Mirage [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Product Description
UK reissue of 1974 album, remastered from the original tapes & includes 4 bonus tracks 'Supertwister' (recorded live at The Marquee Club), 'Mystic Queen' (recorded live at the Marquee Club), 'Arubaluba' (recorded live at The Marquee Club) & 'Lady Fantasy-Encounter/Smiles For You/Lady Fantasy' (previously unreleased version). 2002.

Mirage,Camel,Universal Int'l,Britain,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Mirage [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Average customer rating: Fleetwood Mac's hit-filled Mirage! The Mac can turn out high-gloss pop as well as anyone Not Their Best But Good Album Nonetheless What is this album Absolutely wonderful

Mirage Fleetwood Mac Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tango in the Night Fleetwood Mac Tusk Behind the Mask Rumours ASIN: B000002KXO Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Love In Store
2. Can't Go Back
3. That's Alright
4. Book Of Love
5. Gypsy
6. Only Over You
7. Empire State
8. Straight Back
9. Hold Me
10. Oh Diane
11. Eyes Of The World
12. Wish You Were Here

Amazon.com

The party was pretty much over for Fleetwood Mac by 1982; the blockbuster pop classics Fleetwood Mac and Rumors were mid-1970s memories, 1979's Tusk had been a grand experiment but a commercial bust, and Stevie Nicks had already launched a solo career. Still, that didn't mean Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, and Christine McVie couldn't continue to write engaging, appealing pop in their sleep. Mirage has a handful of high points any Mac fan would appreciate, from Buckingham's soulful "Book of Love" to Nicks's twirl-inducing "Gypsy" to McVie's catchy "Love in Store." Overall, the Mac's magic touch seems usurped by a band merely going through the motions--but those motions still resulted in a few worthwhile moments. --Peter Blackstock

Customer Reviews:

Fleetwood Mac's hit-filled Mirage!.......2007-06-13

This is the first Fleetwood Mac album of the 1980's and the fourth with American latecomers Lindsey Buckingham and Stephanie Lynn "Stevie" Nicks still in the band. After success with FLEETWOOD MAC,the Grammy-winning RUMOURS and TUSK,the band would perform hits like HOLD ME,GYPSY and LOVE IN STORE in music videos during the early days of MTV. The aforementioned songs later appeared on GREATEST HITS(LIS was not part of GH) and THE VERY BEST OF FLEETWOOD MAC. After this album,FM did not disband but did take a five-year hiatus,giving Nicks,Buckingham and bassist John's now-ex-wife Christine Perfect McVie the opportunity to carry on with solo careers. Before this album,Nicks' and Buckingham's began,but afterward CPM scored with her 1984 solo debut hit GOT A HOLD ON ME.

The Mac can turn out high-gloss pop as well as anyone.......2006-10-25

After the ambitious yet commercially disappointing double album TUSK, Fleetwood Mac retreated from the avant garde rock of that previous album and released MIRAGE, a comparatively traditional pop album. Commercially, the album was a big success, shooting straight to much-covenanted #1 position on the Hot 200 and spinning off a couple of classic singles. While the assessable approach of the disc is neither as intriguing nor as musically stimulating as TUSK, the MOR stylings of MIRAGE is nonetheless as appealing and as well-crafted a piece of pop product as one could hope for. However, the album also works musically - and that is something that has unfortunately gone unacknowledged by many fans and critics.

All three of the Mac's principal songwriters turn in material that is top-notch. Christine McVie penned the smash hit "Hold Me" (#4 Pop, #7 Adult Contemporary, #3 Mainstream Rock), with a unique pseudo-oriental arrangement, gorgeous duet vocals from Christine and Lindsey, and killer refrain. It remains a classic single in the Fleetwood Mac canon. McVie also contributes the hit "Love In Store" (#22 Pop, #11 Adult Contemporary), a bouncy mid-tempo love song, fleshed out with lovely harmony vocals that recall the very best of the Beach Boys and the Mamas and the Papas. McVie's other two compositions are completely solid as well. Her wistful "Only Over You" is dreamy and sensual, and her "Wishing You Were Here" is a lovely, delicate ballad that manages to avoid cliche and achieve genuine poignancy.

Lindsey Buckingham is apparently the only one of the three writers who was still in an experimental frame of mine. The somewhat gloomy "Empire State" and the revved-up rocker "Eyes of the World" are perfect showcases for Buckingham's remarkably inventive production, and "Eyes" features a blistering guitar solo that would make Hendrix proud. The sputtering "Can't Go Back" is a reflective number in the same vein as RUMOURS' "Never Going Back Again," while "Book of Love" and Oh Diane" (#35 Adult Contemporary) are old fashioned rock songs that pay homage to Buckingham's own musical influences. Somehow they succeed at the amazing feat of sounding both new and familiar at the same time. All of Buckingham's tracks are expertly-crafted and intriguing, his voice has rarely sounded better, and "Can't Go Back," "Oh Diane," and "Eyes of World" all rank among his finest compositions.

MIRAGE was also Stevie Nicks' first album with the band after releasing her Multi-Platinum solo debut, 1981's BELLA DONNA. Impressively, Nicks' supplies MIRAGE with three of her best-written offerings, proving that her loyalty to the band was as strong as ever. The hit "Gypsy" (#12 Pop, #9 Adult Contemporary, #4 Mainstream Rock) is perhaps Nicks' best trademark white-lace ballad, and has become one of her most-loved signature songs. Buckingham's intricate production and the song's memorable refrain ("lighting strikes, maybe once, maybe twice) combine to create a aural masterpiece, and Nicks has rarely been in better voice than on this recording. Nicks' country-styled rocker "That's Alright" is also pure fun, and "Straight Back" (#36 Mainstream Rock) is the type "Dreams"-styled mid-tempo rocker that Nicks does better than anyone.

Though it is certainly true that MIRAGE breaks no new ground and finds the band playing it pretty safe, it also cannot be denied that there are few groups who can craft a pop album that is as consistent and intriguing. The group's primary goal was to create a commercially successful recording, and they certainly succeeded (in addition to topping the charts, it also sold a couple million copies). With flawlessly-constructed production and a set tuneful songs, MIRAGE stands as one of the ultimate high gloss pop recordings. On a side note, the MIRAGE album cover is also particularly attractive and enchanting.

Not Their Best But Good Album Nonetheless.......2006-08-18

"Mirage" was the first FM album to be released after the exprimental "Tusk" and listening to this album you can clearly hear that the band still expriments with diffrent styles but tries to go back to the more accesable radio friendly pop music they did with "Fleetwood Mac" and the legendary "Rumours". Some songs are fantastic and works really fine, but at times it seems they've somehow lost the creative ground they had some years earlier. The album peaked at #1 at the billboard charts just the same and it gave them a few single hits like "Gypsy" "Hold Me" and "Love in Store" aswell but the album is still lacking something and feels less compelling and magic then other albums. For once there are few very good Lindsey Buckingham songs and he isn't in the spotlight either and the bandmembers had also used co-writers on certain songs for an exprimental purpose.

Mcvie co-wrote "Love In Store" with Recor and this is actually one of the best songs of "Mirage". It got some very catchy basic riffs and a meliodic Fleetwood Mac kind of hook. Buckingham's "Can't Go Back" is a little country inspired with a great melody. Nicks sings "That's Alright" which actually sound a little like the hit "Gypsy", also a good song. Lindsey teams up with Dashut in "Book Of Love" that sounds like early 60's romantic pop like Four Seasons. Nicks wrote the best song on this album with "Gypsy" though, the song is mystic, beautiful and fascinating in the same way. It also feautures a great melody and Lindsey singing backround, and ends with a beautiful riff. It was apparently already written in 1979 and was suppost to be part of one of Nicks solo albums, but when a close friend died she decided to add the song on a FM album instead to get better publisity. McVie's "Only Over You" is a beautiful song musically but lacks the chorus. Pop-disco "Empire State" finds Buckingham and Dashut together again, but this is one of the weaker songs of the album. Nicks third contribution "Straight Back" remind me of "Dreams". A typical Stevie Nicks song. Mcvie and Patton wrote "Hold Me" a very strong number that not so surprisingly also was a hit single. A catchy and meliodic midtempo song in typical 80's style. "Oh Diane" got Lindsey back in his 60's style. This song is not so good either and on "Eyes Of The World" he's just going through the motions. Mcvie and Allen wrote "Wish You Were Here" which is a ballad, grows on you but not her best moment.

Overall, A good album but no "Rumours". It took a few listenings for me to truly enjoy it, but if you're a FM fan you probably will like it in the end. It got plenty of great songs but also some less memorable, but apart from "Tusk" it actually got more of the classic FM sound with poppy accesable hooks and meliodic arrangements. For the first time they also used co-songwriters on some songs, but in the end it's still FM all over it. If you're new to the band, get "Rumours" or "Fleetwood Mac" albums, but if you already have them, try this one too.

What is this album.......2006-05-06

Its difficult to say this is the best album of a group. So ill say Mirage "is part" of the essence of Fleetwood Mac. In this recompilation Lindsey, Christine and Stieve have some first voices. The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac album have more songs of their essence; but this is the . (continuation, have a phone call ) minimum part of their fantastic work. Yes.., please listen to Rhiannon, Albatross, Sara, Tell me lies, Love is- with Sarah McLaughlin, Gold dust woman, Don't stop, Sorcerer, Its only love, Everywhere, Go your own way, Mine ranking needs yes urgent, Songbird, Over my head (flours to this), Every day, Silver springs, Stand back, Unconditional Love, Kick it, If any ones fall- more flours to etc,etc. As any could see are some Stieve only, other day we talk about her, this list could be continue to.

Absolutely wonderful.......2006-05-03

I'm suprised some stingy jerks are giving this album 3 & 4 stars/////Amazing list of songs
The one song that makes my heart melt.."Only over you"
Christine i'd die for you......anyday,,,,anytime

Average customer rating: This is a Wonderful Recording by Camel My fav. CAMEL album!!!!!! A great buy for any lover of this band In the Middle of My Daydream, Oh My Lady Fantasy - I Love You it doesn't get any better than this

Mirage Camel Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Snow Goose Moonmadness Camel Rain Dances In the Land of Grey and Pink ASIN: B00005V1B1 Release Date: 2002-06-10

Tracks:

1. Freefall
2. Supertwister
3. Nimrodel/The Procession/The White Rider
4. Earthrise
5. Lady Fantasy: Encounter/Smiles for You/Lady Fantasy
6. Supertwister [Live][#][*]
7. Mystic Queen [Live][#][*]
8. Arubaluba [Live][#][*]
9. Lady Fantasy: Encounter/Smiles for You/Lady Fantasy [#][*]

Album Description

UK reissue of 1974 album, remastered from the original tapes & includes 4 bonus tracks 'Supertwister' (recorded live at The Marquee Club), 'Mystic Queen' (recorded live at the Marquee Club), 'Arubaluba' (recorded live at The Marquee Club) & 'Lady Fantasy-Encounter/Smiles For You/Lady Fantasy' (previously unreleased version). 2002.

Album Details

Re-mastered from the Original Tapes with Previously Unreleased Bonus Tracks. Album Includes New Liner Notes, Photos and Memorabilia.

Customer Reviews:

This is a Wonderful Recording by Camel.......2007-07-12

I was four years old when this album was originally released (in 1974), so I can't say that I grew up with this music--I didn't even know about it until recently. I bought this Camel CD after reading a very interesting book by Bill Martin called _Listening to the Future_ (a history of progressive rock). I was unsure as to whether or not I would like it. I can say now that I LOVE this album. It is just beautiful.

To describe the sound of this album is difficult, but I might suggest something along the lines of a hybridization of Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull, with some occasional Doors-like keyboard work, only with much more energy and perhaps more impressive chops (musicianship). Camel is definitely a ROCK band first and foremost--some of the pieces are in fact fairly heavy, at least in parts--and it would be inaccurate to say that they are a fusion band, but there is certainly a lot of jazziness in here.

The mood of the album is neither overwhelmingly dark and harsh like King Crimson or Van Der Graf Generator, nor sickeningly cheerful like Yes. It is just COOL and CALM, a bit mystical around the edges.

The production values are excellent. This music sounds like it might have been recorded yesterday. Very full and rich. I would recommend this album wholeheartedly to anyone who loves good rock music with an experimental bent.

My fav. CAMEL album!!!!!!.......2007-06-19

YES!!! You lovers of Moonmadness and SNOW(overrated)GOOSE(I did
not just write that?)I first heard Mirage in 75("OUCH,AGE")and
had the u.s.a. album cover(not the smokes cover)I thought it was
so cool to see this buffed camel with wings holding cut pieces
of diamonds. I quickly put it on the turntable scratching the hell
out of it(sorry mom)but heard such wonderful music I could not
believe it.Nimrodel for me will always be my personal fav.I-I
don't know why till this day there is a lyric in this masterpiece
song,I guess the way it's sang still makes my eyes blurry and wet.
Anyway I never heard there debut album and will buy,but for me
this will always be my FAV. Camel album and easily in my top 10
of ALL time,it is to bad that more people don't know of them.For
they are a fantastic band.Adios you lovers of Camel and great music.
And shame,shame on you who graded this 4 stars or even less????????
You naughty naughty lil boys and girls you! "As if he never there
but somehow far away. Although he seem far,like a distant star
HIS FORM...BEGAN TO FADE......................................

A great buy for any lover of this band.......2007-06-13

A great buy for any lover of this band

In the Middle of My Daydream, Oh My Lady Fantasy - I Love You.......2007-04-16

Funny thing about Camel. I started looking into them at a friend's suggestion at the end of last summer. Then one day I was listening to a medley from THE SNOW GOOSE on YouTube and my mum walks up behind me and says, "Who is that?" I tell her it's Camel. "Oh my God, I haven't heard them in ages!" Turns out Camel were one of her favourite bands back in the 70s. She had four of their LPs on vinyl: MIRAGE, THE SNOW GOOSE, BREATHLESS, and RAIN DANCES - the very four I had decided I needed to get myself, coincidentally enough. Since she had never gotten around to upgrading her Camel albums to CD, I had never heard any of it before, but I ended up discovering it on my own anyway.

And I'm glad I did too. MIRAGE was the first disc I sought out, and I know of very few albums that conjure a more distinct, cohesive atmosphere than the dream-like mist that pervades this one. A bracing "Freefall" opens the set, a song whose multiple time and dynamic changes place the album squarely in the prog camp right from the get-go. Next comes the soporific instrumental "Supertwister", a showcase for Andy Latimer's flute playing, which acts as a delicate counterpart to the "dirtier" stylings of, say, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. Most of MIRAGE is instrumental really - the lyrics are few and far between, and delivered in a sleepy croon that only contributes to the hazy soundscape suggested by the cover artwork.

Side I of the original vinyl concludes with what may be my favourite entry in the Camel canon, the Tolkien-inspired "White Rider" suite. A musical impression of Gandalf the Grey's triumphant rebirth as Gandalf the White, the tune incorporates ambient keyboard passages, martial rhythms, galloping instrumentals, and ethereal woodwinds to evoke a true vision of Middle-earth. Seldom have I heard a better piece of progressive rock.

Side II features another instrumental, "Earthrise", that continues in the mold established by Side I and gives the musicians a chance to strut their stuff - Andy Bardens' immediately recognizable guitar licks (shades of Dave Gilmour) and Pete Bardens' elegant keyboards especially standout. And last but not least comes the other candidate for my single favourite Camel song, the twelve-minute "Lady Fantasy" suite. Opening with a suitably bombastic blast of keyboards and drum fills, "Lady Fantasy" calls to mind the Doors in its organ-tinged verses and progresses through three movements and a good half-dozen major themes, alternating some of the softest, dreamiest moments on the album with some of the loudest and most intense. Another masterpiece.

Camel were never very popular, which is a damn shame, because they deserve a much wider audience than just progheads. If you'd like to delve into their uniquely dreamy brand of musical magic, MIRAGE would be a great place to start.

it doesn't get any better than this.......2007-04-05

I'm going to say something that many people might disagree with, but needs to be said. Even though Camel's Mirage album is a progressive rock album, you do NOT have to be a fan of prog-rock to fall in love with this album. I believe anyone who's a fan of jamming rock bands such as Eric Clapton or Crazy Horse would really enjoy the music on Mirage.

Camel are the masters of knowing how to write memorable songs. The jams are melodic, not to mention creative. They include keyboards, guitars, flutes, drums, bass, organs, and who knows what else. All this adds up to one fantastic listen. Over and over again I listen to this album and can't believe how good it not only sounds, but IS. The music is great. Every song is written so carefully to the point of being extremely melodic. It's incredible.

I wish Camel would tour the USA more. Some of us over here LOVE this band. Heck, even my dad who doesn't listen to rock music anymore said he LOVES what this band is doing. "freefall" is SO melodic, "lady fantasy" will remind you of dreams you had as a child. Those dreams will return and be as pleasant as ever when listening to this song. The rest of the album maintains that pleasant dream atmosphere and helps me conclude this album is truly worth owning. If something ever happened to my copy, I'd buy another one immediately.

Average customer rating: You fools! Missing Theme Song - but otherwise not bad Fine score, but a consumer warning for the CD Thomas Newman is a Genius! Almost perfect for the film, loses points as a cd

Jarhead Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Syriana Jarhead (Widescreen Edition) Jarhead The New World Munich ASIN: B000BVRM1S Release Date: 2005-12-06

Tracks:

1. Welcome To The Suck
2. Raining Oil
3. Battery Run
4. Mirage Bedouin
5. Don't Worry Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
6. No Standard Solution
7. 8 Men 5 Camels
8. Full Chemical Gear
9. Unsick Most Ricky-Tick
10. Morning Glory
11. Bang A Gong (Get It On) - T-Rex
12. Desert Storm
13. Desert Sunrise
14. Zoomies
15. Horse
16. Pink Mist
17. Jarhead For Life - Naughty By Nature
18. O.P.P. - Naughty By Nature
19. Dickskinner
20. Permission To Fire
21. Dead Anyway
22. Scuds
23. Listen Up - Public Enemy
24. Fight The Power - Public Enemy
25. Soldier's Things - Tom Waits

Amazon.com

For his third collaboration with director Sam Mendes (after American Beauty and The Shawshank Redemption), composer Thomas Newman has come up with one of his finest scores. The music mixes modern atmospheric quasi-rock touches with Middle Eastern influences (with particularly great success on the tracks "Welcome to the Suck" and "Zoomies."). The latter manifest themselves in both the beats and the instrumentation--the credits include soloists on exotic instruments such as the bowed cumbus (a type of banjo-like lute) and the processed xaphoons (a sax made of bamboo). All the more jarring, then, when the CD's handful of songs pop up. (It's quite a jolt to hear Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy" after four eerie instrumental tracks.) The other song picks are obvious but well chosen: T-Rex's "Bang a Gong (Get It On)," "Naughty by Nature's "O.P.P.," Public Enemy's "Fight the Power," and Tom Waits's "Soldier's Things." Still, it's Newman's work that propels this CD, not the pick-up songs. Surprisingly, Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries," which figures in one of the movie's most memorable scenes (when soldiers watch Apocalypse Now), isn't included here. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

You fools!.......2006-10-27

I am reading all the negative reviews of this soundtrack, and most of them mention the absence of Kanye West's "Jesus Walks." One reviewer gives the album one star because he was "misled" into buying the album.

Um, hello? This is an instrumental score for the film! NOT a Various Artists soundtrack! This is, you may have noticed, an album that falls under the name of Thomas Newman! If anyone bought this expecting other music, then it's entirely their own fault. It even says on the front: "MUSIC BY THOMAS NEWMAN."

That said, I'd also like to correct Amazon on something - they said this is Newman's third outing with Mendes, the other two being "Shawshank Redemption" and "American Beauty."

Shawshank was directed by Frank Darabont, NOT Sam Mendes.

Mendes' other pairing with Newman was actually on 2002's "Road to Perdition," which is another great soundtrack I'd heartily recommend purchasing.

Missing Theme Song - but otherwise not bad.......2006-03-01

If you've watched the previews for this film, you're likely expecting a song called Jesus Walks by Kanye West to be on the soundtrack but it's not there - very annoying. But otherwise it's a pretty good CD of music to listen to while you work out or drive fast.

Fine score, but a consumer warning for the CD.......2006-01-20

Thomas Newman's original music for JARHEAD is not only typically daring with many unconventional sounds (utilizing samples, electronic treatments and exotic percussion), but one of his most stirring, rock-influenced efforts as well (as with the opening track, "Welcome to the Suck"). At first I thought there were no melodies as memorable as "Dead Already" from AMERICAN BEAUTY or "Road to Chicago" from ROAD TO PERDITION, but the 3/4-time march used in both "Raining Oil" and "Desert Storm" has grown on me. Of course the CD is recommendable for Newman's score alone. But...

...while one doesn't buy a CD of this nature primarily for the extra songs, one does expect the extras to be competently presented when they appear. So I was taken aback to hear Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" at a faster tempo and higher pitch than usual, as though mastered from a sped-up tape. I can't think of any intentional reason for this, so I'm assuming it was a mistake, but either way I found it not only annoying in itself but because of "Fight the Power"'s thematic significance, with its reference to the Bobby McFerrin tune heard earlier in the movie. ("'Don't Worry Be Happy' was a number one jam/Damn if I say it you can slap me right here".)

So then, while I like the Thomas Newman score a lot, I'm docking the CD a star for the sped-up "Fight the Power". Caveat emptor.

Thomas Newman is a Genius!.......2006-01-07

Thomas Newman is brilliant as always and delivers beautifully. Having read the book prior to the motion picture, Thomas Newman truly brings Swofford's tale to life. If you enjoyed The Horse Whisperer or the Shawshank Redemption score, then you'll thoroughly enjoy Jarhead.

Almost perfect for the film, loses points as a cd.......2005-12-23

Make no mistake - Jarhead proves Thomas Newman's abillity to write music for film. He is not making the music in order to show off his amazing talents, he is making the music so it is perfect for the film. Whereas some composers might score depressing scenes with grand sweeping movements trying to make themselves look like complex composers, Newman knows what will enhance the scene and what won't, and what can convey the message required.

Ultimately, this describes Jarhead perfectly. I have seen the movie and music is seamless and perfect for it. For the most part, there is a sonic texture created, with guitars and drums to represent the bravado of the characters. If you are a fan of Newman's stirring orchestral works this is definitely not something you would like. Newer fans of "American Beauty" and the like will find things to enjoy here, but not in as vibrant or pleasing a way as in that album. The score on it's own is just not as exciting or involving as it could be. It is interesting in it's own right, but not very pleasing to hear. However, there are many good tracks interspersed throughout the score to take you to the good spot.

Overall, Jarhead warrants a 4.5/5 for the film, but on a cd, it's score drops to 3/5. It is pleasant at times, and mostly an interesting CD, but there are too many Newman masterpieces to consider this one high on your buying list. Then agan, if you are a Newman fan, this CD should satisfy you're urge to see what the guy is up to. Final score? Three out of five.

Average customer rating: Cold, terrifying and yet, ever so beautiful A brooding release that is somewhat similar to Timewind The light from deep darkness Worth Listening To Best Place to Start with KS

Mirage Klaus Schulze Manufacturer: Inside Out U.S. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Krautrock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: X Moondawn Timewind Timewind In Blue ASIN: B00070HGSM Release Date: 2005-02-01

Tracks:

1. Velvet Voyage (28:16)
2. Crystal Lake (29:15)
3. In Cosa Crede Chi Non Crede? (19:39)

Album Description

As a former member of both Tangerine Dream and Ash Ra Temple, multi instrumentalist Klaus Schulze is cited as one of the founders of contemporary electronic music and soundscape artists. His solo records go well beyond the "krautrock" vein and can be considered some of the finest of synthesized and experimental music coming from Europe in the 70's, 80's and well beyond.

Mirage, initially released in 1977, is often cited as one of Schulze's best albums. The album is a strange pastoral landscape creating a frozen wonderland with vast shifts in color and texture, rather than the layered melodic and harmonic structures of Schulze's previous albums. Mirage consists of two main pieces, Velvet Voyage and Crystal Lake, each broken down into six separate and chilling movements.

The previously unreleased 20 minute epic In Cosa Crede Chi Non Crede? has been added as a bonus track to the new edition.

Customer Reviews:

Cold, terrifying and yet, ever so beautiful.......2007-02-02

1977 was a busy year for Klaus Schulze. I know he's been touring constantly, as he always does, but he sure spent a lot of time in the recording studio. He must of have a whirlwind of ideas in his head because he was so inventive for new sounds back then.

He did two albums for a porn movie called "Body Love". I'm sure that's something to be proud of, and I can understand it too. Believe it or not, Klaus Schulze's music is great background music for large living room orgies. In fact, try "Timewind" when you plan a big get together with your friends and spouses.

But his most cherishable work he's done in 1977 was this album called "Mirage". All of Klaus Schulze's earlier albums offer a dark and moody soundscape but this album can actually make you feel cold and desolate. The mental picture I get with this music when I close my eyes is a blinding white visual instead of the opposite, the warmth of darkness.

I've only learned of this album about 3 years ago. I had no idea it was going to be as good as it is. The appeal of Klaus Schulze albums are a series of "hits and misses" for me. My favorite albums of his are "Irrlicht", "Cyborg", "Timewind", "Dig It", and of course, this album.

"Picture Music" doesn't do much for me. Nor does "Moondawn". And of course, everything he's done during the eighties and beyond just seems way to simplistic and modern day electronic. Lots of artists were doing music like his, so he was no longer the innovator of dark ambient music that he once was. Somehow, the analog approach to sound was just so much more appealing back in the seventies. This happened to Tangerine Dream too. Their albums "Alpha Centauri", "Green Desert", "Phaedra", "Rubycon", "Encore", "Force Majeure", "Logos", "Hyperborea" and "White Eagle" all had these great album long, dark and moody, instrumentation that we Klaus Schulze fans have come to expect from these innovators. It's seems like electronic instrumentation just lost its unique appeal once everybody started using it.

If you like Klaus Schulze, then please check out Jean Michel Jarre. Start with his first three albums starting in 1976 with "Oxygene", then "Equinoxe" and then "Magnetic Fields". "Chronolgie" (from 1992) is pretty good too.

A brooding release that is somewhat similar to Timewind.......2007-01-18

This 1977 album showed Klaus moving away from the drum accompaniment heard on albums like Moondawn (1976) and back to a purely synthesizer based approach and as such, Mirage sounds somewhat similar to classic examples of electronica like Timewind (1975). According to interviews with Klaus (that have been reprinted in the liner notes) he wanted to create an "electronic winter landscape". Furthermore, the liner notes go on to indicate that Klaus had just experienced personal loss and this sadness (and loneliness I suppose) is reflected in this moody recording.

With respect to the instrumentation, Klaus uses layers and layers of synthesizers and a complete listing is provided in the liner notes - apparently a friend of his was very interested and Klaus listed every piece of equipment (including the components of his PA system!). In that I too share a fascination with analog synthesizers from the 1970s, here is an abbreviated list of the dominant synths used on Mirage: ARP 2600, ARP Odyssey, Mini-moog, Micro-moog, Polymoog (a polyphonic synth), EMS Synthi "A", and Farfisa string orchestra. The sounds that Klaus gets are very natural sounding and he emphasizes sustained tones, with very little in the way of sudden changes in dynamics. In short, he creates a very spacey, drifting wall of sound that conjures up the cold vacuum of outer space. The music is also very meditative too, which is just as attributable to the droning synthesizers as the sheer length of each piece (Velvet Voyage = 28'16" and Crystal Lake = 29'15").

This remastered album by Revisited records (part of the InsideOut label) is of very high quality and features crystal-clear sound, restored cover art, loads of informative liner notes, and photos of Klaus. The bonus track In Cosa Crede chi non Crede? (19'39") is superb and fits in very well with the original pieces.

All in all, this is another excellent album by Klaus. Mirage is very highly recommended along with the similar Timewind (1975). For those of you that like the drum accompaniment, listen to Moondawn and Body Love. The album X (1978) is also worth adding to your Klaus Schulze collection.

The light from deep darkness.......2006-12-09

As KS said:"music is a dream without isolation of sleep" His music is to make the listener powerful and happy ,and also guide them to being aware of emotion. With KS music we are able to experience one of the fineness form of sound,and if I want to point out his best album ,I introduce you to Mirage.

Worth Listening To.......2006-11-27

The early years of Tangerine Dream produced some incredible music. Although Mirage lacks some of the drama of Schulze in the Tangerine Dream days, it is a very competent effort that makes for pleasant listening.

After listening to this album, you can start to identify Schulze's contribution to Tangerine Dream, and also the musical personality of Klaus Schulze himself.

Best Place to Start with KS.......2006-11-10

If you're new to the huge catalog of Herr Schulze this is the CD you need.

Long sweeps of electronics with subtle rhythms and - this is what puts Klaus in a class by himself - a real sense of dynamics and build-up.

Personally, I think "Cyborg", "X" and "Dune" are his masterpieces, but this is a very fine album and I can't think of a better starting point.

Average customer rating: Missing 80's Hard Rock Classic This one's for you, Markie! One of my favorite 80s album G.M. Good job by Gary.

Run for Cover Gary Moore Manufacturer: Mirage ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock Guitarists | 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 | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Victims of the Future Wild Frontier Corridors of Power After the War We Want Moore! ASIN: B000093OU7 Release Date: 2003-05-05

Tracks:

1. Run For Cover
2. Reach For The Sky
3. Military Man
4. Empty Rooms
5. Out Of My System
6. Out In The Fields
7. Nothing To Lose
8. Once In A Lifetime
9. All Messed Up
10. Listen To Your Heartbeat
11. Bonus Tracks: Still In Love With You
12. Bonus Tracks: Stop Messin' Around (Live)
13. Bonus Tracks: Murder In The Skies (Live)

Album Description

UK remastered reissue of the Irish guitarist's 1985 album, that's unavailable domestically, includes three bonus tracks, 'Still In Love With You', 'Stop Messin' Around' (Live), & 'Murder In The Skies' (Live). Virgin. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Missing 80's Hard Rock Classic.......2007-04-10

There was a LOT of 80's Hard Rock/Semi-Metal Garbage that sold a bunch more copies and got bunch more airplay circa-1986 than this, and that was a shame. Gary Moore refers to music from this period as his "Billy Idol" phase and if you don't look at photos, it's not a totally inaccurate comparison. Gary got a bit more contemporary, refined his songwrighting, and still kept the guitar chops as sharp as ever. A little disjointed due to the lack of a solid band. Too bad the Gary Moore/Glenn Hughes partnership couldn't work out as it appeared to have much potential, and it is REALLY too bad we never again got to hear Gary work with the dear, departed Phil Lynott.

Bonus points if Amazon gives you an offer to buy this one and Gary's follow-up disc Wild Frontier at a special price. Do it now.

This one's for you, Markie!.......2006-08-14

While I am by no means an expert in Gary Moore's music, IMHO this is definitely the best of his rock albums. It certainly outshines "Victims of the Future" and "Corridors of Power," both of which are also good. I have had the cassette tape since 1986--it's a road trip staple of mine--and when it finally died I replaced it with this CD, which has some extra tracks.

One of my favorite 80s album.......2006-04-15

I used to have this album on tape but lost it and totally forgot about it. I still have Gary Moore's album (as a record) "Wild Frontier" which is also an excellent album. But I think "Run for Cover" is even better. As other reviewers noticed "Out Of My System" was not on the orignal record (it was at least not on my tape). I could probably also live without the bonus tracks. The song "Listen To Your Heartbeat" on the other hand was on my compilation and I do like the song. I'm definitally going to buy this CD for good old times sake. I'm probably also going to buy the "Wild Frontier" as CD. The track "Empty Rooms" is one of my favorites, but then again, I like actually all songs on the original album.

G.M........2005-07-22

Wish Gary was still rockin like he use to do,even though some of the blues is cool.He can Jam with the best Hard Rockers.Rock on G.M.!

Good job by Gary........2005-03-19

Reviewer Kael said it all about two songs that, alone, are reponsible for me downgrading two stars from this otherwise remarkable album by one of the most underestimated guitarists ever. OUT OF MY SYSTEM is so bad, but so bad, I think for you to have an idea compare it to a bad Poison song... It's a cheap and half-hearted attempt at sounding totally pop / hair metal. No wonder in the original pressings of this album (in CD format), this song was not included.

But, to compensate for it, we have som gems here, "Military Man" being the best.

Average customer rating: Revisiting an 80's classic Great atmospheric compositions and Ford's best playing ever Mirage? No, just ethereal music... Absolutely expressive! A must for high school programs.

Mirage a Trois The Yellowjackets Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Samurai Samba Politics Shades Four Corners Yellowjackets ASIN: B000002KYX Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Clarre's Song
2. Top Secret
3. I Got Rhythm
4. Pass It On
5. Goin' Home
6. Man In The Moon
7. Elamar
8. Nimbus

Customer Reviews:

Revisiting an 80's classic.......2004-02-27

Ah, back to the days when analog synths reigned supreme... and music could make you smile, both inside and out, in spite of yourself.

For my money, the album really starts with "Top Secret" (gotta love that funky bass line, before the DyNoMy Rhodes kicks in to let you know exactly where you are). Skip over "I Got Rhythm" if you like, and prepare yourself for a most superb set of five compositions. The 'Jackets "build a house" from there to the end, with some of the most joyous, infectious fusion I've ever experienced!

I'll second the writer below, who mentioned "Nimbus"... that soaring Lyricon melody that keeps spiraling over and onto itself, long past the point where you think it SHOULD come down to earth, is just one of many gems here. I've also spotted "Goin' Home" in a recent Fake Book. The point is, this is an underrated classic. If you can look back to these 80's keyboard arrangements without a jaundiced eye, you'll be amply rewarded.

Great atmospheric compositions and Ford's best playing ever.......2000-08-10

This second effort by this talented bunch shows a dreamier, mellower side of them. The compositions are first-rate and Robben Ford absolutely establishes himself as a top-notch fusion player. I honestly believe Ford's solo on "Goin'Home" is one of the best guitar solos ever. Robben plays the most burning lines while never letting go of the melody. Guitar players/fusion fans take note.

Mirage? No, just ethereal music..........2000-03-01

Favorite track from this CD has got to be Top Secret (I wonder if they got any airplay in the movie of the same title).

Needless to say, some of this CD may not sound as polished as their later efforts, but this still epitomizes the jazz/fusion genre in the best sense. Nobody and nothing comes close to this group. Too bad Robben Ford didn't stick around.

Peace Out.

Absolutely expressive! A must for high school programs........1999-09-29

My high school jazz band performed "NImbus" and received many adulations and reviews for it. The yellowjackets unique style is just great.

Average customer rating: Good Songs, Too Stiff One of their weaker albums The Meat Puppets psycadellic masterpiece The third installment of the Meat Puppets brilliant trilogy. The Psycadellic Masterpiece

Mirage Meat Puppets Manufacturer: Rykodisc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | American Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Hardcore | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Huevos Out My Way Monsters Meat Puppets Up on the Sun ASIN: B00000IN4M Release Date: 1999-04-27

Tracks:

1. Mirage
2. Quit It
3. Confusion Fog
4. The Wind And The Rain
5. The Mighty
6. Get On Down
7. Leaves
8. I Am A Machine
9. Beauty
10. A Hundred Miles
11. Love Our Children Forever
12. Liquified
13. The Mighty Zero
14. I Am A Machine
15. Liquified
16. Rubberneckin'
17. Grand Intro

Customer Reviews:

Good Songs, Too Stiff.......2006-08-16

A collection of (mostly) fine songs recorded in a far too pristine, sterile, and mechanized manner. Hell, even the band gave up trying to reproduce these songs in a live setting fairly soon after the album's release...just wasn't any fun. This album features some of the Puppets' most lovely material ("The Wind and the Rain", "Leaves") and one of the band's biggest boners ("I am a Machine" - ouch!) in its 15-year span. Also, I must say I never understood the whole "psychedelic" angle pitched by the critics et al. regarding this album. If y'all wanna get really psychedelic, strap on the first (self-titled) album.

One of their weaker albums .......2005-05-30

As on their previous albums, the Meat Puppets continued to switch gears on Mirage. The band added keyboards and electronic drums to their repertoire which added to their eclecticism. But while the band deserves credit for trying something different, as they did on nearly every album they made, the songwriting isn't up to par which makes this one of the weaker albums in their catalog.

Right from the get go, the band cover uncharted territory as the title track adds heavy synths to Cris Kirkwood's very original guitar work to mixed success. While "The Wind and The Rain" is a great country song that the band does so well, other songs in the cowpunk vein such as "Confusion Fog" and "Leaves" don't measure up to their usual standards. The tracks "Quit It" and "Get On Down" are decent enough but sound like outtakes from their Up On The Sun album. Furthermore, "The Mighty" may be one of their worst songs ever, sounding like something you're more likely to hear on Sesame Street than on a rock album. However, the second half is much better as the tracks "Beauty" and "A Hundred Miles" are very catchy while "I Am A Machine" has a great new wave feel. The slow "Love Our Children Forever" is very good as is "Liquified", one of their great heavy songs that sounds like nothing else on the album. The remastered version contains instrumental versions of "The Mighty", "Liquified", and "I Am A Machine" of which "The Mighty" works best since it sans its weak lyrics. All told, while this is a good album and has a few great songs, it's still one of their weaker efforts.

The Meat Puppets psycadellic masterpiece.......2005-05-24

Mirage is exactly what you have heard it was, The meat puppets psycadellic masterpiece. I don't know how any meat puppets fan could dislike this album it's probobly my third favorite album of theres. Every song is so colorful and the album as a whole paints the picture of the album cover when you hear it. The opening of the album starts off with curts psycadellic guitar which is the intro to the laid back title track. Quit it is an all out Meat Puppets rocker which you can't help but really get into. Get on down is a funny song where the music just makes you want to do a stupid little dance as well as sing along too. The lyrics have to do with taking your car apart and what not. A Hundred Miles is probobly my favorite track where the music in the verses have a get up and grove beat and the chorus is the part of the song that rocks! If you liked Up on the Sun, Meat Puppets II, and Too High to Die then you will most likely love this and your collection should not be without this. If you want to start with this album then go ahead and click buy cd and wait for the glorious day when one of rock's greatest masterpieces comes on your doorstep.

The third installment of the Meat Puppets brilliant trilogy........2001-07-06

The trilogy my headline speaks of began with "Meat Puppets II", continued with "Up On The Sun"... and brought you here, to "Mirage". Mirage is a crystalline view of sweat, thirst, rezilliance, joy, sadness... all of the things that make life worth living. Few bands can sum up an entire lifetimes worth of emotions in less than 45 minutes the way that the Mup's can... and this record is a solid testament to that fact. This record is equal to the previous two that came before it... and should be treated as the monument to Americana that it is.

You have despair and loss in "Love Our Children Forever". You have a sense of nature's elements in "The Wind And Rain". You can even have some mindless fun in "Get On Down". You can experience 75 years worth of living in suburban America by just spinning this disc once.

And how many bands do you know of that can deliver an entire lifetimes worth of emotions on one silver disc?

The Psycadellic Masterpiece.......2001-06-18

Mirage is exactly what you have heard it was, The meat puppets psycadellic masterpiece. I don't know how any meat puppets fan could dislike this album it's probobly my third favorite album of theres. Every song is so colorful and the album as a whole paints the picture of the album cover when you hear it. The opening of the album starts off with curts psycadellic guitar which is the intro to the laid back title track. Quit it is an all out Meat Puppets rocker which you can't help but really get into. Get on down is a funny song where the music just makes you want to do a stupid little dance as well as sing along too. The lyrics have to do with taking your car apart and what not. A Hundred Miles is probobly my favorite track where the music in the verses have a get up and grove beat and the chorus is the part of the song that rocks! If you liked Up on the Sun, Meat Puppets II, and Too High to Die then you will most likely love this and yor collection should not be without this. If you want to start with this album then go ahead and click buy cd and wait for the glorious day when one of rock's greatest masterpieces comes on your doorstep.

Average customer rating: An Oasis of quality music. Wonderful CD cool classical/rock/jazz fusion cool classical/rock/jazz fusion A Disaster

Nylon & Steel Manuel Barrueco , Aaron Copland , Celso Machado , Al di Meola , Steve Morse , Stanley Myers , Ernesto Nazareth , Andy Summers , Victor Valls , Al di Meola , Andy Summers , and Steve Morse Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Tangos | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cuba! / Manuel Barrueco Manuel Barrueco ~ Cantos y Danzas / Hendricks · Pahud Manuel Barrueco Plays Lennon & McCartney Manuel Barrueco ~ Bach & de Visae Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez & Fantasia para un Gentilhombre; Manuel Barrueco ASIN: B00005ICL0 Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

1. Odeon - Manuel Barrueco
2. Beyond The Mirage - Manuel Barrueco/Al Di Meola
3. Azzurra - Manuel Barrueco/Al Di Meola
4. The Grand Passion - Manuel Barrueco/Al Di Meola
5. Wolvesville (An Improvisation On Etude No.1 By Villa-Lobos) - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
6. Cavatina - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
7. Without Sunglasses - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
8. Northern Lights - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
9. Up In The Air - Manuel Barrueco/Steve Morse
10. Mysteries Of The Slow River - Manuel Barrueco/Andy Summers
11. I Remember - Manuel Barrueco/Andy Summers
12. Crow At Midnight - Manuel Barrueco/Andy Summers
13. Rodeo - Manuel Barrueco

Amazon.com

Classical guitar lovers looking for a jazzier change of pace shouldn't be disappointed by Nylon & Steel, Manuel Barrueco's album of duets with Al Di Meola, Steve Morse, and Andy Summers. But ironically enough, it's the two solo tunes that bookend this disc, Barrueco's "Odeon" and his solo guitar arrangement of Aaron Copland's "Rodeo," that are the real highlights. His three cuts with Di Meola are a mixed affair, but the interplay between the duo seems to gel on the longer "Azzurra." Steve Morse's electric guitar is loaded with Bill Frisell-like effects, but on "Wolvesville," he and Barrueco create an inspired and unleashed fusion between rock and classical music (the inspiration for the piece is a Villa-Lobos étude). Three mellow collaborations with Summers round out this set of intriguing guitar instrumentals. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

An Oasis of quality music........2005-04-14

The tracks on this recording vary from exuberant latin-american jazz - like 'Beyond The Mirage'- to more introspective music like 'The Grand Passion'. 'Northern Lights'is very sensitive as well, it makes you a little bit melancholic. Between all the noisy dance-music we have nowadays, 'Nylon & Steel'is an oasis of quality and high standard.(Though there is no classical music played on this cd - apart from Villa-Lobos - don't let that spoil the fun). Something about this music reminds me of the piano-music of Brad Mehldau: it sounds familiar and at the same time it's something new.

Wonderful CD.......2003-06-04

I didn't think I would like this CD. However, after the first listen, I had to admit this is a fantastic CD!

cool classical/rock/jazz fusion.......2001-10-29

This is a very interesting combination of the classical and rock/jazz worlds of guitar playing. All four guitarists have amazing chops and they're all quite tasteful on this recording. If you're a fan of Barrueco, DiMeola, Morse, or Summers, check out this CD. I had heard Barrueco and Summers before, and knew of DiMeola and Morse by reputation, so I had an idea of what to expect...but "Nylon & Steel" surpassed those expectations. Very cool, indeed.

cool classical/rock/jazz fusion.......2001-10-29

This is a very interesting combination of the classical and rock/jazz worlds of guitar playing. All four guitarists have amazing chops and they're all quite tasteful on this recording. If you're a fan of Barrueco, DiMeola, Morse, or Summers, check out this CD. I had heard Barrueco and Summers before, and knew of DiMeola and Morse by reputation, so I had an idea of what to expect...but "Nylon & Steel" surpassed those expectations. Very cool, indeed.

A Disaster.......2001-09-08

Except for the two Barrueco solos, this CD made me nauseous!!!Listening to it reminded me why I stopped listening to most improvised music.

Throughout tracks 2 to 4, DiMeola struggles futilely to come up with anything but comical latin cliches. DiMeola's mindless noodling is an affront to Barrueco's musicality. Summers playing on the other hand, while somewhat musical, is mostly syrup.

Villa-Lobos' Etude 1 duet hurt the most. I have played this piece for years and, though an etude, I find it quite entertaining (as do most classical guitarists I think). During most of the piece, Morse simply plays scale-exercise filler and obliterates all the musical ideas in the piece. Listen, Villa-Lobos was one of the most original and masterful composers of this century. It is criminal to think that playing this electronic fluff over Villa-Lobos' etude does it justice.

A word to the uninitiated - buy Sergio and Odair Assad's "Latin Music for Two Guitars" and learn something about the depth and beauty of serious latin guitar music.

Average customer rating: Awesome Talent! Overlooked Classic

El Mirage Jimmy Webb Manufacturer: Collector's Choice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Land's End Letters And So: On Words and Music Leah Kunkel/I Run with Trouble ASIN: B000E112O8 Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

1. Highwayman
2. If You See Me Getting Smaller
3. Mixed-Up Guy
4. Christiaan No
5. Moment In A Shadow
6. Sugarbird
7. Where The Universes Are
8. P.F. Sloan
9. Dance To The Radio
10. The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
11. Skylark

Product Description

1. Highwayman
2. If You See Me Getting Smaller
3. Mixed-Up Guy
4. Christian No
5. Moment In A Shado
6. Sugarbird
7. Where The Universes Are
8. P.F. Sloan
9. Dance To The Radio (Fred Tackett)
10. Moon Is A Harsh Mistress
11. Skylark [A Meditation] (Jimmy Webb/Paul Skylar)

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Talent!.......2006-08-19

Anyone with an ear will tell you that this is one of THE finest albums ever recorded. With songwriting and arranging skills of the caliber of Mr. Webb, the production genius of George Martin and the top studio muscicians, at the time, all on board, how could it be otherwise. Either due to Martin's influence or singing lessons, Jimmy's some-times shaky voice was reigned in, which added greatly to the emotional impact of these songs. Do yourself a sublime favor and get this just to listen to this version of "The Moon's A Harsh Mistress". One listen and you too will be saying "Amen!". Genius does not show up often. Don't miss this opportunity to hear an American Master at the peak of his powers. ......and god bless George Martin,too!

Overlooked Classic.......2006-07-05

This was my first encounter with solo Jimmy Webb. I had seen his name countless times on record sleeves, but never heard him sing. I found the LP in the cut-out section and looked it over. Hmmm... Kenny Loggins guest vocalist, several others I recognized from the West Coast music scene... oh, the price tag of 49 cents gave me incentive to try him.

Strong, strong music. It opens up with "The Highwayman", produced with soaring strings from George Martin. It creates a lush atmosphere.

Each new song creates a memorable set of tunes. The kind you'll want to sing at the top of your voice, along with him. Okay, his voice isn't as slick as Glen Campbell's or Art Garfunkel's, but combine his pleasant voice with fine musicians and his own excellent songwriting, and you've found a treasure.

I think this CD is his most commercial offering. Radio-friendly stuff. And his version of the title track blows away the later remake by the big-name group.

Still, it's intelligent (as all his stuff is) and makes you wonder why he never broke through on his own. Ah, well, same story for Terence Boylan, Paul Williams and Bill LaBounty.

Average customer rating: Romantic Masterpieces Awful racket Ignore the other reviews A Relatively Unknown British Composer: Some Thoughtful Insights Have to concur.

John Foulds: Three Mantras Manufacturer: Warner Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: John Foulds: Dynamic Triptych; Music-Pictures III Foulds: String Quartets Peter Lieberson: Neruda Songs John Adams: The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives Foulds: Piano Music ASIN: B0002VE20G Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

1. Mantra I (Of Action And Vision Of Terrestrial Avataras) - Impetuoso
2. Mantra II (Of Bliss And Vision Of Celestial Avataras) - Beatamente - City Of Birmingham Symphony Youth Chorus
3. Mantra III (Of Will And Vision Of Cosmic Avataras) - Inesorabile
4. I. Lento - Allegro Commodo - Susan Bickley
5. II. Largo - Quasi Allegretto Piacevole - Susan Bickley
6. I. Quasi Funebre - Daniel Hope
7. II. Poco Meno - Daniel Hope
8. III. Andante Lento - Daniel Hope
9. IV. Tempo Della Prima Stanza - Daniel Hope
10. I. Largo
11. II. Moderato
12. III. Lento Assai - Allegro Molto
13. IV. Presto
14. V. Lento Giusto - Adagio
15. VI. Moderato Trionfale

Customer Reviews:

Romantic Masterpieces.......2006-10-31

I got to know John Foulds music through the second CD that was recorded by the CBSO and Sakari Oramo, which led me to get the first. John Foulds was an accomplished and remarkable man whose music - it surprises me - has been unjustly forgotten. The earliest work on this disc, from 1909, is the fourth music-poem Apotheosis, an elegy for orchestra and violin dedicated to the memory of Joseph Joachim. Cast in a single movement, the music is divided into five stanzas and contains allusions to the violin concertos of Beethoven and Brahms. The music begins with a funeral march that is heard again later in the work.

The fifth Music-Poem Mirage was completed in 1910 and is scored for a large orchestra and has six sections which were given titles indicating the philosophical program of the music such as "Immutable Nature" and "Man's ever-ambition." Oddly, the music was rehearsed by the Halle Orchestra but never was played during Fold's lifetime. The music is passionately Romantic with illusions to Wagner and Richard Strauss. A work that aimed at a wider audience was the Lyra Celtica (Celtic Lyre) - a concerto for voice and orchestra. It is an unfinished work with two complete movements with a third partially completed. It is a beautiful and mysterious piece but will not be to everyone's taste as the wordless voice is a work of this length (16:11) can become monotonous.

The Three Mantras come from an abandoned Sandskrit opera called Avatara which was written during the 1920s. The Three Mantras are all of the music that survives from the opera and represents the preludes to each of the three acts and represent the action that will take place. The Mantras work well as concert works with Mantra I a highly energetic toccata representing the theme of activity followed by a movement representing bliss; a peaceful movement that includes a chorus of wordless women's voices. Mantra III, representing Will, returns to the shattering energy of the first movement. The movement contains Foulds' most complex and explosive music.

The music is beautifully recorded and performed. If you like the music of Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler and do not know John Foulds you will probably be pleasantly surprised.

Awful racket.......2006-09-17

Couldn't bear listening to much on this disc, and I felt like stopping the CD near the beginning of Mantra #3 (which is track #3 out of 15 tracks), but forced myself to listen to the end. What I hear 90% of the time is tawdry and uninspired. A previous reviewer is, in my view, correct about the chanting (in Mantra #2): It seems to go on and on and completely fails to move this listener. The same can be said of the concerto for soprano and orchestra; one yearns for Gliere's greater mastery in his handling of this medium.

The music improves with the last two items. The Apotheosis, essentally a violin concerto, has some nice moments. And the Mirage, a symphonic poem, aims high, in the manner of Bantock or Bax, but ultimately fails to maintain any consistency of worthy musical ideas, or inspiration. Again, ultimately disappointing.

As mentioned by several previous reviewers, the appearance of experimental compositional techniques in several of these works is certainly admirable, but needs to be couched in music that inspires. Unfortunately, most of the time this doesn't. After this first hearing, it now doesn't surprise me here at least that Foulds' music has not taken hold with either public or performers. In my view, it doesn't stand comparison to British contemporaries such as Cyril Scott, York Bowen, Bax, Bantock, and even Sorabji, where the music at least moves the listener. I love discovering the music of composers unknown to me, but I'm sad to say that Foulds is not one I will be adding to my CD acquistion library.

I had read all of the previous reviews here, and was struck by the wide divergence of opinion, either hating it or loving it, no middle ground. I was hoping to be optimistic, wanting to add another neglected master composer to my already large CD library. But I have to say, I hated the Mantras and the concerto for voice, and found the last two items second rate musically but at least pleasant to listen to.

My advice: Don't waste your money on this CD.

Buy up all the Bax Chandos CDs instead, plus the Cyril Scott Dutton and Chandos CDs, and (when it comes out in 2007) the Bantock "Omar Khayyam" on Chandos together with the other Bantock CDs on the Hyperion, Chandos and Dutton labels.

Ignore the other reviews.......2006-09-07

Finding fault with this music because it fails to accurately incarnate the devices of an exotic musical culture completely misses the point. If this is musical kitsch, then so is The Dance of the Seven Veils and Mahler's employment of Chinese pentatonic scales in Das Lied Von Der Erde, not to mention such distant antecedents as the Alla Turca movement from the Mozart A Major variation sonata. In each case, the music should be judged for what it is and not as a failed attempt at ethnomusicological reconstruction.

Secondly, how could anyone compare this with contemporary New Age music when it obviously eschews the repetitive harmonic devices of trance music and demonstrates a modulatory dynamism typical of turn-of-the-century composers? And finally, if you're going to hold a Victorian composer responsible for 1980s soundtracks, then why not pillory Mahler for having given birth to Max Steiner?

I first heard Foulds' music 20 years ago on a Pearl recording of the Quartetto Intimo by the Endellion Quartet, and I was enthralled by the sheer technical finish of the music and the composer's investigation of such esoteric devices as quarter-tones in an enriched diatonic context. His is an original voice, although it is an eclectic originality that doesn't hit you over the head with the sheer invention of a Janacek or Stravinsky.

Nevertheless, anyone who enjoys British music of the 20's and 30's will probably find something to admire here. Foulds may not "sound" exotic in the Three Mantras but his use of microtones, Eastern scales, polyrhythms and even metrical modulation (in the first Mantra)is in fact quite forward-looking. Certainly there is nothing in Vaughan Williams, Walton or Bax that resembles it. The other pieces are just as beautifully scored, but not as inventive in their musical content. The Apotheosis comes right out of the world of the Dvorak romances. The Lyra Keltica (NOT the Keltic Lament) seems to invoke the vocalise passages in the VW Pastoral Symphony and ends in an absolutely rapt coda in which the vocalist stretches her wordless cantilena around whole tones, microtones and quarter-tones (Susan Bickley does it effortlessly). "Mirage" is the most derivatively Straussian, but certainly is beautifully scored and contains many inspired passages of woodwind writing.

Although there are passing references to Strauss and Scriabin, the cooler flames of Elgar, Bax, Bridge and Howells are much in evidence. I also hear Pingoud, Raitio and Merikanto in some of Foulds' orchestral textures, and it is probably no coincidence that a Finnish conductor, Sakari Oramo, has produced the best recordings to date of Foulds' music--with apologies to the old Barry Wordsworth LPO performances on Lyrita.

Demonstration-class sound and highly recommended.

A Relatively Unknown British Composer: Some Thoughtful Insights.......2006-05-27

John Foulds is not a name that leaps to the top of lists of even the more inquisitive surveyors of British music, but taking the time to listen carefully to his compositions as excerpted on this well-recorded CD gives notice of another influence on the now ubiquitous groups of composers devoted to the influence of Eastern music on Western compositions. Britten did it with his gamelan-inspired works (even including his final 'Death in Venice') while other composers still living (Arvo Part, Tan Dun, Unsuk Chin, Philip Glass, Andres Hillborg etc) continue to mine the sounds and techniques of reproduction on old instruments and melodies. Foulds, while not a great composer, did do is part in influencing the trend in his time.

Of the works here recorded the 'Three Mantras' from 'Avatara' (his abandoned Sanskrit opera) show a gift for orchestration that rivals Strauss. His 'Lyra Celtica, concerto for voice & orchestra is well performed Susan Bickley in an extended wordless vocalise. His 'Apotheosis (Elegy), for violin & orchestra is likewise performed with great dignity by the gifted violinist Daniel Hope. And the collection concludes with the huge 'music poem' Mirage, for orchestra. For a composer who died in 1939 his music is quite progressive and deserves more exposure.

Sakari Oramo conducts the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in a committed fashion, obviously with deep respect for a composer who is all but unknown today. This is a far more interesting CD than is being credited, and for those who are eager to know more about 20th century composers who have been neglected, this is a fine selection to try. Grady Harp, May 06

Have to concur........2006-05-26

Hey, don't bring Madame Blavatsky into this! I got through the many hundred pages of Isis Unveiled easier than I sat through this CD.

Yes, this is music that only a certain brand of painfully unaware and matter-of-fact Brit could come up with ( the kind who, during philosophical arguments, refuse to concede that that rock they see in front of them is anything other than a good old solid rock to be kicked with the toe into your scrunched continental visage, sir! ) A lot of the music sounds like inchoate strivings toward what would eventually become the Superman theme. There's a vocalise piece here, wordless female ha-haaaahing, that makes me want to listen to something similar but in better taste, like ABBA's Voulez-Vous.

There's nothing wrong with Foulds having gone to India and striving to express Vedantic wisdom in his music. I will stand proudly next to my collection of Bantock albums and those are mostly a well-fed bourgeois' reveries of ancient Greece. The problem is that ( a ) There is nothing remotely exotic about any of Foulds music and ( b ) It sounds like Christmas music to be piped over tinny speakers at Harrod's while kiddies wait in line to have their satchels signed by a Dumbledorn lookalike.

Absolute nastiness and one of the worst CDs in the collection that threatens to shoulder me out of house and home. If it weren't for the absence of Andrea Bocelli on the cover, I'd think that this were a crossover attempt. My kudos to Foulds though for basically inventing 80's film music back in 1920.

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