Mr. A-Z (Deluxe Packaging) [DualDisc] [Limited Edition]

Product Description
Jason Mraz presents his latest offering and his second studio album-Mr. A-Z. Produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, et al) at Allaire Studios near Woodstock, NY, Mr. A-Z is Mraz's most inspired and thoughtful record to date. Oversized deluxe packaging measures 5 1/3" x 7 1/3" Includes: Full Mr. A-Z album on DualDisc, 20 minute DVD documentary, Photo gallery, Full lyrics, 36 Page personal Mraz journal with exclusive polaroids, Includes "Wordplay", "Geek In The Pink" and "Did You Get My Message"

Mr. A-Z (Deluxe Packaging),Jason Mraz,Elektra / Wea,Adult Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

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Mr. A-Z (Deluxe Packaging) [DualDisc] [Limited Edition]

Average customer rating: He just gets better and better! Good Music How did I miss this CD when it first came out. One of the best releases of 2005 Jason and his Mrazda too cool

Mr. A-Z Jason Mraz Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Waiting for My Rocket to Come Tonight Not Again/Live at Eagles Ballroom (CD & DVD) In Between Dreams Continuum Almost Honest ASIN: B0009WJ3HU Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Life is Wonderful
2. Wordplay
3. Geek in the Pink
4. Did You Get My Message?
5. Mr. Curiosity
6. Clockwatching
7. Bella Luna
8. Plane
9. O. Lover
10. Please Don't Tell Her
11. Forecast
12. Song For a Friend

Amazon.com

Jason Mraz's breakthrough 2002 hit, "The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" established him as a funnier, funkier version of John Mayer, custom-built for The O.C. set. On Mr. A-Z, the Virginia singer-songwriter continues mixing up folk melodies and hip-hop beats. He also keeps making heroic stabs at humor that would have gone down like a storm in his coffeehouse days but typically backfire on record. Fortunately, producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel) is on hand to clean things up, giving even the most bumbling lyrical experiments, such as "Wordplay" and "Geek in the Pink," at least the illusion of a newfound maturity. --Aidin Vaziri

Album Description

Jason Mraz presents his latest offering and his second studio album-Mr. A-Z. Produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, et al) at Allaire Studios near Woodstock, NY, Mr. A-Z is Mraz's most inspired and thoughtful record to date.

Customer Reviews:

He just gets better and better!.......2007-07-05

I didn't think it was possible I would like anything better than "MRAZLIVE" but this one tops it.

Good Music.......2007-05-12

I really enjoy this CD. My favorite song is probably Geek in the Pink, but they're all good. I definitely recommend buying it!

How did I miss this CD when it first came out. One of the best releases of 2005.......2007-04-15

I am a huge fan of singer-songwriters as most are not prepackaged and focus-grouped to death so it allows for originality and their respective personalitites to shine through. The past few years has seen some great releases by James Blunt, James Morrison, Ray LaMontagne, The Fray, Mat Kearkey, Paolo Nutini, and Ben Taylor.

I like them all to different degrees, but I have only enjoyed James Morrison's debut as much. Kearney has some Mraz-like inflections but there is a joy and musical adventure that Mraz brings that simply won me over. I keep playing this release over and over as the lyrics are catchy and the production is as good as anything I've listened to in a long time. It manages to capturte the quirky independent spirit of the music but sounds like a million bucks. I won't go into a song by song break down as I like them all.

If you enjoy the work of any of the artists I've mentioned above, esp. Kearney and even John Meyer (who tends to be crucified or put on a pedestal regarding who is doing the extreme judging that day), this CD may be right up your alley. Just to be more safe, give the samples a listen to see if you can catch what is without a doubt one of the most fun CDs that I have purchased in recent years. I hope that there is more to come. Thanks to all who help me make better buying decisions via their imput. I like to give back, esp. when I really like/dislike something to raise those flags.

Jason and his Mrazda.......2007-03-28

Okay, when Jason Mraz came out with his debut cd, I bought it. I even like some of the songs but it was nothing like this cd. Mr. A-Z contained Jason, I'm not gonna say at his best because I feel he has even more to offer, but Jason was totally awesome. I love every song on this album. I try not to listen to it too much because I can get obsessive with music. Stand out tracks are all of them I can't really choose. Bella Luna and Mr. Curiousity are nice mello songs that you can really chill to. Did You Get My Message, Geek in the Pink, and Wordplay are songs that just stick in your head and tap your toe to. I love this album, do not sleep on it. It took me two years to buy it and I am sorry I did not get it sooner

too cool.......2007-01-16

when I first heard "did you get my message" I thought it was Stevie Wonder and Norah Jones... very cool song... now I like everything on "A-Z"

Average customer rating: Gosford Park Sound Track Better than the movie I don't mind the repeating themes, but the CD is too short! Excellent Mix One the best soundtracks out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gosford Park (2001 film) Patrick Doyle Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Gosford Park We'll Gather Lilacs: The Songs of Ivor Novello Much Ado About Nothing: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Sense and Sensibility: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1995 Film) Sunset Boulevard (Score) ASIN: B00005UNCB Release Date: 2002-01-15

Tracks:

1. Waltz Of My Heart
2. Mr. Parks
3. Gosford Park
4. Bored To Sobs
5. The Shirt
6. And Her Mother Came Too
7. Walking To Shoot
8. No Smoke Without Fire
9. Scherzo In G
10. I Can Give You The Starlight
11. What A Duke Should Be
12. Inspector Thompson
13. Pull Yourself Together
14. Life Goes On
15. Secrets To Hide
16. Only For A While
17. Rather A Pasting
18. Love Jam
19. Why Isn't It You?
20. The Way It's Meant To Be
21. Carpe Diem
22. Good Luck
23. Your Boy's Alive
24. The Land That Might-Have-Been

Amazon.com

Thematically, director Robert Altman's career sometimes seems an endless series of left turns into the unexpected; the one constant has been a rich and rewarding attention to the intricacies of character development and interaction. Composer Patrick Doyle underscores Gosford Park's Merchant-Ivory/Agatha Christie/Altman-wit fusion and '30s British upper-class setting with a score that's period spot-on, character-rich, and often sadly evocative. Doyle's restraint is masterful, often leaning on piano, accordion, and small string arrangements that emphasize the characters' intimacies and the film's drawing room settings. Key to the story are a handful of prewar songs by Ivor Novello (who's also a character in the film), ranging from the sprightly humor of "And Her Mother Came Too" and "What a Duke Should Be" to the romantic schmaltz of "I Can Give You the Starlight" and "Why Isn't It You?" The latter is performed here at the piano (and, remarkably, live before the cameras) by Jeremy Northam. Leavened by a small jazz ensemble and a few darkly ominous cues, Doyle's score is an understated gem. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Gosford Park Sound Track.......2007-03-30

The original music is creative and very listenable. It is typical of popular music of the 1930s. This CD is highly recommended to those people who enjoy music from the 1920s and 1930s.

Better than the movie.......2004-12-08

Many people, I believe, buy a soundtrack because they are mesmerized by the movie and want to extend the experience by listening to something that reminds them of it. But "Gosford Park" is hardly that kind of movie. It is brilliant and atmospheric as it analyzes the British class system, but that's hardly the kind of thing that wins the heart. The soundtrack of this movie was my favorite CD from last year, and the reasons I liked it had nothing to do with the movie.

Why is this music so compelling and winning?

First, it is fun to discover the marvellous talent of Ivor Norvello. His music is half of the charm of the soundtrack. Some songs are funny ("Her mother came too"), some beautiful ("I can give you the starlight") and some poignant ("The land of might have been"). I had not encountered Norvello before this film. Jeremy Northam's perfect delivery of Norvello's songs would not leave me after I'd seen the film. Days later, I found the songs had taken up residence in the back of my head, insisting that I go back to the soundtrack to make them a permanent part of my musical life.

Second, there is the charm of the orchestral music composed by Patrick Doyle. Sometimes people wonder "why aren't they writing beautiful classical music any more?" Well, they are. It goes into soundtracks, however, rather than being commissioned by orchestras. The test for the quality of Doyle's compositions is that you don't need to refer to the film to appreciate this music. It simply charms and intrigues us with its own merits.

My third reason for loving this CD is too personal to mention here.

I give this CD my highest personal recommendation.

I don't mind the repeating themes, but the CD is too short!.......2004-06-08

Unlike many reviewers here, I didn't buy the CD to hear the Ivor Novello songs or Jeremy Northam's voice. I actually liked the instrumental tracks, and never actually thought I'd like to listen to something played on an accordion.

However, Mr. Doyle's music portrays the lethargy of the snobby Upstairs very well to the contrast of the relative energy of Novello's songs, which the Downstairs servants enjoy, but the Upstairs people can't stand.

My dislikes about the CD include the female singer who can't really sing and the length of the CD. Some of these cues are only about a minute long. WHY pay so much money for such a short CD??? Why not add more music??

Overall though, if you liked either Doyle's music or Novello's songs (hopefully the listener will like both), it's a CD worth getting.

Excellent Mix.......2003-04-23

I fell in love with this soundtrack when I watched Gosford Park in the cinemas.

Sometimes period music, sometimes mystery music, sometime personal music. Jeremy Northam's songs are simply delicious and I love hearing them.

I liken the style (not type) of mix to You've Got Mail.

Heaps of fun and lovely to listen to.

One the best soundtracks out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-03-06

When I saw the movie at the theater I kept thinking I've got to have the soundtrack to this movie because it is so beautiful. I also really enjoyed the sung songs 6.And Her Mother Came Too, 10.I Can Give You The Starlight, 11.What A Duke Should Be, 16. Only For A While, 20. The Way It's Meant To Be, 24. The Land That Might-Have-Been!! I think that Patrick Doyle did a wonderful job of scoring this movie the just fits right in with it all, I only wish there was more to listen to!! I highly recommend this album to everyone who liked the movie and people who love great soundtracks, you will not be sorry if you buy this!!!!

Average customer rating: Ensemble Galilei's music is lilting, elegant and unexpected! beautiful Excellent! It will bring about many gentle nights Visualizing Beauty

Come, Gentle Night: Music of Shakespeare's World Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Incidental Music | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ensemble Galilei | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: From The Isles To The Courts Shakespeare Songs The Renaissance Album (Windham Hill) Music In The Great Hall: Instrumental Music From The Ancient Celtic Lands Songs and Dances from Shakespeare ASIN: B0000478S3 Release Date: 2000-01-25

Tracks:

1. Mister Issac's Maggot, Chestnut (Dove's Vagary)
2. Woodycock
3. Death's Second Self
4. Jack's Health, Vale Of Years, Jack's Health Reel
5. Come, Gentile Night
6. Departe, Departe, The Cobbler's Hornpipe, Third Act Tune
7. But Let Them Go, Ladies, Sight No More
8. In A Garden So Green, Childgrove
9. Fire, Burn, and Cauldron Bubble
10. The Asp
11. Rumble Thy Bellyful
12. Pastime With Good Company, O Lusty May
13. Irish Lament
14. Joy To THe Person Of My Love
15. The Winter's Tale Set: Love's Winter Light, Apples In Winter, Drive The Cold Winter Away, Jenny Pluck Pears
16. Lilli Burleo
17. The Scottich Play Set: Life Is But A Walking Shadow, Mill, Mill O', Pawky Adam Glen
18. Heart's Ease, Now That The Spring, Gathering Peascods
19. No Longer Mourn For Me

Customer Reviews:

Ensemble Galilei's music is lilting, elegant and unexpected!.......2002-11-29

With their soulful playing and artful, sometimes even ephemeral arrangements, the six women of Ensemble Galilei convey a rare depth of emotion. In the insert notes, gamba player Carolyn Ann Surrick describes their creative process: "[In making this recording, we engaged in]...a kind of work that is so focused and intense that years can go by in one afternoon... Extraordinary music-making requires trust... [We] live for the times when the only thing that exists right then is the music--when the instruments are speaking as if we don't exist, and they are having their own conversation." Thank you, Ensemble Galilei, for allowing the rest of us the privilege of coming along for the ride! It's simply delectable. This chamber ensemble, featuring fiddle, harp, gamba, oboe, pipes and percussion, can also be heard on their other Telarc release, "From the Isles to the Courts", and "The Mystic and the Muse: Celebrating 600 Years of Women in Music", on the Dorian label.

beautiful.......2001-01-22

Sheer beauty, as a lover of English music I found this to be one of the most beautiful of all Shakespearean albums. Such harmony, such subtlety, one wishes that the gentle night will never stop.

Excellent!.......2001-01-04

Ensemble Galilei provide some excellent arrangements of English renaissance compositions. I believe that John Playford (English Dancing Master) fans will be particularly satisfied with the renditions presented here. It is very unfortunate that E.G. did not provide more arrangements from such early music sources. Some of E.G.'s own compositions seem very weak and not in the renaissance spirit of the rest of the CD. Nonetheless, this CD is highly recommmended.

It will bring about many gentle nights.......2000-11-22

I found this album to be solid. Very sweet, but not afraid to use percussion which makes it livelier and more fun. I adore the quiet, peacefulness of the music and the flawless execution of these renaissance songs.

Visualizing Beauty.......2000-08-20

I recently had the good fortune to direct a performance of King Lear--the ENTIRE five acts, in a community theatre, non-profit setting. I used twenty-four fully committed non-actors, who for the love of the ideas, participated in this performance. The first and main challenge that I faced was, how do I go "behind" the words, and invoke the right emotions, etc., to give these actors the range and tools needed for an effective, powerful performance? Critical to this performance was the beauty and brilliance of this recording, which I used throughout the various scenes of the play. This helped the performers tremendously, creating the different tapestries in the mind of the Bard. In short, this work is real genius, that I was so happy that I stumbled across. I am now putting in our performance programs, along with our most heart-felt thanks to E.G., the name of the recording and I have copies from Telarc to sell at each performance!

Average customer rating: His rocket finally came It is not working on any player i used. His best yet Another great record tops "waiting for my rocket to come"

Mr. A-Z (Deluxe Packaging) Jason Mraz Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tonight Not Again/Live at Eagles Ballroom (CD & DVD) Waiting for My Rocket to Come Recorded Live At Java Joe's Before I Speak Twentythree ASIN: B0009Q0EPG Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

1. Life is Wonderful
2. Wordplay
3. Geek in the Pink
4. Did You Get My Message?
5. Mr. Curiosity
6. Clockwatching
7. Bella Luna
8. Plane
9. O. Lover
10. Please Don't Tell Her
11. Forecast
12. Song For A Friend

Album Description

Jason Mraz presents his latest offering and his second studio album-Mr. A-Z. Produced by the legendary Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads, et al) at Allaire Studios near Woodstock, NY, Mr. A-Z is Mraz's most inspired and thoughtful record to date. Oversized deluxe packaging measures 5 1/3" x 7 1/3" Includes: Full Mr. A-Z album on DualDisc, 20 minute DVD documentary, Photo gallery, Full lyrics, 36 Page personal Mraz journal with exclusive polaroids, Includes "Wordplay", "Geek In The Pink" and "Did You Get My Message"

Customer Reviews:

His rocket finally came.......2006-03-29

Jason Mraz's style has always been contemporary rock with a little bit of hip-hop flavor. That made for good songs AND bad songs, however; while he could score on tracks like "The Remedy" and "Curbside Prophet", he fell flat on "Too Much Food". I was also worried that maybe that style would wear itself out. Fortunately, Jason broadens his horizons more on Mr. A-Z.

"Wordplay" is a song that still successfully carries his signature style (what the HELL kind of video was that, though?), but things are even more interesting when he slows things down. I didn't know how he would sound on a ballad, but he actually does quite well on them: check out "Bella Luna" or "O. Lover". "Song For a Friend" is also pretty good, although I'm not sure how many people will want to sit through an eight-minute song.

It's also notable that Rachael Yamagata sings background on a few tracks (so the liner notes say, anyway; I don't remember actually hearing her -- speaking of Rachael, pick up her album Happenstance if you haven't yet). In the end, aside from a couple of skippable tracks like "Geek In the Pink" and the corny, sexually charged "The Forecast", this is a fine album from Mr. A-Z that proves that his rocket has indeed landed.

Anthony Rupert

It is not working on any player i used........2005-10-24

this new tech on double sided cd, where one side is in cd form and the other side in dvd form has not worked for me. i did not get to even listen to the music and i wish i could do something about this issue.

Help ...

His best yet.......2005-09-05

I have loved Jason Mraz since I bought his second album. After playing it for several months straight, I thought he could never out-do himself on the next album. He has. This album is so complex, so energizing and peaceful, with brilliant lyrics and even better music. You can tell he has thought about every single word and note, and every song leaves me with a smile. I have told all of my friends to buy this album, even if they have never heard him. It is a safe "blind buy" for any Mraz fan. I will forever be a fan after this album.

Another great record.......2005-08-23

This is a great sophmore album. Right now my favorite is "Please Don't Tell Her." I am also fond of "Geek in the Pink." Jason is great at writing funny and smart lyrics. He can also sing different styles of music like a champ. Can't wait for the next record to come out.

tops "waiting for my rocket to come".......2005-08-19

what can i say? jason mraz = love. there is just no one better (some come close, but j. mraz will always be first & foremost in my heart). on this new album, some of the best tracks are "geek in the pink", "wordplay", & "life is wonderful". but my favorite track is "clockwatching". nicely done, jason, nicely done. highly recommended for those of you who love his witty words & tongue-twisting rhymes.

Average customer rating: too gorgeous for words Been there, heard it...

Elegeia Manufacturer: Analekta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Biber | Biber, Heinrich Ignaz | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Holborne, Anthony | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schmelzer | Schmelzer, Johann H. | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00008UE7R Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Ich Habe Genug, Cantate, BWV 82
2. Ich Habe Genug, Cantate, BWV 82
3. Ich Habe Genug, Cantate, BWV 82
4. Ich Habe Genug, Cantate, BWV 82
5. Ich Habe Genug, Cantate, BWV 82
6. Balletti Lamentabili
7. Balletti Lamentabili
8. Balletti Lamentabili
9. Balletti Lamentabili
10. Ach, Dass Ich Wassers Genug Hatte
11. Lamento Sopra La Morte Ferdinandi III A Tre
12. Sachevil's Dolorosi
13. Sachevil's Dolorosi
14. So Ceas'd The Rival Crew
15. Fantazia In C Minor, No.7, Z.738
16. Draw Near, You Lovers, Z.462
17. The Funerals
18. The Funerals
19. Ye Sacred Muses
20. In Nomine

Customer Reviews:

too gorgeous for words.......2004-11-10

In the world of "historically informed" performance, this is a gem. The ensemble shapes phrases beautifully and the singing of Matthew White is lush. This quickly became one of my favorite recordings.

Been there, heard it..........2003-05-07

I own the magificent recording by Ian Bosteridge of Cantata 82. No doubt this record company was hoping to capitalize on the popularity of Bosteridge's disc or the discs of other countertenors who have already recorded these cantatas with greater sensitivity and success (Scholl, for example). Matthew White does not measure up to the current standard of countertenor and this disc disappoints. His voice lacks a variety of vocal colours and he pushes, almost muscles his way through some of the beautiful German laments with little awareness of the emotional power of this music. It does not help that he is supported by a thin and directionless chamber ensemble.

Average customer rating: Pain Killer'z by Mr. Kane... Pain Killer'z - Mature Funk

Pain Killer'z ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Rap & Hip-Hop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Back 2 Tha Clap The Hood Mob Mr. Kane, Pt. 2 SugaFree's Secret Congregation The Features, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000FMH8BC Release Date: 2006-08-15

Album Description

Mr. Kane... formerly known as "KoKane", one of the most prolific Rap artist in the business, has been featured on over 75 million albums sold nationwide and has performed with various artists such as Easy-E, Above the Law, E-40, Suga Free, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre (Up In Smoke Tour), N.W.A., Young Buck, Tony Yayo, Ice Cube, and more top artists. The Pain Killer'z album brings back the funk and is going to take off like a rocket straight to the top of the charts. Includes guest appearances from George Clinton, Jay-O Felony, Kam, Suga Free, Dawn, Malia Franklin, Pimpin Young, Nina Brown, Maime Gunz, Chan, Bleeze, Tragic, Young Prada, Surily,Karma, ,Phil Campbell of Motor Head, Produce by Josef Leimberg, Quaze,J-Bone Co Produce by Jerry (Koane) Long, and many more.

Customer Reviews:

Pain Killer'z by Mr. Kane..........2007-03-03

Very solid album from Kokane (Mr. Kane)... In my opinion, that's his best album since "Funk Upon A Rhyme"!!!!

Best tracks are : Intro, Thugs Meet, How you want, Bird Fly South, Breathe my last breath and G Sense of Humor...

Buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pain Killer'z - Mature Funk .......2006-09-16

Kokane is a artist with a long and interesting history. From starting out working with his cousin Cold 187Um and Above The Law as well as legendary Eazy-E right after his college graduation, life has brought many ups and downs to the individual we know as Kokane, Mr. Kane or Jerry Long.
Despite being taken under Snoop Dogg's wing in 2000 (appearing on Dr. Dre's "The Chronic", Snoop's "Tha Last Meal" plus doing numerous cuts with Tha Eastsidaz) Kokane's unique style never really seemed to secure him any steady succes amongst mainstream (or casual if you will) rap fans.
Well the fans (often refered to as "krackers") love exactly THAT about Koka. The fact that he has never sold out to his style and has always kept adament about maintaining his unique personally through his music, only makes him the more relevant and interesting.
Needless to say, being a long time follower and admirer of Kokane's music, I was BEYOND excited about hearing this record. So was my wait worth all the excitement and abstinences? Find out in this review....

Intro - Kokane's best intro after the one on Take It Back To Da Clap, 3/5
1. Thugs Meet feat. Malia Franklin - very energetic track with Parliament member Malia Franklin, just starts the record of perfectly 4.5/5
2. Str8 How You Want feat. Nina Brown - a track with a very funky beat, Koka comes tight with his rapping 4.5/5
3. Birds Fly South feat. Pimpin Young & Lil Tragic - Birds Fly South is simply an amazing track with a very soulful beat. An instant classic 5/5
4. Fade feat. Suga Free & Young Prada - fellow Pomona inhabitant Suga Free joins Koka on this song, with a very fitting beat laced by Quaze 3.5/5
5. Pain Killer'z feat. Jayo Felony & Kam - The title track. The lyrics to this song carries a very profound message that might not be apparent at the first listen. Jayo fails to write a meaningful verse as Koka and Kam, 3.5/5
6. Glass On It feat. Young Bleeze & Young Prada - here we have the "casual pimp-song" that is just mandatory for almost every west coast rap album. Just plain fun, 3.5/5
7. Way You Do feat. Marv Dogg & Suga Free - great song, and especially Suga Free does a good job on this track, 4/5.
8. Breathe My Last Breath feat. Phil Campell (of Motor Head) - really good track with newcomer Bleeze, 4/5
9. Suga, Suga feat. Mamie Gun - Kokane sings like Rick James...GREAT!! 4/5
10. Tu A Mi Lado Lused Bien feat. Down - latin rapper Down trades verses with Kokane on this one, who also raps in Spanish. This song just has a great beat and an amazing feel to it, 4/5.
11. Don't Have Time To Waste - Koka takes time to reflect on life experiences on this one, 4/5.
12. Don't Stop feat. Lil Tragic & Bleeze - this track is another fun track, but with a twist...it's South!!! 3.5/5
13. Kodak Memories feat. Lil Tragic & Bleeze - amaaaazing track that just keeps getting better! 5/5
14. Your Number feat. Big Chan, Karma & Sharea - What a great track. Why is Kokane the only one who just kicks back and let the ladies shine?? Big Chan (Doggy's Angels), Karma and Sharea just spits some female raps on this while Koka lays low in the background. Dope. 4/5
15. Hard As Steel feat. George Clinton - Watch out for Kokane/George Clinton album called "Smell my Finger" coming next year!!!!
16. Mango feat. Mamie Gun - What a great track. Makes me feel like I have already found the woman of my dreams, 5/5
17. Change Gone Come feat. Syril - This positive track simply makes me shiver with every listen, and it gets better 5/5
18. G Sense of Humor - A very deep track, where Kokane basically reflects on his life and tells us to crack a smile no matter what we go through. A classic 5/5.
Outro - Kokane raps it all up, dope outro....

So what is the overall impression of this new Kokane/Mr. Kane record?? A classic that will only get better with time!!!
Go to Myspace for more info and snippets:
www.myspace.com-kokane360

Average customer rating: Impeccable singing - stylistically and technically A must-have CD for an outstanding price

Daniel Taylor: Portrait J.S. Bach , Suzie Le Blanc , Ensemble Da Sonar , Andreas Martin , and Sylvain Bergeron Manufacturer: Atma Classique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lamento David Daniels - Serenade ASIN: B00004TQPQ Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

1. St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244/39: Erbarme Dich, Mein Gott
2. Time Stands Still
3. Come Again
4. Flow My Tears
5. I Saw My Lady Weep
6. King Arthur, Z.628: Fairest Isle
7. So Ceas'd The Rival Crew (An Ode On the Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell)
8. There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue
9. Easter Oratorio, BWV 249/8: Saget, Saget Mir Geschwinde

Amazon.com

There's been a good deal of fanfare heralding the re-emergence of a vocal species once considered endangered--namely, the countertenor. This portrait recital of one creamy-voiced exponent, Daniel Taylor, comprises the highlights of four previous recordings and shows to great advantage the various aspects of his remarkable voice. Bravely, Taylor begins the album with one of the greater challenges in the countertenor repertoire, "Erbarme dich," from Bach's St. Matthew Passion. His bravery pays off: this is a beautifully modulated account of a suffering soul crying out for comfort. He can hit a note with icy purity and warm it through with a careful vibrato, never letting the effect seem like a trick. His voice is not as full-on luscious as that of David Daniels, nor quite as melting as that of Andreas Scholl, but Taylor does have an intelligent approach to the drama of the music and a warm precision all his own. The Purcell selection (from On the Muse's Isle) and the Dowland songs (from Tears of the Muse) are exquisite; Taylor's delicately breathless account of "Come againe" only makes this naughty song all the more teasing. There is one disappointment--"Saget, saget" from Bach's Easter Oratorio--which is rushed and careless. But it's a blip on an otherwise beautiful album. --Warwick Thompson

Customer Reviews:

Impeccable singing - stylistically and technically.......2002-07-19

Although I mostly agree with the above reviewers, I do have a different opinion about Easter Oratorio, BWV 249/8. The speed of this aria may be on the fast side, but Dan is neither careless nor too rush. One should have a close look at the text itself as this is NOT a rhetorical dacapo aria from the Baroque opera. The text starts with the following phrase: "Saget, saget mir geschwinde" (Tell, tell me quickly). Then it continue to ask where one can find Jesus and declare his/her desire to be embraced by Him. It is appropriate to be in a slight haste to convey the urgent nature of the ardent desire.

As for "full-on luscious" nonsense, all I can say is Baroque repertoire is NOT a Wagnerian opera. Highly romanticized singing style has no place here. The phrasing, diction, voice colour (Stimmfaerbungand), and vibrato should be carefully chosen so that one can clearly communicate the composers' intention and message. If one wants to adhere to the musicological correctness, there should not be much vibrato for music before ~1800.

There is no week point in this sampler CD. It is impeccable all way through - stylistically and technically. If one wants to proceed from here, Dan's complete discography is available on the net. Just run a search with a keyword "daniel+taylor+discography" with Google.

A must-have CD for an outstanding price.......2001-08-04

I first read about Daniel Taylor on the SchollSociety messageboards and Amazon.com and I was intrigued. A Canadian countertenor with a voice comparable to Andreas Scholl's? ...I couldn't resist. I took it along on a three-hour bus ride to Tadoussac, Québec.

As the mournful opening strains of Erbarme Dich commenced, the haunting, sweeping violins and viol carried me along the winding roads through the mountains. The sky was overcast, and as I heard Taylor's voice for the first time the sun came out. I was in Heaven; beautiful vistas of mountains on one side, jagged cliffs plunging into the St. Laurent on the other and Daniel Taylor's voice in my ears. Erbarme Dich is deep, passionate, and so achingly beautiful. I am an avid lover of Bach but it was the first time I had heard anything from St. Matthew's Passion. I was more familiar with many of the other Dowland songs: Time Stands Still, Come Again, Flow My Tears, and I Saw My Lady Weep, all of which are present on Andreas Scholl's "English Folksongs and Lute Songs."

I have to disagree with the reviewer: the words "full-on luscious" and "David Daniels" should never go in the same sentence in my humble opinion. David Daniel's tone, to my delicate ears, is completely mezzo-soprano, lacking the delicacy of Scholl, Mera, and Taylor, and with poor vibrato control on the top notes. Yes, Daniels can turn out a beautiful tune but at times it sounds like a painful effort.... But I digress. On to Daniel Taylor's voice. Exquisite. Haunting. Ethereal. A creamy, lush, pure sound, more feminine than Scholl's tone, reminiscent of brilliant Japanese countertenor Yoshikazu Mera. As with Scholl, the effect sounds effortless and angelic. His vibrato is carefully controlled, his coloratura impeccable, his diction is perfect. My only disappointment with this CD was track 9, Saget, Saget, which, as reviewer Warwick Thompson stated, is rushed and careless. It sounds like Taylor and the orchestra are racing and they don't match pace frequently. But that didn't spoil my enjoyment of what is undoubtedly a remarkable album at a giveaway price. I hope that someday Daniel Taylor will receive the worldwide recognition he deserves and become better known outside of Canada. He has recorded Bach arias, Dowland, a fascinating Christmas album called "L'étoile d'orient" which includes the song "Ding dong merrily on high," and Rinaldo with Cecilia Bartoli. He also had a cameo in the recent Canadian film "Five Senses." "Daniel Taylor: Portrait" is an excellent introduction to an amazing talent. Ten stars.

Average customer rating:

Famous European Organs: The Organ at Adlington Hall (Works by Tomkins / Gibbons / Bull / Blow / Purcell / Byrd / Boyce) - Ton Koopman John Bull , Thomas Tomkins , Orlando Gibbons , Henry Purcell , John Blow , William Byrd , William Boyce , and Ton Koopman Manufacturer: Capriccio ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Allemandes | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Courantes | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Pavanes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Boyce | Boyce, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Byrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Gibbons, Orlando | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Character Pieces | Short Forms | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Grounds | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Organ | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Koopman, Ton | ( K ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Voluntaries | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001WMD Release Date: 1993-04-30

Tracks:

1. My Lady Careys Dompe
2. Laet Ons Met Herten Reijne
3. Coranto 'Battle'
4. In Nomine
5. Carol 'Den Lustelijcken Mey'
6. A Sad Pavan
7. Almaine: Mr Johnson
8. Fancy a
9. Tpt Tune in C
10. No.XXVIII
11. Qui Passe: For My Ladye Nevell
12. A Voluntarie
13. A Fancy
14. Tpt Tune in D
15. No.XXIX
16. Voluntary I
17. Voluntary II

Average customer rating:

The Singing Club Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Smith, John Stafford | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Hilliard Ensemble | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Purcell, Henry | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0009JOMA6 Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

1. A Round Of Three Country Dances In One
2. There Were Three Ravens
3. Call George Again, Boys
4. Drink Tonight Of The Moonshine Bright
5. She Weepeth Sore In The Night
6. Dainty Fine Aniseed Water Fine
7. Where The Bee Sucks There Suck I
8. Gather Your Rosebuds While You May
9. Tis Woman Makes Us Love
10. Sir Walter Enjoying His Damsel
11. Inigo Jones
12. Epitaph
13. The Singing Club
14. Foresters Sound The Cheerful Horn
15. To Soften Care
16. The Anacreontick Song
17. Elegy On The Death Of Mr. Shenstone
18. Sigh No More Ladies
19. There Is A Paradise On Earth
20. O Who Will O'er The Downs So Free
21. Sweet And Low

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan EXCELENCIA MUSICAL One of the best CDs around Delightful, a must-have.

Countertenor Duets by Purcell and Blow Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Purcell, Henry | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Purcell, Henry | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Odes | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cantatas for Solo Countertenor Art of Counter Tenor Arias for Senesino Moreschi - The Last Castrato Vivaldi Heroes ASIN: B000002ZJW Release Date: 1992-11-18

Tracks:

1. come ye sons Of Art, Z323: Sound the Trumpet
2. Hail, Bright Cecila, Z328: In Vain the Am'rous Flute
3. O Solitude, My Sweetness Choice Z406
4. Bonduca Z574: Sing, Sing Ye Druids
5. O Dive Custos Auriacae Domus Z514
6. The Maid's Last Prayer Z601: No, Resistance Is But Vain
7. Tim Of Athens Z632: Hark How the Songsters
8. Incassum, Lesbia, Rogas - Z383
9. Ah, Heav'n! What is't I Hear?
10. Ode on the Death of Mr. Henry Purcell

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-03

Henry Purcell became under the influence of John Blow's compositional style while they were both employed at Westminster Abbey. Purcell was an assistant to the royal instrument keeper while Blow was the organist. Later on Purcell became the organist succeeding Blow and in l6 years had established himself as the greatest English composer of the age. At his untimely death Blow returned as the organist at the Abbey. This CD includes the following songs by Purcell: 6 duets: "Sound the trumpet"; "In Vain the am'rous flute"; "Sing, sing ye druids";"O dive custos...";"No resistance is but vain";and "Hark how the songsters". Also 2 solos:"O solitude my sweetest choice" (Bowman); "Incassum,Lesbia rogas" (Chance). Two duets by Blow:"Ah, Heav'n! What is't I hear?" and the absolute high point of the disc :"Ode on the death of Mr. Henry Purcell". The voices of Chance and Bowman are a perfect blend and each song is rendered just to perfection!!! I personally prefer the performance of Michael Chance because of the unique quality of his vocal sound and his sensitivity to the demands of each selection. His one solo on the disc is truly a thing of beauty. It's all very enjoyable and is a nice variety of tunes.

EXCELENCIA MUSICAL.......2005-09-08

EL CD CUENTA CON UNA RECOPILACION MUY EQUILIBRADA Y DE LA MAS ALTA CALIDAD

One of the best CDs around.......2000-01-10

Two exceptional countertenors -- Bowman's voice has always been most successful in the higher range and it has a strength that many more fluttery ones don't. Michael Chance is the most secure of the countertenors I've heard and the most overall musical.

The John Blow number "Ode to ... Purcell" is, alone, worth the entire LP. A beautifully crafted piece that more people should hear.

Since so much of the other material is also prime, this is a Don't Miss, as far as I'm concerned.

Delightful, a must-have........1999-06-01

With all the hype about the new North American countertenors, fans of that voice shouldn't overlook this now-venerable gem. James Bowman and Michael Chance are in superb voice in this wonderful array of duets, and the sum of their two voices is even greater than the two constituent parts. The choice of music is gorgeous, the tempi are fast and ebullient, and the CD is altogether delightful.

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