Are You Ready

From Amazon.ca
With an impressive total of 10 Blue Rodeo studio recordings and five Juno awards in 20 years, Canada’s most consistent country-pop kings have stuck to what they do well on Are You Ready: making toe-tappin’ music that fans of torch and twang will welcome with open arms. The disc’s kickoff track, "Can’t Help Wondering Why" is a three-minute, sunshine-y joyride that leads straight into the rockabilly-riffs of the Orbison-esque number "Are You Ready?" Near the end of the CD, however, the exact opposite emotion is evoked. "Tired of Pretending" brings Keelor’s full-frontal passion to the surface, the result is a compelling, gut-busting rant about apathy, where the co-frontman screams out "I’m tired of pretending that I still care."

Rockabilly pokes its head out on more than one occasion; a strong Celtic influence bleeds through as well, courtesy of Keelor’s "Phaedra’s Meadow" which features the legendary Paddy Moloney from the Chieftains on the Aeolian pipes and flute. The song’s sparse, spooky opening verse proves to be the disc’s highlight, a musical moment in time that is neither country, nor pop, but shows that the boys of Blue Rodeo continue to take inspiration from a host of styles, ultimately making their own rich, warm musical mélée.--Denise Sheppard

Product Description
Album features the songs 'Cant Help Wondering Why', 'Runaway Train', & 'Tired Of Pretending'. Warner. 2005.

Are You Ready,Blue Rodeo,Rounder / Pgd,Alternative Country-Rock,Americana,Canada,Folk-Rock,Heartland Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Are You Ready

Average customer rating: You 're The One That I Want Prepare to be transported to Summer Nights Great Soundtrack & Fun Extras from an Enduring Musical. If You Love Grease, You'll Love This - Only 1 Major Flaw Grease CD Reveiw

Grease - Deluxe Edition Olivia Newton-John , John Travolta , and Stockard Channing Manufacturer: Polydor / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Grease (Rockin' Rydell Edition) Grease: A New 50's Rock 'N Roll Musical - The Original Broadway Cast Album Grease - The New Broadway Cast Recording (1994 Revival) Grease II (1982 Film) Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track ASIN: B0000C16OQ Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

1. Grease - Fankie Valli
2. Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
3. Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
4. You're The One That I Want - Olivia Newton-John
5. Sandy - John Travolta
6. Beauty School Drop-Out - Frankie Avalon
7. Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee - Stockard Channing
8. Greased Lightnin' - John Travolta
9. It's Raining On Prom Night - Cindy Bullens
10. Alone At The Drive-In Movie (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
11. Blue Moon - Sha-Na-Na
12. Rock N' Roll Is Here To Stay - Sha-Na-Na
13. Those Magic Changes - Sha-Na-Na
14. Hound Dog - Sha-Na-Na
15. Born To Hand-Jive - Sha-Na-Na
16. Tears On My Pillow - Sha-Na-Na
17. Mooning - Cindy Bullens
18. Freddy, My Love - Cindy Bullens
19. Rock N' Roll Party Queen - Louis St. Louis
20. There Are Worse Things I Could - Stockard Channing
21. Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee (Reprise) - Olivia Newton-John
22. We Go Together - Olivia Newton-John
23. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing (Instrumental) - Sammy Fain
24. Grease (Reprise) - Frankie Valli

Tracks:

1. Grease (Instrumental Version) - Gary Brown
2. Summer Nights (Sing-A-Long Version) - Jim Jacobs
3. Hopelessly Devoted To You (Sing-A-Long Version) - John Farrar
4. You're The One That I Want (Sing-A-Long Version) - John Farrar
5. Sandy (Sing-A-Long Version) - Louis St. Louis
6. Greased Lightnin' (Single Version) - John Travolta
7. Rydell Fight Song (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
8. Greased Up And Ready To Go (Instrumental) - Jim Jacobs
9. Grease Megamix: You're The One That I Want/Greased Lightnin'/Summer Nights - Olivia Newton-John
10. Grease Dream Mix: Grease/Sandy/Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John
11. Summer Nights (Martian Remix) - Olivia Newton-John
12. You're The One That I Want (Martian Remix) - Olivia Newton-John

Amazon.com

There's no better example of American pop culture's hall-of-mirrors ethos than producer Alan Carr's relentlessly buoyant 1978 film adaptation of the stage musical Grease. Inspired by that decade's rampant 50's nostalgia, it now paradoxically evokes the campy 70's excesses that spawned it. That sense of recycled decades in collision is underscored repeatedly on this deluxe, double-disc Grease-fest, especially on the set's second disc of bonus materials that spans vintage singles of the title track (its instrumental B-side) and "Greased Lightnin'," some sing-along karaoke tracks, and a handful of alternately slick/techo-savvy remixes (originally produced for the film's 20th anniversary) that are testament to its enduring, era-defying appeal. The original soundtrack itself has been treated to a stellar digital remastering that fills disc one, and remains a joyous monument to camp, sheer ambition, and exuberant nostalgic illusions. Includes a slip-cased, double-fold-out case and new booklet with complete song lyrics. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

You 're The One That I Want.......2007-04-03

The complete Grease experience. This cd is a two disc-set with disc one being the complete soundtrack, while disc two is all bonus material including the popular Grease Megamix. Fans of the movie would want to make this cd an essential part of their music collection.

Prepare to be transported to Summer Nights.......2006-03-26

Well here we are with a great piece of history.

This album has not only captured the spirit of the movie but the essence of a 1970's version of the 1950's. I have seen this play live and yes some things are different. Yet I grew up on the movie. I even find myself singing some of the songs now and then. Of course you will never see me singing "Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee." However I do keep this in my car as great driving music. This album is not you can pick apart and say things like missing songs, in the wrong order etc. It sounds and feels just right. There will be many versions yet this one is the Grease - Deluxe Edition [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED] [SOUNDTRACK] gives you more information about each of the tracks allowing you to feel that you have inside information and to feel that you know more of what went into the making of each song.

Great Soundtrack & Fun Extras from an Enduring Musical........2004-07-06

I'm enjoying listening to this great soundtrack that I loved as a child after a long hiatus. I had it on 8-track 25 years ago. So it's fitting that I should get the 25th Anniversary Edition on CD. The 24 songs from the movie are just as everyone remembers them, so I'll talk about the Bonus Disc, which contains 10 alternative versions of the songs plus 2 previously unreleased instrumentals from the film.

Track 1 on the Bonus Disc is an instrumental version of the film's theme, "Grease", written and produced by Barry Gibb. Frankie Valli's voice has been replaced by a saxophone. The chorus is vocal, but the voices are not those in the original song. You could use this as a sing-along version, as it would be easy to sing over the sax. Tracks 2-5 are officially sing-along versions. "Summer Nights" includes the chorus vocals from the film and sounds good. "You're the One That I Want" has new chorus vocals of questionable merit. "Sandy" is a new arrangement. It's not as good as the film version, but you can sing along. Track 6 is the single version of "Greased Lightning" that you may have heard on the radio back in the day. It's differs from the original in that the bad words have been replaced for radio airplay. Tracks 7-8 are previously unreleased instrumentals from the film. "Greased Up and Ready to Go" is lively. Tracks 9-10 are mixes that I occasionally hear on the radio. The "Grease Megamix" and the "Grease Dream Mix" are fun, if awkward. Tracks 11-12 are Martian Remixes of "Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want". They retain the original vocals, but set them to a Latin rhythm. They make pretty good dance tracks.

This 2-disc set isn't in a jewel case. The case is paperboard with 4 panels that fold out. This is inside of a clear vinyl slip case on which the tracks are written. This isn't convenient packaging. On the bright side, the case won't crack in the mail. Tucked inside one of the panels is a booklet that contains lyrics and credits.

The "Grease: 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition" is a terrifically fun soundtrack to one of the all-time great movie musicals. And for all those preteen girls who go wild over the movie with each new generation, the bonus material is perfect for parties and horsing around.

If You Love Grease, You'll Love This - Only 1 Major Flaw.......2004-05-15

Disc 1 is like the original album, which I also own. 1 major flaw is that "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" cuts off at the very end of it! I was upset by this, hence the 3 stars instead of 4. Disc 2 is a lot of fun w/some remixes and sing-a-longs, all in all, I'm pretty happy with it being that I'm a HUGE Grease fan. If you like Grease, you'll love this, it's fun. Too bad when they "remastered" it, they didn't catch there 1 mistake. Oh well, at least I have it on another album.

Grease CD Reveiw.......2004-04-26

This Grease CD is the best! I listen to it every week. I just love Your The One That I Want.:) Amazon.com has everything!Olivia Newton-John and the boy singer have the best voices. Now thatnks to Amazon.com I can listen to it! The Grease CD is the best!:)

Average customer rating: the perfect movie I LOVE MY FAVORITE SONG, AND THANKS TO THIS CD I CAN LISTEN TO IT ALL DAY LONG!! Wonderful Soundtrack to a Wonderful Movie Great CD musical memories

Singin' in the Rain (1952 Film Soundtrack) (Deluxe Edition) Nacio Herb Brown , Gene Kelly , and Arthur Freed Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Singin' in the Rain (Two-Disc Special Edition) An American in Paris (1951 Film Soundtrack) Easter Parade: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954 Film Soundtrack) M-G-M's Brigadoon: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1954 Film) ASIN: B00006JOF3 Release Date: 2002-10-01

Tracks:

1. Main Title/Singin' In The Rain - Gene Kelly
2. Fit As A Fiddle (And Ready For Love) - Gene Kelly
3. Tango (Temptation) - MGM Studio Orchestra
4. All I Do Is Dream Of You - Debbie Reynolds
5. All I Do Is Dream Of You (Outtake) - Gene Kelly
6. Make 'Em Laugh - Donald O'Connor
7. Beautiful Girl Montage - MGM Studio Orchestra & Chorus
8. Beautiful Girl - Jimmie Thompson
9. You Were Meant For Me - Gene Kelly
10. You Are My Lucky Star (Outtake) - Debbie Reynolds
11. Moses - Gene Kelly
12. Good Morning - Gene Kelly
13. Singin' In The Rain - Gene Kelly
14. Would You? - Betty Noyes
15. Broadway Melody Ballet - MGM Studio Orchestra & Chorus
16. Would You? End Title - Gene Kelly
17. Singin' In The Rain (In A-Flat) - Debbie Reynolds
18. Finale - Gene Kelly
19. Main Title (Alternate Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
20. Beautiful Girl (Alternate Version/Tempo Track) - Gene Kelly
21. Would You? (Unused Version) - Debbie Reynolds
22. Would You (Duet) (Unused Version) - Gene Kelly
23. Beautiful Girl (Unused Original Version) - Jimmie Thompson
24. Singin' In The Rain (Alternate Vocal) - Gene Kelly
25. Should I (Unused Instrumental) - MGM Studio Orchestra

Tracks:

1. The Broadway Melody - Charles King
2. You Were Meant For Me - Charles King
3. The Wedding Of The Painted Doll - James Burroughs
4. Singin' In The Rain - Cliff Edwards
5. Should I - Charles Kaley
6. Beautiful Girl - Sam Ash
7. All I Do Is Dream Of You - Gene Raymond
8. Broadway Rhythm - Frances Langford
9. I've Got A Feelin' Your Foolin' - Robert Taylor
10. You Are My Lucky Star - Marjorie Lane
11. Would You - Jeanette MacDonald
12. Good Morning - Judy Garland
13. Singin' In The Rain - Judy Garland
14. All I Do Is Dream Of You - Judy Garland
15. Dignity - MGM Studio Orchestra
16. Stunt Montage (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
17. First Silent Picture (Extended Version) - MGM Studio Orchestra
18. Have Lunch With Me - MGM Studio Orchestra
19. Dancing On A Rainbow - Arthur Freed
20. Singin' In The Rain (Radio Broadcast) - Arthur Freed
21. Broadway Melody Ballet (Original Version) - Gene Kelly

Amazon.com

A vibrant tribute to MGM's legendary confluence of brains, talent, hard work, ambition--and dare we say it?--massive egos, Singin' in the Rain long ago took its rightful place among the first rank of the studio's dizzying catalog of film musicals. This double-disc, 46-track 50th-anniversary edition features all of the film's familiar songs, as well as numerous outtakes and extended versions, many culled directly from the film's original recording masters. Its second disc also chronicles the film's clever--if studio imposed--self-referential musical gambit of recycling a slate of Arthur Freed/Nacio Herb Brown songs from Metro's first decade by including 14 of the originals, including performances by Jeanette McDonald, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Freed himself. Featuring a dozen previously unreleased recordings and an illustrated booklet containing the insightful reminiscences of the film's original writers, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, it's the ultimate musical companion to one of cinema's magical, enduring masterpieces. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

The complete 50th Anniversary Edition and a bonus disc featuring the original recordings that inspired the 1952 MGM classic! Includes 12 previously unreleased tracks 'Would You?' (duet) (unused version), 'Beautiful Girl' (unused original version), 'Singin' In The Rain' (alternative vocal), 'Should I' (unused instrumental), 'You Were Meant For Me', 'All I Do Is Dream Of You', 'Broadway Rhythm', 'You Are My Lucky Star', 'Would You?', 'Dancing On A Rainbow' plus 'Broadway Melody Ballet' (original version). Rhino. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

the perfect movie.......2007-03-10

My old Gene did it: the perfect movie, the perfect american history, the perfect music. Some people think musicals are "B" movies. I say them: look about the dream, the performance, the music.
Who can say what is beatiful? Look at faces of Gene and Stan during the shooting on the set: whole concentration and attention for everything.
This is a unique moment in their story, and in the story of cinema.
Unforgettable.

I LOVE MY FAVORITE SONG, AND THANKS TO THIS CD I CAN LISTEN TO IT ALL DAY LONG!!.......2007-01-28

I love Singin' in the Rain. It was the movie that made me like musicals, not those simple, mellow movies like South Pacific and the Sound of Music, but REAL musicals, with people like Fred Astaire or Eleanor Powell tapping their hearts out, or great singers like Frances Langford or Dick Powell putting over a song like they mean it.The Singin' in the Rain 2disc special edition introduced me to my favorite movie, the Broadway Melody of 1936, the MOST AMAZING MOVIE EVER! So I was so glad when my parents got me the soundtrack to Singin' in the Rain, and besides the music of the 1951 versions of the Nacio Herb Brown/Arthur Freed, there are also the original versions of the songs in their original movies. I am so glad that Rhino put the duet of Robert Taylor and June Knight singing I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' on this CD set! It's my favorite song, and now I can listen to it! Hooray!! It's the best song EVER!! There's also vocals of Charles King singing the Broadway Melody, which is great! And many more, like Bing Crosby, Frances Langford, Jeanette MacDonald, and other great singers I can't think of right now. This CD set is great, the sound is nice and un-staticy (mostly), there are 30-plus songs, and the price is phenomenal. I love my favorite song, and now I can listen to it all day long!! Yay! :)

Wonderful Soundtrack to a Wonderful Movie.......2006-06-16

Yes, this is it--the first real musical I ever saw. Okay, I saw "Wizard of Oz" and "The Sound of Music", and I love both of those musicals dearly. I had even seen "My Fair Lady." I thought musicals were all like those. Until this one. I had never seen such dancing. And this CD causes me to relive the joy of the musical each time I listen to it. Complete with the tap sounds. I love that they included even the deleted songs. Now we just need a DVD that has all the deleted scenes in context. But the studio probably threw all those away. Oh well, our imaginations can take care of what is missing.

Great CD.......2006-03-20

This is a great CD of music for your family to listen to. Our family enjoys it very much.

musical memories.......2006-03-14

I enjoyed this CD very much, as I remember seeing the movie years ago. I grew up watching MGM musicals and this was one of the best. I loved all of the wonderful songs that came from this movie. Great sound on this CD.

Average customer rating: je title of review cookie cutter These guys rock! mercman50-houston texas

You Already Know Cardinal Trait Manufacturer: Emanon Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beneath These Fireworks Love, Loss, Hope, Repeat ASIN: B0006NI3DC Release Date: 2004-11-30

Tracks:

1. Something More
2. All For You
3. Every Now And Then
4. Flashback
5. So Called Friend
6. Nowhere Land
7. Ardmore
8. White
9. Lately
10. Let Me Be

Album Description

The best way to explain what this band sounds like is that they are a combination of REM, Hootie and the Blowfish and Dave Matthews with a smidgen of the Allman Bros. for good measure.

This band has a melodic foundation with a marvelous pop sensibility; they are intelligent, crafty, and very talented at every position in the band. Get ready folks, the south is gonna do it again. They have all the cardinal traits of greatness and I hope you as the listener are curious enough to check them out.

Customer Reviews:

je.......2005-09-18

I normally don't listen to Rock, but this album draws you in. Every song is perfectly done and very smooth. If Dr. Dre did rock music, it would sound like this! This has become my favorite album by far.

title of review.......2005-05-26

These guys really are at the absolute top of the commercial radio pop-rock pile, as good as Collapsis, Athenaeum, and Transmatic. I don't know how these guys haven't got a major label deal, because they're totally better than 95% of major label rock, and every song on this album has hit written all over it.

cookie cutter.......2005-05-01

I personally do not like Cardinal Trait or this type of music. They are just another cookie cutter band with nothing to make them stand out in an already flooded music world.

These guys rock!.......2005-04-25

This CD is a surefire hit with a blend of catchy hooks and well written lyrics. What makes this CD stand out is that ALL the tracks are great!

Paul Deppeler
iROK Radio
http://irokradio.com

mercman50-houston texas.......2005-04-17

My daughter was a huge fan of cardinal trait.. So I decided to hear their cd and I was overwhelmed.. their was not one bad song on that whole entire cd.. i absolutly can not wait till the second cd

Average customer rating: Bravo... Blue Rodeo returns to form!

Are You Ready Blue Rodeo Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rounder Records | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Five Days in July Lost Together Palace of Gold The Days In Between Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 ASIN: B000A2M1X2 Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. Can't Help Wondering Why
2. Are You Ready
3. Rena
4. Up On That Cloud
5. I Will
6. Phaedra's Meadow
7. Runaway Train
8. Stuck On You
9. Beverley Street
10. Finger Lakes
11. Tired of Pretending
12. Don't Get Angry

From Amazon.ca

With an impressive total of 10 Blue Rodeo studio recordings and five Juno awards in 20 years, Canada's most consistent country-pop kings have stuck to what they do well on Are You Ready: making toe-tappin' music that fans of torch and twang will welcome with open arms. The disc's kickoff track, "Can't Help Wondering Why" is a three-minute, sunshine-y joyride that leads straight into the rockabilly-riffs of the Orbison-esque number "Are You Ready?" Near the end of the CD, however, the exact opposite emotion is evoked. "Tired of Pretending" brings Keelor's full-frontal passion to the surface, the result is a compelling, gut-busting rant about apathy, where the co-frontman screams out "I'm tired of pretending that I still care."

Rockabilly pokes its head out on more than one occasion; a strong Celtic influence bleeds through as well, courtesy of Keelor's "Phaedra's Meadow" which features the legendary Paddy Moloney from the Chieftains on the Aeolian pipes and flute. The song's sparse, spooky opening verse proves to be the disc's highlight, a musical moment in time that is neither country, nor pop, but shows that the boys of Blue Rodeo continue to take inspiration from a host of styles, ultimately making their own rich, warm musical mélée.--Denise Sheppard

Album Description

Album features the songs 'Cant Help Wondering Why', 'Runaway Train', & 'Tired Of Pretending'. Warner. 2005.

Album Details

Like Fine Wine, Blue Rodeo's Music Gets Better as Time Passes, and the Country-tinged "Are You Ready" (The Band's Tenth Studio Album) is a Rich, Earthy Recording That, in Overall Feel, is Reminiscent of their Quintessential 1993 Album, "5 Days in July".

Customer Reviews:

Bravo..........2005-12-25

You can stack this moment in music with Blue Rodeo's "5 Days In July". I'm not crazy about the first cut, but thereafter, watch out! This album soars with at times with a 60's sound which sounds fresh and fun! Typically, great Blue Rodeo ballads are in this mix, penned by Cuddy and Keelor, writers who can stand with any other writers, past or present. This is their best work since "5 Days"...I hope it won't be their last! I have this brilliant groups entire collection as they are easily one of my favorite groups and I'm not sure my wife listens to anything else! Once Blue Rodeo gets into your system, you're addicted and happily so...ENJOY!

Blue Rodeo returns to form!.......2005-09-16

Although typecast as Country/Pop/Rock, these guys sure know how to make music. These twelve cuts return them to their "Five Days in July" and "The Days in Between" form. Needless to say, I love it. This is as good and as honest and as fun as any music that is being made today. The writing/singing duo of Jim Cuddy and Greg Keelor have been called the "Canadian Lennon & McCartney." I'm not sure there is a much better endorsement in the entire Pop/Rock world. I have been a long, long time fan and this album sits on the shelf along with the rest of the amazing catalog. They are one, if not the top, of my favorite groups for a single reason: they make great music.

Average customer rating: Fantastic live record with first rate songs and performances Texas music at its best This is a good way to get the essential Radney Foster Foster Live is the way to capture him Best Live Album

Are You Ready for the Big Show? Radney Foster Manufacturer: Dualtone Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Another Way to Go This World We Live In Del Rio, Texas, 1959 See What You Want to See Labor of Love ASIN: B00005CCAW Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

1. Are You Ready for the Big Show?
2. Tonight
3. God Knows When
4. Just Call Me Lonesome
5. Something Stupid
6. School of Hard Knocks
7. Intro to Went for a Ride
8. Went for a Ride
9. I'm Used to It
10. Folding Money
11. Leaning on What Love Can Do
12. How You Play the Hand
13. Nobody Wins
14. We Know Better
15. I'm In
16. Texas In 1880
17. Tonight

Product Description

1. Are You Ready For The Big Show 0:15
2. Tonight 4:14
3. God Knows When 4:01
4. Lonesome 3:27
5. Something Stupid 0:12
6. School Of Hard Knocks 3:18
7. Intro To "Went For A Ride" 1:45
8. Went For A Ride 4:06
9. I'm Used To It 4:13
10. Foldin' Money 6:57
11. Leanin' On Love 4:36
12. How You Play The Hand 4:09
13. Nobody Wins 4:19
14. We Know Better 0:08
15. I'm In 5:56

Format: CD

Amazon.com

Recorded over two nights in September 2000 at Austin's Continental Club, Are You Ready for the Big Show? stitches together a handful of Radney Foster favorites, five new songs, a little stage patter, and the whoops of an adoring crowd to produce a compendium of good-time Texas roots-rock. Aswirl in organ, slide guitar, and twinkling mandolin (courtesy of Nickel Creek's Chris Thile), the first four tracks sound like so much fun you won't notice they're all about hard luck and heartbreak. Things drag a bit in the middle--blame the far too precious "Went for a Ride"--but Foster recovers quickly with a sharp version of his 1992 hit "Nobody Wins" and a blazing pair of tunes drawn from 1999's See What You Want to See: "Folding Money" and the set-closing "I'm In." The likes of Pat Green, Jack Ingram, and brothers Bruce and Charlie Robison may aspire to the success of Robert Earl Keen, but this disc offers a better role model. --Anders Smith-Lindall

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic live record with first rate songs and performances.......2003-07-18

I'm always saying "man, there's nothin' on TV". Well, I was wrong about that, at least once. One night my TV found it's way to a some Opry show and it's Radney Foster doing a live gig. I'd never heard of him -- even though, come to find out, a country-fan friend of mine had been raving about Foster & Lloyd for years. Anyway, that spectacular TV performance led me to ordering this spectacular live CD. His approach reminds me of someone whose work I'm more familiar, John Hiatt -- a HUGE compliment. And, I go through CD's like water, but this one has stayed in my rotation for months now. I'm certain this is one of the best live albums put out by any artist in the past decade. And the songs! "I'm In", "Tonight", "God Knows When". What's more, I drive down the road with my 4-year-old son now often chiming in from the back seat "Now you ready, now you ready, now you ready for the big show?" And, I know exactly what he means.

Texas music at its best.......2003-04-26

I was and am a big fan of the old group Foster and Loyd and this album brings me back to those time. Eventhough Loyd is not singing with Radney Foster anymore, this album is great. The song "Folding Money" is worth the purchase of this album. This album has a stong Texas feel and makes you want to open a Shiner Bock on a Texas summer night and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

This is a good way to get the essential Radney Foster.......2003-02-14

Although he never seems to venture into Kentucky so I have never seen him live, I would imagine that a live performance from Radney Foster would be the way to experience his energy and passionate songwriting and performance.

The song to play over and over and over again is "Texas in 1880". The original Foster-Lloyd version was tremendous but there is a slightly different edge to the version that Foster does with Pat Green that makes it even better. Of course, it is just a great song period.

Most of the bigger hits are on the album but Tonight, the last bonus track on the album is a good song too.

I've played the CD for a lot of period who did not grow up on Foster and Lloyd in their heyday like I did and they go for the music as well.

Don McNay...

Foster Live is the way to capture him.......2003-02-12

Those of us who were big Foster and Lloyd fans want to hear the old stuff but Randy comes through with some new songs like Tonight that are catchy and fun.

My favorite Foster and Lloyd song, Texas in 1880 is enhanced in this newer and fresher track that was not recorded live and with Pat Green doing the parts that Bill Lloyd sang.

Foster has a hard core following and will be part of the music scene for many years to come. I'll thrilled that the Dixie Chicks recognize this great talents and started recording his song. Foster and Lloyd's success as songwriters have often overshadowed how good they are individual performers and I am thrilled Foster gave us a chance to hear what he sounds like live. If he ever gets close to Kentucky (his tours seem to go from one end of Texas to the other end of Texas only) I will be there.

Don McNay...

Best Live Album.......2002-11-26

I am listening to the album as I type! Song playing? Folding Money. I am more of a new Radney Foster fan. I wasn't old enough to enjoy Foster and Lloyd. I do enjoy their recordings now! This album is the best live recording I've heard, simply because the emphasis is on the music. Not the crowd. You can sing along with it. Besides that, the songs are great! I just wish he would have did a live recording of "Texas in 1880." That is my favorite song of his. While the new version is great, although I like the old Foster and Lloyd version better. Any true country fan should buy this album. Foster is surely better than some of country's bigger starts, such as, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, etc. I am kind of glad he has not reached that level of success, because I think that kind of success would hurt his music, at least for what I like. Anyway drop whatever you are doing and get this album at your local grocery! You will not be disappointed!

Average customer rating: Hank certainly didn't do it this way... Two great seventies albums Brings back memories Two distinctly different faces of a legend

Are You Ready for the Country/What Goes Around Comes Around Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: Import [Generic] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Music Man/Black on Black I've Always Been Crazy Ol' Waylon The Ramblin' Man Lonesome, On'ry and Mean ASIN: B00008XRTL Release Date: 2003-04-21

Tracks:

1. Are You Ready for the Country
2. Them Old Love Songs
3. So Good Woman
4. Jack-A-Diamonds
5. Can't You See
6. MacArthur Park
7. I'll Go Back to Her
8. Couple More Years
9. Old Friend
10. Precious Memories
11. I Ain't Living Long Like This
12. What Goes Around
13. Another Man's Fool
14. I Got the Train Sittin' Waitin'
15. It's the World's Gone Crazy (Cotillion)
16. Ivory Tower
17. Out Among the Stars
18. Come With Me
19. If You See Her
20. Old Love, New Eyes

Album Details

Two Collections Incorporating Four Original RCA Albums. First Time on CD for "What Goes Around".

Customer Reviews:

Hank certainly didn't do it this way..........2007-01-28

These are what I consider the last few good records Waylon cut before the string of bad records. In his auto biography he talks about cutting these records high as a kite on Cocaine.

Two great seventies albums.......2005-05-26

The pairing of these two albums appears a little odd but many of Waylon's seventies albums had already been released on CD. Still, both albums are well worth hearing and Waylon's fans everywhere will welcome this twofer.

The first album here (Are you ready for the country) was recorded when Waylon was at the peak of the outlaw phase of his career. Apart from the brilliant title track, it features many other outstanding songs including Can't you see (written by Toy Caldwell of the Marshall Tucker Band), MacArthur Park (an incredible version of this classic song), Couple more years (also recorded by Dr Hook at around the same time), Old friend (about Buddy Holly) and Precious memories (the gospel classic).

The second album (What goes around) was recorded just three years later but by that time Waylon's sound had changed somewhat. The style may be different but the music is still brilliant. On this album, the first five tracks are generally up-tempo while the second five are generally slower, more reflective. The album opens with I ain't living long like this (a Rodney Crowell song also recorded by Emmylou) but my favorites here are It's the world's gone crazy (the lyrics may seem crazy at first but the song makes sense if you listen to it a few times), Ivory tower and Come with me.

Most of Waylon's seventies albums are now available on CD. If you are a Waylon fan, make sure that you buy them before they go out of print. This twofer may not be the highest priority among those available but it is certainly deserving of a place in any collection of Waylon's music.

Brings back memories.......2003-11-07

It was back in the late 1970's and I was a teenager who loved to listen to Waylon. These songs are classic "outlaw" waylon at it's best. Back in the mid 1970's Waylon released "Are You Ready For The Country" continuing on in the tradition of "Ramblin' Man", "This Time", "Honky Tonk Heroes" and the other albums he had been doing since breaking free from the "Nashville" production on the earlier sessions (they were good, but sounded like all the other Country artists on RCA at the time)... Waylon however wanted to do it his way and nowhere is it more evident than on "Are You Ready For The Country".
This set begins with the rocking title cut then he eases down with "So Good Woman" which sounds like it must have been directed straight at Jessi "You know I've run around all my life/You could've done better cause you've been a good wife"
"Them Old Love Songs" is the third track and talks about someones wish to find a love "like people do in them old love songs"... I could go on and on, but one of my favorites on here is "MacArthurs Park". Waylon had done a version with a female vocalist back in the last 1970's but the Nashville people put strings, horns and flutes in it. This time Waylon did it his way, singing all the vocals and using his band with the trademark sound of Ralph Mooney's steel guitar taking front and center. There is also the tribute to Buddy Holly here called "Old Friend" among others that are just plain good music.
This CD continues with the lp "What Goes Around" which starts off with "Ain't Living Long Like This", goes into the title cut and the first four songs are toe tappers, one of the best of which is "I've Got The Train Settin' Waitin", but then it gets weird with "It's The World's Gone Crazy" ("the dancer's are dancin' alone/the sidemen all want to be frontmen and the front men all want to go home... just an example of the lyrics on that weird little tune)... Side two of that album showed a more laid back smoothe Waylon starting with "Ivory Tower" then the story song "Out Among The Stars" about a down and out young man who "can't find a job but has found a gun" and holds up a liquor store, then the classic "Come With Me"... there are more tunes here but I've hit the hilites on two of my favorite Waylon lps of all time and they've put them together on this one CD... What more could you ask for?

Two distinctly different faces of a legend.......2003-06-16

The pairing of these two pieces of Waylon's work seems rather odd. However, both are very welcome to be back in my Waylon collection after several years of being absent. "Are You Ready For The Country" is an example of Waylon's ability to capture that renegade spirit during the height of his commercial success. All of these songs are pure Waylon at his best, but his rendition of Toy Caldwell's "Can't You See" is, in this reviewer's opinion, the epitome of what the "Outlaw Movement" of the seventies was all about. Listening to "What Goes Around" takes us into a different era of Waylon's fame and legend. You can tell that his taste in material has changed, as has his delivery. Two stand out tracks on this album are "If You See Her" and "Old Love, New Eyes". Waylon was always defying anybody to label his music or pidgeonhole him as an artist. The differences in these two albums
is a testament to what made him one of the greatest recording artist in the history of country music. He could continuosly grow and expand his horizons, all the while making his fans want to ride along and listen. This collection brought back a lot of great memories for me. Thank's Amazon for offering it. And thank you Waylon, for all those years of rebellious inspiration.

Average customer rating: Not as good as live, but this album changed my life Aiiiiight Mr. Quintron and Miss Pussycat Rule the Underworld of Soul Are you ready for the craziest guy ever?

Are You Ready for an Organ Solo? Quintron Manufacturer: Three-One-G ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Swamp Tech/Electric Swamp Wonder Showzen - Season Two ASIN: B0000950V1 Release Date: 2003-06-17

Tracks:

1. Place Unknown
2. Mud Bugs
3. Teenage Antoinette
4. Miniature Breakdown
5. I'm Not Busy
6. Cave Formation
7. Beach
8. Underwater Dance Club
9. Organ Solo

Customer Reviews:

Not as good as live, but.......2006-11-30

Quintron and Pussycat's shows are really fantastic live. If this were a collection of the exact songs live, I would certainly give it a 5.

But this isn't a live album, or even the best of Quintron's work. It's solid, and sometimes has the same energy as on stage. But not often enough; the record falls a little flat.

See them live; then pick up the record.

this album changed my life.......2006-01-19

this is not the best quintron album. it is not my favorite quintron album. but it did change my life and has given me new inspirations and goals. honestly, this is a really great album to buy if you are someone who gets excited about brilliant things.

Aiiiiight.......2004-12-24

I don't love his albums like I love his shows. Quintron and miss pussycat play incredible shows. Probably the best duo I've seen since Pink & Brown broke up. But you can't have everything. Don't get me wrong, I love place unknown, cave formation, miniature breakdown.... as single songs. But the album as a whole, just doesn't come within miles of his live music.

Mr. Quintron and Miss Pussycat Rule the Underworld of Soul.......2004-03-17

IF YOU HAVE NOT EVER HEARD QUINTRON AND MISS PUSSYCAT BUY THIS AND THEN BUY EVERYTHING ELSE THEY HAVE EVER DONE.
If there is a leading light of modern organ music it is Quintron. Not only does he play the organ but he invented his own drum/noise machine, "The Drum Buddy." His music sounds like nothing else out there and yet it in all of it's forms is the most danceable noise around. If you like "Wolf Eyes", "Bebe and Serge", "XBXRX", or any modern "Rock" band you should check this out because who can't love a man playing organ and a woman with puppets.

Are you ready for the craziest guy ever?.......2003-12-22

I saw Mr. Quintron and Miss PussyCat at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA, and they brought the house DOWN!! Most people who write reviews for Quintron have seen him live before getting an album, and I recommend doing the same. He has amazing energy, and is completely immersed in his sweaty-topless-skinny-white-boy jam. Anyway, this is the only album I have and I listen to it all the time. Some of the lyrics are just hysterical, and the funky organ gets me tingly. I was dissappointed that there's no actual organ solo on the album, even 'Organ Solo' the song is a teaser. Even so, I recommend this album whole heartedly, especially if you're a fan of John Spencer or you are a dork.

Average customer rating: Genius Why Can't We Get Music Like This in The States? Big Sugar = Big Time Underrated

Brothers & Sisters, Are You Ready? Big Sugar Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock Jam Bands | Jam Bands | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Hemi-Vision Heated Big Sugar Five Hundred Pounds Hit & Run ASIN: B00005Y85H Release Date: 2001-06-19

Tracks:

1. Vainqueur
2. Nashville Grass (For Woody)
3. Elle Est Pass
4. Tina Gasolina (Elle Est Tout )
5. (Loin d're) Over
6. Bombe
7. Bump on the Head
8. Lost and Found
9. Bust
10. Harmonie
11. Oiseau Reggae
12. Nu (Pom Pom)
13. O Canada

Album Description

Full title, Brothers & Sisters Are You Ready? 2001 album for the eclectic Toronto blues-rock outfit marks the first time an English speaking band in Canada has released an album in French & English versions simultaneously. 13 tracks including, 'Red Rover', 'Nicotina (She's All That)' & 'O Canada'.

Album Details

Canadian Band Certified Three Times Platinum in Canada for their Previous Two Albums. They Are the First English Speaking Band in Canada to Release an Album in Both English and French.

Customer Reviews:

Genius.......2002-08-16

Not your usual Canadian fare. Tremendous vocals, interesting rhythms, music that just sounds good, even when diverse and discordant. You'll find you've heard some of the songs on the radio.

Why Can't We Get Music Like This in The States?.......2002-07-15

Wow - this record rocks! I haven't heard music this fresh and funky for a looooong time! Big Sugar is almost an anachronism by today's standards....loud (I have first-hand info they're known as the loudest band in Canada), fuzzy, guitar-driven tunes, played with a reverb-soaked, bluesy feel, bottom-heavy bass, tight drumming, but still arranged & played with lots of "space", and soulful, well-crafted songs, too...it's a total trip back to the early 70's..ya gotta love it! Guitarist Gordie Johnson kinda reminds me of a later-day Mick Ronson with a healthy shot of Stevie Ray soul....if you dig rock & roll served up just right, tune into this band...and if you live in the USA, scratch your head and wonder why our FM radio isn't all over these guys. To be played at maximun volume!

Big Sugar = Big Time Underrated.......2002-03-29

Because Gordie Johnson is a world class guitarist and producer and they have a bunch (not all) of sweet songs.

All Music Guide says:

"Brothers and Sisters, Are You Ready? is loaded with a batch of dependable high-octane rock crunchers (particularly album opener "Red Rover," lead single "Nicotina," and "All Hell for a Basement"

As a Canadian I've heard of Big Sugar since they are popular here but have never bought an album. I noticed their musicianship before but after hearing "Red Rover" and especially "All Hell for a Basement" I realised that their good stuff can easily rival the best stuff on American/European radio today.

As a student of music I must recommend this album if only for the production value, "All Hell for a Basement," and Gordie Johnson's vocals and guitar.

"So Not Over" is pretty cool too (notice the background vocals in the hook. And if you're a singer, this guy's phrasing (vocal and guitar) is awesome.

Average customer rating: My single all-time favorite Waylon Jennings album Classic Waylon is the best music has to offer!

Are You Ready for the Country Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: I've Always Been Crazy The Ramblin' Man This Time Dreaming My Dreams Ol' Waylon ASIN: B0002JP50O Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Are You Ready For The Country
2. Them Old Love Songs
3. So Good Woman
4. Jack-A-Diamonds
5. Can't You See
6. MacArthur Park (Revisited)
7. I'll Go Back To Her
8. A Couple More Years
9. Old Friend
10. Precious Memories

Customer Reviews:

My single all-time favorite Waylon Jennings album.......2007-03-31

I was a fan of Waylon and his music, so I have the hits and concerts on CD. But this album really expresses his universal appeal. Like Johnny Cash, Waylon was a rock & roller just as much as he was a "country singer." For starters, Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See" is classic because he doesn't tack on an obligatory guitar solo. Who could top Toy Caldwell, anyway? This version is about the vocals, about Waylon's performance, about "what that woman is doing to him." "Precious Memories"...once again cross-referencing the many powerful spirituals recorded by his fellow Highwayman Johnny Cash...is a career-best performance. The title track...Neil Young's "Harvest" track "Are You Ready For The Country" is another Cash touchstone (any true Neil Young fan remembers his appearance on the genre-busting Johnny Cash TV show). Words can't express how much I miss Waylon Jennings. Some of his albums were hit and miss. Not this one. Get it.

Classic Waylon is the best music has to offer!.......2005-03-13

ARE YOU READY FOR THE COUNTRY is advertised at Waylon's "mature" record, a transition from the outlaw status to the soft-hearted, world-weary singer. Yet, there's still enough grit on this album to show that Waylon never lost his sandpaper edge, that he could easily combine he reknowned attitude with a heavy heart.

Such songs as the Neil Young penned title track and the cover of Marshal Tucker Band's "Can't You See" are heavy on the country/rock, while "Them Old Love Songs" is a slow country ballad that'll take you back to the good ol' days. "Old Friend" is a tribute to Waylon's late friend "Buddy Holly," while "Precious Memories" is one of the few gospel tunes Waylon ever recorded (despite the fact his voice was made to sing the genre).

ARE YOU READY FOR THE COUNTRY has no downside to it. It is a collection of truly great songs sung by one of the best voices country music ever had to offer. Waylon Jennings left a huge legacy behind him, and this album is an example of Waylon at the peak of his talents.

Average customer rating: English is an asset and a drawback You Will Love Opera After Hearing Carmen In English A wholly credible "Carmen" -- finally! I love Carmen!

Carmen (Sung in English) Bizet , Bardon , Gavin , Plazas , Magee , and Parry Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mozart: The Magic Flute The Barber of Seville / B. Ford, D. Jones, A. Opie; G. Bellini [in English] Verdi: La Traviata Mozart: The Marriage of Figaro Mozart - Don Giovanni / Garry Magee · Cullagh · Banks · Plazas · Shore · Tierny · PO · David Parry ASIN: B00007JGRN Release Date: 2003-03-11

Tracks:

1. Prelude
2. In The Plaza
3. Just Look At That Delicious Morsel
4. Here Come Our New Soldier Boys
5. Jose! There Was A Girl Here Looking For You Just Now
6. Off With You Old Soldier Boys
7. Corporal! Sir!
8. We Have Heard The Bell Summon Us To Meet Here
9. Ah, Just Look!
10. But Why Hasn't She Come, Our Carmencita?
11. Love's A Bird Wild As Any Rebel
12. Carmen! We Will Follow You High And Low!
13. The Cheek Of It!
14. Give Me News Of My Mother!
15. Your Dear Mother And I Were Leaving Church This Morning
16. I See My Mother's Face!
17. Wait A Moment - I'm Going To Read The Letter
18. Come And Help
19. So, Corporal: Tell Me What Happened
20. Well, Carmencita: What Do You Have To Say For Yourself?
21. Where Are You Taking Me?
22. There's An Old Bar In The City
23. Careful - It's Lieutenant!
24. Entr'acte
25. From Far Away Mysterious Sounds
26. Bravo, Bravo! More! Keep Dancing!
27. Hurrah! Hurrah! The Torero!
28. Who's That? It's Escamillo, The Bullfighter From Granada
29. Hurrah! Hurrah! The Torero!
30. You're Most Kind
31. We'll Come With You, Senor Torero
32. Toreador, Be Ready!
33. At Last! We Got Rid Of Them As Quickly As We Could
34. There's A Little Job That We're Starting!
35. Being In Love Is Not A Reason

Tracks:

1. To Bid You Welcome To Our Bar
2. La La La La La La La La...
3. Back To Camp!... Go At Once!
4. That Flow'r You Threw To Me I Treasured
5. No, It's Not Love At All!
6. Hello! Carmen!
7. Lieutenant Fair, It's True
8. The Sky Above The Open Road
9. Entr'acte
10. Keep Going, Dear Old Friend, Kep Going!
11. Right! Let's Stop For A While
12. Shuffle! Cut Them!
13. In Vain You Would Avoid The Bitter Things They're Saying
14. You're Back!
15. As For That Man, It Should Be Easy!
16. Is This The Place?
17. I Say That There's Nothing To Fear
18. It's Him! I'm Sure It's Him Over There!
19. Escamillo Is My Name, And I Come From Granada
20. She Had A Lover Here
21. Hola! Hola! Jose!
22. You Should Take Care, Carmen
23. Alas! Jose, Your Mother Is Ill
24. Entr'acte
25. A Few Cuartos! A Few Cuartos!
26. Here They Come! Here They Come!
27. If You Love Me, Carmen
28. It's You! It's Me!
29. Viva! Viva! What A Corrida!

Customer Reviews:

English is an asset and a drawback.......2004-07-20

The best thing about this recording of Carmen is the libretto. Conductor David Parry penned this facile and dramatic English translation. He avoids the pitfalls of literal translation to achieve an idiomatic flow that matches the rhythm of the original lyrics. I use this as a reference libretto for any of the French Carmens.

Unfortunately, the performance suffers from being sung in English. The singers declaim their parts with such proper British diction that Carmen comes across as a school marm. The spoken dialog is delivered beat for deliberate beat and is dripping with reverb. It makes the plaza, tavern and mountain pass all sound like a sewer pipe.

This is a good first Carmen for someone trying to understand the work. The libretto itself is a good investment for further listening. For an enjoyable performance with an emphasis on character and action, I recommend Regina Resnik on the London Double Decker set.

You Will Love Opera After Hearing Carmen In English.......2004-02-09

What a perfect introduction to opera. This newly released recording will surely get you hooked into opera. Carmen, a French opera by Georges Bizet, is the most recognizable and most popular in the opera world. It's famous melodies- the overture, the Habanera, The Toreador Song have all been featured in everything from cellular phone ring tones to Superbowl Commercial (last year's Superbowl with The "Opera In English" label has been making Italian operas into English for a number of years now. Also on the market are Verdi's La Traviata in English (with soprano Valerie Masterson as Violetta) Handel's Julius Caesar with Janet Baker and even Wagner's epic Ring Of The Nibeling sung in English. This is a terrific recording and I highly recommend it if you want to get into opera. Listen to this version first and then try the real, original French version Bizet had written. Patricia Bardon is sensational, sexy and dramatic as Carmen.

The real strength of this version is the dynamic drama. With the advantage of being sung in English, we get better insight on characters' emotions and motives, and we understand the drama a lot better. Carmen is all about great drama. Bizet drew the plot from the French writer Prosper Merimee's dark short story. Carmen is the ultimate femme fatale- a devil-may-care, sexy Gypsy living in Spain, seduces the conservatively raised soldier Don Jose, stealing him away from his fiancee, the passive Micaela, living a life of underground smuggling and rowdy taverns. "Habanera" and "The Gypsy Song and Dance" are very expressive of Carmen's extraordinarily liberal lifestyle. Don Jose, however, has fallen deeply in love- as he shows us in his song/aria "The Flower Song". But Carmen soon becomes tired of his constancy. Don Jose wants a committed, monogamous relationship with Carmen. But Carmen will not submit to love, since she is first and foremost a carnal creature. Eventually, she falls for the handsome Toreador Escamillo. Don Jose, consumed by jealousy, stabs Carmen at a bullfight after Carmen declares her love for Escamillo and rejects Don Jose's love. Don Jose's crazed, obscessive personality shines through in the English version as well. This tragedy has been done in English before so don't think this is the first time. Back in the 50's, there was a film, starring black actors "Carmen Jones" which was treated the same way as this opera- more like an English Broadway musical and with the dubbed singing voice of Marilyn Horne as Carmen. All in all, this recording is excellent.

A wholly credible "Carmen" -- finally!.......2003-09-17

This recording really sells "Carmen" as a drama. Although I have two other recordings of this opera and have seen it performed several times, it never quite worked for me dramatically. But thanks to the fine performances, conducting, and translation here, I've become a "Carmen" convert. Producing a good English-language performance of a foreign opera, especially a warhorse like "Carmen," is much more difficult than it might appear. You need performers who not only can sing the parts (of course) but also can sing *English* and make it halfway intelligible and make it sound like English and make it dramatically convincing to English-speakers. The singers on this recording do an excellent job all around. Don't be put off if you don't recognize their names -- they are up to the task musically and (especially) in their acting. Admittedly, as with *all* English-language recordings, some passages are very hard to understand without reading along, but most of the time the words are clear and effective. I would recommend this recording to any opera beginner or opera lover, even those who normally turn up their noses at performances in translation.

I love Carmen!.......2003-08-15

I do. I can think of no other opera with more melodic inventiveness, and few others with so sure a dramatic pulse. Carmen is popular and it thrills me to say that it is also a very good opera - not always true of popular things.

And what of this recording? Carmen sits well in English, so it is good to hear in translation, although some of the detais in the text jar. Escamillo refers to Jose as "my dear", which sounds rather peculiar, and the guide's line to Micaela: "it's not exactly inviting, is it?" sounds distinctly Middle England rather than Rural Spain. Some of the performers, not least Carmen herself, make the words work, although there are long tracts, especially with the chorus, where the language is distinctly indistinct.

The soloists are, by and large, strong. Patricia Bardon's deep, Handel-friendly voice adapts well to Carmen and she colours the music with phenomenal detail, sounding sexy and provocative from the start with an edge of pride and anger that emerges as the show goes on. She is out of her depth above the stave, though, and some extra top notes in the second act don't show her off to her best advantage. I have previously said that Julian Gavin is poorly served by recordings, though here he sounds much more even and gives a thrilling and musical performance (but his wooden spoken lines let him down). Mary Plazas is a lovely Micaela, rich-voiced and sincere (and word-perfect), but Garry Magee sounds miscast as Escamillo, lacking the ballast at the bottom of the voice to do justice to this tricky role.

The supporting cast is good (Mary Hegarty seems to do nothing but Frasquita these days!) but the really treasurable thing is the conducting. Stepping out of Italian Ottocento, David Parry turns his hand to this French Comedie with an appropriate lightness of touch. His pacing and handling of the set pieces is exemplary and the enrtractes go with a real swing.

A pleasure, then, for the Carmen naive or a novelty for the Carmen-acquainted. I nearly wrote Carmen-weary - but I don't think it's possible.

Rap Music:

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4. Brothers and Sisters [Original recording remastered]
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7. Catch Bull at Four [Original recording remastered]
8. Cracked Rear View
9. Decoration Day
10. deSol

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