs, uncovers some never-before-recorded gems ("The World Is Mine," "What Causes That"), and provides song-by-song notes. Longtime friend Rosemary Clooney guests on "Isn't It a Pity?" --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

you cant beat an Ira lyric........2007-01-05

this is good...and just to hear a REALLY GREAT "Isn't A Pity" duet with Rosie is well worth the price of admission. I REPEAT: just to hear a REALLY GREAT "Isn't A Pity" duet with Rosie is well worth the price of admission. listen & enjoy some great american music. you cant beat an Ira lyric.

A Wonderful CD.......2005-05-19

PURE GERSHWIN is just that, pure!. Feinstein interprets Gershwin the way it was meant to be performed. This is pure delight!

Quiet and elegant.......2003-04-20

Michael Feinstein's thin voice is compensated by his apparent enthusiasm for the material and a spare arrangement of piano, bass, and drum that gives this recording the ambiance of an intimate piano bar. Before hearing this disc, I knew only Gershwin's biggest hits, so many of the numbers here were new to me and increase my appreciation of that great American composer.

Disappointed.......2003-04-10

I bought this cd because I am a huge Gershwin enthusiast and am always on the lookout for versions of one of my favorite pieces, "Liza". I'd heard a lot of buzz about Feinstein and the supposed wonderfulness of his Gershwin interpretations, so I thought I would give this album a shot.

I was extremely disappointed. Feinstein seems to suck the life out of Gershwin's compositions, a feat I would have previously thought impossible. Though I concede that vocalists are free to reinterpret songs (many to a great success, as in Louis Armstrong's and Ella Fitzgerals's enjoyable versions of Gershwin), I think Feinstein's lazy tempos "loungy" voice make the tracks on this album boring and annoying.

I have loved to listen to and sing these songs my entire life. I just wanted to warn listeners who perhaps, like myself, enjoy George Gershwin's music for its beautiful clarity and energy (as easily experienced through Gershwin's own recordings, early interpretations by artists such as the Astaires, and even recent broadway "Crazy For You") that they will not experience any feeling of the sort from Michael Feinstein.

Amidst all the gushing that has recently been done over him, I found Michael Feinstein to have attempted to murder "Liza" and the other songs on this album. He merely displays a very unexceptional voice and poor interpretive taste. Fans beware, Feinstein proves that it is possible to make a bad cd of Gershwin songs. I'd recommend listening elsewhere.

they can't take that album away from me.......2002-05-09

they say the third time's a charm, but in this instance, it is the first time -- michael feinstein's first gershwin album -- that is the charm. this album is by far better and more listenable than the next two -- "feinstein sings gershwin" and "nice work if you can get it".

the listenability of this album may stem from the fact that it is a bare-bones arrangement, with two pianos, a bass and drums, a la a jazz trio, with no embellishment, so michael feinstein's then sincere and unsophisticated voice is the featured instrument.

i heartily recommend this album, as every song on it is a gem and feinstein's voice is more appealing than on the two later albums, when he jazzed it up with what sounds like an echo chamber and other electronic enhancements and he seems to be doing the songs by the numbers.

feinstein's version of "liza," slowed down to ballad form and plaintively phrased, is the best i have ever heard. the duet with rosemary clooney on "isn't it a pity," again brings out the best of feinstein's then-new voice and shows why george's (clooney) aunt is rightfully considered a jazz legend.

the combined "he loves and she loves/how long has this been going on" is another melodic/poignant highlight, while the album's finale, "someone to watch over me," is a stirring anthem to wanting and needing someone and is done with vocal and instrumental passion; it brings this collection of songs to a fitting crescendo.

for a lawyer's kid from columbus, ohio who started out cataloguing gershwin estate material for the reclusive ira and then began singing the songs for family and friends, michael feinstein has done all right for himself. he has become the recognized interpreter of the gershwin legacy, sort of the same way his pseudo-cousin, john, jr. feinstein, has become the recognized interpreter of the bob knight legacy... .

michael feinstein may have hit a home run his first time up with this album, and it may be his best, as it is the purest and most joyful celebration of gershwin tunes, while the others are fancier, more jazzed up and ponderous and less appealing.

the other albums are certainly not bad, though, and i recommend buying them to fill out a feinstein or gershwin collection, but this one is by far the best one to get if you are only going to get one as a sample of either's work. it is nice work, and you can get it.

Average customer rating: VERY VERY GOOD CD Are you missing me Review I like it Hopefully the future is kind to Elis

Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky Elis Manufacturer: Napalm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Goth | Goth & Industrial | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: God's Silence, Devil's Temptation Griefshire Lovelorn Where Twilight Dwells Vinland Saga ASIN: B0002ZXCYY Release Date: 2004-10-11

Tracks:

1. Der Letzte Tag
2. Anger
3. Lost Soul
4. Perfect Love
5. Heart In Chains
6. Die Zeit
7. Black Angel
8. Devil Inside You
9. Rebirth
10. Are You Missing Me
11. Ballade
12. Show Me Heaven (bonus track)

Album Description

Elis' debut album caused quite a commotion in 2003: God's Silence... was a triumphant, strategic advance that undoubtedly continues with the quintet's new opus, Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky. The CD displays superb, rich and varied Gothic Metal, with a heavy and occasional ballad-like edge. Altogether a deep and entertaining album - a new star in the "perfect sky".

Customer Reviews:

VERY VERY GOOD CD.......2007-05-22

Goth-metal, straight up rock with a female singer with the voice of a goddess. The first song on this CD, sung in the band's native tongue (German), is incredible. The remainder of the CD is very well crafted and the female vocalist is/was incredibly, incredibly talented. When I heard she had died at age 29, I was really saddened. What a loss to the world of music. Out of all the female vocalists I've heard over the years, this girl had it going on. I love her voice,layered and backed by throbbing rock and roll. Gracious, mesmerizing. Please don't let her death deter you from purchasing this CD. I highly recommend it. Add it to your collection. You won't be disappointed.

Are you missing me.......2006-07-13

I am not a big fan of heavy metal. I hated the '80s hair metal scene when I was in high school. I hated the nu metal schtick of the late '90s, early '00s. The only metal genre I enjoy is the gothic metal genre which has been around longer than Evanescence (who contrary to what some people might think, did not originate the goth metal sound...The Gathering is credited for creating the goth metal sound).

One of my favorite goth metal bands who I think have never really been recognized is the german band Elis. I discovered Elis accidently in the back pages of Outburn magazine (when it was STILL cool). I immediately went out to purchase the band's 2nd album "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky". There is a definite resemblence of Leaves' Eyes Liv Kristine in the voice of Sabine Duenser. Both women share that same delicate voice. The music is though a lot more aggressive IMO. The aggressive guitar riffs compliments Sabine's angelic vocals. A lot of that credit goes to producer Alexander Krull (Atrocity), Liv's husband. His production abilities are immaculate. His work on Elis' album as well as with his wife's albums are perfectly crisp and clean without being overly produced.

Some of the stand out tracks on "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky" are the ballads. "Perfect Love" and "Ballade" has that perfect combination of melody and sorrow without losing out that aggressive edge. I absolutely love working out to the aggressive track "Anger" or if I lose my temper, I often crank up this song and start taking out my anger to this song. Elis's sound may not be terribly original but they certainly know how to keep the goth metal genre from becoming bland and predictable.

It deeply saddens me to note mention this news. The heavy metal scene has lost one of its own. Elis lead singer Sabine Duenser recently passed away not even a week ago due to a cerebal hemorrage. This young woman had shown a lot of promise and had a bright future. You were loved and will be forever missed. RIP Sabine :(.

Review.......2006-06-15

Elis, a Liechtenstein-based 5-piece band began as "Erben Der Schöpfung" & they released their debut, "Twilight" in 2001. Vocalist Sabine Duenser and guitarist Pete Streit continued working together and Erben Der Schopfung morphed into Elis. They released their debut, "Gods Silence Devils Temptation" in 2003 to very good reviews, and quickly followed with "Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky" in February 2004. Their style of music is most often considered goth metal, but Elis incorporate electronics, doom, and rock into their music for a rather eclectic sound.

Following the path of bands like Lacuna Coil, Leaves' Eyes, Darkwell, Lacrimosa & The Gathering, ELIS is trying to find a place for themselves in the world of Gothic music, and with Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky, they succeeded in doing just that.

Let's start with the Album Cover Artwork. Vocalist Sabine Duenser says : "The picture with the butterfly is a symbol for the album title and so it is also a symbol for the message we want to give to the listener. There's this perfect butterfly, which is a picture of a real but dead butterfly- which is brutally speared on the sky. On the first look the picture just seems nice but when you have a closer look at it you see that it is not as nice as it seemed. The title Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky stands for the fact that in this world there exists nothing which is perfect. Everything, even when it seems to be perfect, has also a dark and ugly side. People only can be rich, because many people are poor. We like it when the sun shines but it has the power to burn everything. The nature can be very nice but on the other hand it can destroy lives with its power. So the title is a metaphor of our music, which also combines these dark and soft elements, and the lyrics which are about this contrast between good and bad. Also in a perfect sky there can appear dark clouds." [ from an interview with www.basementbar.com (Transcending the Mundane). ]

Upon first listen to Dark Clouds in A Perfect Sky, one may get the impression lead singer Sabine Duenser might be taking one too many nods from ex-Theatre of Tragedy vocalist and current Leaves' Eyes frontwoman, Liv Kristine. When you realize Liv Kristine is also the wife of Elis producer and manager Alexander Krull, the comparison might make a little more sense.
This is not really the case, though both vocalists do share similarities in their approach. They both can, and will pull out a booming soprano when needed or lull you into a mid-tempo trance.

There are 3 tracks in the band's native language, German : Der Letzte Tag (the last day) / Ballade (ballad) / Die Zeit (it's time). The other songs are Anger / Lost Soul / Heart in Chains / Perfect Love / Black Angel / Devil Inside You / Rebirth / Are You Missing Me / Show Me Heaven (Bonus Cut on Digipak Release)..Emotions range fom anger (guess which song that focuses on... ) , to love (Perfect Love) , to something we all have tendency to do, thinking too much (Are You Missing Me).

Der Letzte Tag , the album opener is bombastic with even an epic solo from Pete Streit near the conclusion. It's just how an opening track should be. Bassist Tom Saxer is featured on a couple of songs, where his extremely capable growl lends itself to the subject matter ("Lost Soul", "Heart in Chains", "Are You Missing Me").

All in all , this was an amazing listening experience. I enjoyed each & every song. However, I found myself trailing back to Black Angel , Show me Heaven , and Perfect Love..repeating them again & again...

Overall rating of the Album : 9/10

I like it.......2006-06-11

Frankly, with all the rather blah reviews here on Amazon it took me a while to get around to this cd, but when I listened to the samples I realized that it sounded very good -- and now that I have it and I've listened to it a few times I'm not really sure why so many people (well, 3 anyway) said that it was uninspired and unmemorable. I think it's much better than that, so I had to write a review.

Now, I'll admit, I'd be the first to say that if you're just getting into this kind of music, you should probably listen to Nightwish, Leaves' Eyes, Within Temptation first. Maybe Lacuna Coil too, I don't own any of them but enough people seem to like them. But if you really like this style of goth metal then this is a very good cd. Read what the official Amazon reviewer said, listen to the samples, and see for yourself.

I like it a great deal more than, say, Epica or After Forever, for example....

Hopefully the future is kind to Elis.......2006-01-26

3.5 stars

I discovered Elis completely by accident. I only bought this CD because I knew it was a female fronted the band and I thought the title of the CD was intriguing, luckily I didn't expect much on first listen. Sabine doesn't have the strongest voice you'll ever hear, she pretty much has the same vocal pattern for each song actually and the death growls, while good, don't fit at all. So a lot of the time it's the band pulling most of the weight.

My big issue with Dark Clouds In A Perfect Sky is that the songs don't have much variety. In fact, the only song that really stands apart from the others to me is Devil Inside You. I think every other song tries much too hard to be groundbreaking. Take Heart In Chains, there are some very good parts in the track, but the death metal growls and some of Sabine's vocals kind of ruin it. The closing song, Ballade, despite being performed completely in a foreign language, is the other strong track. It seems simplicity is key to this band making good music. Devil Inside You is pretty intricate, but I just think Elis shines on ballad-type songs.

My two favorite songs are Devil Inside You and Ballade. There's so much potential in this CD, but it doesn't seem Elis tried to capture it and use it to their advantage. If they want to be compared to a band as truly amazing as Nightwish, then they better step their game way up.

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