Film Noir [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
Given its title and tone, this record is apparently an attempt to reflect the mood and feel of classic film noir through a musical medium, which it succeeds at admirably. It helps that Simon's coproducer for the project was renowned songwriter and arranger Jimmy Webb, whose own music is often awash in the kind of cinematic drama that defines this disc. Webb and Simon duet on "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year," and they cowrote the title track, the album's only original tune. Of the many standards covered, the best is Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye;" less successful on the duet front is "Two Sleepy People," which regrettably teams Simon with John Travolta. --Peter Blackstock

Film Noir,Carly Simon,Arista,Adult Contemporary,Pop,Pop/Rock,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop,Singer/Songwriter

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Film Noir [Enhanced]

Average customer rating: great CD At best, a sincere attempt by a layperson Lovely piece of wrting played very well Unbelievable... unforgettable! Richard Joo is the pianist in the world - I heard him live!!!

Billy Joel: Fantasies & Delusions, Op. 1-10 Billy Joel , and Richard Joo Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 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 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Billy Joel - Fantasies and Delusions: Music for Solo Piano, Op. 1-10 Streetlife Serenade The Bridge The Nylon Curtain Storm Front ASIN: B00005Q6KS Release Date: 2001-10-02

Tracks:

1. Reverie (Villa D'Este)
2. Waltz # 1 (Nunley's Carousel)
3. Aria (Grand Canal)
4. Invention In C Minor
5. Soliloquy (On A Separation)
6. Innamorato
7. Suite For Piano (Star-Crossed)
8. Sorbetto
9. Delusion
10. Waltz # 2 (Steinway Hall)
11. Waltz # 3 (For Lola)
12. Fantasy (Film Noir)
13. Air (Dublinesque)

Amazon.com

For nearly a decade now, Billy Joel has devoted himself to writing instrumental classical music. The results heard on Fantasies & Delusions show the "Piano Man" firmly rooted in Romanticism and short, expressive works that cover a range of moods. There are hints of Schumann and Chopin throughout the 10 solo piano compositions; Joel may wear his influences on his sleeve, but at least he has great influences. Some critics may scoff, but this is a solid debut--not a "classical crossover" attempt filled with infectious pop melodies, but an impressive recording of new piano works played solidly by Richard Joo. As with his pop creations, Joel doesn't strive for the cutting-edge and he certainly doesn't traverse the depths of human emotions (though the 11-minute "Soliloquy, Op.1" sounds a little overwrought). This is still a pleasant classical album that's infinitely listenable (and head and shoulders above recent "classical" works penned by Paul McCartney and other pop stars). --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

great CD.......2007-05-09

Amazing. It is very light, not serious. A very enjoyable CD

At best, a sincere attempt by a layperson.......2007-03-01

I understand that Joel has a limited classical background. It shows in all of the pieces. They are, however, a sincere attempt at classical composition. He tries different approaches, like drama, wistfulness, and even a motoric element. But it's obvious that he needs to listen to more classical discs and brush up on his knowledge of classical repertoire.

Nice try though.

Lovely piece of wrting played very well.......2006-12-31

For all that say this is a hollow initation of past composers should remember that there has been little groundbreaking compsition for the last 50 years (maybe 100) and what is groundbreaking I can barely stand listening to. It is not Chopin .... it not supposed to be.

Listen for what it is and you will find it lovely piece of wrting played very well.

Unbelievable... unforgettable!.......2006-12-01

Wow! This is a great classical album. It's perfection. A hundred years from now, if only one recording of Billy Joel survives, I hope it's this one.

Richard Joo is the pianist in the world - I heard him live!!!.......2006-03-07

I have to say that the performance on the CD by Richard Joo is impeccable! However, I have had the fortune to hear him perform live and I must say that he is absolutely the BEST pianist that I have ever heard!!!! I have been in the classical music business for years and have heard countless pianists, but RICHARD JOO is in a league of his own. Especially when he performs "serious" classical pieces. So, if you ever get a chance to hear him live, DON'T MISS IT!!!! I have definately become his fan.

Average customer rating: Lovely truly unique absolutely essential (FJB/O!-music 2006) Mediterranean Music excellent music

Le Pas Du Chat Noir Anouar Brahem Manufacturer: Ecm Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Arabic | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Le Voyage de Sahar Astrakan Cafe Barzakh Conte de L'incroyable Amour Thimar ASIN: B00006EXHT Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

1. Le Pas Du Chat Noir
2. De Tout Ton Coeur
3. Leila Au Pays Du Carrousel
4. Pique-nique A Nagpur
5. C'est Ailleurs
6. Toi Qui Sait
7. L'arbre Qui Voit
8. Un Point Bleu
9. Les Ailes Du Bourak
10. Rue Du Depart
11. Leila Au Pays Du Carrousel, Var.
12. Deja La Nuit

Amazon.com

The Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem has chosen to work in a trio setting this time out, accompanied by Francois Couturier on piano and Jean-Louis Matinier on accordion. Brahem states in the liner notes that these pieces were actually composed on the piano, emerging while he was taking a much-needed short break from his primary instrument. While Pas de Chat Noir ("The Black Cat's Footsteps") is a change of pace, it is a not a terribly remote detour. Brahem is still in his favorite space, exploring the power of implication, and the other players are in synch with his vision. All three participants sound muted, relating to one another in parallels rather than in a heated dialogue. The result is a spacious, romantic pastiche of Farid El-Atrache, Astor Piazzolla, Keith Jarrett, 19th- and 20th-century French impressionists (especially Eric Satie), plus shades of every strung-out, enervated, after-hours nightclub jam that ever was. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

Lovely.......2007-05-20

This is a beautiful CD, filled with a musical style which defies categorization. Evocative of Eric Satie's work for the piano, this album is a hypnotic mix of Middle Eastern and Western sounds - part jazz, part classical. This is one of those purchases which I am glad I went the extra mile to find.

truly unique.......2007-05-19

It is hard to describe this unusual CD. Hauntingly peaceful are two words that come to mind.Relaxing and calming are two more. Simply beautiful also.

absolutely essential (FJB/O!-music 2006).......2006-11-26

Anouar Brahem is an artist of incredible vision and talent. This recording, is one of his best.

In the notes to the CD, Brahem is quotes as saying that after recording his THIMAR album, the resulting physical and artistic exhaustion caused him to set aside his oud for a while - something he said he had never before done. Turning his musical ideas and expression to his piano, Brahem created the pieces recorded here. When he took these ideas into the studio (and taking his oud along with him), along with colleagues François Coutourier (piano) and Jean-Louis Matinier (accordion), his ideas were brought beautifully to fruition. The result is one of the most beautiful recordings I have ever heard.

The pieces having been written on the piano, that instrument takes the lead - but the oud and the accordion have a lot to say as well, and their voices blend effortlessly with that of the keyboard. Brahem is a master not only at composition and performing, but, in his arrangements, and in the very choosing of his accompanying musicians, shows a brilliance that is breathtaking. Through the various groupings that he has assembled on his recordings, he endows his music with a strength and scope that is stunning - it takes on a life of its own, and grows far beyond whatever boundaries smaller minds might employ to contain it by definition.

This is 'world music' in the deepest, spiritual sense of the phrase - political frontiers are vanquished and erased, while cultures are honored, respected and mingled.

Brahem's last album, ASTRAKAN CAFÉ, alluded to this meeting and convergence of styles - with each successive release, Brahem furthers his cause (and that of the open-minded, eager-to-explore listener). Each and every track included here is an absolute gem. Approach this album with an open mind and ear, and marvel at the journey on which you are to be led.

This is an absolutely essential recording.

Mediterranean Music.......2006-11-03

One of the best CDs I have ever bought. Many asked who was playing when I played it. I purchased 4 more for friends. Soothing and rich. if you like Arabic music infused with French touch of accordion.

excellent music.......2006-03-23

The music on this CD has a beautifully interweaving combination of instuments. The lovely melodies are simple and complex at the same time, and evoke pleasant reverie. Everyone we have played it for enjoyed it very much.

Average customer rating: Film Noir - Angel Voice! Carly Simon IS the gift! Spring This was leading to where she went with Moonlight Serenade Carly in black and white Moving combination of songs and duets

Film Noir Carly Simon Manufacturer: Arista ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Torch My Romance Moonlight Serenade Have You Seen Me Lately? Into White ASIN: B000002VTP Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. You Won't Forget Me
2. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
3. Lili Marlene
4. Last Night When We Were Young
5. Spring Will Be A Little Late This Year (A Duet With Jimmy Webb)
6. Film Noir
7. Laura
8. I'm A Fool To Want You
9. Fools Coda
10. Two Sleepy People (A Duet With John Travolta)
11. Don't Smoke In Bed
12. Somewhere In The Night

Amazon.com

Given its title and tone, this record is apparently an attempt to reflect the mood and feel of classic film noir through a musical medium, which it succeeds at admirably. It helps that Simon's coproducer for the project was renowned songwriter and arranger Jimmy Webb, whose own music is often awash in the kind of cinematic drama that defines this disc. Webb and Simon duet on "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year," and they cowrote the title track, the album's only original tune. Of the many standards covered, the best is Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye;" less successful on the duet front is "Two Sleepy People," which regrettably teams Simon with John Travolta. --Peter Blackstock

Customer Reviews:

Film Noir - Angel Voice! Carly Simon IS the gift!.......2006-03-09

In this disc, Carly sings "Two Sleepy People" (a duet with John Travolta). I heard this same song with James Taylor and I must say that Carly's interpretation is "THE SHOW". Another song I love in this disc is "Laura" - what a beautiful melody. I was curious about "Lili Marlene"; after Marlene Dietrich made it famous, it's a dangerous selection for another singer. But Carly is CARLY and she gives a gorgeous interpretation to this old song. "Last Night When We Were Young" and "Evr'ry Time We Say Goodbye" are to die for. Great Carly, as always!

Spring.......2005-08-27

We enjoyed all of the songs but the best one was "Spring will be a little late this year." We received Moonlight Seranade a couple of day ago and are enjoying tha very much also.

This was leading to where she went with Moonlight Serenade.......2005-08-25

I liked her new one so much I bought this one. It is almost as lush as "Moonlight"...but she is dreadfully unrestrained on some tracks. It gets off to a bad start as the first song is off key.
But, "Everytime We Say GoodBye', "Last Night When We were Young" "Don't Smoke in Bed" and "Laura" are masterful Simon takes.

Carly in black and white.......2005-01-22

I first saw this album on a tribute to film noirs on the Bravo network years ago in high school. I eventually sought it out and have never regretted the purchase. I even lent it to a friend who enjoyed it as well. Carly's vocals are rich and beautiful and fit the mood of the noir genre perfectly. Stand-out tracks include "Last Night When We Were Young", "Laura" and the absolutely touching "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year". The only truly uninspired track would be "Two Sleepy People" which is a poorly-done duet with John Travolta who I'm not fond of, but that's another story. Film Noir is a must buy for any fan of the genre and would also be a good choice for a Carly Simon fan's collection.

Moving combination of songs and duets.......2003-12-05

As a long time Jimmy Webb fan (I saw him recently in concert in Kansas City with Michael Feinstein) and an admirer of Carly Simon I must have listened to the CD over a hundred times. The duet "Spring will be a little late this year" makes me remember those close to me that I have lost all of whom looked forward to their next spring. Such a treat to listen to good music by those who both write and sing! Donna Brown

Average customer rating: Decent Soundtrack One of the Best Anime Sound Tracks Ever. Jazzy Techno The US version of the great anime soundtrack!!

Noir Original Soundtrack 1 Yuki Kajiura (composer) Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Noir Original Soundtrack 2 Noir: Blanc Dans Noir Fiction Noir: Original Soundtrack V.2 Madlax O.S.T. 1 ASIN: B00079I03I Release Date: 2005-05-03

Tracks:

1. Coppelia No Hitsugi (Coppelia's Casket) - Ali Project
2. Les Soldats
3. Snow
4. Canta Per Me
5. Corsican Corridor
6. Ode To Power
7. Solitude By The Window
8. Romance
9. Silent Pain
10. Lullaby
11. Melodie
12. Chloe
13. Whispering Hills
14. Zero Hour
15. Liar You Lie
16. Sorrow
17. Salva Nos
18. Kireina Kanjo (Beautiful Emotions) - Akino Arai

Description

The critically-acclaimed music from the long-awaited 'NOIR Original Soundtrack I' shows composer Yuki Kajiura (.hack//SIGN, Boogiepop Phantom) at the top of her game with an arsenal of immensely satisfying, lush instrumentals that are evocatively moody, deeply atmospheric and unevenly stirring all at once. This 18-track CD features the opening theme song, 'Coppelia's Casket' performed by ALI PROJECT and the closing song, 'Beautiful Emotions' sung by Akino Arai (Macross Plus, Outlaw Star, The Daichis, Tokyo Underground).

Customer Reviews:

Decent Soundtrack.......2007-06-10

Very enjoyable, containing most of the best music from the Noir Anime Series.

One of the Best Anime Sound Tracks Ever........2006-11-05

The music on this CD is excellent. Some of it has a unique mix of opera and techno that is very upbeat. The best tracks from the show are on this cd.

Jazzy Techno.......2006-01-17

When Noir hit the airwaves, it was an immediate success. The animation was gorgeous, the plot was engrossing, and the action was brutal, yet beautiful. Augmenting this anime was the breathtaking score by Yuki Kajiura. Her blend of techno, Latin chants, and opera rivaled some of the work by Enigma, Yasushi Ishii (Hellsing composer), and Techno/new wave auteur Susumu Hirasawa of "Paranoia Agent".

The Noir Original Soundtrack contains all the music that we came to know and love. The haunting opening theme "Coppella no Hitsugi" (Coppelia's Casket) by Ali Project, the operatic les soldats, and of course, the highly danceable "Salva nos", the background music that usually played when the girls were getting ready to kick some ass. Yuki Kajura effectively uses classical and modern musical styles to not only provide the right kind of energy for the scene, but creates an album that you can enjoy with out having the animation to augment it.

It's not all techno on this album. The music score also incorporates French, Italian, and even some Japanese influences. There are several piano solos, which further shows the diversity of composer Yuki Kajiura and her group of talented musicians. While the opening and closing are not part of Yuki Kajiura's compositions, they fit in very well with the overall vibe she was going for. She even incorporated several coda's from "Coppella no Hitsugi" into her own work. Truly, a collaborative effort.

BEST TRACK
While "Coppella no Hitsugi" is an excellent piece, my favorite is "salva nos". Sure it was one of the most overused tunes in the series, but the pulsing beat combined with the exciting blend of opera and techno is sublime. I can run to it, I can dance to it, and I can even....kill someone with it.

WORST TRACK
I would say "Chloe", simply because it's a little too up-tempo for our cold as ice killer. I think a harder techno edge would have been better.

Perfect for Fans of:
Enigma, Jane Alexander, Orbital, Hellsing Soundtrack

CONCLUSION:
The Noir Original Soundtrack is one of those great albums that you can enjoy whether you have seen the anime or not. Thanks to Yuki Kajiura's superb blend of techno, orchestral, and regional sounds, you will find yourself transported into the world of great composer delight.

The US version of the great anime soundtrack!!.......2005-08-17

This is the same soundtrack as the v.1 imported version. Only this CD is $30 cheaper because it's the US release. Get this one! My review is as follows:

This is a great soundtrack. It perfectly captures the ambient, mysterious, moody atmosphere of the anime Noir. The tracks are akin to music by new age artist Medhi and "meditation" type new age music. Very awe-inspiring music. Some tracks are more upbeat, but still flow well and transport the listener to another place. When I listen to "Ode of Power" I imagine a camel caravan in Egypt travelling across the desert. That's what's so neat about the soundtrack. With every song your imagination is piqued, and you find yourself falling into the same mood each song displays. This is a perfect soundtrack for relaxing.

Average customer rating: A Good Dose Something else from an original composer Haunting, melodic, beautiful Another Evocative Gem from Composer Newman Brilliant, one of the best scores of the year.

The Good German Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Little Children Notes on a Scandal: Original Soundtrack Pan's Labyrinth The Queen The Painted Veil ASIN: B000KX0I40 Release Date: 2007-01-09

Tracks:

1. Unrecht Oder Recht (Main Title)
2. River Havel
3. Countess Roundheels
4. Such A Boy
5. Kraut Brain Trust
6. The Russian Deals
7. A Good Dose
8. Muller's Billet
9. Wittenbergplatz
10. Trip Ticket
11. Safe House
12. A Nazi And A Jew
13. Dora
14. Kurfurstendamm
15. The Big Three
16. A Persilschein
17. Stickball
18. Golem
19. Atom Bomb
20. The Good German
21. Hannelore
22. Occupation Marks
23. U-Bahn
24. The Bradenberg Gate
25. Skinny Lena
26. Rockets For Our Side
27. Always Something Worse
28. Godless People (End Title)
29. Jedem Das Seine

Amazon.com

Just as director Steven Soderbergh paid tribute to the atmospheric black and white thrillers of the postwar period with this movie, composer Thomas Newman came up with a score that strives to evoke the majesty of works by the likes of Miklós Rózsa, Max Steiner and, of course, his own father, Alfred Newman. For once the enormous ensemble credited as the Hollywood Studio Symphony does not feel wasted: most of the brooding ambiance is created by thick, dark clouds of strings, and tension often rises from the strings' juxtaposition with brass. Newman also makes good use of oft-neglected instrumental voices: Check out the harp on "Muller's Billet," "Trip Ticket" and "Golem," for instance; it really makes you wonder why that instrument isn't used more. In terms of mood-setting, the music is perfect: listening to cues such as "Kurfustendamm" will instantly transport you back to a rainy street in 1945--or rather, a Hollywood backlot made to look like a rainy street in 1945. Sure, this is a deliberately retro soundtrack, but it's done with elegance and deep understanding of a certain classic scoring style. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A Good Dose.......2007-04-01

-Channeling the old Hollywood scores from yesteryear is what Thomas Newman does with this fantastic score and which is why it works so brilliantly. The score starts with the Main Title track, which after some pretty loud horns, and strings settles down to play the beautiful theme for the movie. How great is the theme for this movie?, even people don't care much for the score admit it's fantastic melody so I think that should be proof to what a great theme that Newman as composed. It reminds me a little of the love theme from "The Mummy" but I'm guessing it's a happy accident. I love the little French horn he brings during the last 34 seconds to play this little tune that we never really hear again during the album.

-One criticism that people love to bombard the score with is that apart from the main theme there's no other memorable moment on the album. I do agree that nothing lives up to the main theme of the movie, but that's not to say that the other tracks aren't fantastic. "A Good Dose", "River Havel", "Such a Boy", "Countless Redheads", "Muller's Bullet", "Dora" and "Jedem Das Seine" are all wonderful cues that more than justify why this album is so great to listen to. I do hope that those people accusing it of only having a great theme and nothing more come around and listen to the album again, because there's a lot more that Newman has to offer here other just his wonderful theme.

-We do get a lot of versions of the main theme from a version done with an oboe to one done with tremolo strings. I love how the track "The Good German" it starts with the just the chords playing before the solo violin comes in plays the main theme. It really lets you appreciate the theme to a great level because even it's stripped down to just the chords it's still a fantastic theme. It's a shame that the movie never lives up to the music, but then again a lot of great composers write great music for less than great movies so this is nothing new

-I would have loved to see Newman get his Oscar for this but I guess he was no match for Gustavo's 6 minutes of guitar plucks. Hopefully someday he'll write something wonderful like this again and finally get his much deserved Oscar.

Something else from an original composer.......2007-03-11

For hardcore Thomas Newman fans this CD will be a very pleasent surprise. This is something new from the unique styled composer, who we love so much. The score for the Good German isn't as melodic, and easy to listen, as all the other Newman-compositions. But it certainly brings some new flavour and a new side of the multitalented composer. The CD is quite short, but it's still enjoyable, although I would've nominated Newman's other score this year, Little children for the Oscar. If you like Thomas Newman, you should definately own this soundtrack.

Haunting, melodic, beautiful.......2007-02-28

Definitely one of the best scores of the year. The music is exhilarating, haunting, jaw-droppingly beautiful, and stunning. My only complaint is the many short cues on the album make for a slightly stuttered listening experience. But if you are a fan of orchestral film music, you MUST own this album!

Another Evocative Gem from Composer Newman.......2007-02-05

After watching The Good German I rushed out to buy the score by Thomas Newman. Newman's previous body of work such as the music for Shawshank Redemption, American Beauty and television shows like Six Feet Under speaks for itself. Newman is brilliant. He is a worthy successor to the mantle once worn by Bernard Hermann. His score for The Good German captures the wistful sadness lingering around the shattered Nazi capital in July 1945, as well as the simmering tensions that ripple around the noir anti-hero Geismar. If you love film noir, you must see The Good German and buy this soundtrack.

Brilliant, one of the best scores of the year........2007-01-11

Thomas Newman has created a score that recreates the style of 1940's film music while never falling into soulless mimicry. It's much more than can be said about the disappointing film. While hitting almost every action on screen, "mickey mousing" the film, Newman manages to bring out the passions of these characters, who otherwise remain ciphers in the impenetrable film. He also creates one of the most gorgeous themes he's ever composed, filled with heartbreak and yearning. If you like film music at all, pick this up.

Average customer rating: Perhaps not *quite* what you want... Nice imaginative collection

Film Noir Manufacturer: Milan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Herrmann | Herrmann, Bernard | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultra Noir Murder Is My Beat: Classic Film Noir Themes And Scenes - Motion Picture Soundtrack Collection Crime Scene USA: Classic Film Noir Themes & Jazz Tracks Body Heat (1998 Re-recording of 1981 Film) Film Noir ASIN: B00081U78G Release Date: 2005-05-24

Tracks:

1. Turning Pages - Matthew Herbert Big Band
2. Godfather - Terence Blanchard
3. Silencio - Angelo Badalamenti
4. They Go Long - Edward Artemiev
5. Don't Be Worried - Cyril Morin
6. Suspense - Frederick Rousseau
7. Chop Shop - Alex Wurman
8. The Wrong Man - Bernard Herrmann
9. Simpatico/Misterioso - Ornette Coleman
10. House Of Silence - Angelo Badalamenti
11. Mansfield Crash - Howard Shore
12. Verbal Kint - John Ottman
13. The Swing - Hans Zimmer
14. Blues For Guylaine - Andre Hossein
15. Buckets Of Blood - Pino Donaggio
16. The Elephant Man - John Morris
17. Mourning - Claire David
18. Ballade - Joe Hisaishi
19. Taxi Driver Suite - Bernard Herrmann

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps not *quite* what you want..........2007-04-27

If you're like me and you have a hankering for "film noir music," you're probably thinking of a lonely sax playing an urban, 3 AM melodic line, backed by some bluesy chords from a small jazz ensemble. Like John Barry's excellent theme from "Body Heat," for example, or something like Jerry Goldsmith's theme for "Chinatown."

Never mind the fact that the great majority of films noir from the classic period (1941-1955) didn't have jazzy background music like that at all, but was usually scored with quasi-classical romantic string music (with a solo violin) or bombastic, brass-heavy instrumentals.

Anyway, this CD isn't the 3 AM sax stuff.

Not to say that there isn't some of that on here. You might like "Godfather" (not, however, the theme you're thinking of from the Francis Ford Coppola Godfather films), or "Blues for Guylaine," or even the bluesy passages from Bernard Herrmann's "Taxi Driver" suite.

But there's some odd stuff on here that causes me to wonder how, precisely, it qualifies as "film noir."

For instance, the dreamy carnival music from "The Elephant Man," or the angular string music in "Buckets of Blood" (from "Carrie," not the Roger Corman film). Seems like a reach. The first cut, "Turning Pages" had me unpleasantly surprised, and triggered my I've been ripped-off alarm. And "Chop Shop" has a wah guitar that sounds a lot more like a 70's blaxsploitation film than film noir.

The inclusion of Angelo Badalamenti helps redeem the collection; his music for "Twin Peaks," "Fire, Walk With Me" and "Mulholland Drive" redefines what a noir theme should sound like.

This CD is odd, no doubt about it. "Godfather," which sounds decidedly noirish, is from a comedy/drama film about a man who's paid to impregnate lesbians. "The Wrong Man" music is relentlessly perky but comes from a bona fide noir. (Okay, a Hitchcock noir, not quite the same thing.)

The key here, I guess, is to enlarge the scope of what you think noir film music ought to be... But perhaps a better title for this collection of music might have been "Neo-Noir!"

Still, credit must be given to liner notes writer Eddie Muller and his Film Noir Foundation for at least directing the current noir wave. His book "Dark City" turned me - and probably many others - to noir. Long may his tribe increase!

Summary: If you're looking for classic/sterotypical, 3 AM wet-pavements-in-the-Dark-City noirish stuff, try John Barry's "Body Heat," which I enthusiastically recommend. Barry practically *owns* that silky/sexy slow sax genre.

Nice imaginative collection.......2006-08-04

A collection of musical cues from various film noir scores, but imaginatively assembled to constitute a new score for a nonexistent movie. Cleverly done, choosing from excellent sources, and not going for the easy or the obvious. It's exciting to hear someone making a connection between Bernard Herrmann and Angelo Badalamenti.

Average customer rating: Even better than the film The Starving Crocodiles...

Bad Education Alberto Iglesias Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Soundtracks | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Todo Sobre Mi Madre Songs of Almodóvar Volver Talk to Her Almodóvar Early Films ASIN: B0006A9GNQ Release Date: 2004-11-16

Tracks:

1. Tlos de Cabecera
2. Quiz Quiz Quiz- Little Tony
3. Cine Olimpo
4. Kyrie
5. Viaje a Galicia
6. Noche Oscura
7. Cuore Matto
8. Plegaria Atendida
9. Por Mi Grandma Culpa
10. Cocodrilos Hambrientos - Sara Montiel
11. Carta del MAll
12. Piscina - Sara Montiel
13. Escena Familiar
14. Foulard de Seda
15. Noir
16. Juan y el Sr. Berenguer
17. Cine Como Espejo
18. Saxo + Cuarteto
19. Puerta Final
20. Exa
21. Maniqui Parisien
22. Plat
23. Adagietto
24. Moon River
25. Valsetto
26. Jardinero (Torna a Surriento)

Amazon.com

Informed by a vintage Hollywood production sheen and flashback-fueled, identity-questioning melodramatics worthy of Hitchcock, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar's sexually-charged film was quickly hailed as a mature masterpiece. The film's classic Hollywood conceits are deep-rooted, and Iberian composer Alberto Iglesias reinforces the film's often retro mood via a brooding, classically oriented score with an ear towards history. It may briefly excerpt Rossini's "Kyrie" to haunting effect, but the touchstone here is the Bernard Herrmann of Hitchcock's prime, with an emphasis on their epochal Vertigo and especially the tense, dark strings of Psycho (which "Escena Familiar" and "Cine Olimpo" echo with haunting grace). But while Iglesias capably evokes the color and spirit of those iconic touchstones, he crucially does it without sacrificing his own identity. Evocations of Spanish culture come mostly via vintage performances of "Quiza, Quiza, Quiza," "Cuoro Matta" and others, but on the expansive "Puerta Finale" the composer skillfully interweaves his Herrmann influences with touches of mournful jazz, flamenco and "Kyrie"'s choral echoes, creating a compelling, oft chilling post-modern new whole. -- Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Even better than the film.......2004-11-21

Alberto Iglesias did it again, a wonderful soundtrack!

His last collaboration with Pedro Almodovar, "Talk to her", is one of the best scores I've heard in recent years. In that movie, the scenes of the country villa, accompanying with the touching song of "Cucurrucucu Paloma" by Caetano Veloso, easily became one of the most beautiful five minuets I ever had in a theatre.

Before I went to see "Bad education", I can't help wondering, Could I have another enjoyable moment like "Cucurrucucu Paloma"? Luckily, I did have one, sort of. The Spanish rendition of "Moon River" is such a beautiful and haunting piece. But unluckily, the way the music delivered in the film is so disturbing. It started as a beautiful and innocent singing by a boy standing by the river while ended up with an innuendo of the ugly fact of sexual violations. However, if you didn't see the movie, the "moon river" will be a pure pleasant enjoyment.

Compared to the slightly weak movie, the music itself is powerful and flawless. From the beginning to the end, it doesn't have a single dull moment. In a word, buy this awesome CD!

The Starving Crocodiles... .......2004-11-17

The Starving Crocodiles

Almodovar's latest movie is undoubtedly his best, and a very inventive film-noir that absorbs and electrifies you from the very beginning. Alberto Iglesias' score serves "as a cradle where the movie rests" as the auteur himself said.

La Mala Educacion (Bad Education) is one of -if not- the best soundtrack composed this year, and its style is absolutely magnificent. Following the film-noir trend, Iglesias' score is a mixture of tunes a la Herrman ("Juan y el Sr. Berenguer", "Por mi grandisima culpa", "Escena Familiar"), poignant waltzes ("Foulard en seda", "La Carta", "Valsetto"), and vocalized cues that reflect the theme of the movie, and illustrate it fittingly ("Kyrie", "La piscina", "El cine como espejo"). "Cine Olympo", an exquisite theme for the movie-within-the-movie manifests itself disguisedly many times, in variations, as Iglesias' has done in previous scores where a parallel story is narrated - The Flower of my Secret, Live Flesh, Talk to Her, and All About my Mother- however the best track in the score is the "Overture". Other superb tracks are "Carta del mas alla", "Plato", and "Adagietto"... melodies that crave lust, but "Puerta Final" -the MAIN theme- is absolutely grand; probably the best potpourri of songs written in the last decade, that will grab you by the horns from the moment it opens to the last saxophone refrain, in an orgasm of eight minutes that you will want to experience over and over again.

The soundtrack also consists of key songs that in one way or another relate to the main characters and the story: "Maniqui Parisien", "Cuore Matto", "Moon River" (a very avant-garde arrangement), and "Jardinero".

Alberto Iglesias has composed a score so dark, rich, hunting, powerful, and mysterious... that proves to be irresistible.

Experience the Bad Education!!!

Average customer rating:

Noir Original Soundtrack 2 Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer] ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Noir Original Soundtrack 1 Noir: Blanc Dans Noir Madlax O.S.T. 1 Madlax O.S.T. 2 Fiction ASIN: B000AMFER2 Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. Noir, Anime Television Score/Le Grand Retour
2. Noir, Anime Television Score/Secret Game
3. Noir, Anime Television Score/Fake Garden
4. Noir, Anime Television Score/Les Soldats II
5. Noir, Anime Television Score/In Memory of You
6. Noir, Anime Television Score/Colosseum
7. Noir, Anime Television Score/Salva Nos II
8. Noir, Anime Television Score/Maze
9. Noir, Anime Television Score/In Peace
10. Noir, Anime Television Score/Despair
11. Noir, Anime Television Score/Power-Hungry
12. Noir, Anime Television Score/Black Is Black
13. Noir, Anime Television Score/Canta Per Me II
14. Noir, Anime Television Score/At Dusk
15. Noir, Anime Television Score/Permonition
16. Noir, Anime Television Score/Killing
17. Noir, Anime Television Score/A Farewell Song
18. Noir, Anime Television Score/Kireina Kanjo (Beautiful Emotions) - ...
19. Noir, Anime Television Score/Indio

Average customer rating: sultry noir music Gorgeous, dark film noir recordings Film Noir Bar-Mitzvah Band Nightmare..... Great, jazzy, rainy night in the city music.

White Heat: Film Noir The Jazz at the Movies Band Manufacturer: Discovery / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Body Heat: Jazz at the Movies Body Heat (1998 Re-recording of 1981 Film) A Man & A Woman, Sax at the Movies Crime Scene USA: Classic Film Noir Themes & Jazz Tracks Film Noir ASIN: B000003MVL Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

1. This Gun For Hire
2. The Bad And The Beautiful
3. White Heat
4. Double Indemnity
5. Touch Of Evil
6. Key Largo
7. Laura
8. The Lost Weekend
9. The Postman Always Rings Twice
10. The Asphalt Jungle
11. The Big Sleep
12. The Strange Love Of Martha Ivers
13. The Naked City

Customer Reviews:

sultry noir music.......2002-12-22

Perfect background music for those of us who love film noir.Sexy,sultry,evocative.Musicians are wonderful,and the audio quality is perfect.So..slip into something more comfortable,and watch for (your) Bogie or Bacall to walk in the door!

Gorgeous, dark film noir recordings.......1999-01-17

Flawlessly played and recorded... beautiful arrangements, wonderful backdrop music for conducting an extra-marital affair or planning a double cross.... makes my living room turn black and white and rainy when played. A favorite of mine.

Film Noir Bar-Mitzvah Band Nightmare............1998-10-09

Perfect Music for the "Casablanca Lounge" at the Radisson, Minneapolis.

Soul-less.

Great, jazzy, rainy night in the city music........1998-07-15

Images of Humphrey Bogart as Philip Marlowe private eye gliding through a rainy night in 1930's L.A. come to mind.

Great, moody, "lone sax in the night" set against a lush orchestral background bringing images of neon lit rainy nights in the big city.

This album grew on me the more I listened to it. highly recommended if you like late night jazz.

Average customer rating: Maybe you need to be there Excellent show - even better live GUNMETAL BLUES: Fabulous!

Gunmetal Blues (1999 Laguna Cast) Various Artists Manufacturer: Lml Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Face the Music (2007 Encores! Cast Recording) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) ASIN: B000042OI5 Release Date: 2000-01-01

Tracks:

1. Welcome To This Window
2. Don't Know What I Expected
3. Facts!
4. Loose Change
5. Mansion Hill
6. Shadowplay
7. Skeletons
8. The Blonde Song
9. Childhood Days
10. Take A Break
11. Buddy Toupee-Live
12. Gunmetal Blues
13. I'm The One That Got Away
14. Jenny
15. Put It On My Tab
16. The Virtuoso
17. Finale

Album Description

Gunmetal Blues is a stylish murder mystery musical with its own witty spin on the Hollywood film noir genre which brought us The Big Sleep and The Maltese Falcon. The team of Craig Bohmler and Marion Adler (music and lyrics) and Scott Wentworth (book) set their tale in a smoky, sultry airport cocktail lounge where has-been piano player Buddy Toupee plunks out his living to a handful of barflies including down-on-his-luck gumshoe Sam Galahad and a mysterious blonde whose appearance promises nothing but trouble. New York Newsday called the Gunmetal Blues score "inventive and lively, in the style of vintage torch songs or jazz ballads, homages rather than echoes." This cast recording of the hit Laguna Playhouse production features Andrew Barnicle as "The Private Eye," Tracy Lore as "The Blonde" and Jeffrey Rockwell as "The Piano Player."

Customer Reviews:

Maybe you need to be there.......2006-12-30

But the audio is tiring...The Blonde Song is amusing.

Excellent show - even better live.......2005-10-10

I worked backstage on The Colony Theatre's California production of Gunmetal Blues. It's an excellent show. Each song brings something new to the story. The plot moves very quickly and doesn't unnecessarily linger. Everything is there. I recommend reading the play as well.

GUNMETAL BLUES: Fabulous!.......2000-04-18

A well written score of jazzy music fills this soundtrack. I have only seen a local community theatre production of the show, but fell in love with it at once. Fast-paced or slow, jazzy, or a slow ballad: it's all here! A wonderful pick.

Rap Music:

1. From Nashville to Hollywood [Original recording remastered] [Import]
2. Genesis Archive, Vol. 1: 1967-1975 [Box set]
3. Gift [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]
4. Gratitude [Enhanced]
5. Great Lake Swimmers
6. Heat of the Moment [CD-single]
7. Hold on Love [Enhanced]
8. Home, Home on the Road/Brujo [Original recording remastered] [Import]
9. Invisible Ones [Enhanced]
10. Iron [Import]

Rap Music

rap music

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