The Lake [EP] [EP]

Village Voice
"Baroque, jazz-influenced arrangements are tempered and sweetened by deft musicianship, it's Antony's heart-stopping vocal salvos that bring the house down."

Product Description
Conceived as an introduction to Antony & The Johnson's new full-length 'I Am a Bird Now' (due 2-1-05 on Secretly Canadian), 'The Lake' consists of three songs: the lead-off single to 'I Am a Bird Now' and two previously unreleased songs, one of which was featured on Devendra Banhart's 'Golden Apple of the Sun' (Bastet) earlier this year. Less orchestrated than Antony & The Johnson's self-titled debut, 'The Lake' shows a confidence and maturity that many fans in New York have grown to love.

The Lake [EP],Antony and the Johnsons,Secretly Canadian,Baroque Pop,Chamber Pop,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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The Lake [EP] [EP]

Average customer rating: classic music CD Good for beginners Great mix Good for first-timer 25 Classical Favorites cd

25 Classical Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Polkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rachmaninov | Rachmaninov, Sergei | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sousa | Sousa, John Philip | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Vivaldi | Vivaldi, Antonio | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music French Horn | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Romantic Classics 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Tchaikovsky Favorites 25 Bach Favorites ASIN: B0000058HT Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

1. Eine Klein Nachtmusik: (I. Allegro)
2. Nutcracker Suite: (Russian Dance)
3. The Four Seasons, Op. 8: (Spring: I. Allegro)
4. Hungarian Dance No. 5 In G Minor
5. Symphony in D, K. 161 - 163: (III. Presto)
6. Waltz In D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1
7. Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
8. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G, S. 1048: (III. Allegro)
9. Swan Lake: (Dance Of The Swans)
10. Carmen Suite No. 2: (Habanera)
11. Messiah: (Overture)
12. Wind Serenade 'The Marriage Of Figaro': Overture
13. Violin Concerto No. 1 In G Minor, Op. 12: (III. Allegro)
14. Water Music: (Overture)
15. Sleeping Beauty Ballet Suite, Op. 66: (Panorama)
16. Symphony No. 26 In E-flat Major, K. 184: (III. Allegro)
17. Waltz No. 10 In B Minor, Op. 69 No. 2
18. Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor, S. 1041: (III. Allegro)
19. Water Music: (Lentement)
20. Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049: (II. Andante)
21. Habanera
22. Horn Concerto No. 3 In E-Flat Major, K. 447: (II. Romanza)
23. Rhapsody On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 43: (Variation No. 18)
24. Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
25. Stars And Stripes Forever

Customer Reviews:

classic music CD.......2007-06-27

The CD was well represented by the clips on the Amazon website and came in time for our event. We did have a problem with the charge but that was taken care of promptly. Great service.

Good for beginners.......2007-02-15

It is an excellent collection of classical music. I would recommend this CD if you have a friend who don't like classical music, since it has the most beautiful overtures and portions of famous artists. If you are a Classic Music Savvy you probably will not be impressed by it, unless you want to play the CD as background music in a friends gathering.

Great mix.......2007-02-14

All the best composers! Over an hour of music. A samble of the greatest pieces.

Good for first-timer.......2007-01-22

This is the first time I have ever bought a classical music CD and I was very pleased with this one. It has a good variety of selections. I would buy it again.

25 Classical Favorites cd.......2007-01-06

This CD has so many of my favorite, lively classical music -- love it!!

Average customer rating: Great rendition, minor flaws The best rendition Love this music! Which bargain Swan Lake to choose? The Best Swan Lake!

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra Piotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky , Wolfgang Sawallisch , and Philadelphia Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sawallisch, Wolfgang | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Sawallisch, Wolfgang | ( S ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / American Ballet Theatre, Murphy, Corella Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet The Sleeping Beauty ASIN: B0000CE7H1 Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

1. Introduction: Moderato Assai - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
2. No.1 - Scene: Allegro Giusto
3. No.2 - Valse: Tempo Di Valse
4. No.3 - Scene: Allegro Moderato
5. I: Intrada: Allegro
6. II: Adagio: Andante Sostenuto
7. III: Allegro Semplice
8. IV: Moderato
9. V: Allegro
10. VI: Coda: Allegro Vivace
11. I: Tempo Di Valse Ma Non Troppo Vivo, Quasi Moderato
12. II: Andante - Allegro - Norman Carol
13. III: Tempo Di Valse
14. IV: Coda: Allegro Molto Vivace
15. No.6 - Pas D'Action: Andantino Quasi Moderato - Allegro
16. No.7 - Sujet
17. No.8 - Danse Des Coupes: Tempo Di Polacca
18. No.9 - Finale: Andante
19. No.10 - Scene: Moderato
20. No.11 - Scene: Allegro Moderato - Allegro Vivo
21. No.12 - Scene: Allegro
22. I: Tempo Di Valse
23. II: Moderato Assai - Molto Piu Mosso
24. III: Danses Des Cygnes: Tempo Di Valse
25. IV: Allegro Moderato
26. V: Pas D'Action (Odette Et Le Prince): Andante - Andante Non Troppo - Allegro - Norman Carol

Tracks:

1. VI: Tempo Di Valse: Tout Le Monde Danse
2. VII: Coda: Allegro Vivo
3. No.14 - Scene: Moderato
4. No.15 - Scene: Allegro Giusto
5. No.16 - Danse Du Corps De Ballet Et Des Nains: Moderato Assai - Allegro Vivo
6. No.17 - Scene: Sortie Des Invites Et Valse: Allegro - Tempo Di Valse
7. No.18 - Scene: Allegro - Allegro Giusto
8. I: Intrada: Moderato Assai
9. II: Variation I: Allegro
10. III: Variation II: Andante Con Moto
11. IV: Variation III: Moderato
12. V: Variation IV: Allegro
13. VI: Variation V: Moderato - Allegro Semplice
14. VII: Coda: Allegro Molto
15. I: Moderato - Andante - Norman Carol
16. II: Variation I: Allegro Moderato
17. III: Variation II: Allegro
18. III: Coda: Allegro Molto Vivace
19. No.20 - Danse Hongroise - Czardas (Moderato Assai - Allegro Moderato - Vivace
20. Appendix 2: Danse Russe: Moderato - Allegro Semplice - Allegro Vivo - Norman Carol
21. No.21 - Danse Espagnole: Allegro Non Troppo, Tempo Di Bolero
22. No.22 - Danse Napolitaine: Allegro Moderato - Andantino Quasi Moderato - Presto - Frank Kaderbarek
23. No.23 - Mazurka: Solistes Et Corps De Ballet Tempo Di Mazurka
24. No.24 - Scene: Allegro - Valse - Allegro Vivo
25. No.25 - Entr'Acte: Moderato
26. No.26 - Scene: Allegro Non Troppo
27. No.27 - Danses Des Petits Cygnes: Moderato
28. No.28 - Scene: Allegro Agitato - Molto Meno Mosso - Allegro Vivace
29. No.29 - Scene Finale: Andante - Allegro Agitato - Alla Breve - Moderato

Customer Reviews:

Great rendition, minor flaws.......2007-07-10

I quite thoroughly enjoyed this rendition of Swan Lake. I've listened to one other version by Dutoit before this one, and I have to say that Sawallisch's version is, on the whole, much better. The major difference is that I didn't get bored by the third act; Sawallisch managed to make it interesting but picking up some of the tempos.

Some complaints: the orchestra doesn't get as loud and triumphant as I'd like it in parts, the violin solo in No.12-V: Pas D'action isn't the best, and I can't really hear the tam-tam in the last track. Besides that, everything is superb.

One final note: The CD does actually contain the Black Swan Pas de Deux, but as Tchaikovsky originally wrote it. If you read the sleeve, it says under No.5 (tracks 11 to 14), "Four short formal dances for the Prince and a ballerina. They became known as the 'Black Swan' pas de deux after Petipa's production transposed it to Act 3." Apparently, about 20 years after the original Swan Lake (and a few years after Tchaikovsky's death) some guy called Riccardo Drigo made drastic changes to Tchaikovsky's original score. One of the changes he made was the aforementioned Black Swan Pas de Deux, deleting parts and adding his own orchestrations. In my opinion, I'd rather listen to Tchaikovsky's original music as he intended rather than some unknown's variations. Thankfully, Sawallisch had the Philadelphia Orchestra play the complete, original Swan Lake as Tchaikovsky composed it.

The best rendition.......2007-03-03

I enjoyed this cd because all the other "complete versions" had parts missing. To my big surprise, this also has a big cut in it concerning the music for the black swan. I was, to say the least, a bit taken aback because of this, but comparing the time on these discs, this version surpasses any other in length so I guess I'm satisfied as well as miffed. This rendition is clear, crisp, and moves at a the correct pace a very good recording. You can't beat it for the price that its being sold for.

Love this music!.......2006-08-31

Love the CD (it has two rare favs of mine... the faster Black Swan Variation and the extended Russian Dance) however, I was shocked not to find Black Swan Pas de Deux. How can you have a COMPLETE Swan Lake recording and not include that?!?!?!

Which bargain Swan Lake to choose?.......2006-05-22

This Swan Lake, now offered at super-bargain price, was one of Sawallisch's better ventures in Philadelphia. The orchestra is superlative, the recorded sound quite good, and Sawallishc's conducting fairly spirited. He is by nature a foursquare interpreter, so this Swan Lake doesn't dance as lightly or vivaciously as it might. Even so, I can see why someone would be enthusiastic about it.

There's lots of competition in the bargain range, however. In fact, the best versions at this point are all low-priced, including Ozawa with the bSO on DG and Ansermet with his Suisse Romande orchestra on Decca. I would say that Ozawa ranks about equal with Sawallisch, and the Boston Sym. certainly plays exquisitely. Dorati with Minneapolis on Mercury is more balletic, but his set is in mono and the orchestra suonds scrappy next to great ensembles like the BSO (the price of the Dorati is higher, too).

Andre Previn gives a solid, middle-of-the-road reading on EMI with the London Sym., and he is never as dull as Slatkin on RCA with the St. Louis Sym., another super-bargain release that rarely gets off the ground--strange, since this is easy music to conduct if you have a lively beat.

I either own or have heard all of them, and far and away the most stylish and exciting is the Ansermet set, offered on a Decca two-fer that needs remastering to take off the digital edge but is otherwise an outstanding example of ballet conducting at its best. By comparison, the glossy Sawallisch reading is conventional and earthbound.

The Best Swan Lake!.......2006-04-17

In my opinion, the greatest of Tchaikovsky's three ballets is "Le Lac des Cynges (Swan Lake)" (Op. 20). This ballet is the longest and the most interesting, exhilirating, and beautiful music he has ever written.

This recording of Swan Lake is the best one I've heard so far. This recording has excellent sound quality, the cymbals are loud, and the echoing effect is perfect. If you are a ballet fan like me, you will like--no--love this recording of Swan Lake. The speed is perfect, not too fast, and not too slow. I think that this recording would make an excellent addition to anyone's ballet collection.

Average customer rating: Review of The Lake House Great Movie Nice music A wonderful way to relive the movie! Wine and roses to Lakehouse soundrtack

The Lake House Rachel Portman Manufacturer: Lakeshore Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Lake House (Widescreen Edition) Persuasion (Tor Classics) The Holiday (Score) The Devil Wears Prada The Da Vinci Code ASIN: B000FS2WJO Release Date: 2006-06-20

Tracks:

1. This Never Happened Before _ Paul McCartney
2. (I Cant Seem To) Make You Mine _ The Clientele
3. Time Has Told Me _ Nick Drake
4. Ant Farm _ Eels
5. Its Too Late _ Carole King
6. The Lakehouse _ Rachel Portman
7. Pawprints _ Rachel Portman
8. Tough Week _ Rachel Portman
9. Mailbox _ Rachel Portman
10. Sunsets _ Rachel Portman
11. Alex's Father _ Rachel Portman
12. Il Mare _ Rachel Portman
13. Tell Me More _ Rachel Portman
14. She's Gone _ Rachel Portman
15. Wait For Me _ Rachel Portman
16. You Waited _ Rachel Portman
17. I Waited _ Rachel Portman

Amazon.com

The first five tracks on the soundtrack to this Sandra Bullock/Keanu Reeves romantic drama are wonderfully wistful songs. The first, Paul McCartney's "This Never Happened Before" from his 2005 album Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, sets the tone. The low-key mood is then picked up by new romantic souls like the Clientele (the languidly forlorn "(I Can't Seem to) Make You Mine") and Eels (the fiddle-accented ballad "Ant Farm"), and classic songwriters Nick Drake (with 1969's "Time Has Told Me") and Carole King (1971's "It's Too Late"). The rest of the album is made up of Rachel Portman's intimately romantic score. Portman makes good use of melody lines driven sometimes by a piano ("Mailbox") and sometimes an acoustic guitar ("Tell Me More"), while also ensuring that the orchestra never threatens to overwhelm them. And when strings dominate, they never feel rote ("Sunsets"). The music isn't in-your-face sad but tinged with a sense of very adult melancholy. Whoever thought that one day we'd say that of something attached to a Keanu Reeves movie? --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

Review of The Lake House.......2007-03-07

I'm really enjoying this CD. It does indeed reflect the ambience of the movie, with some great songs. Would prefer if it had a few more vocalised tracks, however, the ones that are there are great, especially Carole King's It's Too Late. The songs without lyrics are also really nice.

Great Movie.......2007-02-20

The movie is pretty creative in the sense that two people living in two different years come at the end happily ever after.

Nice music.......2007-02-06

I love the Paul McCartney song that they played during the "dance" scene. The rest of the cd is background music. I would have like more lyrics, but it is still a soothing soundtrack all in all.

A wonderful way to relive the movie!.......2007-01-17

This is a short review to say just how much I'm enjoying the motion picture soundtrack to The Lake House. Though I now seem to be watching the DVD of The Lake House at least once every week, I'm listening to the musical soundtrack everyday. I wish Rosemary Clooney's song, There Will Never Be Another You, was on the CD, as well as the instrumental music that was played when Alex plants the tree in from of Kate's future apartment complex in Chicago. Still, this is a great CD with music that brings back the most wonderful memories of the movie. In my opinion, this is what movie music is supposed to do. A really good soundtrack has to be able to stand on its own, and The Lake House does with flying colors. If you enjoyed the film, then you'll love having the CD to listen to.

Wine and roses to Lakehouse soundrtack.......2007-01-12

Marvelous climate, wonderful to play on a romantic dinner or driving date. Will help gain the heart (and much more!) of your sweetheart. And a nice reminder of the movie.

Average customer rating: Use my hands to use my heart Rightly praised youthful mastery on display in spades Amazing deserving of the label "masterpiece" Between A Sun Came and Illinois, is where Michigan is

Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State Sufjan Stevens Manufacturer: Asthmatic Kitty ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ambient Pop | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Crane Wife At War with the Mystics Takk... Return to Cookie Mountain (with Bonus Tracks) Fox Confessor Brings the Flood ASIN: B00009V7TZ Release Date: 2003-07-01

Tracks:

1. Flint (For The Unemployed And Underpaid)
2. All Good Naysayers, Speak Up! Or Forever Hold Your Peace!
3. For The Windows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti
4. Say Yes! To M!ch!gan!
5. The Upper Peninsula
6. Tahquamenon Falls
7. Holland
8. Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head! (Rebuild! Restore! Reconsider!)
9. Romulus
10. Alanson, Crooked River
11. Sleeping Bear, Sault Saint Marie
12. They Also Mourn Who Do Not Wear Black (For The Homeless In Muskegon)
13. Oh God, Where Are You Now? (In Pickeral Lake? Pigeon? Marquette? Mackinaw?)
14. Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)
15. Vito's Ordination Song

Customer Reviews:

Use my hands to use my heart.......2007-07-09

Even though I usually stick to the coasts, I'll always have a place in my heart for Michigan -- I was born there, after all.

It also happens to be the first album in Sufjan Stevens' proposed fifty-state-album project, "Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State." Stevens' mellow indie-folk rules the album with a gentle hand, from sprightly folkpop to banjo balladry -- and it's as fun as it is complex and alluring.

It opens with a gentle piano, joined in by a chorus of horns. "It's the same outside/Driving to the riverside/I pretend to cry/Even if I cried alone," Stevens murmurs, embodying a worker who isn't working. Despite its simplicity, it's packed with self-trickery and windy dissatisfaction. "I forgot the part/Use my hands to use my heart/Even if I died alone..."

Then the tone totally changes with "All Good Naysayers, Speak Up! Or Forever Hold Your Peace," a sprightly little pop tune, and the folky banjo of "For The Windows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti." From there, he tries out variations of all his folky talents -- dreamlike folkpop, swaying wistful folk, sparkling xylophone, guitar ballads, and steady pipe organs leading into a bluesy ballad.

But the best songs of all are when Stevens combines all his musical influences into one enormous joyous mass of sound -- "Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head! (Rebuild! Restore! Reconsider!)" is a glorious mishmash of pop, xylophone, piano, horns and folky interludes, blended into a great soaring epic. So is the luminous "They Also Mourn Who Do Not Wear Black (For The Homeless In Muskegon)."

Sufjan Stevens is one of those rarest artists whose ambitions are dwarfed by their ability -- the guy is a truly brilliant musician and songwriter, which makes his fifty state album goal (assuming he still has it) doesn't seem beyond his reach. Well, time constrains, but he could wring beauty and life from each state.

Certainly his musical ability is astounding -- smooth piano played with wistfulness and energy, a sizzle of electric in "The Upper Peninsula," and mellow acoustic guitar and plucked banjo to give it that folky unpolished sound, along with some slow drums in the background. They're earthy and solid, yet somehow still very polished and solid.

But the music is more colourful than that, with a xylophone played with the delicacy of windchimes. Some of the songs are just that -- xylophone tinkling at us prettily, and nothing else. And many songs are backed by a chorus of horns -- sometimes they blare happily at us, sometimes they groan mournfully through the melodies.

Stevens' voice is well-suited to all this -- deep, smooth and meditative, but he can sing a more energetic tune when he wants to. And he packs plenty of meaning into deceptively simple lyrics, full of Michigan's woes, love of God, past experiences, improving the world, poverty, and just his love of the state. "If the lakes took/The place of the sea/If the cars drove themselves/Way to be!/Opposite the trains moving in/Rivers run interstate, Michigan!"

Few freakfolk artists can even approach the brilliance of Sufjan Stevens' "Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State," a practically perfect little folkpop gem. Say YES to "Michigan!"

Rightly praised youthful mastery on display in spades.......2007-04-25

Ambitious wunderkind Stevens certainly brought an elevated vocabulary to the progressive folk he had been cultivating, gaining attention before this gigantic indie release took America's musical underground by storm. The first in the purported 50 state series, as laughable a concept that may seem, this is a powerful realization of Sufjan's rustic melancholia, large compositional arrangements, and eclectic instrumentation all driven by an intense talent to dazzle in the most pleasant of lo-fi ways. At times the enveloping production can almost drown out the simple beauty behind many of these strangely titled songs, particularly when these extra helpings of instrumental prowess feel more ornamental then anything else. The fact remains however, Stevens rose above pretty much any other artist that has tried to make a banjo seem relevant to anyone under 35, proving underneath the overdone arrangements and delicate strumming lies the current Brian Wilson of indie music.

Amazing.......2007-03-09

Everyone says that Illinois is Sufjan's best album, but they are oh so mistaken. It surely is Michigan. There aren't even words to describe this album. It's devastingly beautiful & honest. I just love it. I've been listening to it non-stop. So amazing.

deserving of the label "masterpiece".......2007-02-26

bought this after hearing 1 track on college radio KTRU in houston; listening to it time and again, i cannot pick a favorite track, as each stands alone in brilliance and yet is bound by the context of the whole album (which is how its meant to be listened to, not just a cut here & there).

i am amazed there are artists like sufjan stevens. and oh so grateful.

Between A Sun Came and Illinois, is where Michigan is.......2007-02-23

The first Sufjan CD I bought was Illinois, which is now one of my all-time favorites. Then I got A Sun Came, and I can hear the potential, in an overall rather weak album. So now I've listened to Michigan, and it lies somewhere between the brilliance of Illinois, and the childishness of A Sun Came. "Flint (for the Unemployed and Underpaid)" has all the heartbreak of "Casimir Pulaski Day" but "Oh God, Where Are You Now? (In Pickeral Lake? Pigeon? Marquette? ...)" is as stupefying as "A Winner Needs A Wand".
Overall I'd give this 4 stars, but I'd recommend that for someone who's new to Sufjan, to start with Illinois. Download "Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head! (Rebuild! Restore! Reconsider!)" and "Say Yes! To M!ch!gan!"

Average customer rating: hmmmm Good Introduction but poor quality Tchaikovsky's Greatest Pieces of Music great music poorely performed. Great!

25 Tchaikovsky Favorites Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 25 Mozart Favorites 25 Beethoven Favorites 25 Bach Favorites 25 Vivaldi Favorites 25 Classical Favorites ASIN: B0000058HZ Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
3. Dance Of The Flutes
4. Scene
5. Waltz
6. Dance of the Swans
7. Scene 2
8. Hungarian Dance
9. III. Scherzo
10. I. Adagio; Allegro Non Troppo
11. II. Allegro Con Grazia
12. III. Allegro Molto Vivace
13. II. Andante Cantabile
14. Capriccio Italien In A Major, Op. 45
15. Marche Slave In B Flat, Op. 31
16. June - Michael Ponti
17. II. Andantino Simplice - Felicja Blumental
18. Coronation March
19. Eugen Onegin: Waltz
20. Romeo & Juliet: Fantasy-Overture
21. Serenade For Strings: II. Waltz
22. Sleeping Beauty: Tempo Di Valse
23. String Quartet In D Major, Op. 11: Andante Cantabile
24. Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 35: III. Allegro Vivacissimo - Aaron Rosand
25. 1812 Overture, Op. 49: Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

hmmmm.......2005-09-14

definitely not the best rendition of the popular suite.on the other hand,try finding another one.
stuff is edited,bludgeoned,rather.
tempos verge on comical.
rather disapointing,I really needed a nice version of the sugar plum faerie dance.
will probably stick to Wendy Carlos's,cheesy,runningly cheesy,blue cheese smelly,even,as it might be,still holds the original pace and campy pomp.

...not nuch of a cheese shop is it?
-it's fairly clean.
certainly not contaminated by Cleese!

Good Introduction but poor quality.......2005-09-12

This is a good introduction to Tchaikovsky for the beginner that gives a broad sampling of his work. Considering the price, it's a good value if someone is just wanting to begin exploring classical music or Tchaikovsky in particular.
However, the sound quality on this albumn is quite poor and there are much higher quality Tchaikovsky recordings available.

Tchaikovsky's Greatest Pieces of Music.......2000-09-04

Here are some of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky's greatest works. His Nutcraker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty ballets are the most famous in the repoirtaire. The Symphony No. 5 and 6 are very excellent symphonic orchestrations. However, despite all the good stuff in here from the Russian master, the performers and conductors cannot surpass the beauty and artistry that such Tchaikovsky music masters as Dorati, Markevitch and Ormandy are. So if you want quality Tchaikovsky, get those conductor renditions. However, for a Tchaikovsky beginner, these pieces will get you hooked. This is a good cd to begin with for a Tchaikovsky listener. I am a Tchaikovsky listener ever since a friend recommended his glorious works to me. I am a Mozart fan but Tchaikovsky is undoubtedly the greatest Romantic composer of all time. He combines Russian melodies (Russian dances, mazurkas, waltzes) and gives them a definite Western romantic feel. He was friends with such noted Romantic composers as Camille Saint Saens, known to create such marvelous music of the era- Carnival of the Animals (now popular through Dysney) and Danse Macabre, to name only a small portion. Tchaikovsky also adored Mozart and although he is not exactly a Classical composer, he greatly admires the beauty of Mozart's works. Three cheers for Tchaikovsky !

great music poorely performed........1999-09-18

T. is my favourite composer but the interpretation on this CD is rather like a good effort in high shool

Great!.......1999-04-18

I think that Peter Tchaikovsky is one of the greatest composers ever. His Nutcracker suite and Capriccio Italien are wonderful pieces of music, as well as the rest of his pieces! This CD is definetly worth owning if you like classical music.

Average customer rating: Woo Hoo! Einstein The baby danced. A Lot of Fun for Playtime Synthesized dreck

Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box Manufacturer: Buena Vista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chopin | Chopin, Frédéric | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ponchielli | Ponchielli, Amilcare | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Strauss Jr., Johann | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Lullabies | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Children's Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Children's Music | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music CDs | Music & Video | Products | Similar Items: Baby Einstein: Lullaby Classics Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies Baby Mozart Baby Neptune Baby Einstein: Music Box Orchestra ASIN: B0006SSRP6 Release Date: 2004-12-21

Tracks:

1. Carmen Suite Medley
2. Snow Maiden, Dance Of The Birds
3. William Tell Overture, 'Lone Ranger'
4. Flight Of The Bumblebee
5. Humpty Dumpty/Child's Verse Medley
6. The Bartered Bride, Furiant
7. Minute Waltz
8. Gaite Parisienne, Vivo
9. Hey Diddle Diddle
10. Wellington's Victory, Op.91, 'England'
11. Wellington's Victory, Op.91, 'Victory Finale'
12. Swan Lake, Waltz
13. Old MacDonald Had A Farm
14. Happy Farmer
15. Farmer In The Dell
16. Jack & Jill
17. Symphony No.4
18. Dance Of The Hours
19. The Bartered Bride, Skokna
20. Voices Of Spring, Waltz

Product Description

The Playtime Music Box music CD is a 20-track, 31-minute concert featuring a collection of up-beat classical melodies and traditional song favorites to inspire your little one to dance, clap and play! Each delightful piece was specially selected and produced to bring musical fun to any activity - playtime, travel time, tummy time and more. Playtime Music Box includes classical pieces such as Rossini's ?Ç£William Tell Overture?Ç¥ and Schumann's ?Ç£Happy Farmer,?Ç¥ as well as ?Ç£Old MacDonald Had a Farm.?Ç¥Musical Selections:1. Carmen Suite, Medley, G. Bizet2. Snow Maiden, Danse des Oiseaux, N. Rimsky-Korsakov3. William Tell Overture, G. Rossini4. Flight of the Bumblebee, N. Rimsky-Korsakov5. Humpty Dumpty, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)6. The Bartered Bride Suite, Furiant, B. Smetana7. Minute Waltz, F. Chopin8. Gaite Parisienne, Vivo, J. Offenbach9. Hey Diddle Diddle, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)10. Wellington's Victory, Op 91, England, L. Beethoven11. Wellington's Victory, Op 91, Victory Finale, L. Beethoven12. Swan Lake, Waltz, P. Tchaikovsky13. Old MacDonald Had a Farm, traditional14. Happy Farmer, R. Schumann15. Farmer in the Dell, traditional16. Jack & Jill, W. Weisbach (traditional verse)17. Symphony No. 4, Italian, F. Mendelssohn18. Dance of the Hours, A. Ponchielli19. The Bartered Bride Suite, Skocna, B. Smetana20. Voices of Spring, Waltz, J. Strauss IIAge: birth +

Customer Reviews:

Woo Hoo!.......2007-05-07

This is by far the best CD in the Baby Einstein collection--it will put your toddler in hyperactive playful mode and exhaust you as you try to keep up. But for today's overweight, tv- and game- addicted children, this is great!

Einstein.......2007-04-09

Anything that has an Einstein in the title my twins love. I used to play this for them at night while they slept.

The baby danced........2007-03-09

I gave Baby Einstein: Playtime Music Box to a little boy on his first birthday. He loves it and dances and dances to the music.

A Lot of Fun for Playtime.......2006-01-04

This CD is a lot of fun. The music is bubbly and upbeat and makes you want to get up and dance or just jump around. It's a great way to spend some play time with your kids. And the classical music exposure is a bonus.

Synthesized dreck.......2005-08-13

Why did the producers use synthesizers for this music? It's awful. It's possible to hook kids on classical music using the actual instruments written for it - that's how I got hooked. That's what Mel Blanc and Disney did in their cartoons, Bugs Bunny and Fantasia. I do NOT recommend this CD to anyone. It was a shower gift. If you are not familiar with classical music, then I recommend "Baby Needs Beethoven", which is a collection of music using real instruments (albeit shortened - no full length symphonies here).

Average customer rating: After Years: The Most Complete Anthology of the Band!... A Great Distillation Of ELP's Career out-dated high concept Beware! Is it just me or....?

The Essential Emerson, Lake & Palmer Lake & Palmer Emerson Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | 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 International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Very Best Of The Definitive Rock Collection Some Enchanted Evening The Ultimate Yes Out of the Blue ASIN: B000LPR5AM Release Date: 2007-01-30

Tracks:

1. The Barbarian
2. Take A Pebble
3. Knife-Edge
4. Tank
5. Lucky Man
6. Tarkusa) Eruptionb) Stones Of Yearsc) Iconoclastd) Masse) Manticoref)
7. Bitches Crystal
8. Nutrocker
9. From The Beginning
10. Hoedown
11. Trilogy

Tracks:

1. The Endless Enigma, Part One
2. Fugue
3. The Endless Enigma, Part Two
4. Jerusalem
5. Toccata
6. Still ... You Turn Me On
7. Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression - Part 1
8. Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression - Part 2
9. Jeremy Bender / The Sheriff (medley)
10. I Believe In Father Christmas
11. C'est La Vie
12. Fanfare For The Common Man
13. Honky Tonk Train Blues
14. Canario
15. Peter Gunn
16. Black Moon
17. Paper Blood

Album Description

A comprehensive, career-spanning collection from one of progressive rock's most popular groups.

On 2 CDs crammed with nearly 160 minutes of music!

The fully remastered 28-song set, compiled with ELP's participation, brings together their biggest hits, including "Lucky Man," "From The Beginning," "Karn Evil 9: 1st Impression - Part 2" and "I Believe In Father Christmas," as well as other must-have recordings drawn from all of the albums they released in their '70s heyday--their self-titled debut (1970), Tarkus (1971), Trilogy (1972), Pictures At An Exhibition (1972), Brain Salad Surgery (1973), Welcome Back My Friends To The Show That Never Ends (1974), Works, Vol. 1 & Works, Vol. 2 (both 1977), Love Beach (1978) and Emerson Lake & Palmer In Concert (aka Works Live) (1979)--and the reunion album Black Moon (1992).

Comes with a fully-illustrated booklet containing color photos, detailed liner notes and complete track info.

Customer Reviews:

After Years: The Most Complete Anthology of the Band!..........2007-07-12

Just at first sight, this anthology contains some of the most interesting music material of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, covering all the spectrum of their music in seventies from the easy listening songs of the first albums "Lucky Man" to their most experimental progressive side like "Toccata". But with a double look, we can observe this:

1. the soft Country-folk side with "Lucky Man", "From the Beginning", "Still... You Turn Me On" and "C'est La Vie".
2. the dynamic Western side with "Jeremy Bender", "Hoedown" and "The Sheriff".
3. The most progressive side with the long tracks "Tarkus", "Take a Pebble", "Trilogy", "Toccata" or "Black Moon"
4. The Classic covers like "Peter Gun", "Nutrocker", "Fanfare For The Common Man" or "Hoedown"
5. The absence of the great experimental track "Infinite Space", and "Karn Evil 9" Third Impression that is better than the first part.
6. Maybe some diferences in vocal lines like "Jerusalem", but a curious object of collection.
7. The commercial side with "Knife Edge", "I Believe In Father Christmas" or "Paper blood"...

And with a great remastered recording, this anthology maybe is the most complete and representative anthology of the band!... so Good Luck!

A Great Distillation Of ELP's Career.......2007-05-23

THE ESSENTIAL EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER is a great distillation of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's career, but this isn't all that Shout! Factory is going to do for the band's legacy, as they are planning to reissue the band's entire catalog. I hope to get the self-titled debut, TRILOGY, and BRAIN SALAD SURGERY in their own right, in addition to this collection. Whoever is complaining about the mixes on certain songs is someone who's kids' teachers should assign them summer homework as punishment for their parents' sins. In fact, the people who carp and peeve over minor points regarding this anthology are in desperate need of B-vitamins and omega-3 oils to improve their moods. This is a great collection for those who don't want ALL of the original CDs. If you buy this one, the self-titled debut, TRILOGY, and BRAIN SALAD SURGERY, you'll have all the ELP you need.

out-dated high concept.......2007-05-03

Having only heard the pop hits on the radio before, I bought this collection, seeking out a favorite like BLACK MOON in particular, to find the 2-CD collection is mainly screechy whiney instrumentals that are faux jazz and badly conceived and executed. A friend advised me ELP was in the category of ART ROCK, along with ELO, which is another band that hasn't fared well over time. If you like high-pitched instrumentals, this collection is for you, but if you don't like instrumentals of the high-pitched or standard variety, skip this. If you're looking for their few pop hits, which are well-done, even if the lyrics are pretentious - and this trio exhibits a truly schizoid personality, in their pop realizations vs the jazz - it would be better to find anthology collections which include the song or songs you're looking for or buy one of their individual CDs.

Beware!.......2007-04-14

Something is horribly wrong with the mixing of the Brain Salad Surgery tracks on disc two. They sound atrocious. I don't understand how this was missed by Shout Factory. If these songs were the right mixes, I would have given a higher rating, but this foul up is unforgivable. You may be better off to search for the older Rhino releases. I don't know if this will be remedied when Shout Factory re-releases Brain Salad Surgery later this year. I for one will wait to read reviews on whether the proper mixes are on there or not.

Is it just me or....?.......2007-04-03

Dittos on what everyone says about the collection- I am a BIG fan, but... The mastering on Karn Evil 9 is diasterous! The kick drum is brought up way too far in the mix and has a distracting tubby sound that is noticeable even in the Amazon demo stream. This is not the band's fault, but my favorite song has been rendered very irritating now!

Average customer rating: This is a "Tank" nothing can get in its way. Great CD "REMASTERING", AD INFINITUM, AD NAUSEUM, AD WALLET own this album ELP's Debut Album Finally Gets Remastered Right!

Emerson, Lake & Palmer Lake & Palmer Emerson Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tarkus Trilogy Pictures at an Exhibition Brain Salad Surgery Out of the Blue ASIN: B000NVL9FQ Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

1. The Barbarian
2. Take A Pebble
3. Knife-Edge
4. Medley: The Three Fates/Lachesis/Atropos
5. Tank
6. Lucky Man

Album Description

Debut album Emerson Lake & Palmer marked the beginning of a progressive rock movement that continues to influence countless bands and musicians. On songs like "The Barbarian" and "Knife-Edge," ELP presented classical pieces in a completely new context. And with "Lucky Man," the band had a popular hit that immediately made them a worldwide sensation. Remastered from the original master tapes.

Customer Reviews:

This is a "Tank" nothing can get in its way........2007-06-30

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various recordings from the 60's and 70's.

Rockerusa2002 (Thank you) should be credited for setting the record straight about the ELP remasters shifting from label to label isn't about greed. If people are aware of the history of the group they are totally understanding of the endless pursuit Keith, Greg, and Carl had for the perfect sound in the studio and live environments. One of many examples was Emerson's displeasure with the inability to recreate the studio sound of "Abaddon's Bolero" on the Trilogy tour.

The debut record from ELP was a stunning achievement. From the opening notes of the "Barbarian" sending shockwave's through your system to the final verse of "Lucky Man" it is one of the finest initial recordings from any band.

Could Emerson equal or surpass the ground breaking sounds of the Nice? Would Carl Palmer be able to excel the same way as he did on the first Atomic Rooster LP? Could Greg Lake justify leaving King Crimson?

The musical diversity and brilliance of the six tracks answered every question with a resounding "YES." "The Barbarian" with the down and dirty sound reaches for your lungs and places an everlasting choke hold.

"Take A Pebble" is one of the finest vocals every witnessed. Lake's voice is in perfect harmony with Emerson's piano. The lyrics are majestic and the composition brings all things to an immediate stop. Your ears fixated on the wizardry never believing what they have heard but ready for a second listen the moment the masterpiece ceases.

"Knife-Edge" brings to the forefront Greg's bass with intense musical direction. Numerous live tours would see this in the set list for obvious reasons.

"The Three Fates/Lachesis/Atropos" Emerson's piano style of mixing classical style compositions with progressive rocks freedom of expression has kept a legion of fans salivating on every note.

"Tank" lets Carl do his thing but that doesn't mean the band is taking a rest. Listen to the well constructed musical passes that only enhance Carl's ability to be complex and tasty. Many drummers know their theory but leave you as bored as a rainy summer day. Palmer can be adventurous in a ballad or a rocker.

"Lucky Man" would give ELP entry into the singles charts and become one of the most recognizable tunes from its era. Don't sweep this under the "Commercial Rug." The acoustic guitar that Lake beautifies each time out resonates with brilliance and the words are some of the best ever penned.

Any ELP fan would agree from the first release through Brain Salad Surgery you couldn't go wrong. Many will add Works 1 and Works 2 (They should) in their collections as well. If you use this album as a starting point, you'll love the journey in the proper sequences. If you decide to skip around that's fine too. Either way the legacy will be there for the listening.


Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

Great CD.......2007-05-23

Whoever "Bob" is, he'd better get some B-vitamins and omega-3 oils into his diet fast, because he's absolutely wrong about ELP "cash-milking" their fans. If you want to know the real reason why the band took their catalog from label to label and reissued their albums so often, it's because recording technology has advanced over the years, as a cousin of mine who's a record producer has told me at family gatherings. Truth be told, the band was not totally satisfied with the remastering job that Rhino did with their work in the 90s, and have said themselves that if you want to get rid of clutter as a way of looking good for your significant other and/or your favorite celebrity, you should get rid of the Rhino ELP CDs and get ready for the Shout!Factory reissues, because look at how well ELP's current label has done with the Marshall Tucker Band. The subliminal messages that were on the AJK versions of the Marshall Tucker albums implying that Sarah Michelle Gellar is ugly were filtered out in the remastering process; a similar issue existed on the Rhino ELP remasters, unlike that label's other reissues, and has been corrected here. THIS is the version of ELP's self-titled debut that you should own.

"REMASTERING", AD INFINITUM, AD NAUSEUM, AD WALLET.......2007-05-16

I can't think of another catalog that has been "remastered" more times than ELP's. Every few years since the early 90's, as ELP caravanned their catalog from label to label, we were presented with another set of supposedly superior mastered versions, and were expected to dutifully re-purchase them.

When you include the MFSL and Japanese dual-K2 efforts, where are we at now, at least seven different remasters of just the individual studio albums over the past 15 years? And how many "remastered" compilations? I've stopped counting, I'm beginning not to care anymore, and I suspect the fab trio and/or their management are now just cash-milking the fans.

Vowing not to be a seven(?)-time, complete-catalog-re-purchase sucker, I bought only the 2007 Tarkus RM and compared it against the 2005 Japanese K2HD mini-sleeve version. I'm staying with the K2HD, and I'm here to tell you: The dichotomy between the two is so non-trivial that I don't need to buy any more Shout! Factory ELP titles for comparison.

There are ELPists that dislike the K2's for "harshness". But, where fingers point at the K2 processing, I have always held the opinion that Are-You-Ready-Eddie Offord was rather level-meter-monitoring-challenged on his ELP and Yes engineering. If you accept that premise, then yes, the K2's do especially emphasize that flaw.

Even if you've heard these recordings hundreds of times, and even if you don't own the K2's, if you carefully listen to any ELP remaster with my Offord postulation in mind, I believe you'll hear what I do.

However, there is certainly additional detail and clarity in both the K2's that I've never heard on either Shout! Factory's Tarkus, or any of the earlier remasters, including the MFSL's. So, once I realized what I was actually hearing, I've dismissed "harshness" for what I believe are distorted passages in the original recordings, greatly amplified in the K2 mastering.

In addition, I found a bit more detail in the K2HD's over the original K2's; it's very VERY slight, and it is there to be heard, but probably only if you have really good gear/interconnects/speakers, or great headphones.

I've also seen original-ELP/K2-owners bad-mouthing the K2HD's, but primarily in eBay ads where they're attempting to jettison their K2's, so consider the source. It's expensive, replacing K2 catalogs (ELP, Kinks, Costello, Creedence, Focus, Rundgren & PFM, to name a few) with K2HD's (especially if you don't know how to pre-order them at the cheapest prices directly from Japan prior to release), but I suck it up and don't complain about it.

So, at least for the ELP catalog, I'm a K2HD guy, and I'm sticking with them. Inevitably, there will be someone with one of the umpteen other remastered versions who will disagree with me, and that's fine, because I'm stating my own opinions and personal preferences, and I welcome the discourse.

Lastly, however, a piece of advice: All Japanese mini-sleeve releases are limited edition, so if you're even tempted to pick up one to compare, don't wait until they're OOP and +$50 on eBay. As of this writing, there are still reasonably-priced ELP K2HD's out there (and even greater deals on the older K2's!).

And I will take those fabulous Japanese original album sleeve replications over their jewel-boxed counterparts any day of the week. It's tré-kewl having an actual album cover collection again, albeit in miniature!

Link to the K2HD version of Emerson Lake & Palmer.

own this album.......2007-05-02

Emerson, Lake and Palmer's debut is a really awesome listen. Even though plenty of rock bands out there have mixed rock with classical bits, the results were never as interesting and as close to classical as this album. This is not only a pretty impressive debut for a band, but a groundbreaking debut from a band that never quite was able to come up with the same level of brilliance ever again.

"The Barbarian" is a great keyboard-dominated fast-paced track that sort of resembles Deep Purple. "Take a Pebble" really changes course by featuring soothing vocal melodies and lush keyboards. There's a short boogie jam in the middle. I forgot to mention that the entire album is dominated with keyboard solos. It's not just a few short solos here and there- it's a pretty lengthy and complex listen.

"Knife-Edge" again reminds me of Deep Purple (the two bands must have been friends). The track 4 medley almost sounds like something recorded in the 1800s with its really powerful and old-fashioned sounding keyboard work. "Tank" actually reminds me of a tank rolling over the hills, though I will admit it's probably the only track here where you can tell it's 70's music. "Lucky Man" is just a beautiful and popular song that doesn't really resemble the rest of the album, but managed to make the band known to the public. To me this song remains fresh even after thousands of listens.

Emerson, Lake and Palmer was never able to come up with another album as enjoyable as this one, though honestly they did come close with their next album. Buy this one first, then the second one.

ELP's Debut Album Finally Gets Remastered Right!.......2007-04-25

From the booming bass that kicks off "The Barbarian" through the final Moog synth squiggle of the "Lucky Man" outro,"Emerson Lake & Palmer" is the powerful opening salvo of ELP's mixture of classical,jazz and hard rock-best known to the world as "progressive rock"-that presented such obscure classical pieces as Bela Bartok's 'Allegro Barbaro'("The Barbarian") and Janacek's 'Sinfonietta'("Knife-Edge")in fresh contexts.Other highlights-on an album featuring nothing BUT highlights- include Greg Lake's 12 minute-plus epic "Take A Pebble" and Carl Palmer's fusion-esqe drum piece "Tank".This record has been remastered on CD a few times,first on the dismal-sounding Atlantic one from the 80's,and again on the Victory and Rhino in the 90's which,while an improvement from the first one,were pretty below the standards of most remasters from that period.This Shout! remaster(done by Andy Pearce at Masterpiece London)is right in the class of the Yes Rhino remasters and the Genesis CD/SACD/DVD hybrid's,with Lake's bass guitar sounding big and beefy,Palmer's drum work crisp,and Keith Emerson's keyboards as clear as pure mountain water.Despite the lack of bonus tracks,ELP and prog-rock fans should not hesitaite in picking up-or upgrading with-this reasonably-priced remastered jewel.

Average customer rating: Buy it! You won't be sorry. Listen unsure but loving it!

Ongiara Great Lake Swimmers Manufacturer: Nettwerk Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Great Lake Swimmers Emotionalism The Reminder New Moon Sky Blue Sky ASIN: B000OHZKB8 Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. Your Rocky Spine
2. Backstage With The Modern Dancers
3. Catcher Song
4. Changing Colours
5. There Is A Light
6. Put There By The Land
7. I Am Part Of A Large Family
8. Where In The World Are You
9. Passenger Song
10. I Became Awake

Customer Reviews:

Buy it! You won't be sorry........2007-07-16

It's been a while since my husband and I have come across such a beautiful and entrancing compilation of work. The lyrics and banjo-guitar accompaniment are beautiful. Wonderfully voiced, I could listen to this all day. There's not a bad track on the cd. This is definitely an extremely mellow and "chill-out" work, but it would appeal many; indie, bluegrass and country-music listeners alike.

Listen.......2007-07-02

I am ashamed to say that I was not aware that the Great Lake Swimmers existed until a couple of months ago. As a musician and someone who prides themselves in keeping an eye out for great music, how they, or shall I say Tony Dekker, slipped by me is a mystery. Long story short, I'm glad that I read a review in Paste magazine that prompted me to go out and buy this CD. Without question this is the best CD I've heard in 2007... IN ANY GENRE. In fact, I would be willing to say with authority that I would rank this CD with just about any of the great singer/songwriter CD's of the 70's (e.g., Late for the Sky, Pink Moon, Old. No.1, Flying Shoes, etc.)Yes, it's that good. From the first song, "Your Rocky Spine", you know you are in for something special. By the time you hit the end of the second song, "Backstage With the Modern Dancers" and Dekker pulls out the line, "And out there on the wooden floors, the sweat from their pores, I'm writing a list of songs I can sing by myself", I don't know about anyone else, but I think that's about as good as it gets, whether it be song lyrics or poetry. There's a spirit of deep longing and melancholy throughout this record, but there is also a feeling of "all is not lost", a spirit of hope that plays off of the loneliness as well. The songs are recorded using spare instrumentation (mostly acoustic guitar, banjo, double bass, and drums played with brushes). You do hear an electric guitar here, a keyboard there, an occasional orchestral instrument, but the arrangements are very understated. The vocals sound distant and are delivered with a sense of urgency and yearning. This is Americana, New Traditional Music of the highest order. As a songwriter myself, what I love about this record is how lyrically open it is and how musically simple the approach is. Dekker takes the kind of chances I still don't have the courage to (or anyone else that I know) as a writer. Lyrically, he writes very cathartically, but it is literate, not contrived or derivative. His musical arrangements are astonishing in their simplicity, but innovative at the same time, such as when the banjo parts are played to create the sense of piano/keyboard single notes or chordal phrasings. All of the songs are great, but the first five come out of the box so powerfully, that he really has you in the palm of his hand at that point. For anyone who enjoys deep lyrics, beautifully crafted music, and a unique listening experience, this is a must.

unsure but loving it!.......2007-06-11

I give it four stars bec ause it's still new and musically it doesn't seem as safe as the last two. They're trying new stuff and I'm not sure if the lyrics are as well thought out or if its good and I don't get it. I do know there's a lot of beautiful moments so if your a fan then you must buy it!

Average customer rating: another gem a real prodigy WARHORSE!!! Joshua Bell just keeps growing as musician... Joshua Bell: a monster of the violin!

Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto [Hybrid SACD] Joshua Bell , Michael Tilson Thomas , and Berliner Philharmoniker Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bell, Joshua | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Romance of the Violin Voice of the Violin The Essential Joshua Bell Joshua Bell - Gershwin Fantasy Ladies in Lavender ASIN: B000AY9OHQ Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

1. Concerto in D Major for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 35
2. I. Allegro moderato Album Version 19:32
3. II. Canzonetta. Andante
4. III. Finale. Allegro vivacissimo
5. Mtation in D minor, Op. 42, No. 1
6. Danse russe from Swan Lake, Op. 20 (Act III

Customer Reviews:

another gem.......2007-06-20

Stunning sound, great performance of an old "warhorse"; it's nice to see some fresh young talent in the world of classical music; Netrebko has done it for opera and Bell is doing it here

a real prodigy.......2007-05-21

Having seen and heard Joshua Bell in concert this recording confirms once more the sheer beauty of his plyaing.

WARHORSE!!!.......2007-03-20

El unico concierto para violin y orquesta de Tchaikovsky interpretado por Bell y la Filarmonica de Berlin, logra todo lo que el compositor queria transmitir, bravura, lirismo, romanticismo e intimidad. Cierto es que hay muchas versiones, grandes violinistas lo han hecho antes, Heifetz, Mutter, Perlman, Milstein, etc.... Y cada uno tiene su belleza, este tambien la tiene, ayudado ademas por las ultimas tecnicas de grabacion para darle un muy buen sonido. Recomendable.

Joshua Bell just keeps growing as musician..........2007-01-09

Joshua Bell astounds me every time I hear him play. I would not have ranked him '5' when I first started hearing him, but now he has grown so much as a musician, I couldn't rank him any less.

Joshua Bell: a monster of the violin! .......2006-12-19

Nine days ago we were exception witnesses when here in Caracas had the chance to watch this acclaimed violinist playing Tchaikovsky ` s Violin Concerto under the prestigious baton of Gustavo Dudamel. The sumptuous vibrato and the bright thrills literally loaded the Hall with this magic team.

Bell reminded me to Ivry Gitlis but with major poetry , which is by itself major words, because as all of us know about the grandiloquence of that extraordinary violinist.

An unforgettable concert supported by Rimski Korsakov orchestral works that culminated with an overwhelming ovation around this giant of the violin. Joshua Bell has entered into the reduced pantheon of violin's colossus.

There is no doubt about it.

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6. The Zombies - Greatest Hits [SACD]
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8. Tonight Not Again/Live at Eagles Ballroom (CD & DVD) [Live]
9. Trouble Is
10. Unearthed

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