The Best of Spirit [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
No one took the late-'60s East Coast sound further than (the aptly named) Randy California and his band mates in Spirit, who brought jazz, blues and classical into the psych-rock mix. Here's their 1973 ''best-of'' remastered plus five bonus cuts 'Silky Sam', 'Aren't You Glad', 'I'm Truckin', 'So Little To Fly' & 'Taurus'. 16 tracks in all! Epic/legacy. 2003.

The Best of Spirit,Spirit,Sony,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Psychedelic,Rock,Rock/Pop

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The Best of Spirit [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Average customer rating: did not stand the test of time Sound quality very spotty - some rock, others roll (over and die) the best of spirit Not your Average 60s west coast band! Spirit The Best Of Spirit

The Best of Spirit Spirit Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus Classic Masters Hello: The Very Best of Lee Michaels It's a Beautiful Day Happy Trails ASIN: B00008WT4L Release Date: 2003-04-15

Tracks:

1. 1984
2. Mechanical World
3. Nature's Way
4. Animal Zoo
5. Fresh Garbage
6. I Got A Line On You
7. Nothin' To Hide
8. Uncle Jack
9. Morning Will Come
10. Dark Eyed Woman
11. Mr. Skin
12. Silky Sam
13. Aren't You Glad
14. I'm Truckin'
15. So Little Time To Fly
16. Taurus

Album Description

No one took the late-'60s East Coast sound further than (the aptly named) Randy California and his band mates in Spirit, who brought jazz, blues and classical into the psych-rock mix. Here's their 1973 ''best-of'' remastered plus five bonus cuts 'Silky Sam', 'Aren't You Glad', 'I'm Truckin', 'So Little To Fly' & 'Taurus'. 16 tracks in all! Epic/legacy. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

did not stand the test of time.......2007-03-23

We all dug Spirit in the 60s but unfortunately they don't translate very well today. But, to hear "Fresh Garbage" again,was a treat

Sound quality very spotty - some rock, others roll (over and die).......2006-12-16

Got a Line on You, Nature's Way and a few others on this DVD are outstanding.
But I feel Spirit's music has not aged well. Their tunes that sounded great in the
70's (60's?) are today sounding pretty dated and poorly mastered. Song quality
ranges from "Rockin'" to "Yikes!". I think my old vinyl sounded a lot better..

A worthwhile trip back in time for those of us who enjoyed Spirit at the time,
but my impression is that they had trouble filling up a DVD with "Best Of"-quality
tunes. If you spend money on an old Turtles or Spanky and Our Gang DVD
instead you may be happier with the result. Just go to iTunes Music Store (or
whatever you use) and buy "Got A Line on Me" and "Nature's Way" individually.

the best of spirit.......2006-07-25

I t hink its one the better 60s classic rock bands around for its time.

Not your Average 60s west coast band!.......2006-03-26

Listening to this disc from beginning to end, there is nothing about this band's music that would ever suggest to you that they hailed from California--or even the US, for that matter! These guys were obviously not listening to fellow L.A. bands like the Buffalo Springfield or The Doors (the closest they ever come to sounding anything like Jim Morrison and Co., is "Fresh Garbage"--which does sound somewhat like a Doors outtake upon first listen!) No, this west coast band had their ears plastered to the speakers listening to all the Beatles albums--post 1965, to gain their musical insight. Of course, the liner notes keep putting forth the argument that this band was "America's Pink Floyd". I don't know that I would ever go that far. To me, Spirit is more like America's version of Traffic. The smart-and-witty, sing-along lyrics, the sweet melodies with occasional soul-and-jazz leanings, and a hot, horn section all lean more toward Traffic as Spirit's prime influence, rather than Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd had none of that, and always came off as more "up in the clouds", musically and lyirically, while Traffic was more down-to-earth, and easier to understand. So was Spirit. And while guitarist Randy California could make his guitar wail-on forever like David Gilmour on a number like "Aren't You Glad", it is the funky chops of Steve Winwood he more closely resembles on a song like "I'm Truckin'". Certainly, some British musicians could relate more to the sophistication of the band's musical stylings--not the least of whom was Jimmy Page--who, because of the influence of Randy California, a man much younger than himself, decided to take on the idea of having acoustic solo performances in Led Zeppelin's shows--even going so far as to claim a portion of Mr. California's Opus, "Taurus", for himself--in the form of (you guessed it!) "Stairway to Heaven". Yes, the newly-expanded "Best of Sprit" does include that song, "Taurus", as a bonus track at the end. Take one listen to the opening licks on the acoustic guitar, and you're tempted to start singing: "There's a lady who's sure..."
One more thing that makes Spirit unique among their comtemporaries is, while most American bands were trying to get the most out of their organ as the primary keyboard instrument, Spirit's music is mostly piano-based.
But I defintely hear a band on this album striving for more musical sophistication than the average American group in the sixties. And although Spirit's music throughout this collection conjures up more images of the dark-and-dreary, rain-dampened sidewalks of Carnaby Street, and tall buildings of downtown London, rather than the palm trees, surf boards, sunny skies, and convertibles cruising down the Sunset Strip of this band's native L.A., you can still hear a band seeking to be original, with a good dose of humor. A band with more musical ambition than the average west coast band. And to that, I salute them!

Spirit The Best Of Spirit.......2006-01-26

I agree with most of the reviewers that this band was very underated.great singing electric and acoustic guitar playing and great songs.why were songs like Natures Way and I Got A Line not huge hits?I Got A Line made the top 40 I think.Natures Way was a great acoustic ballad.also Nothing To Hide has a nice acoustic/electric section.also Mister Skin could of been a hit catchy.this band was better than a lot of the crap that came out in the late 1960's all the bad hippie bands of that era.as for the whole album I think it would get five stars if it had some live tracks as bonus cuts,like a live I Got A line or Natures Way live hearing that live would of been fun. I heard samples on a live Spirit cd.a great unknown band that everyone should give a listen to and to remember what real musicians and songs were about in the old days.

Average customer rating: As a Christian.... Norman Connection love the word and tune Folk Singer Sings Silly Songs Goofy, but fun.

The Best of Norman Greenbaum: Spirit in the Sky Norman Greenbaum Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Spirit in the Sky The Best of Sugarloaf Rock On Spirit in the Sky: Best of Norman Greenbaum The Lovin' Spoonful - Greatest Hits ASIN: B0000014XO Release Date: 1995-10-24

Tracks:

1. Spirit In The Sky
2. Weird - Dr. West's Medicine Show And Junk Band
3. Daddy I Know - Dr. West's Medicine Show And Junk Band
4. Hook And Ladder
5. Skyline
6. Canned Ham
7. Marcy
8. California Earthquake
9. The Day The Well Went Dry
10. Damper
11. Petaluma
12. The Eggplant That Ate Chicago - Dr. West's Medicine Show And Junk Band
13. Back Home Again
14. The Day They Sold Beer In Church
15. Gondoliers, Shakespeares, Overseers, Playboys, And Bums - Dr. West's Medicine Show And Junk Band

Customer Reviews:

As a Christian...........2006-10-22

I remember listening to and liking the song "Spirit in the Sky" back in '70, about 13 years before I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Had you told me then that it was a pretentious song, I wouldn't have believed it (but then again, I wouldn't have known what "pretentious" meant). None the less, it would be interesting to know how many people, since the inception of the song, have come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior because of this song. It is like Paul the Apostle preached, "whether in pretense or in truth , Jesus Christ is preached, and in that I rejoice!"

I find it interesting that out of all of the songs N.G. wrote, this is the only one to have the kind of impact on the world that it had. If you were to ask Him, I don't even think J.C. would find this song pretentious. Things will happen in your life when you touch the heart of God, and I think Mr. Greenbaum did, in a big way.

Norman Connection.......2005-01-11

Now if you ask me, and quite a few folks who happen to be fans of guys named Norman do now and again, this is probably the third or maybe fifth best "Norman" album of all time. (Larry Norman probably takes the cake, and the Norman Sisters and their singing mina birds is up there near the top).

Before you commence to thinking Norman Greenbaum was a one hit wonder, in the mode of so many other one-hit wonders, take a listen to this here album and see if you don't discover a certain depth that you might not have heard before. The testament to the depth of "Spirit in the Sky" is the fact that it was covered and became a hit all over again in the 80s. In fact Larry Norman done a cover himself a few years ago. (a mysterious "Norman" connection)

Junior hates this album because he don't understand it... but that boy is a s dumb as a sack of hammers, so I don't pay him no heed. The twins like it plenty good and me and Mama like to listen up and reminisce about the 70s when we do. I suggest you buy it and rediscover one of the underrated artistes of the 70s.

love the word and tune.......2003-10-17

this song is the first one i heard after i was told i had parkinson and i said that is the song i want played when I die it is so fitting. thank you for a song so well written and sung.

Folk Singer Sings Silly Songs.......2003-08-01

Norman Greenbaum is a folk singer, he writes simple songs about
simple things, which is what folk singers do. Some of the songs
on this album are from the "Pentaluma" album which he wrote about his farm in Pentaluma, California (chicken capital of the world). It was all about the hippie idea of going back to nature
and it was all done with Ry Cooder and other great musicians.
Spirit in the Sky is not spiritual. It is a song making fun of the TV preachers. (With a name like Greenbaum, one might get a
clue about his background.) His work is not top ten. It is not
in the category of The Beatles or The Fifth Dimension or Dusty
Springfield. His music is personal and silly. It is taken from
the California feeling of the sixties and early seventies when
people really believed that peace would be accomplished by our personal manner of living. Too bad people need slick pop music
to make them happy in this modern age. chatnoir in Canton, Ohio

Goofy, but fun........2001-11-07

I wasn't a teenager in the 60's, but I still enjoy this album. Most of the songs are amusing, if not great. Spirit in the Sky is the big hit that most people have heard. There are other good songs though. Weird, Daddy I Know, The Day the Well Ran Dry, The Day They Sold Beer in Church and Gondoliers are strange, whimsical and entertaining. Marcy is pretty. I've seen a couple of people mentioned Canned Ham, I don't get, it's too goofy - unless Canned Ham was a 60's euphamism for something else... Hook & Ladder - which was later covered by Nancy Sinatra - has some excellent guitar work by Ry Cooder.

Average customer rating: Don't miss it! An excellent introduction.

Spirit Songs: The Best of Bill Miller Bill Miller Manufacturer: Vanguard Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Native American | North America | International | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cedar Dream Songs The Red Road Raven in the Snow Ghostdance Spirit Rain ASIN: B0001ENYB2 Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

1. Dreams Of Wounded Knee
2. Praises
3. Faith Of Child
4. Listen To Me
5. Ghostdance
6. The Sun Is Gonna Rise
7. Every Mountain I Climb
8. Reservation Road
9. Tumbleweed
10. Geronimo's Cadillac
11. The Art Of Survival
12. Wind Spirit
13. Never Too Far
14. You Are The Rain
15. Love Sustained
16. Underneath The Blue Sky

Customer Reviews:

Don't miss it!.......2004-04-25

I had never heard of Bill Miller until recently attending several of his performances at a local Indian Market. I kept going back to hear and absorb more, and afterwards, ordered several cd's, including this one. I wonder how and why I could have avoided hearing of him and missing out on his fantastic music for so long. Mr. Miller is a consummate musician and his lyrics and music evoke unimaginable heartfelt emotion and imagery. He is a master of a broad range of genres, keeping his style fresh and unique. His voice, guitar, and flute are instruments of great beauty and power. His music is a treasure. I found nothing long-winded about this cd, in fact, it left me wanting to hear more.

An excellent introduction........2004-04-07

Vanguard took up the difficult task of summarizing Bill Miller's amazing career in 16 songs and did it wonderfully. This is an excellent introduction to the career of this deeply spiritual folk-country-blues-rocking singer/songwriter/guitarist/flutist of Mohican heritage. While a long-winded description of the man and his music, it is very accurate. Whether you're looking for some sort of spiritual enlightenment or just good music, "Spirit Songs" is a must-own.

Average customer rating:

Land of My Fathers: 100 Great Welsh Choir Favourites Manufacturer: Castle Pulse ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Boito, Arrigo | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Foster, Stephen | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Porter | Porter, Cole | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Favourite Welsh Choirs Land of Song Welsh Choral Classics Welsh Choirs: Wonderful Welsh Choirs Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome Traditional Songs of Wales ASIN: B0009SOFXG Release Date: 2005-08-01

Tracks:

1. Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (CWM Rhondda) - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
2. Land of My Fathers - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
3. Dies Irae
4. Men of Harlech
5. You'll Never Walk Alone
6. Cadwyn O Emyn Donau Cymreig: Joanna (Trad./Elfion Wyn)/Crugybar (Trad.
7. Old Folks at Home
8. Il Liza Jane
9. Faust/Soldier's Chorus - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
10. Vergine Degli Angeli
11. Ballard of Rourke's Drift - Cwt-Y-Collen Choir
12. My Hero
13. God Bless the Prince of Wales - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
14. German Mass/Gloria
15. German Mass/Sanctus
16. Misbles/Master of the House/On My Own/Drink with Me/Empty Chairs at
17. All Through the Night - Caerphilly Make Voice Choir
18. Arwelfa
19. Invictus
20. Softly as I Leave You

Tracks:

1. Diolch l'R L
2. Hine E Hine (Maori Lullaby)
3. Pererin Wyf (Amazing Grace)
4. Tribute to the USA: America the Beautiful (Ward/Bates)/God Bless ...
5. Memories of Martha
6. I Lombardi/The Crusaders' Chorus - Treorchy Male Choir
7. Myfanwy - Treorchy Male Choir
8. Tales of Hoffman/Barcarolle
9. Creation's Hymn
10. In the Spirit!
11. Shall We Gather at the River
12. Nos a Bore
13. Very Best Time of Year
14. Soon Ah Will Be Done
15. Thanks Be to God
16. Flower That Shattered the Stone
17. Rhys - Treorchy Male Choir
18. Where Shall I Be?
19. Bywyd y Bugail
20. Lord's Prayer

Tracks:

1. Ave Maria
2. Pearl Fishers/Divine Brahma
3. She Was Beautiful (Cavatina) - Treorchy Male Choir
4. Cymru Fach
5. Nidaros
6. Jacob's Ladder - Treorchy Male Choir
7. Watching the Wheat
8. Pan Ddaw y Saint (When the Saints Go Marching In)
9. Misbles/Stars
10. Rachie
11. Pirates of Penzance/With Cat-Like Tread - Treorchy Male Choir
12. There Is a Balm in Gilead
13. Rise Up Shepherd and Foller
14. My Lord, What a Mornin'
15. Bryn Myrddin
16. Jesus Christ Superstar/Medley: Jesus Christ Superstar/Hosanna/The Last
17. Finnish Forest (Suomen Salossa)
18. Nabucco/The Glory of Israel
19. Ride the Chariot
20. Tydi a Roddaist - Treorchy Male Choir

Tracks:

1. Y Nefoedd
2. Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me
3. Morte Christe (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross)
4. By Babylon's Wave
5. I'm Gonna Sing
6. Where Could I Go But to the Lord?
7. Holy City - Treorchy Male Choir
8. Mefistofele: Ave Signor, Degli Angeli
9. Senzenina (Zulu Chant)
10. That's All I Want from You
11. Deep Harmony - Treorchy Male Choir
12. Give Me Jesus
13. Just a Closer Walk with Thee
14. My Wish for You
15. Jeptha/Waft Her Angels
16. Mose in Egitto/Prayer
17. Be Still My Soul (Finlandia Hymn)
18. God's Choir in the Sky
19. Floral Dance - Treorchy Male Choir
20. Smilin' Through

Tracks:

1. Calon Lan
2. True Love
3. Mor Fawr Wyt Ti (How Great Thou Art)
4. Aberystwyth
5. Comrades in Arms
6. Cats/Memory
7. They Led My Lord Away
8. State Fair/It's a Grand Night for Singing
9. When I Fall in Love
10. Let's Face the Music and Dance
11. Windmills of Your Mind
12. How Soon
13. Non Nobis Domine
14. Rhythm of Life
15. Kalinka
16. Sound an Alarm
17. Neapolitan Trilogy: It's Now or Never (Di Capua/Schroeder/Gold)/Mo ...
18. Turandot/Nessun Dorma
19. Christus Redemptor
20. Ann Evening's Pastorale

Album Details

Choirs Include the Morriston Orpheus Choir, the Pontadrddulais Male Voice Choir, the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir, the Cwrt-y-gollen Choir, the Treorchy Male Choir and the Lucknow Male Voice Choir.

Average customer rating: Mass of the Children A Brilliant Masterpiece Britten-lite :( Outstanding! Beautiful!

Mass of the Children Manufacturer: Collegium ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: John Rutter Collection The John Rutter Christmas Album Gloria: The Sacred Music of John Rutter John Rutter: Te Deum and Other Church Music Requiem & Magnificat/Rutter, Cambridge Singers ASIN: B0000BX5K6 Release Date: 2003-09-01

Tracks:

1. Mass of the Children
2. Look at the world (1996)
3. To every thing there is a season (1997)
4. Wings of the morning(2002)
5. A Clare Benediction (1998)
6. I will sing with the spirit (1994)
7. Musica Dei donum (1998)
8. I my Best-Beloveds am (2000)
9. Come down, O Love divine (1998)

Album Description

This is the FIRST ALL NEW RECORDING OF JOHN RUTTER'S MUSIC IN TEN YEARS! "Mass of the Children was written in late 2002 and early 2003. The occasion of its first performance in February 2003 was a concert in New York's Carnegie Hall involving children's choir, adult choir, soprano and baritone soloists, and orchestra. I had always wanted to write a work combining children's choir with adult performers, not only because I find the sound of children's voices irresistible but also because I wanted to repay a debt. As a boy soprano in my school choir I had been thrilled whenever our choir took part in adult works with children's choir parts, such as the Mahler Third Symphony and the Britten War Requiem, and years later I remembered this experience and wanted to write something that would give children a similar opportunity to perform alongside adult professionals". From the notes - John Rutter

Customer Reviews:

Mass of the Children.......2006-03-24

My daughter is performing this work with her high school chorale. She is the main listener, and is totally enamored with this particular recording.

A Brilliant Masterpiece.......2005-12-24

After being able to perform this piece myself, I know that is is just amazing! I reccomend it to anyobdy who likes spiritual, uplifting music.
Nice work, Mr. Rutter!

Britten-lite :(.......2005-03-30

I contemplated on this 3-star rating for a bit, especially after reading all the 4- to 5-star ratings preceding this. John Rutter is a terrific and charismatic choral conductor and writer. His editing on Fauré's Requiem really galvanized the popularity of that work, not to mention his own very heart-felt Requiem setting as well. Speaking of Requiem settings, my bone to pick about the "Mass of the Children" work is such that it emulates (albeit in a heart-felt and sincere fashion) other large-scale works that involve orchestral, treble and mixed choruses, very specifically Benjamin Britten's unforgettable War Requiem. I couldn't help but feel a bit slighted by the last few pages of "Mass of the Children" and its much diluted rendition of the War Requiem's counterpart conclusion. I think those famliar w/ the Britten will know what I mean. It's hard not to draw a comparison because the similarities are striking yet determinedly contrived.

In any case, I do understand that the participants and "target audience" are perhaps less lofty than that of the Britten. According to the score inscription, this was "written at the inviation of Peter Tiboris and MidAmerica Productions."

There are other anthems on this CD that offer a nice addition. I think the Clare Benediction is a stand-out as a great latter-Rutter anthem, with a characteristically satisfying, fluent and "inevitable" cadences towards the end.

Outstanding!.......2004-12-27

As an avid choral enthusiast, and having performed The Mass of the Children, I can say that this is one of Rutter's finest works. Without a doubt, Rutter truly allows his soul to shine through in this masterpiece. The children's choir is fabulous, and the music gives me chill bumps whenever I hear it. I highly recommend this album!

Beautiful!.......2004-09-11

I sing with my school choir, and was blessed to be able to perform the Mass of the Children with the school. It is a beautiful mass-- the lightness of the childrens voices with the power of the adult choirs make a moving and powerful mass. The orchestra is stunning, just enough to add beauty to the piece. Rutter's Mass of the Children is a must-have for any person who enjoys this type of music.

Average customer rating: Definitely Music to Code By A New Wave of New Age Jackpot! The magnificent debut of 'Australis' A genius in New Age Music

Lifegiving Australis Manufacturer: Independent Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: From the Sky A Day Like No Other Everlasting Worlds Apart Tempting the Muse ASIN: B0009N4O3M Release Date: 2005-05-05

Tracks:

1. Lifegiving
2. Conciliation
3. Turning Point
4. The Sound of Hope
5. Fire Tamer
6. Forbidden Scents
7. The Enchantment
8. Between the Sun and the Moon
9. Barren Lands
10. Sacred Earth

Customer Reviews:

Definitely Music to Code By.......2007-07-17

I've always felt like, the best music is the kind that truly moves me without saying a single word. Music that gets me toe-tapping and head-nodding almost reflexively. Lifegiving is one such album.

The entire album sounds like it tells a story. One of my favorite tracks is the upbeat "Fire Tamer", which totally sounds like a slightly futuristic new-agey James Bond movie theme song, LOL!

My other favorite track is the breathtaking "Between the Sun and the Moon"... The woodwinds (or violin) in it are just marvelous. As a software developer I don't want to be distracted by words, or too much chanting... just give me some smooth crystal melodies to complement my "Flow" (all you other software developers know what I am talking about). Lifegiving is really music by which you can code and get work done.

Now for the not-so-great (my reasons for giving it 4 stars instead of 5). After several days of listening, I found that too many of the tracks used the same set of instruments at same timbre and pitch. A little overuse of the piano. There weren't (to me) enough "exotic" instruments. And also, there weren't enough tracks that made me go "wow".

Ok I'll tell the truth: I rarely give 5 stars :) This is simply a great album and would make a good addition to any New Age collection. I especially recommend it to people who are still new to the genre.

A New Wave of New Age.......2007-06-09

The hauntingly beautiful music of Australis caught my ear over and over on the various outlets. So, I purchased the CD and found a great new array of what seems to be a New Wave of New Age music. Similar to Amethystium or perhaps Ryan Farish but holding their own. I really enjoy this CD alot and would recommend it to all who are currently turned on by this fascinating new wave of new age. P.S. This is great driving or traveling music!

Jackpot!.......2007-02-23

I received an e-mail one day featuring Australis' latest CD. I have never heard of the artist; therefore, I decided to listen to it on Amazon. Much to my suprise, and after listening to 5 songs, I was convinced that Australis has alot to offer. The music is very relaxing, and very charistmatic.

The magnificent debut of 'Australis'.......2006-02-04

I am a big fan of New Age music and the genre in a big way and I am always looking to listen to new artists from this genre. I came across 'Australis' in a music search and decided to take a punt and purchased this album. I didn't know what to expect so having listened to this album 3 times already. I can say I am pleasantly surprised. This album was released midway through 2005 and the album is New Age with a ambient feel to it. Another great thing about this album is the artwork that shows the care and feeling that went into the production of this beautiful set of work. The front cover is of a butterfly on sanded back paper. The insides of the album on the left hand side is a Mayan symbol (mayan calender).

The music is performed and composed by a lone artist who goes by the name 'Australis'. There are 10 tracks to this album and everyone of the songs is well worth the listen. New Age fans will fall in love with the sensuous and ambient rhythms of this album and each song is a enigma unto itself. The first song is the album namesake 'Lifegiving' - that sets the tone and style of the rest of the album release. The best 2 songs of the album are 'Turning Point' that opens with a bravado of piano skill and 'The Sound of Hope' which brings together a soothing and hopeful sound with flutes, synths and keyboards.

But as I have said, all the songs are well worth a listen and the final song 'Sacred Earth' is a fine ending to what I hope to be Australis' first of several albums. This artist has the brilliant touches of Enigma's Michael Cretu and the flair of Era's Eric Levi. I look forward to more musical masterpieces from 'Australis'.

A genius in New Age Music.......2005-07-16

The first time I heard the song "Between the sun and the moon" I fell in love with it. Australis is a genius in new age music. All of his songs are great to listen to. The songs seem to have a very different yet extremely good beat and melody. You can almost feel your head nodding! I thank God I stumbled upon this album where its so rare to find excellent new age music knowing how easy it is to be carried when people listen exclusively to the most popular new age musicians and discard the rest. You should NOT discard this, its the BEST.

Average customer rating: norman greebaum spirit in the sky NOT YOU'RE EVERYDAY ONE HIT WONDER Much more than a 1 Hit Wonder This one song is worth buying the whole CD!

Spirit in the Sky: Best of Norman Greenbaum Norman Greenbaum Manufacturer: Repertoire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music | Dance Pop | Easy Listening | General | Oldies | Traditional Vocalists General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Best of the Original Fleetwood Mac Spirit in the Sky The Best of Norman Greenbaum: Spirit in the Sky Get Together: The Essential Youngbloods The Essential Jefferson Airplane ASIN: B000007VL1 Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

1. Spirit in the Sky
2. California Earthquake
3. Lucille Got Stealed
4. Canned Ham
5. Tars of India
6. Marcy
7. Hook and Ladder
8. Rhode Island Red
9. Junior Cadillac
10. Skyline
11. Jubilee
12. Milk Cow
13. Back Home Again
14. Titfield Thunder
15. Damper
16. I.J. Foxx
17. Petaluma
18. Country Lad
19. Day the Well Went Dry
20. Jigsaw
21. Weird
22. Daddy I Know
23. Gondoliers, Shakespeares, Overseers, Playboys and Bum
24. Day They Sold Beer in Church

Album Description

1997 collection on Repertoire with 24 vital hits, including top five 1970 smash 'Spirit In The Sky', plus 'The Day They Sold Beer In Church', 'California Earthquake', 'Canned Ham','Gondoliers, Shakespeares, Overseers, Playboys And Bum', theB-sides 'Jigsaw' & 'Daddy I Know' and more!

Album Details

His Classic 1970 Sngle, 'Sprit in the Sky', Got to Number Three in the Us Billboard Chart and Was a Resounding Hit around the World. 24 Tracks, Including Such Unforgettable and Improbable Items as 'California Earthquake', 'Canned Ham', and More.

Customer Reviews:

norman greebaum spirit in the sky.......2006-02-22

It tak`s me back some years.Great to relax to.

NOT YOU'RE EVERYDAY ONE HIT WONDER.......2001-03-22

I got this cd a couple years ago because I've always had a guilty pleasure for the song "SPIRIT IN THE SKY", which was heavily played on am radio when I was in highschool. It was a way overplayed hit back then that everybody eventually grew tired of, and it finally faded away. I also vaguely remembered his other single "CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE", which was a minor hit for about 5 minutes. But it was "SPIRIT IN THE SKY", with it's fuzzy guitar tone and the hand clapping rhythm that I found myself missing after all these years. To my surprise, after playing this album, I found Greenbaum to be an excellent songwriter. I expected to hear a lot of that Spirit in the Sky sound on here. But instead, this album has more of a country rock sound to it, with songs like "CANNED HAM", the hook laden "HOOK AND LADDER" (shoulda been another single), "DADDY I KNOW", with a great sounding fiddle, and a song that begs for a listen "THE DAY THEY SOLD BEER IN CHURCH". He even offers a little R&B sound with "JUNIOR CADILLAC", and a little gospel with "JUBILEE". And you get a few psychedelic rockers thrown in for good measure. This Best Of cd has a lot to offer with all his singles, b-sides, and rarities included. And there's not a clanker in the bunch. I think Norman Greenbaum, with his songwriting talents, could have been a big star. But he quit the music business for good in 1972 at the height of his popularity, and never looked back. For me, this album was a great trip down memory lane, and a pleasant surprise to boot!

Much more than a 1 Hit Wonder.......2000-04-18

German reissue giants Repertoire Records have done fans of early '70s rock and roll a wonderful favor by compiling 24 tracks, 76 minutes in all, of tasty, mainly guitar-driven tracks by Mass. born Norman Greenbaum. Known almost exclusively for the classic single "Spirit In The Sky" Greenbaum recorded 2 fine albums, "Spirit In The Sky" and "Back Home" in 1970 and a passable lp, "Petaluma" in 1972 before retiring to the dairy farming career from whence he had come. Besides the classic single, this anthology collects his follow-up singles, "Canned Ham," "California Earthquake," and "Petaluma," along with many album tracks from the two 1970 lps, a handful from the 1972 lp, and some pre-1970 a- and b-sides. While none of his subsequent releases approached the success of "Spirit In The Sky" they were nonetheless spirited efforts. "Canned Ham" for instance has an excellent riff and while the lyrics are humorous as opposed to meaningful, its a shame that the public was not more receptive. This compilation covers only Greenbaum's solo efforts to the exclusion of his Dr. West's Medicine Show and Junk Band recordings from the mid-1960s, thus not including the top 50 single "The Eggplant That Ate Chicago," which in my mind is doing the listener a service rather than disservice. Overall the anthology is a mixture of Greenbaum's hippie humor and fuzz-guitar. For fans of psychedelia this is a real winner. For some the title track alone will make this a value. This is by far the best Greenbaum compilation available, having nine more tracks than the only other anthology available. In addition, the track selection is far superior, excluding the Dr. West recordings. Kick back and revisit 1970 at its best.

This one song is worth buying the whole CD!.......1999-07-16

Call me weird, but when my husband and I pass on we are going to donate our bodies to science. I have told my husband that at my memorial I want the song "Spirit in the Sky" played as the memorial service is ending! I've also told him that I will do the same at his memorial service (if he should pass on first)!

Average customer rating: A Brief "Best of" Album Great music, but... May the Spirit be with you. Pieces that stand the test of time.

The Best of Spirit Spirit Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00000250S Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Morning Will Come
2. Mechanical World
3. Nature's Way
4. Animal Zoo
5. Fresh-Garbage
6. I Got A Line On You
7. Prelude-Nothin' To Hide
8. Uncle Jack
9. 1984
10. Dark Eyed Woman
11. Mr. Skin

Album Description

18 of the best by this fantastic Californian psych/ prog outfit from the '60s & '70s, all digitally remastered. Contains all of their chart hits for both the Ode & Epic labels, including 'I Got A Line On You', '1984', 'Animal Zoo' & 'Mr. Skin', plus 'Nature's Way' and more! 1999 release.

Customer Reviews:

A Brief "Best of" Album.......2002-02-03

At a mere 11 tracks, "The Best of Spirit" is a fairly slight effort. The band recorded one great album in "Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus" (1970), another decent one with their self-titled album (1968) and another great single in "I Got a Line on You." If you have all of that, you already own the best music Spirit recorded. "Twelve Dreams" is represented here by no less than five songs and "Spirit" chimes in with four more. I submit that purchasing either of those albums, or both, is a better buy than the "Best Of." Nevertheless, songs included on this album are a decent selction.

Great music, but..........2000-10-23

...this CD is *way* out of date! While it has a few EXCELLENT songs, keep in mind that Spirit's catalogue consists of basically four albums, all of which are budget priced. If you're in the mood for a hits collection, Time Circle's a much better buy.

So hah!

May the Spirit be with you........1999-06-10

One of my favorite groups from the late 60's and early 70's. Had the extreme pleasure of seeing them in person in Jacksonville Florida. My favorite cuts are Mr. Skin, Animal Zoo, Fresh-Garbage and, of course, Nature's Way. No collection of this period's music is complete without this CD.

Pieces that stand the test of time........1998-07-13

This is a collection of hits of the underground group of the 60's & 70's that successfully survives the test of time. One listen to the cut I love the best, Fresh Garbage, can get you hooked (and the message is still needed TODAY!). Guitar and drum solos on most cuts point to the groups jazz leanings, but the messages and harmony are pure rock. Other cuts that have a wide appeal are "I Got a Line on You" and "Uncle Jack". The only disappointing aspect of this album is that it misses some of the versatility of the group that is evident on lesser cuts on other CDs. If you like a mix of jazz and rock with a message, try this one out.

Average customer rating: A good overview of Zorn's soundtrack compositions. Curious about Zorn?

The Best of Film Works: 20 Years of Soundtrack Music Manufacturer: Tzadik ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Jewish & Yiddish Music | Folk | Styles | Music Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Experimental Music | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: Music Romance, Vol. 2: Taboo & Exile Film Works, Vol. 17: Notes on Marie Menken/Ray Bandar: A Life with Skulls At the Mountains of Madness Filmworks VXI: Working Man's Death The Big Gundown: John Zorn Plays the Music of Ennio Morricone ASIN: B000A0GPJU Release Date: 2005-08-23

Tracks:

1. Main Title
2. End Titles
3. Yakisoba
4. Punk Rock Hero
5. Through The Night
6. Surfing Samba
7. Fanfare/Theme
8. France
9. Sweden
10. Arsenal Dance Mix
11. Main Title
12. Wheelchair Racers
13. Pueblo
14. Lituus
15. Fireworks
16. End Titles
17. Deseo
18. Shanghai
19. Trembling Before G-d
20. Filming
21. Shabbos Noir
22. Chippy Charm
23. Vocal Phase
24. Shaolin Spirit
25. Main Title
26. Sekhel (Vocal Version)
27. Protocols Of Zion
28. Indonesia

Customer Reviews:

A good overview of Zorn's soundtrack compositions........2005-10-24

Over the past twenty years or so, John Zorn has built up an enormous library of composition for film, released on sixteen CDs (cleverly titled "Filmworks I", "Filmworks II", and so on...) on his Tzadik record label. For a neophyte, this can be a bit much to tackle, as such, this album, "Filmworks Anthology: 20 Years of Soundtrack Music" has been released to provide an overview of Zorn's soundtrack composition.

As an overview of Zorn's work, this succeeds well. It also appears that another goal was to represent every volume, as at least one piece is drawn from each (volumes VI and VIII get two cuts, I and XII get three, and III and VII get four). Just about everything in Zorn's diverse catalog of film soundtracks is covered-- movies, documentaries, pornography, cartoons and commercials (certainly none I've seen!) are all represented with a suitably diverse array of pieces, from gamelan to string trios to surf rock, Zorn pretty much covers a wide array of sounds and moods-- if nothing else, the diversity of these 28 tracks is a testament to his vast skills to compose in virtually any environment. I could make a few arguments about what cuts I would have picked, but by-and-large, the compilation is a rather good and thorough overview, and the cast of performers is immense, with virtually all key players in the downtown scene involved to some extent or another.

Another notable point about this release is the artwork-- packed in a digipack with a pair of photos of Zorn (one from '86, one from '05) and stills from the various pieces littered throughout the liner notes, it certainly looks great. And speaking of the liner notes, Zorn offers a superb essay on film soundtrack composition and appreciations by musicians Marc Ribot, Anthony Coleman, Jamie Saft and Cyro Baptista (all of whom appear to some extent or another on the music) are included.

I've got currently about half of the filmworks series and I found value in this overview. Several of the individual pieces hold together far better than this recording does, but it certainly does a great job providing an impression of Zorn's diverse film scoring career.

Curious about Zorn?.......2005-10-23

Considering myself a casual fan of John Zorn I have been at times either annoyingly put off or enthusiastically engaged with the diversity of his music. Admittedly, It can be daunting for a Zorn novice to find a suitable entry point in which to begin navigating through the extremities of his musical output. This new collection, which pulls material from the sixteen releases (thus far) of his FILMWORKS series, is everything the curious could want in a well-rounded introduction.

The selections chosen for this disc make for an exhilarating listening experience from start to finish as the focus jumps from one musical genre to the next, from cartoon scores to punk rock to jazz and surf music. Most selections early on clock in at under 4 minutes, with many others zipping by under just one. All these various styles meld together so effortlessly that it's impressive it all comes from a single creative mind.

The packaging is also deserving of mention, as the CD is housed in a fold-out digipack case with two booklets attached inside. In one of these booklets Zorn describes his methods and self-imposed rules in creating music for film (as well as for dealing with snoopy film directors). The other booklet features short essays by a few of Zorn's collaborators on what the creative sessions were like. There are also many photos from the films the music accompanies. (So far the only films I've seen with Zorn's scores are "Trembling Before G-D" and "Protocols of Zion".)

Favorite tracks: "Surfing Samba", "Arsenal Dance Mix", "Shanghai", "Main Title (Invitation to a Suicide)"
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Average customer rating: Do Yourself a Favor - Buy Spirit Touches Ground This disc is a masterpiece Great Musician Josh Clayton Felt is the best ... Dear Josh's Family: Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Spirit Touches Ground Josh Clayton-Felt Manufacturer: Dreamworks ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Inarticulate Nature Boy Human Cannonball School of Fish Jubilee Dive Dumbing Up ASIN: B00005Y239 Release Date: 2002-02-12

Tracks:

1. Building Atlantis
2. Diamond In Your Heart
3. Backwards World
4. Invisible Tree
5. Love Sweet Love
6. Too Cool For This World
7. Kid On The Train
8. Half Life
9. Deer In The Headlights
10. Spirit Touches Ground
11. Night Of A Thousand Girls
12. Already Gone
13. Waiting To Be
14. Dragon Fly

Amazon.com

Though this album is joyous and brimming with fanciful, free-floating spirituality, it may be hard for fans of Josh Clayton-Felt to hear it without a bittersweet mix of emotions. Clayton-Felt passed away after a mercifully brief battle with cancer in January, 2000, and this album--long-plagued by record company travails even during his life--is the final, compelling musical testimony of the School of Fish mainstay who turned solo artist. Cynics might foolishly dismiss its rich musicality and adventurous melodic sense as old school, but Clayton-Felt seems less interested in convincing skeptics than he is in cutting through ephemeral fashion to follow his heart. It's an album whose classic-rock sensibility evokes everything from early-'70s Motown to Lennon-McCartney, Difford-Tilbrook, and Jeff Buckley, crucially without a whiff of cheap nostalgia. The confident shuffle "Building Atlantis" and the bluesy "Invisible Tree" prove Clayton-Felt still found plenty of life in the traditional rock combo. But it's the fatalistic introspection of liltingly beautiful songs like "Too Cool for This World," "Dragon Fly," "Deer in the Headlights," and "Half Life" that may haunt listeners the longest; rarely do artistic triumph and personal tragedy become so hopelessly entwined--or rewarding. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Do Yourself a Favor - Buy Spirit Touches Ground.......2007-06-26

One things stands out with all the enclosed reviews of Spirit Touches Ground, that Josh has this musical gift that displays passion, tenderness, and a true God given talent for songwriting. I remember seeing Spirit Touches Ground in a used CD store. I just saw his name and the title, and without knowing anything about him, placed the disk in the player, put the headphones on, and was hooked on the first 30 seconds of Building Atlantis....."while the rest of the world was drowning around us, we were building Atlantis." And it just gets better from there. Too Cool for this World and Dragon Fly are just amazing. Every song is great!

Do yourself a favor, buy this CD, and then Inarticulate Nature Boy, Center of Six, and of course, his early group, School of Fish.

God blessed this world with a rare musical talent, one that sadly passed away much to early. Jarrette M

This disc is a masterpiece.......2005-03-19

From the opening drums to the closing crickets, this disc is simply a masterpiece and will touch you in your heart. Sadly, Josh is no longer with us, but he left this beautiful work of art behind for us to enjoy.

It is somewhat eerie how many references to his own passing are in here, both in lyric and title, such as: "Too Cool For This World", "Night comes creeping up, I'm not ready yet... I'm undone, long before I get a chance at it", "Spirit Touches Ground", "Already Gone", "If your road has reached the ocean, but your legs still want to go".

I highly recommend it to anyone.

Great Musician.......2005-03-16

I had the privilage of seeing Josh and the rest of School of Fish perform in my home town of Las Vegas back around 1992 when they were supporting their first cd. They played at the old Calamity Jane's, and they, especially Josh, were amazing. Since then, I've listened to their follow up album as well as Josh's solo efforts, all of which are great. Do yourself a favor and pick up any of the cd's Josh and/or School of Fish have put out. You won't regret it.

Josh Clayton Felt is the best ..........2003-07-24

When I first heard about Josh, it was the day he had died after a long battle with cancer. Thats the day I wanted to go and buy the CD ... and I don't regret it ... from the start till the end, Josh's voice sounds great and the songs are what I always wanted to hear. Songs like "Backwards World", "Too Cool for this World", "Waiting to Be", the title track "Spirit Touches Ground" ... and especially "Deer in the Headlights" (my favorite). Josh is simply awesome ... and thanks to the family for giving us this great gift ...

Dear Josh's Family: Thank you, thank you, thank you..........2002-06-19

Dear Josh's friends and family: Thank you, thank you, thank you... To a fan, this album is a sweet and sour reminder, but a lasting gift. To the uninitiated, this album is a 5am wake up call that challenges what you think you know about talent and the current music industry. Then you become a fan (see above).

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8. Trey Anastasio
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10. Up All Night

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