Stage [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

Amazon.com
On Stage, his new two-disc live recording, Keller Williams demonstrates why he is probably the only singer/songwriter whose solo acoustic performances can make you get up and dance. Williams has mastered the arcane art of "real-time phrase sampling," a technique that allows him to record and instantly play back short vocal and instrumental snippets and then use them to create hypnotic and undeniably funky loops. Williams uses these loops to create complex polyrhythmic grooves that he then overlays with his intense acoustic guitar playing--he's sounds a bit like Leo Kottke after a couple of extra espressos--or uses them as a frame for his obliquely funny lyrics. Williams' curious sense of humor extends to his choice of cover songs, which include Van Morrison's "Moondance," the Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," and the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," which he re-imagines as a joyous sing-along. Keller Williams is a 21st century one-man techno-tribal jam band. --Michael John Simmons

Product Description
Finally, beloved one-man-band Keller Williams releases an album that highlights his awe-inspiring live performance. The 2 cd STAGE brings listeners front row at select 2003 concerts to experience Keller's technical virtuosity and wicked sense of humor. Like his live shows, STAGE doesn't miss a beat of the singular musical style that has critics and the public hailing Keller as a true original and must-see performer.

Stage [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

Stage,Keller Williams,Sci Fidelity Records,Jam Bands,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

---

Stage [Explicit Lyrics] [Live]

Average customer rating: Life story? C'Mon It's Boston Third Stage, it's a gimmie Third time is the charm A True Concept Album that was well worth the wait Boston at it's best!

Third Stage Boston Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $7.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $7.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Hard Rock & Metal | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Don't Look Back Walk On Boston Corporate America Don't Look Back ASIN: B000002O51 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Amanda
2. We're Ready
3. The Launch
4. Cool The Engines
5. My Destination
6. A New World
7. To Be A Man
8. I Think I Like It
9. Can'tcha Say (You Believe In Me)/ Still In Love
10. Hollyann

Customer Reviews:

Life story?.......2007-06-26

I only gave "Third Stage" 4 stars because it's not long enough, darn it!!! That being said, I absolutely love this album. I remember buying the tape in [...]and playing it until it had that quavery, metallic sound that, unfortunately, the kids of today will probably never hear. Ah, nostalgia...

Anyway, while listening to "Third Stage," I felt like I was experiencing the memories of Tom and Brad and the rest of the Boston guys. Especially through Hollyann. Now that I'm getting a little older, I can't help but look back on the days of my youth through, if not rose-colored glasses, at least the watery, smooth and blurred finish of an impressionist painting. With Hollyann, I can almost see the couple standing proudly, hair flying in the breeze, perhaps watching the setting sun and standing for what they believed so strongly.

On the other side, Amanda, To Be a Man and Still In Love seem to be, partly, about the struggle to do right over wrong, to fight for love and for those you love.

Beauty, fun, introspection, love, sacrifice... the stuff of life. Also, the stuff of "Third Stage." If you like the unique Boston sound, "Third Stage" is a must-have for your CD case. Although, I still have my tape!!

C'Mon It's Boston Third Stage, it's a gimmie.......2007-06-09

C.D. is amazing. One that even my 15 year of child said, "Wow, who's that?" Don't want to say timeless, but it has the potential.
Amazon delivered quickly and in good shaped.
Would recommed to family and friends.

Third time is the charm.......2007-05-07

A successful lawsuit against CBS records and two mediocre recordings from Boston alumnus Barry Gourdreau later, Tom Scholz and Brad Delp stormed back onto the 1986 singles chart with Amanda, Third Stage's first single and lead off song. It took seven years to get this album released, but the delay was worth it, 40 minutes of beautifully crafted pop-rock, from Amanda's opening chords on the acoustic guitar to the soaring electric on Cool the Engines to the elegiac finale of Hollyann. If you want to purchase only essential Boston material, get Third Stage plus the first two albums and you'll have the absolute best of Boston - or anyone even remotely associated with Boston.

A True Concept Album that was well worth the wait .......2007-04-13

In the late 1970s, as a result of the success of their first two albums, "Boston" established themselves as one of the premier bands in the Rock industry. I would even go as far to say that with the momentum they achieved with their debut album "Boston" (still one of the most successful debuts in history) and "Don't Look Back", that they might become the successors in Rock's line of royalty to Led Zeppelin (following the disintegration as a result of John Bonham's death). However, the problems that would ensue would completely derail this road for Boston. The 1980s would see the breakdown of the original lineup of the band and legal battles that would delay any future work by the band. By the Fall of 1986, the band found themselves in a very different position - the comeback position. This comeback would mark the launch of Boston's third album - "Third Stage". For fans of the band who had waited 8 years for the album, they would not be disappointed. The band assembles a terrific concept album that doesn't miss a beat.

For the most part, I consider Boston to be the partnership of guitarist Tom Scholz and vocalist (the late) Brad Delp. Boston had a stable lineup for their first two albums. In addition to Scholz and Delp were Sib Hashian, bassist Fran Sheehan, and guitarist Barry Goudreau. "Third Stage" would not include Hashian, Sheehan, or Goudreau. This was a result of a falling out the band had in the 1980s. Replacing Hashian on drums would be Jim Masdea (who played drums prior to the debut album) and Gary Pihl would pick up the void on guitars. However the partnership of Scholz and Delp was good enough to keep the Boston sound going. While Scholz often gets most of the creative credit for Boston, I really feel it is the unique vocals of Brad Delp that give Boston its edge. I always contend you can find another Tom Scholz on guitar, but there was only one Brad Delp on vocals. It was no surprise that "Third Stage"'s follow-up "Walk On" failed because Delp wasn't on that album. It is no surprise that Boston's career is currently in limbo (at the time of this writing) due to Delp's untimely death.

The nice thing about "Third Stage" is that it does integrate a loose concept theme around most of the tracks. It uses an analogy of the setting sail on a spaceship to someone maturing by reaching thirtysomething in age. The album reflects the maturity that a man hits when he reaches his 30s. While not all of the songs use the spaceship theme, the songs in one form or another reflect this maturity in age. It's not just the songwriting that is good, the musicianship of the band and powerful vocals of Brad Delp really are in top form.

One important note to make is that most of these songs were written in the early 1980s. The amazing thing is that Boston did not use synthesizers for this album. This is amazing for two reasons: 1) Even though it sounds like there is a synthesizer component, there isn't (Organs, pianos, and the Hammond G-5 help to fill the gap left by the synthesizer); 2) The idea of abandoning the synthesizer was more of a late 1980s trend (i.e. 1987 onward), yet Boston conceptualized most of "Third Stage" in the early 1980s. One must give Boston some points in creative and innovative thinking in the music industry for going with this trend early.

The Spaceship concept occurs on tracks 2 through 8. On track 2, "We're Ready" the spaceship might be getting ready to launch, but Boston actually is talking about one taking the next step in a relationship. Track 3 is an instrumental called the "The Launch" - it is divided into 3 parts (Countdown, Ignition, and Third Stage Separation). The music does sound like a spaceship launching. Once launched, on track 4, the spaceship will "Cool the Engines", but this is referring to calming down from one's younger days. On track 5, the spaceship arrives at "My Destination". "My Destination" might be the most powerful track on the collection. Most people are familiar with the radio-friendly power-ballad, "Amanda" - which is the first track on the album. "My Destination" is a different spin on "Amanda" - and overall I find it a better song. Delp's vocals are even stronger than "Amanda". This song deals with arriving at "my destination ... by your side" in a relationship. This again reflects maturity.

Tracks 6, 7, and 8 continue the spaceship theme. "A New World" is a very short instrumental, but refers to exploring the new world that the spaceship set sail to. Perhaps this is also the maturity of one in life. On Track 7, "To Be a Man", the person who set sail now must prove he is a man in his new world. This can also be reflected to everyday life as well. Finally track 8, "I Think I Like It", refers to the person enjoying the new world he set sail to, but also reflective of liking the changes in his life.

While Track 9 "Can'tcha Say"doesn't fit into this theme of setting sail on a spaceship, it might be the best track. It consists of two tracks - the powerful, hard-rocking, "Can'tcha Say" with a segue to the powerful power-ballad "Still in Love". The titles of these songs describe what these songs are about. Fusing these songs together really works. This "double trrack" is my favorite track on any Boston album. Delp's amazing vocals contribute to the power of this track. There is also the tenth track, "Hollyann" - this is a nice track as well.

The liner notes contain not only the lyrics, but notes on each track and notes on the making of the album. This is a great album - not a bad track in the whole lot. Highly recommended.

Boston at it's best!.......2007-04-10

This is my third copy of this production over the years. Need I say more?
Classic Boston sound. Brad Delp's soaring voice will be missed!

Average customer rating: A REAL live recording---no digita/re-do, clean-up job here. Rush ATWAS: The finale of their magnificent power era All The World's A Stage Great Live Album ! 4.5 stars- Better than I remembered

All The World's A Stage Rush Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Exit...Stage Left Rush Caress of Steel Fly by Night Hemispheres ASIN: B000001ESH Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

1. Bastille Day
2. Anthem
3. Fly By Night/In The Mood
4. Something For Nothing
5. Lakeside Park
6. 2112: Overture/ Thetemples of Syrinx/Presentation/Soliloquy/Grand Finale
7. By-Tor And The Snow Dog
8. In The End
9. Working Man/Finding My Way
10. What You're Doing

Customer Reviews:

A REAL live recording---no digita/re-do, clean-up job here........2007-05-01

Phenomenal live performance! I saw this same tour in 1977,with UFO featuring Michael Schenker opening up. Nearly 4 hours of jaw-dropping music,and I was a RUSH fan for life when I left that night. While they have done albums that are musically all over the place,throughout the years,this one represents them at the moment of "breaking out" and proving themselves to the world. I really feel no RUSH collection is complete without this recording. It's an important part of the '70's history.
Oh,yeah--it's also fun as hell to listen to!!!!

Rush ATWAS: The finale of their magnificent power era.......2007-02-20

From the first time I listened to this album (or Rush) as a kid, in my 8-track back in 1978, I knew this was something special. I have listened to this recording over 500 times and I still marvel at its rawness, power and intensity...This is the culmination of Rush's powerful 70's era before they would become more refined and sculpted. They would only get better. Who would've guessed? This album was also therapy for a long period of hopelessness and isolation I endured in my youth. Thank you Rush and Company...

Curt

All The World's A Stage.......2007-01-14

That it is, that it is.

This is by far one of the few live classic rock albums that are great (Made in Japan, How The West Was Won, The Song Remains the Same, Yessongs and the best live cd is Frank Marino & Mahogony Rush Live). I am not a big RUSH fan, but I have always loved this cd. I do not cared for any of their studio albums. I can only take so much Geddy Lee on vocals. It is well-recorded and kudos to RUSH for this gem.

Great Live Album !.......2006-12-06

Used to listen to this repeatedley as a teenager. I still like it. RAW AND ENERGETIC!!!!!

4.5 stars- Better than I remembered.......2006-04-22

Just recently I bought "All The Worlds A Stage" for the first time on cd. At first I didn't like it very much because it sounded pretty raw when compared to the smoother EXIT STAGE LEFT. I think with the release of EXIT they were playing better because they had been doing about 250 shows a year for quite a few years and they were maturing as live musicians, but still, this first live album shows them more raw and energetic, so it's good to have both in your possession. It sounds much better to me than when I first heard it in 1981. This remaster sounds quite a bit better than the vinyl album did (which is something that I can't say about all rock albums). If you don't have this live album, but have a lot of the studio albums, don't hesitate in aquiring this first Rush live album.

Average customer rating: Corny as it sounds, this one changed my life Very good live album from the early days Worth Every Penny just to hear this version of Love it! Not their best live album but still worth buying.

Exit...Stage Left Rush Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Pop General | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Progressive Rock | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: All The World's A Stage Permanent Waves Moving Pictures Hemispheres A Farewell to Kings ASIN: B000001ESR Release Date: 1997-07-01

Tracks:

1. The Spirit Of The Radio
2. Red Barchetta
3. YYZ
4. A Passage To Bangkok
5. Closer To The Heart
6. Beneath, Between & Behind
7. Jacob's Ladder
8. Broon's Bane
9. The Trees
10. Xanadu
11. Freewill
12. Tom Sawyer
13. La Villa Strangiato

Amazon.com

Throughout their existence, the Canadian power-prog trio has steadfastly released a lengthy live collection every fifth album. Released in 1981, Exit is Rush's second (and best) such release, and it captures the band at the very top of its artistic (and commercial) curve--before keyboard and synthesizer work became central to its sound as opposed to providing mere accents. When they embarked on this tour, Rush had just released Moving Pictures, which continued their move away from longer suites and featured more streamlined song craft. Exit, however, offers a perfect blend of winding, fusion-leaning, virtuoso instrumentals ("YYZ," "La Villa Strangiato"), extended sci-fi epics ("Jacob's Ladder," "Xanadu"), sentimental ballads ("Closer to the Heart" in unison with the whole crowd, "The Trees"), and tauter songs ("Free Will," "Tom Sawyer," "Spirit of Radio") that represent the best of all worlds. Musically, they generated a huge amount of sound for three men (especially Geddy Lee's mammoth bass lines and Neil Peart's octopus-like percussion); lyrically, Peart's fantasia may be pseudo-poetry, but it is poetic, and it may be adolescent wisdom, but it is wise. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Corny as it sounds, this one changed my life.......2007-06-17

Ok, let me set the scene. I was about eight and most of the music I heard was stuff involving muppets or whatever was on the radio, like Juice Newton, The Go-Go's, or Hall and Oates. (ouch that hurts to admit publicly). Then my brother goes to see Rush on the Signals tour and brings home a copy of this album. And it all changed. At the time I had no idea what I was hearing but over the years my ears adjusted and for a long time Rush was all I listened to. Since then I have become a music nut in general and explore far and wide through many different styles. But I always come back to this one, It was my first real musical love and Rush has become part of my D.N.A. It's a spectacular album, capturing the band at a high point in their career. Fresh off "Moving Pictures" which has become the bands calling-card, Exit Stage Left is a brilliant portrait of both the youthful,experimental band they were (Xanadu, Jacob's Ladder) and the more concise song writers they would become.(Closer to the Heart, Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio) Through out it all their musicianship is obvious, though never overwhelmed by their virtuosity. It's a lush,dense album, though some fans take issue with the production. I have recommended it many times to people new to Rush, and they are usually quite pleased. I know I certainly was.

Very good live album from the early days.......2007-04-13

I would say that I like about 80% of this cd. There is only two tracks out of thirteen that I don't like, but it is just a matter of taste.
This cd capture Rush in great shape performing some great classics.
This album has it all, powerful rock, ballads, great solos...
Good job Geddy, Alex and Neil !

Worth Every Penny just to hear this version of.......2007-02-06

Xanadu...............

For you who want the "full show" from this tour, go to some of the
traders web pages and get the Chicago or Anaheim shows......
Rush has so many bootlegs, you can get full shows from ANY tour (even the Archives tour, how many of you even know what I am talking about?) they they have ever done!

Love it!.......2006-12-12

One of my Favorite Albums, saw them on this tour, only problem is the muddy sounding mix and the fact that this isn't the whole show.

Not their best live album but still worth buying. .......2006-10-29

Good selection of songs along with some good performances. 2 out of 3 isn't bad. The production on this album always bothered me. It's too clean and flat for me. With the audience fading in and out at the beginng and end of each song it makes it less cohesive for me. Still, the interlocking "The Trees" and "Xanadu" make this album worth it. "A Passage to Bangkok" is a plus, too.

Average customer rating: High Cost, Little Quality i'm 13, and i need help. (by the way, GO WICKED! luv it.) Don't waste your money "well-sung, theatrical vocals..." What cast did they listen to!? I could play it better myself on a kazoo

Wicked (Karaoke) Manufacturer: Stage Stars ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Karaoke | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Wicked - Piano/Vocal Arrangement Rent Sing The Songs of Wicked Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast) Wicked: A New Musical - Easy Piano Selections ASIN: B0002KQOLM Release Date: 2004-08-01

Tracks:

1. No One Mourns the Wicked
2. The Wizard and I
3. What is This Feeling?
4. Something Bad
5. Dancing Through Life
6. Popular
7. I'm Not That Girl
8. One Short Day
9. A Sentimental Man
10. Defying Gravity
11. Thank Goodness
12. Wonderful
13. As Long As You're Mine
14. No Good Deed
15. For Good

Album Description

Featured at the annual celebration of the show's Broadway anniversary, this is the only karaoke recording of songs from Wicked with on-screen lyrics and a lyric booklet.

This is a new recording with a great cast, under the direction of Michael Lavine, of the Tony Award winning musical Wicked.This album contains two CDs. The first disc has a complete recording of each song, the second disc has fully-orchestrated accompaniment tracks.

All songs are in the original show key, and show tempo. Intros to the songs from the Broadway show are provided. Several live musicians are featured on this album.

On-Screen lyrics will appear when this CD+G is played in a karaoke machine. No lyrics will appear when the album is played in a regular CD player, however, a lyric booklet is provided.

Customer Reviews:

High Cost, Little Quality.......2007-06-07

This CD is such a disappointment! I sing with a traveling theater group and thought I could practice to this karaoke disc. Not a chance! The quality is poor-synthesized instruments & wrong notes and chords all over the place!Don't even get me started on the sample vocal tracks! I actually discarded this part of the pack as it was painfule to listen to. The vocals are horribly off key. Please, save your money. I know it's exciting to find this wonderful musical in a karaoke version but keep looking. Don't waste your cash on this one!!!

i'm 13, and i need help. (by the way, GO WICKED! luv it.).......2007-05-29

Hey ya'll.
i'm giving this 5 stars because i love wicked a lot (and it's not my top 1, but top 3.so i'm not biased) but i really need to know if the karaoke part is worth buying. i don't care about the instructional singers, just the music. i want to perform this, but plz tell me if it's worth the MUCHO money? thnx!

Don't waste your money.......2007-02-01

My daughter needed the karaoke version to perform one of the songs for a show at her school. This version is absolutely horrible. Neither one of us can even stand (or sit)to listen to this cd. What a terrible waste of good hard earned money. Everyone who has purchased this should receive their money back plus 10% and an apology for being subjected to hearing this. Shame on the people who produced this cd and are making money from it.

"well-sung, theatrical vocals..." What cast did they listen to!?.......2007-01-07

I bought this CD from the local Wal-Mart for a hefty sum. I was a little nervous, as I always am when I purchase something without listening to it first, but figured what the hey, it's Wicked, it CAN'T be bad. I really just wanted an alternate take on some of my favorite songs, since I can't afford to go see the musical in person yet.

I was wrong. I was very, very wrong. I realized I wasn't going to be getting the same level of performance as in the OCR release. But, after reading the reviews when I got home, I opened it. I popped it into my CD player, and my ears were immediately assaulted by their Gahlinda's warbling. Yes, Gah-linda. No other name fits so well. It's plain the group assembled to sing was trying, in part, to emulate the original cast's performance, and sadly, they failed miserably. Gah-linda's voice was off pitch and screetchy, frequently. Thinking perhaps I was merely comparing her unfairly to other performers, I played it for a friend, who all but begged me to turn it off. It was plain to us both that she was trying to sing far above her natural range. The other cast members, save their Fiyero, were decent. Their Elphaba was amateur good, and their Nessarose was surprisingly talented for the few moments time she got.

On to the music itself.

I have a reasonably high quality speaker system, yet the background music sounded like a midi file someone had made of the real music. Like something out of an old 16 bit game, or perhaps a talented teen trying to coax music out of an old keyboard. Thinking perhaps it WAS the sound system, I tried it in another media player. Same sound. Realizing that perhaps the guide CD might have simplified music apart from the karaoke CD itself, I swiftly switched to CD2. But wait. There was no CD2, because I had recieved two copies of CD1.

This was the final insult, for me. I contacted Stage-Stars and asked for my money back, explaining the variety of reasons I thought I deserved it. The woman I spoke with was polite and understanding, and, after getting my address, overnighted me a new copy of the title, shrink wrapped. It went immediately back to the store, and I got my money back.

On another note, on hearing the samples given on various sites of the CD2 music, I must conclude that it is the same quality on both CDs. In all honesty, you'd have more fun just setting the money on fire. Don't waste it on this purchase.

I could play it better myself on a kazoo.......2006-12-13

I bought this karaoke cd because I was told it was the only one available for the musical and even though I had heard it was bad I figured it couldn't be all THAT bad. I was wrong. It's so bad that it hurts the ears of anyone with an ear for music and can throw off even the best trained singer - even when watching the cd+g graphics. I don't know what solution to offer instead since it's the only karaoke track that I know of... but you may be better off just going without.

Average customer rating: An American Treasure DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!! An American tragedy.... Gorgeous! Defective disc.

Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast): Von Stade; Hubbard; Hadley; McGlinn Frederica von Stade , Jerome Kern , Jerry Hadley , Bruce Hubbard , Teresa Stratas , David Garrison , Leslie Fyson , John McGlinn , and London Sinfonietta Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hadley, Jerry | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Classic Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Revivals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Von Stade, Frederica | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jerry Hadley - Golden Days - Tenor hits from the Golden Age of Operetta Carousel (1987 Studio Cast) Pal Joey: 1995 Original New York Cast Recording Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Original Broadway Cast) Oh, Kay! (1994 Studio Recording) ASIN: B000002SJL Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: Niggers all work on d Mississippi... (Stevedores, Gals, Queenie, Steve, Pete, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss, Beaux, Girls & Boys)
3. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cotton Blossom: 'Andy!!!...' (Parthy, Windy, 1st Mincing Miss, 2nd Mincing Miss)
4. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Here comes the Show Boat parade!...' (Boy, Girls, Boys, Andy, Parthy)
5. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'Hey Julie...' (Pete, Julie, Steve, Parthy, Andy, Ellie)
6. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Cap'n Andy's Ballyhoo: 'It's a man...' (Ellie, Ravenal, Vallon)
7. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Where's the Mate for Me?: Who cares if my boat goes upstream... (Ravenal, Magnolia)
8. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Make Believe: Only make believe I love you... (Ravenal, Magnolia, Vallon)
9. Show Boat: Act One, Scene One - Ol' Man River: 'Oh, Joe!...' (Magnolia, Joe, Men)
10. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Two - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man: 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
11. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Life on the Wicked Stage: Why do stage struck maidens clamor... (Ellie, Girls)
12. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Three - Till Good Luck Comes My Way: The man who ventures with chance... (Ravenal, Men)
13. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': Mis'ry's comin' aroun'... (Queenie, Women, Joe Magnolia, Julie, Men, Solo Bass)
14. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Take her up, Rubberface!...' (Andy, Julie, Steve, Magnolia, Parthy, Ellie, Windy)
15. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Hello, Windy...' (Vallon, Andy, Magnolia, Steve, Julie, Windy, Ellie, Parthy)
16. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'You needn't all look at us...' (Steve, Colored Chorus, Andy, Parthy, Magnolia, Ellie, Frank)
17. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Four - Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun': 'Looks like a swell...' (Andy, Parthy, Frank, Ravenal, Julie, Magnolia, Steve, Joe)

Tracks:

1. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Would Like to Play a Lover's Part: Her face is fair to look upon... (Boys, Girls, Ellie, Frank)
2. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - I Might Fall Back on You: Little girl, you are safe with me... (Frank, Ellie, Girls)
3. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Five - Queenie's Ballyhoo: 'Is de theatre fillin' up, Cap'n Andy?...' (Queenie, Andy, Colored Chorus)
4. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Six - Villain Dance
5. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Seven - You Are Love: 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia, Parthy)
6. Show Boat: Act One, Scene Eight - Finale Act One: Oh tell me, did you ever!... (Firls, Boys, Chorus, Andy, Women, Men, Negro Women, Magnolia, Parthy, Vallon, Pete)
7. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - At the Fair: When we tell them about it all... (All, 1st Barker, Boys, Girls, Chorus, 2nd Barker, Men, 3rd Barker)
8. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - Why Do I Love You?: I'm walking on the air, dear... (Magnolia, Ravenal, Chorus, Andy)
9. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene One - In Dahomey: Dyunga doe!... (Dahomey Villagers, White Chorus)
10. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Three - Convent Scene: Alma Redmptoris Mater... (Nuns, Mother Superior, Ravenal, Kim)
11. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four: 'All right, Jake...' (Jim, Jake, Julie)
12. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Four - Bill: I used to dream... (Julie)
13. Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly... (Magnolia)
14. Show Boat: Magnolia's Audition - Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (Reprise): 'Whaddaya say, boss?...' (Frank, Jim, Magnolia, Jake)
15. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Trocadero Opening Chorus: Let's make the new year... (Chorus)
16. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Apache Dance
17. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - Goodbye, My Lady Love: So you're going away... (Frank, Ellie)
18. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Six - After the Ball: 'Ladies and Gentlemen...' (Jim, Drunk, Andy, Magnolia, A Man, All)
19. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Ol' Man River (Reprise): Ol' Man River... (Joe)
20. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Seven - Hey, Feller!: When you yen for a gent... (Queenie, Chorus)
21. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Eight - You Are Love (Reprise): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal)

Tracks:

1. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine: Cottom Blossom (Reprise): Cotton Blossom... (Chorus)
2. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: Now up in the northern land... (Kim, Chorus)
3. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - It's Getting Hotter in the North: 'Say, Cap'n Andy...' (Frank, Ellie, Andy)
4. Show Boat: Act Two, Scene Nine - Finale Ultimo: 'Hello, Gay...' (Andy, Hope, Ravenal, Girl, Man, Magnolia, Old Lady, Chorus)
5. Show Boat: Appendix - Pantry Scene (Act One, Scene Two; deleted - 1927): 'What cher doin' all by yourself, Miss Nola?...' (Queenie, Magnolia, Julie, Joe, Servants)
6. Show Boat: Appendix - Waterfront Saloon Scene (Act One, Scene Three; deleted - 1927): 'Number four, black!...' (Voice (off), Ravenal, Loungers, Gambler)
7. Show Boat: Appendix - Yes, Ma'am (Act One, Scene Three; unused - 1927): Bet your hat... (Girls, Ellie)
8. Show Boat: Appendix - Kim's Imitations (Why Do I Love You?): (Act Two, Scene Nine; Ziegfeld Production - 1927): Why do I love you?... (Kim, Chorus)
9. Show Boat: Appendix - Dance Away the Night (Act Two, Scene Nine; London - 1928): Music in the air... (Kim, Girls, Boys)
10. Show Boat: Appendix - A Pack of Cards (Act One, Scene Six?; unused - 1927): One night as I sat by my fireside so weary... (Magnolia)
11. Show Boat: Appendix - The Creole Love Song (Act One, Scene Seven; unused - 1927): 'That you, Nola?...' (Ravenal, Windy, Magnolia)
12. Show Boat: Appendix - Out There in an Orchard (Act Two, Scene Four; unused - 1927): There was a sun sinking slowly in the west... (Julie)
13. Show Boat: Appendix - Gallivantin' Aroun' (Universal Film - 1936): Liza Matilda HIll... (Magnolia, Chorus)
14. Show Boat: Appendix - I Have the Room Above Her (Universal Film - 1936): 'Seems to me I've seen that stocking someplace...' (Ravenal, Magnolia)
15. Show Boat: Appendix - Ah Still Suits Me (Universal Film - 1936): 'Joe! Dere you go again!...' (Queenie, Joe)
16. Show Boat: Appendix - Nobody Else But Me (Act Two, Scene Nine; 1946 Revival): I was a shy, demure type... (Kim, Chorus)

Amazon.com

John McGlinn's sprawling, monumental three-CD set is about all the Show Boat any listener could ever ask for. In an obvious labor of love, McGlinn reconstructs the show as it ran on opening night, November 15, 1927, including every song, the original orchestrations, and all underscored dialogue. The most significant restoration is the dark choral number "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'," as Show Boat's serious subject matter helped establish its place as the most important turning point in the history of American musical theater. McGlinn also adds an appendix that includes songs cut before opening night and every song subsequently written for the show's many productions, most notably the love duet "I Have the Room Above Her," written for the 1936 film. (The recording is also available in a one-disc reduction called the "Broadway Show Album.")

Rest assured this 221-minute blockbuster is not just dry scholarship; it's also terrific listening, with McGlinn conducting a dynamic London Sinfonietta and a strong cast including Frederica von Stade as Magnolia, Jerry Hadley as Ravenal, Teresa Stratas as the tragic Julie, Bruce Hubbard as the worldly wise Joe, Karla Burns as Queenie, and David Garrison and Paige O'Hara as the comic couple Frank and Ellie. And of course the songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II are among the most glorious ever written: "Ol' Man River," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Make Believe," "Why Do I Love You," "Bill," "You Are Love," and "Life upon the Wicked Stage." Also included are exhaustive production notes, a history of the show, a detailed synopsis, and a libretto. John McGlinn's Show Boat is a staggering achievement and a recording for the ages. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

An American Treasure.......2007-03-03

When PBS showed the 1989 Paper Mill Playhouse production of Showboat, my five year old daughter fell in love with musical theater. To this day we never miss a production of Showboat, West Side Story, Music Man, Oklahoma or the rest of the great American musicals. These 3 discs are the closest you can ever hear to the original in 1927 and the recordings are leaps and bounds above any movie version or revival cast. Listening to Bill or Make Believe you almost want to cry at what Kern and Hammerstein were able to create.

I defy anyone to come up with another Broadway production that has three songs in a row better than Make Believe, Ol' Man River and Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (West Side Story's Maria, America and Tonight are the best three in a row of a movie musical) and it's a shame that no movie version of Showboat can compare to this version. The first act is full of songs that are as good as any ever sung on a stage and I can't think of another production with a first act that compete against the big 3 plus Cotton Blossom, Where's The Mate For Me, Life On The Wicked Stage, Till Good Luck Comes My Way, Misry's Comin' Aroun', You are Love, Act One finale and Why Do I Love You?. You just don't want to have the music stop.

If you don't like opera you won't like this version. Sung the way Kern and Hammerstein wrote them, you can't help but feel the operatic nature of these songs. Tough noogies because Showboat is above all an opera disguised as a Broadway play and no sweetening should be allowed.

The four leads are all superb, Frederica von Stade as Nola especially. The booklet contains the complete libretto and allows a different way to appreciate the music.

If you buy just one version of Showboat you need this one. If you have other versions of Showboat you need this one. As a matter of fact, anyone with ears to hear needs this version. A true American treasure.

DON'T DESPAIR. IT'S BEEN REISSUED!!!!!.......2006-11-16

One of the great recordings of musical theatre ever. Although it's no longer available on EMI Angel, it was reissued in October, 2006, as an EMI Classic's "Great Recordings of the Century." It's been "Digitially Remastered at Abbey Road Studios from the Original Masters" and "noise-shaped via the Prism SNS system for optimum sound quality." If ART remastering does for this recording what it has done for other EMI Classics in my library, then it should sound superb. However, I understand the booklet is not as detailed as the one in the original 3-disc release.

Thank you, EMI.

I would hope other labels would follow suit and remaster and reissue other examples of classic American musical theater. It would be a pity if our children, grandchildren, and future generations were unable to savor "110 in the Shade" or "Little Mary Sunshine" or . . . . . . . . . (fill in the blanks.)

An American tragedy...........2006-02-06

This is the first of the great American musical plays, and probably remained unchallenged until the mid-1950s when West Side Story appeared. The term "musical comedy" does not apply. The few laugh lines are subsumed by the terrible sense of loss and disaster that work throughout the story. At its core is homelessness, the destruction wrought by racism, bad choices, human weakness, and reconciliation. The cast?--this was one of the few crossover recordings I've ever heard that actually worked. The trio of Jerry Hadley, Frederica von Stade, and Teresa Stratas is a marvel; Stratas in particular seems to have had a patented Dark Cloud that shadowed her. It's perfect for Julie Dozier Laverne. And the late Bruce Hubbard brings a magnificent dignity and voice to Joe--his singing of "Ol' Man River" amy not efface Paul Robeson, but can stand beside it.

Gorgeous!.......2005-08-26

Simply gorgeous! The most unforgetable music and the best voices! An album for all time!
M. J. Conrades

Defective disc........2005-08-15

I received this item on July 27, 2005. I played it on my portable CD player and found out that Disc 2 of the set was defective. It kept on skipping on my CD player. So, I returned it for a refund.

Average customer rating: Its got my vote ! ! ! Groove on! Texas Thunder Soul Awesome CD!!! The Brothers Brought the Funk&Nothing but the funk

Texas Thunder Soul 1968-1974 Kashmere Stage Band Manufacturer: Now Again ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974, Vol. 1 The Funky 16 Corners Jamaica to Toronto: Soul Funk and Reggae 1967-1974 Raw Funk What It Is! Funky Soul And Rare Grooves (1967-1977) ASIN: B000FVGLDY Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

1. Boss City
2. Burning Spear
3. Take Five
4. Super Bad
5. Keep Doing It
6. Thunder Soul
7. Do You Dig It, Man?
8. Headwiggle
9. AL's Thing
10. Do Your Thing (previously unissued extended version)
11. Scorpio (previously unissued extended version)
12. Thank You (previously unissued extended version)
13. All Praises
14. Shaft
15. Kashmere
16. $$ Kash Register $$
17. Zero Point - Pt. 1 & Pt. 2 (45 version previously unreleased)
18. Getting It Out Of My System

Tracks:

1. Intro (live)
2. Zero Point (live)
3. All Praises/Zero Point (Reprise live)
4. Intro (live)
5. Do You Dig it, Man? (live)
6. Don't Mean A Thing (live)
7. Thank You (live)
8. Ain't No Sunshine (live)
9. Do You Dig It, Man? (live)
10. All Praises (live)
11. Thank You (45 version)
12. Zero Point (LP version)
13. Do Your Thing (instrumental)
14. Getting It Out Of My System (alternate take)

Album Description

The best high school band of all time! Two discs of '60s and '70s funk, containing rare studio recordings and unreleased live cuts from Houston's Kashmere High School Stage Band - directed by Conrad O. Johnson. Monster drum breaks, as heard on Funky 16 Corners and Cold Heat comps, including songs sampled by DJ Shadow and more. Includes 40-page booklet, rare photos and bonus documentary by B+ on Enhanced CD.

Customer Reviews:

Its got my vote ! ! ! .......2007-02-18

I listened to the segment about the Kashemere Stage Band on NPR and was definitely amazed...

Listening to many of their tracks if no one told you would you believe that this was... high school band club???
Think... band clubs - - you know really bad big band arrangements with drummers who hit the high hat on the one and three and sometimes knocking over the crash cymbal, the note flubbing brass section and the greasy haired music teacher with the horn rimmed glasses named Mr. So and So always sending you to the office for sleeping or making fake f*rting sounds in class to relieve the bordom - - But what a minute, this is the deep south, late 60's/early 70's... enter an inspired bandleader who played with the greats, got inspired by the new sounds (Otis Redding, JB, etc.) and had a dream and vision to unite these guys, create timeless music that people would be listening to down the line, give them something to work hard on and be proud of... and KICK BUTT - - first in BAND competitions around the world, but then in record stores and on the radio. Alas, Conrad Johnson did it... creating a band feared as an undefeatably tight funk unit... and with a rhythm section so strong, long after the group fell into obscurity, rap DJs were sampling it.

On this record you'll hear the sounds behind the story (*Somebody needs to make Kashmere's story into a movie - - talk about a man inpsiring young kids to do their best !!) - - Johnson not only took his guys into the studio but recorded just about every performance (and apparently put a lot of work into his charts too - - amazing, considering that now-a-days most band directors just order them over the net.) You'll also hear ample space for members going off, powerhouse originals, and tunes demonstrating inspiration - - and remarkable hipness in an age when music teachers were anything but! No wonder the band always took the prize wherever they competed... In addition, while the band may not have been as tight as the JBs (hey they were just kids), trust me... they could have opened up for him and NO one would have complained...

As a sidenote, if you dig KASHMERE, check out the VOICES OF EAST HARLEM... a group with a similarly inspiring as well as funky story... and the PROPOSITION'S AFRICANA, another youth group of the era who were insanely bumping.

All in all rare funk... and a window into the long lost time and sound. Like the song says... they were SUPER BAD !

Groove on!.......2007-01-05

Heard about this band on NPR and had to buy the CD! This album is awesome and it is remarkable that high school aged musicians worked at this caliber; what an incredible teacher they had to inspire them! Really good grooves, excellent music to clean house to, or to listen to at a party. You can't sit still while this CD plays!

Texas Thunder Soul .......2006-11-11

I read about this recording in a review in the Wall Street Journal and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. End to end this recording is phenomenal. You would not know that these are high school students with the level of musicianship demonstrated on tracks such as Boss City, SuperBad (would make James Brown proud), Headwiggle, and $$ Kash Register $$. It is definitely a musical delight!

Awesome CD!!!.......2006-11-10

This is the best CD I have bought in a long time. If you love funky 70's tunes, especially if they sound like something from a Starsky and Hutch car chase scene, then this is the CD for you. These kids had talent!

The Brothers Brought the Funk&Nothing but the funk.......2006-10-25

this is a happening Collection right here. collections like this is the reason why Schools have to save the Music because this is a Slamming Collection of Jams. Funky Drum breaks,Bass&Horns that are slamming. so many styles are covered here,but the Funk is front&Center. the Funk is timeless&never gets old. even 30 plus years later this Collection is still rocking a House party. Props to these brothers for bringing the Funk.

Average customer rating: Great, underrated Band album The Best of the First 3 Amazing, overlooked album--Gold CD has better mix than this one A little Different - But Just as Strong! It's all in the comparison

Stage Fright The Band Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Canada | North America | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Band Northern Lights-Southern Cross Music from Big Pink Cahoots Moondog Matinee ASIN: B00004W50Z Release Date: 2000-08-29

Tracks:

1. Strawberry Wine
2. Sleeping
3. Time To Kill
4. Just Another Whistle Stop
5. All La Glory
6. The Shape I'm In
7. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show
8. Daniel And The Sacred Harp
9. Stage Fright
10. The Rumor
11. Daniel And The Sacred Harp (Alternate Take)
12. Time To Kill (Alternate Mix)
13. The W.S. Walcott Medicine Show (Alternate Mix)
14. Radio Commercial

Amazon.com essential recordings

The Band's third studio album is also their third-best studio album, and that isn't bad. It's not as synchronous as Music from Big Pink or as overpowering as The Band, but that's part of its appeal. The quintet's first two albums were such towering achievements that the group came to lean on those songs, turning the lion's share of them into concert staples. Stage Fright is littered with lesser-known Robbie Robertson compositions possessing more modest charms than the overplayed likes of "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The title track is uncommonly hard-eyed and modern; Richard Manual's vocal, like most of his turns at the mic, is sparkling. (Manual also shines on the reflective "Sleeping" and the uptempo "Just Another Whistle Stop"). "All La Glory" is a gorgeous lullaby, while "Time to Kill" sounds like the Band doing Creedence Clearwater Revival. This isn't the place to discover this great North American band, but it's definitely a stop worth taking before your exploration is completed. The 2000 remastered reissue isn't as generously fleshed out with bonus tracks as its predecessors, offering up only three alternate takes and a vintage radio commercial. --Steven Stolder

Amazon.com

The Band's third studio album is also their third-best studio album, and that isn't bad. It's not as synchronous as Music from Big Pink or as overpowering as The Band, but that's part of its appeal. The quintet's first two albums were such towering achievements that the group came to lean on its songs, turning the lion's share of them into concert staples. Stage Fright is littered with lesser-known Robbie Robertson compositions possessing more modest charms than the overplayed likes of "The Weight" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." The title track is uncommonly hard-eyed and modern; Richard Manuel's vocal, like most of his turns at the mic, is sparkling. (Manuel also shines on the reflective "Sleeping" and the uptempo "Just Another Whistle Stop"). "All La Glory" is a gorgeous lullaby, while "Time to Kill" sounds like the Band doing Creedence Clearwater Revival. This isn't the place to discover this great North American band, but it's definitely a stop worth taking before your exploration is completed. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Great, underrated Band album.......2007-03-23

Almost every song on this album is a winner. A few of the best songs are only available on this album, having never been put in a Greatest Hits Collection or in The Last Waltz (movie of Band's last concert). The tune, "Ala Glory" is a subtle stunner. Regarding The Last Waltz, buy it and watch/listen to the greatest band in rock n' roll history--no hyperbole, The Band is the one musical entity or person that can truly be called GREAT.

The Best of the First 3 .......2007-02-28

The strain of being pressured into making another masterpiece like the first 2 records, constant touring and heavy partying was starting to make the group weary and this album is a beautiful masterpiece of struggle, it's a treat that we have it forever on record. The most underrated Band record and the best of the magical first 3.

Amazing, overlooked album--Gold CD has better mix than this one.......2006-11-30

Let me start by saying this: The material recorded on this CD merits a solid, worthy 5 stars. Fans of the first two Band albums should definitely buy this, since it's ever so close to being as classic as those two albums. The reason I rated this CD 4 stars is because the band sent the tapes to 2 different mixing engineers, resulting in two completely different mixes. This CD issue contains the (in my and most people's opinions) inferior of the two mixes. The mix on this album drowns out some instruments on some songs (piano, for example, on the high-energy romp "Time To Kill"), and is plagued by too much reverb that makes it production seem like the Band was going for a slick pop sound. The more expensive Gold CD release from 1994 (as well as some earlier, lower-quality CD issues) uses the alternate mix, which sounds much livelier, like you're in the room with 5 guys jamming on their instruments and singing in harmony--just like the first two albums! The bonus tracks don't really add anything much either (like bonus tracks usually don't). However, you can get this CD pretty cheap new from Amazon, and REALLY cheap used (something like $2), so it's certainly worth the minimal purchase to hear this great music for the first time.

Regarding the music on the album itself, I don't really completely buy into the mythology that the spotlight reviews are trying to perpetuate--Stage Fright isn't a concept album about "Manuel's life or death struggle with Robertson" anymore than The Band was a concept album about the finer points of having fun in the Wild West--why do we need to assign these kinds of categories to such category-defying music? Likewise, Robertson in the liner notes back-projects some sort of self-aggrandizing story about how he was trying to reach Richard Manuel with his songs. According to common sense and Levon Helm's autobiography, Robertson may have been encouraging Richard to write more and get everybody to participate, but Richard's real big problems didn't really surface until the late 70's and his eventual suicide, over 15 years after this album was created. It's pretty egotistical for Robbie and critics/reviewers to claim that this entire album was intended as an indictment/diagnosis of the problems the band was facing due to their stardom. Sure, those themes are (kind of) there in songs like "Stage Fright" and "The Shape I'm In," but to claim that Robbie was trying to "communicate with Richard through the music" is pretty absurd, not to mention pathetic (if he really wanted to reach him, there were probably better ways). Instead of completely backwardly misinterpreting songs like "Strawberry Wine," "Time To Kill," and "W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" to fit some romanticized legend about the band members' secret feelings, I propose to take the music (and what great music it is) at face value:

This album is chock full of rock and roll, upbeat jams, good times, great lyrics, and some wicked guitar. Despite his many ego-related shortcomings, Robbie Robertson still possessed quite a songwriting muse at the time of this album. It may have been because he was increasingly taking more creative control of the band, but there is also some increasingly gnarly, wicked guitar from Robertson on this album. Most of these songs are the same caliber as songs of the first two albums (some of them are better). At face value, "Strawberry Wine" is a party song about a guy who just loves his wine. It's funny and fun, with great organ from Garth Hudson. "Sleeping" is catchy as hell, and funny as well. "Just Another Whistle Stop" marks a milestone in the complexities of Robertson's composition, and some gritty guitar. "The Shape I'm In" and "Stage Fright" are often talked about classics. One of my personal favorites is "The Rumor," which closes the album with one of Richard Manuel's most soulful vocals ever.

Overall, Stage Fright clocks in shorter than The Band's first two albums, but it's packed with great moments. Garth Hudson's piano, organ and saxophone are ON, as usual. Levon Helm turns in some great vocals (despite his documented drug problems of the time), Rick Danko's got classical vocals as well as some fat fretless bass lines, and Richard Manuel is in fine vocal form and contributes some fine songwriting (his last on any Band albums). I don't agree with most of the romanticized interpretations of this album and prefer to take it as it is: a record full of good times and human feeling like the two albums before it. Once you get to know this record, you may notice that Robertson was consciously trying to emulate those good feelings and human moments, but they weren't coming quite as easily or naturally as on the first two albums. Stage Fright still hits hard as one of the Band's greatest and most overlooked records. It's worth owning both versions, so once you get to know and love this album, you may want to check out the Gold CD version from 1994--it's more expensive, but totally worth it. I hope you purchase and enjoy this excellent music!

A little Different - But Just as Strong!.......2006-06-05

Expectations were high when the Band released their third album in 1970. After two masterpieces, would they be able to do it again?

Guitarist and main song-writer has expressed a wish to do a more basic rock'n roll album - a more light-hearted good time record.

At the same time things were beginning to get more complicated for some members of the Band. Their commercial success meant money, and money meant temptations and easy access to drugs. At the time of the recordings of "Stage Fright" all three singers were taking heroin, and this obviously influenced the record and to some extent changed the sound of their vocals.

Though Robertson managed to write some lyrics that fit his original idea of a basic light-hearted rock album; other songs deal with darker sides of life.

Opening song, "Strawberry Wine", sung and co-written by Levon Helm is a blues fitting nicely into the original concept.

This is the last album where singer Richard Manuel contributes original material, and Robertson had to help him finish his two songs. "Sleeping" is a beatiful pianoballad with a rocking chorus; obviously sung by Manuel.

"Time to Kill" has a great catchy guitar intro and rocks on nicely with Danko and Manuel sharing the lead vocals.

The second Manuel song is "Just Another Whistle Stop", which features another fine intro, and it is also one of the few Band studi-recording with an extended guitar-solo from Robertson.

All four opening tracks bear the high quality mark of the Band, but the first really outstanding track is Robertson's beautiful lullaby/ballad "All La Glory". This is such a great song with Helm doing one of his best ever recorded vocals.

The dark theme is coming forward on the next rocker "The Shape I'm In" - sung by Manuel.

The slightly jazzy "W.S. Walcott Medicine Show" is quite amusing featuring different brass instruments, but lyrically the song show a serious side of Robertson's songwriting.

The original album was ended with 3 more outstanding Band songs; all personal favourites of mine.

"Daniel and the Sacred Harp" is a country/folky song telling a the story of Daniel in a similar way the Dylan told the story of "Frankie Lee and Judas Priest". It's always a thrill when the three singers share the verses and all join in on the chorus.

The title track sung by Rick Danko, was an immediate live-favourite and one Danko finest performances; which says a lot.

"The Rumor" is another outstanding ballad, again with all singers taking lead verses. A worthy final the a great album.

The album is often regarded as a step downhill for the Band; I don't see it that way - it's a little different, yes, but just a strong as its predecessors.

This new version of the album features some interesting alternate versions, but none ot them matches the original recordings.

It's all in the comparison.......2006-02-17

I've always thought the biggest problem for The Band was that their first two albums were almost too good. Because they were among the best ever released, everything after them was downgraded. Cahoots isn't as bad as a lot of people seem to think and Northern Lights is actually a very good album.

But back to Stage Fright. It isn't as original or groundbreaking as the first two. But compared to almost everything released by anyone in the 35 years since this was issued, it's still an A-plus.

Maybe it is, as one reviewer suggests, symbolic of Robertson's frustration with Manuel's (and Danko's) substance abuse problems. That makes it more personal and less roots-based than the first two, one reason it's been downgraded. Big Pink and The Band were groundbreaking albums. Stage Fright was similar (although much better) to a lot of albums in the early '70s.

In any case, I'm happy that The Band seems to be getting the respect in the 21st century that it got only sporadically during its peak years (68-72). Even though the music world ranked them with the Beatles (see Clapton's comments) I don't think any album sold more than 800,000 copies, a piddling number today. I suspect the reissues might have done close to that and I love the fact that people who weren't born during their heyday now love them.

One aside about this album: the title song isn't a reference to Richard or Rick. It was Robbie's problem: literally the stage fright he experienced just before The Band's debut (as The Band, not The Hawks) in San Francisco.

Average customer rating: Fabulous Center Stage Soundtrack Great Soundtrack great for a workout at the gym Awesome Dance/Workout/Just chillin' music!

Center Stage (2000 Film) Various Artists - Soundtracks , and Mandy Moore Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 2000s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Scores | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Center Stage (Special Edition) Bring It On (2000 Film) Save the Last Dance (2001 Film) Coyote Ugly (2000 Film) Dance with Me: Music from the Motion Picture ASIN: B00004SVJL Release Date: 2000-04-18

Tracks:

1. I Wanna Be With You - Mandy Moore
2. First Kiss - International Five
3. Don't Get Lost In The Crowd - Ashley Ballard
4. We're Dancing - P.Y.T.
5. Friends Forever - Thunderbugs
6. Get Used To This - Cyrena
7. A Girl Can Dream - P.Y.T.
8. Cosmic Girl - Jamiroquai
9. Higher Ground - Red Hot Chili Peppers
10. Come Baby Come - Elvis Crespo And Gizelle D'Cole
11. The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
12. If I Was The One - Ruff Endz
13. Canned Heat - Jamiroquai
14. I Wanna Be With You (Soul Solution Remix) - Mandy Moore

Amazon.com

Nicholas Hytner's new musical drama Center Stage focuses on the competitive world of professional dance and, like Fame before it, features plenty of music meant to keep your feet moving. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' cover of Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" and the Stevie Wonder-influenced Jamiroquai's two contributions would've found better company among the classical works of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev featured in the movie than with the pop product that fills this soundtrack. New teen sensation Mandy Moore bookends the album with "I Wanna Be with You," featured both as straight pop confection and as a slightly techno-ed remix (the Soul Solution Mix). This time, the Diane-Warren-songwriter-for-hire tune is the ballad "If I Was the One," performed perfunctorily by the Baltimore duo Ruff Endz. The rest is the teen quartet P.Y.T., undistinguished stylists such as Ashley Ballard and Cyrena, and a Michael Jackson tune from Bad. Might sound OK during a workout at the gym, but not as serious listening. --Rob O'Connor

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous.......2006-02-25

If you like the movie, you will love the soundtrack! A must have for any "Center Stage" fan!

Center Stage Soundtrack.......2004-06-06

When I first saw the movie, I was skeptical about the music. I was expecting the soundtrack to have all of the classical stuff that had been used for the more mainstream performances. Instead, they included songs like First Kiss and I Wanna Be With You (which I have to say is not my favorite song). All in all, a well-rounded soundtrack. I'm really glad they left Come Baby Come on the soundtrack. 4 stars.
Disappointments: They left "Candy" off the soundtrack, and put on "I Wanna Be With You." Small mistake there.

Great Soundtrack.......2004-02-21

The Soundtrack was as good as the movie with a few exceptions.

I could do without the Latino song "Come Baby Come" which not many people like to listen to unless dancing in a Salsa bar. Also one of the better songs I beleive it's called "Candy" is missing from the soundtrack. This would be the song during the warm-up at the dance studio. Why must they cut songs that should be on the soundtracks out of them?

great for a workout at the gym.......2003-05-25

After seeing the film 'center stage' I fell in love with the music and immediantly went out and bought the soundtrack. The cd consists and very dancable tracks that can be played over and over again. Some of the best would have to be those featured at the end of the film, Micheal Jackson's classic 'The way you make me feel', the beautiful ballad 'If I was the one' by ruff endz and the sizzleing dance anthem 'canned heat', performed by Jamiroquai. These would be my pick of the bunch. Special mention should go to Mandy Moore, whose 'I wanna be with you' is a perfect piece of pop ballad heaven and fits nicely into the film. The talented group P.Y.T contribute a couple of songs, the pick of these would have to be 'We're Dancing' which is a wonderful addition to the album with its smooth sound and catchy lyrics. 'Cosmic girl' by Jamiroquai and 'Higher ground' by the red hot chilli peppers are also worth a mention. This album is so good it practically lives in my cd player and is always being borrowed by my friends. Overall this is one heck of a great album!

Awesome Dance/Workout/Just chillin' music!.......2003-05-21

The movie was so incredible that it made you want to dance forever...what could be better to dance to than the soundtrack! Granted, not all of the songs are "dancy" (and of course, "Candy" is missing) but the ones that aren't are still awesome background "hanging out" songs.
There's a song for every mood on here....from loving and longing for someone (If I was the One, A Girl Can Dream, First Kiss, I Wanna Be With You).....to ecstatic affection for one's best friend(s) (Friends Forever).....to power-workout music (Higher Ground).....to confidence of one's own sex appeal and/or abilities (Cosmic Girl, Get Used to This, Don't Get Lost in the Crowd)......to dancing for the sheer love of dancing music (Canned Heat, We're Dancing...and the salsa sounds of Come Baby Come).
If you loved the movie, chances are you'll be inspired by this CD!

Average customer rating: "THE HELSINKI CONCERT - SEPTEMBER 22nd, 1974" Maybe not "really" a complete show, but who cares? great concert from Zappa at his best. 20 Stars if I Could... As good a chronicle of this band as you will ever hear

You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 2 Frank Zappa Manufacturer: Zappa Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Comedy Rock | Comedic Music | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 1 You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 3 You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 4 You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 5 You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore - Vol. 6 ASIN: B0000009TO Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

1. Tush Tush Tush (A Token Of My Extreme)
2. Stinkfoot
3. Inca Roads
4. RDNZL
5. Village Of The Sun
6. Echidna's Arf (Of You)
7. Don't You Ever Wash That Thing?
8. Pygmy Twylyte
9. Room Service
10. The Idiot Bastard Son
11. Cheepnis

Tracks:

1. Approximate
2. Dupree's Paradise
3. Satumaa (Finnish Tango)
4. T'Mershi Duween
5. The Dog Breath Variations
6. Uncle Meat
7. Building A Girl
8. Montana (Whipping Floss)
9. Big Swifty

Customer Reviews:

"THE HELSINKI CONCERT - SEPTEMBER 22nd, 1974".......2006-02-06

This is the 1974 line-up of The Mothers, so far removed from the original band that paved the way, clear back in 1965, but still a stellar example of how Frank Zappa's music is to be played on stage, per September 22nd, 1974. The music is complex, with lots of arrangements, and even though there are only six musicians on stage for this performance, it sounds at times like many more. There is silly interplay between the members of the band, and as I said earlier, there are no original members of The Mothers Of Invention on these two discs, but, as talented as they were, I believe most of this material does push itself past the capabilities of the original line-up. This is in no way to disparage the original band, I loved what they did, all of it, but the chops the members of this particular band display, are in a league all their own; the definitive jazz-fusion line-up. George Duke, Chester Thompson, and Tom Fowler are a complete jazz combo themselves, and when you add percussionist Ruth Underwood and lead vocalist Napoleon Murphy Brock, with his abilities on sax and flute, this is an intimidating roster of talent. Frank Zappa has always used outstanding musicians in his touring and recording ensembles, and as I have already said, this is no exception.

This volume of the series is unique, in the fact that this is the only installment in the whole series featuring one band, on one stage, recorded on one particular day. All the others feature various line-ups at different stages of Zappa's career. So you get to hear the momentum of the show (some say it's the best of two separate performances in one day; possible, given FZ's penchant for editing the best segments of various perfomances together).

The Mothers play Zappa's live standards such as Apostrophe's "Stinkfoot" with such ease, they make it sound like it's a mind-numbingly simple song to play. Not his most difficult, by any standard, but they show what true PROFESSIONALS they really were, because songs like "Stinkfoot" sound easy, and so do incredibly difficult arrangements such as "Echidna's Arf." Don't let the silly titles fool you; songs named "Tush, Tush, Tush," "Stinkfoot," "Cheepnis," and "Building A Girl," are only the names these selections have. They are incredibly intricate, complex arrangements that most bands, then and now, could not approach.

One priceless bit of FZ history is included here, the reason Zappa's band included "Whippin' Post" in their repertoire after this tour. Someone in the audience called out "Whippin' Post!" The band at this juncture didn't know this song, so Zappa toyed with the heckler, asking him to sing it, and cut him off after about one second. Some people really step into it when they don't know who they are messing with. This exchange is at the beginning of "Montana," and FZ changed the lyrics on the spot, to make references to the heckler's request for "Whippin' Post," and the rest is history. To hear the conviction that he covered this with, check out the last track on 1984's "Them Or Us." It's the 1984 touring band playing "Whippin' Post," and even though nobody can do it like The Allman Brothers Band, the arrangements played by Zappa's touring band at the time, are a phenomenal job. There is video of this song on "Does Humor Belong In Music?," the 1985 video, and it has some changes in the middle, but it all began with the guy in the audience at Helsinki, way back in 1974.

In all, this is the most consistent volume, as I have already said, because this is all one band, on one stage, on one day. It's many people's favorite, and I can clearly see why.

Maybe not "really" a complete show, but who cares?.......2006-01-08

A little bit of research on the 'net will tell you that this is, regardless of what the liner notes say, likely edited - some Finnish fans who were at the concert say that the "Finnish Tango" was actually performed during the second day's show on the 23rd rather than during the show on the 22nd as stated here. It hardly matters, though. This was an incredible band, and the playing will leave you breathless. Some of the highlights that I think haven't been touched on by others include:

- The "Inca Roads" solo is beautifully melodic in a "conventional" sense and a perfect example of improvisational composition.

- "Cheepnis" is the single best song, with an incredibly funky middle section.

- George Duke has a great voice and, like everyone else in the band, is obviously totally committed to the music. Even better, everyone (including Frank) sounds like they're having fun. Check out the articles on the 'net from Finnish correpsondents - it's clear that, despite the hassle of touring (and towels), Helinski turned out to be a great experience.

- Poor Suzi Quattro.

- There are mistakes, or better, accidents. That may sound bad, but for me those can be the best thing about live performance. Best examples - Ruth can't keep up on the opening of "Montana" and Frank, after some surprisingly good-natured ribbing, slows the song down, and George changes "Tush Tush Tush" to "squeek squeek squeek" at the inadvertent feedback squeal going into "Stinkfoot."

- Finally, the band playing the "Finnish Tango" (they aren't sight-reading - a photo is published from rehearsals earlier that day that shows Finnish percussionist Matti Koskiali helping the band learn the song) absolutely straight, until Napoleon Murphy Brock enters with a horribly mangled vocal in bad phonetic Finnish.

Wow. Too much detail, maybe, but this is a great recording. If you get nothing else of Zappa playing live, this should be it.

great concert from Zappa at his best........2005-12-17

I own just about every album Zappa released, and this one has become one of my favorites. Taken from the "Roxy and Elsewhere" tour. Newcomers to Zappa should get "Roxy and Elsewhere" first, but they'll want to get this one eventually for a number of reasons.

First of all, it's one of Zappa's best bands in top form. This includes early versions of RDNZL, Approximate, Dupree's Paradise, Token of My Extreme played with great virtousity. The "Room Service" skit is hilarious. The astute listener will recognize that the guitar solo on the "studio" version of "Inca Roads" is actually an edited version of the solo from this concert - he actually mentioned it in the liner notes of OSFA. Also of "conceptual continuity" interest is "Montana", which explains why Zappa performed "Whipping Post" 10 years later.

The version of "Idiot Bastard Son", while very different from the WIFM version, is absolutely wonderful.

I disagree with the editorial review that says that this version of "Village of the Sun" is the best. They play it too fast here and spoil it a bit. I much prefer the more soulful version on "Roxy".

Still, a must-have for Zappa fans.

20 Stars if I Could..........2005-01-07

A perfect concert, they jam, they do a finnish folk song for the folks in Helsinki, some hilarious montana hijinks, and proof that zappa could hold his own with weather rpt, return to forever, and mahavoshnu...make this you first live zappa disc. you will love it

As good a chronicle of this band as you will ever hear.......2004-10-07

Seeing as the 30th anniversary of this show's performance recently came and went, I thought I'd take it out and give it a listen since I hadn't in a while.

Wow.

If you ever saw FZ in concert, then you know that his bands were highly-disciplined, rigidly-timed machines that could bend, stretch, improvise and create at Zappa's every whim.

In the band presented here, Zappa had what he later described as "the band that could play anything." You get the feeling that he knew he was never gonna have it this good again, and in some ways that's probably true.

Here you get the entire show from the '74 band's concert in Helsinki, Finland. Highlights include some blistering guitar solos, plus fantastic soloing by other members of the group.

My favorite cut, though, has to be "Montana," the "Dental Floss" song, which Frank mutates a bit after someone in the audience calls out a request for the Allman Brothers' song, "Whipping Post." (This band didn't know the song, but on future tours, he made SURE the band knew how to play it, and they did!)

Pop on the headphones and go back 30 years to one of the best Zappa shows you're ever gonna hear. It's all here and it's all great.

Average customer rating: Well-Deserving of the the Five Star Average It Has on Here... Get the loot from the man...Kick his a** with my Timbaland!!! A classic in da 90's Why would this not get 5 stars???? Truly a Classic

Enta da Stage Black Moon Manufacturer: Nervous Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop Livin' Proof Mecca and the Soul Brother Nocturnal 93 'Til Infinity ASIN: B000000ZSY Release Date: 2007-03-26

Tracks:

1. First Stage: Powaful Impak!
2. First Stage: Niguz Talk S--t
3. First Stage: Who Got Da Props?
4. First Stage: Ack Like U Want It
5. First Stage: Buck Em Down
6. First Stage: Black Smif-N-Wessun
7. First Stage: Son Get Wrec
8. Second Stage: Make Munne
9. Second Stage: Slave
10. Second Stage: I Got Cha Opin
11. Second Stage: S--t Iz Real
12. Second Stage: Enta Da Stage
13. Second Stage: How Many MC's ...
14. Second Stage: U Da Man

Customer Reviews:

Well-Deserving of the the Five Star Average It Has on Here..........2007-06-24

'Enta Da Stage' by Black Moon is one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. Featuring great lyrics, an awesome, semi-dark atmosphere, and creative production, it is a must own for your hip-hop collection.

Featuring three MC's, in terms of groups that feature multiple rappers, I would say they're superior to the Wu Tang Clan and that this album is better than Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). Lyrically, the group shines on tracks like 'Powerful Impak!', 'Ack Like U Want It', and 'U Da Man', and tracks like 'Who Got Da Props?', 'Niguz Talk S--t', and 'Slave' feature very creative beats and instrumentals.

Whether you're hip-hop collection is still rapidly growing and you've slept on this or you're a new fan, you really owe it to yourself to check out 'Enta Da Stage'. I have this classic on regular rotation.

Standout tracks: 'Niguz Talk S--t', 'Who Got da Props?', 'Black Smif-N-Wesson', and 'Slave'.

Get the loot from the man...Kick his a** with my Timbaland!!!.......2007-05-30

This album just won't leave my head! I try to listen to other stuff, but it just sounds......NOT GRIMY ENOUGH! When I close my eyes while listening to this cd I feel like I'm stickin kids up in an ally of buck-town. DJ EvilDee turned out some of the darkest beats I have ever heard..And I love em! I kept hearin how good this album was, but I never gave it a chance until about a year ago. I f***in loved it from the first sound of "Buck Em Down". I'm the type of person that listens to a new cd every week, but for some reason I keep scrollin to this on my ipod. Buckshot ripps the mic to shreds, EvilDee keeps it grimy, and 5ft. is a perfect sidekick. They don't make rap groups like this anymore......kinda sad:( Keep Bangin...Old School 4Lyfe

A classic in da 90's.......2007-05-25

Out of 80 reviews, 72 people gave it 5 stars and i will make it 73. What can you say about an album that had songs like Enta Da Stage, Who Got Da Props, and my favorite How Many Emcees? Straight fire! Albums like this one brought the east coast back in 93 and paved the way for the legendary class of 94. The beats were hot and the rhymes were usually on point. A must have in da collection unless you're new school and you probably won't get it!

Why would this not get 5 stars????.......2007-04-22

"Check how I kick it when I was wicked around the way/ hold my tech cuz my ni**as pump by day..." This album is STILL in heavy rotation in my car. High school on the bus with my walkman, with scotch tape around the headphones and the cassette. Enta Da Stage was THE classic grimey, rob a dude album. From the world's littlest dudes...we all somehow knew they weren't bluffing. If you don't have this album, or worse you never heard it, and you are a lover of "real hip hop" (a term I hate now) then straight up...you played yourself. Period.

Truly a Classic.......2007-04-07

"On the streets he was tough, locked up, he was sweet stuff", LOL,

Man so many great rymes, beats, etc. on the c.d. truly a classic. Takes me back to my college days, before the minivan, house, and nagging a$z wife.

Rap Music:

1. Tantric
2. The Best of the Dovells 1961-1965
3. The Best of Thomas Dolby: Retrospectacle
4. The Kings Are Here and More [Import]
5. The Morning After Girls
6. The Raw & the Cooked
7. The Shore [EP]
8. Third Annual Pipe Dream/Rock and Roll Alternative [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]
9. Time of the Last Persecution [Original recording remastered]
10. To Let [Import]

Rap Music

rap music

Recommended Music:

Retrospective: 1990-1996 [Import]

Universal Melodies

Wild Cat Blues

Music: Stille Nacht: Carols & Christmas Music

Wormwood [Import]

Wu-Tang Forever [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

WOW Gospel 2003

Zooropa

Your Cheatin' Heart: Hank Williams' Life Story [Soundtrack]

Una Noche Nomas

Woods [Import]

Wall of Noise [Box set] [Import]

White on Blonde [Import]

Romantic Piano Music / Chopin's Fantasy

Cecil Taylor Unit