The Question [Enhanced]

Product Description
In 2004, South Carolina natives, Emery did something amazing: They went from near obscurity to undeniable success and popularity, all in a year's time. What spurred their sudden fame was a combination of January 2004's release of their critically acclaimed debut, "The Weak's End," and a non-stop tour schedule, including stints with everyone from Hawthorne Heights to Eighteen Visions. Now having sold over 55,000 copies of their debut release, Emery are gearing up for their new release "The Question" which is more focused, profoundly mature, and so undeniably passionate that no one will be questioning Emery's potential.

The Question,Emery,Tooth & Nail Records,Alternative CCM,Alternative Pop/Rock,Hardcore Punk,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,United States of America

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The Question [Enhanced]

Average customer rating: Just Slightly Off-balance Don't Question This Classic Collection! :) the Flash, then the Dud The Perfect Balance Between Prog and Rock My least favorite of the Classic 7

Question of Balance The Moody Blues Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | 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 General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music $7.99 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 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 Similar Items: Every Good Boy Deserves Favour In Search of the Lost Chord On the Threshold of a Dream To Our Children's Children's Children Seventh Sojourn ASIN: B000002GQJ Release Date: 1997-05-20

Tracks:

1. Question
2. How Is It (We Are Here)
3. And The Tide Rushes In
4. Don't You Feel Small
5. Tortoise And The Hare
6. It's Up To You
7. Minstrel's Song
8. Dawning Is The Day
9. Melancholy Man
10. The Balance

Customer Reviews:

Just Slightly Off-balance .......2007-06-07

I hesitate to even write this because I know I am going to feel guilty for speaking ill of my beloved Moodies. In posting, it will be evident that I am not so biased in my love for Hayward and Lodge that I can't give a critical assessment, contrary to what some of my other glowing reviews might lead one to believe. I did give AQOB 3 out of 5 stars so I didn't think it was ALL bad: my all-time favorite Justin Hayward song (written/sung by him for the MB'S) is on this CD.

The Hayward-penned 'Question' is reason enough to own this album. This is the BEST of his Moodies songs, bar none. It should be the one Justin is remembered and lauded for, not NIWS. This brilliant song is superior to 'Nights' in every way possible- arrangement, melody, tempo, lyrics- not to mention the way JH absolutely sings the living daylights out of it. The fact that the song was an "accident" just shows the depths of this man's awesome talents. He tells the story of how he needed a song at the last minute for a recording session and didn't have one ready. He did have 2 songs that were both unfinished AND in the same key. He decided to just go to the studio and fake it, as he put it. The result is just pure brilliance! Unfortunately nothing else Justin contributed to on this album appealed to me at all, save his great backing and harmony vocals on Lodge's 'Tortoise and the Hare'.

Speaking of my dear Lodgie and 'Tortoise': this is a rocking, fun, little song that for some reason has been sadly over-looked. I love the unique way JL re-tells the classic story. The words, music, beat and tempo are great, not to mention the great harmonies from J&J. John's other offering, 'Minstrel's Song' has taken me some time to warm to it, though I don't quite know why. Perhaps this song is a reflection of how John sees himself: as a simple minstrel traveling around singing his songs for the people. Both Graeme's percussion work and Justin's guitar riffs are outstanding on this song, and John's voice is so strong and pure. I have to say though, that I am liking 'Minstrel' better and better every time I hear it. Maybe it's one of those songs you have to listen to several times to fully appreciate how good it actually is.

Ray Thomas' 'And the Tide Rushes In' is a breathtakingly beautiful song and Ray sings it to utter perfection.

Apart from the one song from Justin, one from Ray, and the two from John, this album really just didn't "do it" for me, sorry. Nevertheless, it's still infinitely better than 99% of the drivel that's passed off as music today.

Don't Question This Classic Collection! :).......2007-06-02

To start off, what a topnotch remastering job on this splendid release! :)

Here is where my favorite mix of "Question" can be found (I prefer this mix over the mixes featured on the "This Is The Moody Blues" and "Voices In The Sky" collections, because I was first introduced to the album mix). The loud and energetic introduction, with the crashing drums, mellotrons, and chanting vocal, really gets me psyched, whenever I hear it! Good for the 1996 compilation, "The Best Of The Moody Blues" (And 1998's "Moody Blues Anthology") featuring the album mix of this Justin Hayward hit, I might add. :)

"How Is It (We Are Here)" features outstanding mellotrons, making me think back to the mellotron-driven sound of "To Our Children's Children's Children" ... This Mike Pinder track sounds more like a track from "Children's," more than any other on "A Question Of Balance." The instrumental break is out of this world, featuring the electric guitar (sounding like a prelude to the "bee buzz" electric guitar heard on "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour" and onward) blending in with the mellotrons, as well as the super-cool high "squeaking" synthesizer effects, giving the song an otherworldly sound.

"And The Tide Rushes In" makes for a calm and beautiful tune, and the instrumentation creates the setting of a tranquil seashore with waves "rushing in," in the distance. :)

"Don't You Feel Small" sounds a bit on the eerie side, with the whispered voice accompanying the singing (You can hear the same style of vocal overdubbing on The Doors' hit, "Riders On The Storm"). Ray Thomas plays the flute in a similar fashion to the solo heard in the middle of "Legend of A Mind," from "In Search Of The Lost Chord," and it sounds superb! You can also hear some deep haunting sounds from the mellotrons, near the end of the song, reminiscent of the mellotrons heard on the "Children's" track, "Eternity Road." This is an unusual but cool sounding Moody Blues' track. :)

The percussion sounds excellent on John Lodge's "Tortoise and the Hare," and so do the rockin' double-tracked lead guitars, during the instrumental break ... Also, notice that John Lodge's voice is double-tracked (And also separated, slightly, from one another, in the stereo field, as heard through headphones), as he sings in two octaves during the "While you were sleeping" parts of the song.

"It's Up To You" reminds me of "Lovely To See You," from "On The Threshold Of A Dream," only slightly more mellow. The double-tracked electric guitars sound wonderful, once again, and I like the "wave-like" effects from the drums during the "If they knew that we have got nothing to lose" parts of the song. :)

"Minstrel's Song," much like "Every Good Boy's" track "Nice To Be Here," is an upbeat, cheerful tune, and the flutes and percussion really stand out, on this track. Justin Hayward's brief solo, "Listen to the One ... Who sings of love," near the end of the song, is sung with perfection, and right on the beat!

"Dawning Is The Day" reminds me of "Tuesday Afternoon," from "Days Of Future Passed," when listening to the combination of the flute, mellotron, and piano. Notice how, near the end of the song, the Moodies chant, "Listen, we think we have found you," repeatedly, but right before the song fades into "Melancholy Man," the lyrics switch over to "Listen, we think we can see you" ... How sneaky! :)

Similar to the "Caught Live +5" track, "What Am I Doing Here?," "Melancholy Man" makes for a beautifully dramatic dark Moody Blues' composition ... Just like "How Is It (We Are Here)," loads of interesting sounds and keyboard elements are featured on this particular Pinder tune. The combination of the wind (or "whirlwind") effects and the intense synthesizer sound, in the middle of the song, puts the "icing on the cake," when it comes to following through with the theme of the song! Nice job with the backing vocals on the choruses, mainly from Justin and Ray.

"The Balance" made for the perfect poetic finale to the album ... The chorus is catchy and the instrumentation is arranged beautifully. Also, the individual band members' voices are heard, near the end of the song, as they take turns singing lines like, "Do you realize?," "Yeah, yeah...," and "Just open your heart." Also, is that John singing in falsetto behind Mike's narration? :)

In conclusion, ask no "questions" about adding this classic Moody Blues release to your audio library! Thanks for reading! God Bless... :)

the Flash, then the Dud.......2007-04-14

The Moody Blues were for my generation the Powerhouse Band that fused hard rock with classical to create dreamscapes. Their signature sound enthralled millions!

Yet they started to slip from their pedestals, beginning with this album.

The Song "Question" was by far one of their most powerful, beautiful and brilliant pieces ever created. Yet the other songs and ballads on this album are, in my opinion, mediocre.

The blues resurfaced and climbed their pedestal once again with "Seventh Sojurn." From then on, they have never been as creative as they were on "To Our Children's Children's Children."

The best way to buy this album is to get on an online MP3 service and purchase only the song: "Question."

The Perfect Balance Between Prog and Rock.......2007-01-30

The best set of songs and most hardrocking set by the Moodies. Good album.
They tried to get away from overdubbing here so they could do it live.

My least favorite of the Classic 7.......2006-11-23

But still, when it works, it's great. By now, the MBs world view is incorporating environmentalism (we'll spoil the seas with the rivers we've lost, concrete caves with iron doors), give-and-take with relationships (the tide rushes in), and sobriety (the overall feel of the album is certainly less spacey). Especially for Pinder's contributions, their familiar themes are for the first time sounding a bit weary, like the interminable "Melancholy Man" and the sappy "Minstrel's Song", and the more-preachy-than-protest "How Is It". Justin Hayward's songs are top-notch, "Question" I find a bit disjointed but the two parts that comprise it are brilliant. "Dawning is the Day" is a beautiful song, brimming with optimism and Ray Thomas's best flute break (if you can call it that). "It's Up To You" is a fine, uptempo rocker with very nice guitar/bass interplay. John Lodge's "Tortoise and Hare" has a mesmerising 12/8 beat (but you don't have to know that to like the song, which is a hard rocking musical version of the old fable), and "Minstrel Song", once you get past the sappiness, has beautiful melodies and harmonies. Graeme Edge makes his songwriting debut here with "Don't You Feel Small", and it's actually a very effective song. Ray Thomas's only song is a bit lightweight (Tide Rushes In) but inoffensive, and the song he co-writes with Edge, "The Balance", shows admirable restraint, given that it is widely seen as a standard pompous portentious philosophic statement that is supposed to end this particular opus.

Average customer rating: Great Album Among the Greatest "You wanted to know if it was worth the pain that it's caused us." good stuff Well-done emo

The Question Emery Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Weak's End Never Take Friendship Personal Blueprints for the Black Market Things Aren't So Beautiful Now They're Only Chasing Safety ASIN: B0009X75FG Release Date: 2005-08-02

Tracks:

1. So Cold I Could See My Breath
2. Playing With Fire
3. Returning The Smile You Have Had From The Start
4. Studying Politics
5. Left With Alibis And Lying Eyes
6. Listening To Freddie Mercury
7. The Weakest
8. Miss Behavin'
9. In Between 4th And 2nd Street
10. The Terrible Secret
11. In A Lose, Lose Situation
12. In A Win Win Situation

Album Description

In 2004, South Carolina natives, Emery did something amazing: They went from near obscurity to undeniable success and popularity, all in a year's time. What spurred their sudden fame was a combination of January 2004's release of their critically acclaimed debut, "The Weak's End," and a non-stop tour schedule, including stints with everyone from Hawthorne Heights to Eighteen Visions. Now having sold over 55,000 copies of their debut release, Emery are gearing up for their new release "The Question" which is more focused, profoundly mature, and so undeniably passionate that no one will be questioning Emery's potential.

Customer Reviews:

Great Album.......2007-02-09

I really like this cd a lot and I am looking forward to seeing them live.

Among the Greatest.......2006-05-20

To begin, Emery is one of the best rock/screamo/alternative bands ever, and if I could I would give this and their last album both a 6/5. They take screamo to a completely different level. I won't ramble here I'll just give out the pros and cons.

Pros:
~ Amazing voices! These guys can SING!
~ They can scream too! The background screaming UNDER the beautiful vocals of Toby Morrell and Devin Shelton just gives me chills. And the fact that screaming isn't focused on as much as vocals is what really blows me away. In screamo, vocals are underappreciated.
~ Complex. Two/Three guitars, two lead singers that switch off, and Josh Head screaming his last name off make one of the most complex and impressive sounds since screamo became a word.
~ Heavy yet melodic.
~ So much energy.
~ Emotion is relayed through the melody of the singing, screaming and even the instruments, which doesn't happen too often.
~ Power and emotion without swearing. Props to any band that does this. Emery doesn't resort to throwing in four letter words to fill in enough syllables or make lines rhyme.

Cons:
~ I can't think of one.
~ Some may consider this a con, some may consider it a pro; there is screaming in almost every song, if not every single one.

Emery is as close to perfecting their sound as any band in their genre. This album is worth every penny and then some. If you liked "The Weak's End", you'll love "The Question". Emery has only gotten better since "The Weak's End". If you haven't heard any Emery, but you like the screamo genre go buy both of their albums. You won't regret it.

Songs to check out for samplers:
- "Returning The Smile You Have Had From The Start"; one of the heavier, more screamy songs on the album. This song throws you right in the middle of heavy guitars and pissed off, scratchy screaming.
- "Listening To Freddie Mercury"; melodic, slowish, poppy
- "Studying Politics"; a single with a music video, good display of general Emery sound
- "The Weakest"; very little screaming, singers really sound great in this song. They sing over eachy other, different words, but it fits (that's one of the coolest things about Emery).

"You wanted to know if it was worth the pain that it's caused us.".......2006-05-02

Emery has changed their sound slightly, and although it's a bit at the cost of their originality, I think their music is better for it. As a whole, they've gotten a little poppier (without forsaking their hardcore influences) and a little catchier, and it makes their music more entertaining. I still think The Weak's End was good, but the more mainstream The Question is better. Emery has maintained enough of their originality to stand out while making their music more accessible to draw in more fans.

But just because the songs are more catchy doesn't mean they weren't able to branch out creatively too. This really stands out in the lyrics. The vocals worked for me on the last album, but I thought the words they were singing were a little iffy. The lyrics have improved dramatically on The Question, as they are used to create character and meaning and they tell a story as they make it into sort of a concept album. Besides drawing you in with a storyline, the lyrics are simply enjoyable to listen to and are accentuated by the skillful singing from the two vocalists.

I won't go through all the songs, they're all pretty good, so I'll cover my favorites. "So Cold I Could See My Breath" starts it off with a strong guitar part and a driving chorus. Most of the songs really invite singing along with the band. "Returning the Smile You Had From the Start" contains the most screaming of any song on the record, and has some of the most effective lyrics. I like it a lot. "Studying Politics" is the supposed single, and is very entertaining and also strong lyrically. "Left With Alibis and Lying Eyes" is darn fun to listen to. "In a Win, Win Situation" is the band's second consecutive very good, softer closing song for an album. It's not the kind of thing that caters to the musical elite but it's one of the most finely crafted releases I believe the genre has seen.

good stuff.......2006-04-28

this is the first emery cd i heard, and it got me into them right away. the lyrics and singing are beautiful, and the screaming is nice. but then i got the weaks end and its even better, tho its their old cd. the lyrics arent as good tho and this is still a must buy cd

Well-done emo.......2006-04-25

Normally, one should beware of bands that dress in matching outfits. But strip away the group shopping trips and oh-so-hip indie neckties, and Emery is a band that does emo on par with anything else out there. Some cuts lean towards screamo, while others are practically straight-up pop with creative instrumentation and flawless vocal harmonies. There's nothing groundbreaking here, but if you want state-of-the-art emo with tight songwriting and clear production, you'd do well with Emery.

Average customer rating: "Don't Question This Classic Collection," Deluxe Edition! :) HEADACHE A Question Of Mix INTENSE re-mastering... Beautiful Sounds

Question of Balance Moody Blues Manufacturer: Ume Imports ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Baroque Pop | Oldies | Pop | 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 Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: On the Threshold of a Dream To Our Children's Children's Children In Search of the Lost Chord Days of Future Passed Every Good Boy Deserves Favour ASIN: B000EHQ57Q Release Date: 2006-04-18

Album Description

UK SACD Deluxe Edition. Features five bonus tracks, Question - Alternate Version (Bonus Track), Minstrel's Song - Original Mix (Bonus Track), It's Up To You - Original Mix (Bonus Track), Don't You Feel Small - Original Mix (Bonus Track) and Dawning Is The Day - Full Original Mix (Bonus Track). Universal. 2006.

Customer Reviews:

"Don't Question This Classic Collection," Deluxe Edition! :).......2007-06-02

*The following comments are in regard to the bonus tracks on this release. To read my opinions on the original content of this album, check out my review under:
"A Question of Balance" by The Moody Blues (Audio CD - 1997) - Original recording remastered

Here is what I enjoyed about each of these outstanding bonus offerings...

"Mike's Number One:"
An upbeat and beautiful spiritual sounding Mike Pinder tune ... Based on the lyrics, this song could have been titled, "A Happening," "Do You Know?," or "See The Glory." The track definitely has that "A Question Of Balance" sound to it, but it also would have made a fine addition to Mike's 1976 solo release, "The Promise," or could have made a possible bonus track for that CD release. :)

"Question" (alternate version):
This mix is like an extended version of the single mix of the song ... The sound quality is outstanding on this mix, especially on the louder elements of the song. The track also comes to a full ending with somewhat of a Spanish-flavored guitar style, at the very end. :)

"Minstrel's Song" (original mix):
This is probably the least interesting of the bonus cuts, because the song fades in, on this occasion, with very faint vocals heard in the intro. The song also fades out in the exact same spot as the album mix, because while the final version fades into "Dawning Is The Day," we can still hear The Moodies chanting "Around, around," one last time, very faintly, at the beginning of "D.I.T.D." The only positive side to this mix is that it is not cross-faded with the tracks that surround the song, on the final version.

"It's Up To You" (original mix):
Much like the single and "Best Of" (Ex: "The Best Of The Moody Blues," "Gold") mixes of "The Story In Your Eyes," from "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour," this version of "It's Up To You" is similar to the original album version, but the instrumentation near the end of the track is carried on a little bit further, before the fadeout ... It's good "ear candy" which listeners haven't heard before. :)

"Don't You Feel Small" (original mix):
This version has an extended beginning AND ending to it! The instrumental lead-in, at the beginning, is awesome, and sounds similar to the instrumental fadeout, near the end of the song ... Nice job on the guitars, mellotrons, and percussion, all at the same time! :)

"Dawning Is The Day" (full original mix):
Same format as the previous mix (above), and the deleted material sounds just as great! :)

In addition, the CD booklet, that accompanies this release, provides readers with the details on the controversial album cover to this LP (rear sleeve) ... Check out this release to get the full story (Page 13). Fans who own both this CD release and the 1997 CD remaster will notice that this version features the artwork that was changed while the 1997 version features the original artwork.

Just like the 1997 CD remaster of "A Question of Balance," this Deluxe Edition also featured a topnotch remastering job! I would recommend this release to any Moody Blues fan or collector. Thanks for reading! God Bless... :)

HEADACHE.......2007-04-08

I love the Moody Blues. I love this album. Alas, I am no audiophile. I dont have a turntable that is aligned with the axis of the earth OR a surround sound system or SACD--you get the picture. I got the disc for the bonus tracks (I paid 30 bones--buyer beware)....But the album itself on this disc sounds terrible! Its like they threw all the levels in the red (I just got done listening to it and my ears feel terrible!) and compressed the ever living life out of it! All levels red with no compression works for Iggy and the Stooges (thank goodness) but not the Moody Blues.....

the other discs in the European SACD series have sounded spectacular even on a regular player but this one is horrible! Im not trying to be negative....This is the first disc I have owned to give me a HEADACHE! Im serious! LET IT BREATHE!

A Question Of Mix.......2007-01-13

Okay, let's start off by addressing some of the complaints that most people have. As far as the bass being mixed too low on this release I have to say after owning this in every lp and cd edition that the bass was always a bit lower on this album than on some of the other Moodies albums. The mix itself is from the original quad lp versions done by producer Tony Clarke in early 1972. The quad mixes were different in order to take advantage of the four way split instead of the regular stereo two way split. This meant mixing the album differently from a conventional stereo album. Many of the "effects" that are in the backgroud of the stereo version are turned up here changing the overall "balanced" sound of the album in order to give the best quad sound. As far as the music itself, this album has a much more basic feel than the band's last, To Our Children's Children's Children which might have had in part something to do with the fact that it wasn't the big hit the band wanted at the time it was released. That was the first released for their label Threshold. The opening song Question had been released on single a few months before this album's release and had become a big hit for the band. This album includes many Moodies classics and doesn't have a bad song on the release. Songs like Question, Melencholy Man, And The Tide Rushes In, and It's Up To You sound just as well today as they did back when this album was released. If you like the Moodies, you'll love this album.

INTENSE re-mastering..........2006-07-15

Well shame on the people involved in this "SACD Deluxe Edition" project. Oh, maybe that's a little harsh.
First off, as another Amazon reviewer noted, the sound has been aggressively compressed, which means, by the time you've reached the later stages of the album, you may experience some ear fatigue. The sound is unrelenting and it changes the original dynamics. I felt like I was hearing a whole new mix. Another sign of over compressing. It seemed to help at least a couple songs "The Balance," where the bottom end was a lot more in control and "Never Comes The Day," which sounded really clear and focused. But, overall, has the whole music industry gone "compression" crazy? Or, are the Moody Blues worried that their back catalogue (the holy seven) was lacking musical muscle, and are super charging it with heavy compression?

Also, another reviewer talked about the bass being too quiet for the surround sound mix, but I felt the bass wasn't as strong on the "regular" mix, as it is on the other "SACD Deluxe Editions." It's reasonable, but not as breathtakingly boosted as the others in this deluxe series.

Another thing about aggressive compression, this also happened about a year ago when I bought the EMI "re-master" of Deep Purple's 1973 album "Who Do We Think We Are." By the time I got towards the end, my ears were tired. So, recently I bought the gold disc version which avoids over compression, and it not only sounded better, but my ears weren't tired by the end. But, since the Moodies don't play as loud, it shouldn't be a problem. Now that I got that off my chest...

Secondly, the "SACD Deluxe Edition" bonus track enticement, just ticks me off to no end. Sure, there's a good rare track here, from keyboardist Mike Pinder, but the rest is nothing special.

Thirdly, as another Amazon reviewer noted, the great cover artwork has been ruined by the people in charge of reproducing the cover! The cover images have been reproduced way too light so that nearly all the detail has been faded. But, the booklet is great with lots of color photos, stories and studio information.

In conclusion, after hearing a number of these "SACD Deluxe Editions," I'll be keeping my old (1997) re-masters, after all, they still look and sound great. So now I'll have two versions of each album. Just what I needed?!

Beautiful Sounds.......2006-07-14

The Moody Blues albums have always been famous for their sophisticated production and engeneering (in the vynil era at least)but the CD transfers up ' til now were absolutely disastrous sounding.
These SACD re-issues finally seem to make things right.
I have only listened to "Question" but was amazed at the clarity and power of this remastering.
I have not heard the 5.1 suround mix because although i have a Sony dvd player with SACD capability you also have to have a receiver with the proper connections wich is not the usual optical one used for getting surround from movies and such.
Anyway,the stereo remastering has been supervised by Justin Hayward and it shows in the care that was put in this project.
Truly beautiful sound that finally matches the quality of the original recording and does justice to a great album.


Ah yes ! It sounds very good on an ordinary cd player too.

Average customer rating: The perfect introduction to Ives. An Answer to the Unanswered Question brilliant idiosyncrasies Great Performances Of Ives From Bernstein And the NYPO Uniquely American Ives Recordings

Charles Ives: Symphony No. 2 / The Gong on the Hook & Ladder, or Firemen's Parade on Main Street / Tone Roads No. 1 / Hymn: Largo Cantabile, for String Orchestra / Hallowe'en / Central Park in the Dark / The Unanswered Question - Leonard Bernstein / New York Philharmonic Charles Ives , Leonard Bernstein , and New York Philharmonic Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ives: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4/Hymns Ives: An American Journey Ives: The Symphonies / Orchestral Sets 1 & 2 Ives: Symphony No. 2 & Symphony No. 3/Bernstein Discusses Charles Ives Ives: Concord Sonata; Songs ASIN: B000001GC4 Release Date: 1990-07-24

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2: 1. Andante moderato
2. Symphony No. 2: 2. Allegro
3. Symphony No. 2: 3. Adagio cantabile
4. Symphony No. 2: 4. Lento maestoso
5. Symphony No. 2: 5. Allegro molto vivace
6. The Gong On The Hook And Ladder Or Firemen's Parade On Main Street: Allegro moderato
7. Tone Roads No. 1: Allegro
8. 'A Set Of Three Short Pieces': Hymn: Largo Cantabile
9. 'Three Outdoor Scenes': Hallowe'en
10. Central Park In The Dark: Molto adagio
11. The Unanswered Question: Largo molto sempre

Customer Reviews:

The perfect introduction to Ives........2006-08-04

In brief, this may be the best single album to jump start the novice on Ives -- and a great ride for the already converted among us. The comprehensive reviews in this thread say it all; I won't repeat. Let me add this, though: the earlier, excellent recording on Columbia (SONY) coupled with the 3rd Symphony, has a cut in the 4th movement, which Lenny opens up in this more recent recording. So, if you have the earlier recording this one is still something of a 'must have.' Buy it for that 'alternate' library of special recordings, like the Tatrai set of Bartok Quartets, Furtwangler's Beethoven Symphonies from the war years, Toscanini's recordings of OTELLO and FALSTAFF -- and Benny Goodman live at Carnegie Hall, 1938.

An Answer to the Unanswered Question.......2006-03-14

Often faced with the question from friends who are just beginning a classical music collection and want to try the 'American school' - the question being which of the many Ives recordings is a solid groundwork for understanding and appreciating Ives' importance - this is the recording I recommend. Despite the now gratefully multiple recordings of all of the works on this CD (especially the Symphony No. 2), this collection surveys Charles Ives well.

Leonard Bernstein was a champion for Ives performances both in this country and abroad. This recording shows why. His approach to Ives' work is not only diligent in his preparation of the orchestra, but it also programs a spectrum that allows each of the works to enhance the others. Here the Symphony No. 2 begins the survey, finding within the work the humor and nostalgia that abounds. And as if to recapitulate Ives' thoughts, Bernstein follows with the quirky 'The Gong on the Hook & Ladder or Firemen's Parade on Main Street', the 'Tone Roads No. 1, for chamber orchestra', a perfectly infectious 'A Set of 3 Short Pieces, for string quartet, double bass & piano',
Hallowe'en, for string quartet, piano & optional drum, the luminous 'Central Park in the Dark', and of course ends with the now American iconic 'The Unanswered Question (I & II).'

This recording may be dated in sound, but the performances remain definitive. And as for a fine introduction to both the well-known side of Ives as well as the slightly esoteric aspect of the genius' music, this well curated selection fits the bill. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, March 06

brilliant idiosyncrasies.......2004-05-20

Ives was an uncommon, refined distillate. Much like Wallace Stevens, another Connecticut Yankee insurance specialist thoroughly out of step with his environment, Ives's structural and thematic advances foretold radical new worlds. Many liner notes to recent Ives releases talk about his work as if it were like most other orchestral offerings--in reality, few touch upon how cataclysmic and inventive his realizations were.

Bernstein, conversely, grasps Ives in totality and advances the cause of this frighteningly bold new music, both in practice and in writing at length about these scores and the Protean imagination that engendered them. Bravo, Lenny.

Great Performances Of Ives From Bernstein And the NYPO.......2003-09-02

Towards the end of Leonard Bernstein's career he made several distinguished recordings of 20th Century American classical music for Deutsche Grammophon featuring the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. This splendid recording of Ives's 2nd Symphony, several other orchestra works and chamber pieces is yet another remarkable testament to Leonard Bernstein's empathy and understanding of 20th Century American classical music composed by such distinguished composers as Charles Ives, and, of course, Aaron Copland. No other conducter truly understood 20th Century American music as well as Bernstein. Here he leads the New York Philharmonic in one thrilling performance after another, starting with Ives's 2nd Symphony in a swaggering, convincing interpretation. He follows with a hauntingly beautiful "Central Park in the Dark" and ends with an appropriately brooding "The Unanswered Question"; between the symphony and these orchestral works are sandwiched some fine chamber pieces too. Although these were recorded at live performances, the sound quality is that from a studio. Absolutely a necessary CD for admirers of Charles Ives, Leonard Bernstein, the New York Philharmonic and anyone interested in 20th Century American classical music.

Uniquely American Ives Recordings.......2002-08-09

This is great American music in the truest sense. I was nurtured on movie soundtracks and scores from the likes of Bernard Herrmann, Dimitri Tiomkin, Alex North and others. As we have lost many of these composers and music that they may have left us through the years, I have been methodically looking at American "Twentieth Century" composers from the "classical" arena to fill that void from that great era. I discovered Charles Ives after reading up on Aaron Copland and his foray into many diverse areas of musical composition. One thing leads to another. Ives' Symphony No. 2 seems to have come up very frequently. It certainly doesn't have the melodic quality of Copland yet it does seem to have roots resulting in American musical motifs very strangely orchestrated resulting in some twisted profoundness. What attracts me is how the music almost seems as if it were composed for film. The technical qualities of this recording are marvelous. Leonard Bernstein's intuitive and vibrant interpretation of this music is effectively felt.

Average customer rating: better version of 'the question' Must Buy I just can't give them 3 stars. They're freaking Emery Quickie? Emery ~The Question~ *bonus

The Question Emery Manufacturer: Tooth & Nail Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Weak's End Vices The Lost the Sick the Sacred The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me Define the Great Line (CD & DVD) ASIN: B000JCETHO Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

1. So Cold I Could See My Breath
2. Playing With Fire
3. Returning The Smile You Had From The Start
4. Studying Politics
5. Left With Alabis And Lying Eyes
6. Listening To Freddie Mercury
7. The Weakest
8. Miss Behavin'
9. In Between 4th And 7th Street
10. The Terrible Secret
11. In A Lose, Lose Situation
12. In A Win, Win Situation
13. Playing With Fire (Acoustic)
14. The Ponytail Parades (Acoustic)
15. Walls (Acoustic)
16. Fractions (Acoustic)
17. Studying Politics (Acoustic)
18. Death To Inconvenience
19. Thought Life

Customer Reviews:

better version of 'the question'.......2007-05-27

this version of the question seems to be a little more like emery than the first version was for me. i was worried emery was heading toward a pop-mainstream sound with the first version. the acoustic promo cd that came with the first version was somewhat pop and took a little bit of an acquired taste for me.

however... i think they did a good job putting these 'acoustic' tracks together - that is, if you can call them acoustic. they just seem to be new renditions of their originals at a slower tempo. but i like it - i think they pulled a few of them off. walls and fractions seem kind of strange to me... but it's emery, so i'm sure it will grow on me.

not so sure they should have included the demos on here. the last song (thoughtlife: demo) is pretty good, but still needs a little more life brought into it. the other demo (death to inconvenience) is just a work in progress that probably should have been left off the cd.

this is a good cd. but unless you're a die hard emery fan, OR you haven't already purchased the first version, skip on this purchase.

Must Buy.......2007-04-01

I already had the original copy of the cd, but the extra songs are amazing. If you're a fan of Emery, you must buy this cd.

I just can't give them 3 stars. They're freaking Emery.......2007-01-30

Anyways, when I first bought The original Question, I liked it. I thought it wasn't as good as The Weak's End but still I thought it was a solid sophomore album. Anyways, if you like just music ad don't care about DVD's and acoustics just buy the original...

My thoughts on the Acoustic songs and the Demos..
I thought they are alright... The Ponytail Parades acoustic was good I have to say, still I liked the one on The Question Sampler (got it at Warped Tour 2005 for a buck)... And I have to say, the beginning of Walls was great, it surprised me. But, thats a little biased because I LOVE Walls. The rest acoustics are decent, just not my favorites.

As for the DVD... It's well, a DVD. I liked it but it seemed a little confusing at times. Oh by the way, there are 6 hidden things on it. 4 songs, -Original The Sercet, Shift, X-Mas mix, and To Whom It May Concern- and 2 I'll call them mini movies... -Matt explains his thoughts on Sparkling Water and "Emery's" Post show, in which Devin talks about Bottled Water, Toby talks about his thoughts on the show, and Matt has is "shower"-

All in all, It's decent. If you love the band then get it, if you like them then don't bother. And if you ever get the chance to see them live, do so!

Quickie?.......2006-11-30

This is a great album to buy if you haven't already picked up the origional release. However, if you do already own it, don't waste your time on this.

This is a typical re-release; a cd quickly put together with little to no effort for the sake of profit.

I must admit Emery would sell a ton of copies if they took alot of time to release a full length acoustic. However, these few tracks just don't do the job. I'm guessing most of the tracks were done in 2-3 takes. Why? Check out 1:53-57 on the song "Walls". There is a bell solo with a HUGE mistake in it. When I first heard this I quickly rewound it and listened to it several more times just to make sure my ears werent decieving me. Sure enough, there it was, time after time.

UPDATE:
I'd just like to add that I really do enjoy Playing With Fire [Acoustic]

Emery ~The Question~ *bonus.......2006-11-24

I am a diehard Emery fan. Saw them on their first tour, loved The Weak's End, loved The Question and am a huge fan of the acoustic disc they released as part of the prerelease package for The Question when it originally came out.

This re-release, from a musical standpoint, isn't very good.

I'm not a bonus DVD guy, I admit that. I could honestly care less about back stage footage and behind the scene's information... that's all worthless to me. I'm in this for the sole purpose of new music or new versions of songs so, if you're into DVD's, maybe this will be your thing. With regards to additional versions of songs (and new songs altogether), let me give you my best synopsis of what we have here:

If you own the Presale Exclusive CD already from The Question, you already own the best acoustic stuff this band has to offer. The releases acoustic material is overproduced, somewhat lifeless and, in some cases, just plain bad. The idea of hearing the song "Fractions" appealed to me greatly until I heard it for the first time on this disc and realized that it was bluegrass version that I was mildly embarrassed for the band in having made it. This may be a fun version of the song for the band to play... but for those of us that actually wanted a serious, heart on the sleeve, acoustic version, this was a slap in the face. It's not listenable.

The demo versions of the new songs are just that, demo versions. They're not overly impressive and we might have been better off not hearing them at all. There's nothing truly special about either of them at this point, though they may develop into something great down the road.

The only standout track on the album is the piano version of "Ponytail Parades." Otherwise even diehard fans, such as myself, will be disappointed with the overall package you're getting here. This just appears to be another way for Solid State/Tooth and Nail to make another easy buck as they are the kings of re-releasing albums... unless you find this for the same price of the original album, this is NOT worth it!

Average customer rating: Love this album Does it ever happen?

The Answer to the Question Tree63 Manufacturer: Inpop ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Alternative | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Worship, Vol. 1: I Stand for You Tree63 The Life and Times of Absolute Truth Sea of Faces Arriving ASIN: B0007M23I8 Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

1. King
2. Blessed Be Your Name
3. You Only
4. The Answer To The Question
5. I Stand For You
6. Over And Over Again
7. So Glad
8. But Now My Eyes Are Open
9. Let Your Day Begin
10. Overdue
11. Maker Of All Things
12. Paradise
13. All Because (Acoustic Version)
14. King (Acoustic Version)
15. You Only (Acoustic Version)

Customer Reviews:

Love this album.......2007-01-04

One of my favorite albums. Listen to it on the ipod at the gym all the time. Contemporary Christian music is my favorite kind.

Does it ever happen?.......2005-07-29

How often do you buy a CD and every single track is awsome!!! This time I did! It is great!

Average customer rating:

Question and Answer Manufacturer: Geffen ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Similar Items: Trio 99>00 We Live Here 80/81 Trio Live Like Minds ASIN: B000094ANV Release Date: 1990-06-12

Average customer rating: This is Sarah?????? - A Whiter Shade of Pale/A Question of Honor "Enhanced" (?) CD Great Voice/Great Music Some hits, some misses WHAT CAN I SAY? LOVELY

A Whiter Shade of Pale/A Question of Honour Sarah Brightman Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Broadway & Vocalists | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | 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 Similar Items: Harem Fly Dive Surrender Very Best of Sarah Brightman: 1990-2000 ASIN: B00005IAFT Release Date: 2001-06-05

Tracks:

1. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (Radio Edit)
2. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (ATB Remix)
3. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (Ecstasy Mix)
4. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (Paralyzer Remix)
5. A Whiter Shade Of Pale (ATB Radio Edit)
6. A Question Of Honour (Radio Edit)
7. A Question Of Honour (Pech Remix)
8. A Question Of Honour (Knock Out Mix)
9. A Question Of Honour (Damage Control Mix)
10. A Question Of Honour (Tom Lord-Alge Mix)

Customer Reviews:

This is Sarah?????? - A Whiter Shade of Pale/A Question of Honor "Enhanced" (?) CD.......2007-06-09

For Sarah Brightman fans who love her voice, style, delivery, and choice of music, this is one really disappointing album. I had no idea what I was getting into when I ordered it, and am going to contact the seller as quickly as possible and try to return it. The biggest "attraction" (if you want to call it that) of this album is a GREAT DEAL of extremely loud percussion, especially drums. For those who feel that this type of noise is music, leth them have it!!

My only other beef with Sarah is repetition of numbers on numerous CD's! I keep hoping she will come out with some albums of totally new material!!! So much of what she has done is absolutely delightful, and I've bought and loved many of her CD's.! The only other album I really haven't liked is "Harem." A bit off course for Sarah, in my estimation. Why damage a working image???

Great Voice/Great Music.......2005-01-11

I was really intrigued by Emma Shapplin's, "Spente le Stelle" a couple years ago. Sarah Brightman is also along these lines...she has an incredible voice (one of the best I've ever heard) and her fearless challange of mixing opera and trance is great. My favorites are the ATB mixes for the first song and the very last mix for the second song (which is a true opera/trance mix). But you really have to be open to this type of mix to enjoy it. In any case, just listening to Sarah Brightman sing anything is captivating.

Some hits, some misses.......2004-01-22

I haven't been a Sarah Brightman far too long, maybe two years I think. I am not a fan of opera music by all means, a lot of it bores me or gets on my last nerves. Although her music isn't pure opera, Sarah still manages to take elements of opera music and make it interesting for this music fan. I think Sarah has one of the most beautiful voices on this planet. She sings like an angel. My first Sarah Brightman album was 2000's "La Luna", which remains a personal fave of mine. One of my favorite songs on the album is the Procol Harum cover "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Sarah does a stunning interpretation of the classic rock song. I came across the single for "A White Shade of Pale/A Question of Honour" a couple of years ago and was intrigued to see that there were remixes of the songs. I was eager to hear what Sarah would sound like remixed. There were some good mixes and some not-so good mixes. I wasn't too fond of the Ecstasy mix of "A Whiter Shade of Pale". As much as I enjoy Rhys Fulber's work in general, I didn't think he did a great job remixing this particular song. It was too mellow. I preferred the more uptempo remixes like the ATB remix and my personal favorite the Paralyzer Remix, a killer trance track. As far as "A Question of Honour", the Pech remix got on my nerves. How typically cheesy. Of all the remixes, I felt that the Damage Control remix was the best although I did enjoy the Knock Out mix and Tom Lord-Alge's mix. Despite its flaws, I would just love it if Sarah would put out more remixes of her songs. That would totally rock my world. It would show a totally different side of Sarah's music that listeners rarely hear.

WHAT CAN I SAY?.......2002-08-19

I keep buying her recordings and I paid good money to go to her concerts. I do not know if she is the best, but there are not too many equals to her either. This CD is right on the top of the world.

LOVELY.......2002-08-18

She is lovely, songs are lovely, and her voice is angelic.

Average customer rating: One of the best The beginning of the end MMB and Ska/Punk at its best! How can anyone hate this? Must Get!

Question the Answers The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ska Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Third Wave Ska | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Ska General | Ska | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Let's Face It Ska-Core, The Devil & More Pay Attention Don't Know How to Party Live From the Middle East ASIN: B000001E65 Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

1. Kinder Words
2. A Sad Silence
3. Hell Of A Hat
4. Pictures To Prove It
5. We Should Talk
6. A Dollar & A Dream
7. Stand Off
8. 365 Days
9. Toxic Toast
10. Bronzing The Garbage
11. Dogs And Chaplains
12. Jump Through The Hoops

Customer Reviews:

One of the best.......2007-03-12

I found this album some years ago in a used music bin. I only had one album by them at the time. I decided to pick this one up. I will say that i liked it. It has some fun ska tunes on it. "Kinder Words", "Sad silence", "hell of a hat", "pictures to prove it", "365 days", "toxic toast", "bronzing the garbage", and "jump through the hoops" are all rather enjoyable. The bosstones give some good tunes on this album, but not their best effort.

The beginning of the end.......2004-07-07

This album broke many mainstream listeners to the MMB in 1994. Unfortunately, these younger listners must not of heard the real MMB albums prior, which are much more fun, energetic, and skacore. This album contains overproduced, sappy, depressing songs made for commerical audiences leaving behind the better days of the MMB. All the elements of a band selling out are here: a hit single, a slow ballad (ska style), and a cleaned up polished look for MTV. All of the TANG MMB albums are worth buying with More Noise being my favorite. I can't imagine what type of person would actual enjoy listening to tracks on this album like "pictures to prove it" or "jump thru the hoops" or what the band was thinking when they recorded these slow and uninspiring songs. THis album led many hardcore fans to leave the band as live shows lost thier energy and posers began touting this album as great. What a sham. The best song on this album "dogs and chaplains" is a third time remake of a classic first appearing on Devils Night Out on TANG.

MMB and Ska/Punk at its best!.......2004-06-06

This CD was amazing.It is probably the Bosstones best(besides Let's Face It).

Kinder Words-The opening song and I wouldn't pick any other song on the CD for the opener.With its incredible horn part and great guitar, it's truly an amzing song.

Sad Silence-Good song,I especially liked the ending.

Hell of a Hat-GREAT horn part!Its awesome how they can start soft and gradually explode into horns and screaming in this song.

Pictures to Prove It-This song is ok. Not as good as some other songs on the CD, but still a great addition to the album.

We Should Talk-Awesome song. Great proof that hard rock and horns can still be mixed together and sound great.

A Dollar and A Dream-This song is good, but its overall softness kind of breaks the mood of the rest of the CD.Still pretty good though.

Stand Off-Another great song.The trombone intro is THE COOLEST!!

365 Days-Awesome song that displays Dicky's amazing vocal talents and still has a great horn part.

Toxic Toast-If there were a list of the top 3 snogs on this CD, this song would be on it.Amazing piano and trombone solos.MMB CLASSIC!!!

Bronzing the Garbage-Great song with good vocals and trumpets.

Dogs and Chapains-Incredible song-fast paced and energetic.

Jump Through the Hoops-What better way to end the CD that with an awesome song like this.You'll be whistling this tune forever. It may be the last, but certainly not the least.

Overall, a great CD and I highly recommend it to any punk or ska fan, as it clearly excells in both areas.

How can anyone hate this?.......2003-11-11

I've bought only a handful of 'Tones albums. I bought Let's Face It and was only slightly impressed. I bought Pay Attention and was much more pleased. After hearing people say how terrible their old music was, I decided to see for myself. Question the Answers blew me away! I don't know what they were talking about when they said this was aweful.

It begins with an incredible riff in Kinder Words, one of the most catchy songs on the album. Sad Silence follows, and is a bit lighter, but the song changes tone so many times that it's hard to keep track. Next is Hell of a Hat, a favorite amongst internet fans. The song has excellent lyrics and a catchy sub-chorus. Picture to Prove It is next and is a song I usually skip, but is still a quality MMB song. We Should Talk is a psychotic piece about the lost art of communication, and is one of their most fast pased songs. Dollar and a Dream is another various toned song with a really cool casino intro. My personal favorite, Stand Off, is great not only because of the superb lyrics but for the even more superb guitars complete with short stutters weaving in and out of the chorus. Another fast song, 365 Days, is one where Dicky keeps yelling "Three Hundred and Sixty-Five" than moves on before he finishes. It's confusing, but an excellent singing technique. Another excellent song, Toxic Toast, has several saloon piano parts that add an extra bit of greatness to an already great song. Bronzing the Garbage is a moshing favorite and also a very catchy song. Dogs and Chaplains is like a mixture of every good element of the album into a conclusive piece. Jump Through the Hoops is like the P.S. and is a surprisingly cool finish to the album.

Although in the future, the Bosstones calm down their metal-tinged guitars in favor of the horns, this album commemerates their final metal-ska album before transferring into punk-ska territory. The stressed horns pounding out in unison with some creative guitar riffs touched with a precise rhythm section and topped off with Dicky's well thought-out lyrics, is what makes this album so great. Any fan of metal, punk or ska will definately love this album, but it won't appeal to the sappy media-friendly diehards out there. "Sharpest motherf---er in the joint, all other motherf---ers stop and point"

Must Get!.......2003-10-08

The Bosstones are by far my favorite band, and this CD is by far my favorite. Not only did it get me started with Ska, but it completely changed me. I recommend this CD to anyone. Especially anyone who just wants to hear the Bosstones, or anyone new to Ska.

Average customer rating: exquisite Ca me dit quelque chose lullabies An oneiric album

La Question Françoise Hardy Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD France | Continental Europe | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music French Pop | Euro Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Comment Te Dire Adieu The Vogue Years Soleil Ma Jeunesse Fout Le Camp Les Chansons D'amour ASIN: B0000070QA Release Date: 1996-03-06

Tracks:

1. Viens
2. La Question
3. Meme Sous La Pluie
4. Chanson D'o
5. Le Martien
6. Mer
7. Oui Je Dis Adieu
8. Doigts
9. La Maison
10. Si Mi Caballero
11. Bati Mon Nid
12. Reve

Album Description

Fench-pop superstar's 1971 album. One of her best post-'60s efforts. Tracks include, 'Chanson D'O' and 'Le Martien'. 1995 release. Limited edition digipak.

Album Details

Arguably the Best of her Post 1960's Albums, this 1971 Album is Just a Lush and Anything She Delivered in the Previous Decade but Produced Much More Sparingly Than Before. Ms. Hardy is One of the Greatest Understated Singers and Never Fails to Deliver a Cool, Endearing Performance.

Customer Reviews:

exquisite.......2004-07-02

this would have to be one of the most beautiful albums i've heard. a glorious mix of breathy french vocals from francoise combined with gorgeous brazilian guitar from tuca. gentle from start to its brilliant ending, this album never strays from its dreamy tempo yet is full of surprises. sensual, romantic, haunting and at times melancholic this album is truly a wonderful masterpiece.

Ca me dit quelque chose.......2003-08-19

There are really only two kinds of great albums in this world. The first is catchy, up front, and strikes a chord with the listener from the minute it spins. The second is albums like this - a quieter, less-assuming, almost experimental opus that grows better and more interesting every time you hear it. La Question is Françoise Hardy's 1971 "departure album" in that, for the first time in her career, she sang the type of deep, pensive, and even off-kilter ballads that had no immediate intent on commercial value so much as artistic merit. The instrumentation is sparse with guitarist and friend Tuca as her main accompaniment in addition to bass, the occasional strings, and keyboards. The only audible percussion occurs during the opening track "Viens," an appropriate attention grabber welcoming the listener to the chanteuse's personal journey, and also on the closer, the wound down, spoken-lyric groove called "Reve." In between it's mainly Tuca's flamenco style string plucking that provides the rhythmic jolt so delicately balanced by Françoise's lovely, reverb-induced voice. The title track, which follows its more rushed and immediate opener, sets the real pace for the album. It's a piano ballad replete with hushed, melancholy vocals as Françoise ponders one of her favorite themes: the pain of solitude and love lost. This theme is picked up again in "Oui Je Dis Adieu," a song whose sentiment aches as Françoise's vocal phrasings are drawn out like an extended sigh. The orchestration and Tuca's guitar punctuate the occasional silence between her words. Other album highlights include the haunting western ballad, "Si Mi Caballero," and "Bati Mon Nid," a more upbeat song (though essentially about a bird waiting for its partner) complete with a la la la refrain, standup bass, and a whimsical tone that placed it among Beck's top 10 during a recent DJ session. And because of the minimalist use of recording tracks and overdubs, what is laid down has a production quality so fresh and clear that listening to it with headphones 32 years later still gives you the impression you're in the studio as it's happening. This is simply a beautiful, understated album that sets an indescribable mood - something to do with twilight, fog, and contemplation.

lullabies.......2000-10-26

Francoise Hardy distinguished herself in the sixties as the first French woman to record songs which she penned. Previously, the songs had been written and arranged by a producer. This collection from 1971 is quiet, tender accoustic music. MEME SOUS LA PLUE and BATI MON NID present pleasant, endearing melodies. The title cut, CHANSON D'O and LE MARTIEN add breathy vocals of a chanteuse to a dreamy, languid pace. LE MARTIEN is most interesting to me for its ascending theme. Hardy and Tuca, a Brazilian guitarist who helps with production, add variety to the selection by introducing different instruments, strings, flutes etc.. VIENS is exciting for its latin influence, and the happy tune whistled as the introduction to SI MI CABALLERO add to the bewitching allure. If you are interested in quiet, accoustic vocal music or in the music of one of France' greatest songwriters, this CD will interest you.

An oneiric album.......2000-06-21

This collaboration with Brazilian musician Tuca is just magnificent. It is a slower album than usual, with no pop/rock numbers, just ballads - delectable, dreamy, gossamer ballads. In some of the songs, as "Chanson d'O", Hardy just scats, purrs, sighs, whispers softly in a bewitching way that drives you to a dream world. The arrangements, based on an accousting guitar and a string orchestra which appears now and then, are extraordinary and very imaginative. In some ways, this album seems to me like the soundtrack of one of those melancholic "nouvelle vague" movies from the time. Very nice and soooooothing.

Rap Music:

1. We Will Become Like Birds
2. When I Woke
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4. 9.0: Live [Live]
5. 99 Luftballons
6. A Passion Play [Enhanced] [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]
7. Aerial [Import]
8. After Midnight: Kean College, 2/28/80 [Live]
9. Alligator
10. Amused to Death

Rap Music

rap music

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